Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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New to Linux? Ubuntu Isn’t Your Only Option (www.howtogeek.com)

submitted 9 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

218 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Ubuntu's popularity often makes it the default choice for new Linux users. But there are tons of other Linux operating systems that deserve your attention. As such, I've highlighted some Ubuntu alternatives so you can choose based on your needs and requirements—because conformity is boring.

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Debian? First time i installed it wanted to use CD for packages instead of online. Don’t know why. Second time it didn’t have wireless drivers as these were non free.

It’s a great distro but not for newbies.

Fedora all the way!

[–] [email protected] 6 points 9 months ago (2 children)

Non-free-firmware is now handled automatically during installation as of the most recent Debian release, just FYI. For reference, see the note at the top of this wiki page: https://wiki.debian.org/Firmware

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago (2 children)

That’s a recent development. I also though you had to get a specific build, not the normal one.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

Yep, fairly recent indeed, June of 2023, but it should work with any of the official installation media.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

I think they only started doing this in the past year or so. It is decently new, but I think it is a good move.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I had this problem a week or two ago when I tried to install Debian 12 on my old MacBook pro. Ended up installing something else.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Interesting, that's kind of surprising. Do you mind sharing which model of MacBook Pro it was? I had been considering getting one for cheap for testing purposes. Also, it may not be useful to you at this point, but I figured I'd drop a link to the Debian Wiki which has a page for MBP-specific info, in case anyone reading might benefit: https://wiki.debian.org/MacBookPro

[–] [email protected] 2 points 9 months ago

I have a late 2011 MacBook pro with a broadcom wireless card.

I've used this laptop to distrohop a bit and the wireless driver is always an issue. You have to install the broadcom DKMS driver or wi-fi will randomly disconnect after a random amount of time.