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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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Opinion: Distributions that only change non-system pre-installed software or desktop environment should instead be packages or scripts (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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The majority of Linux distributions out there seem to be over-engineering their method of distribution. They are not giving us a new distribution of Linux. They are giving us an existing distribution of Linux, but with a different distribution of non-system software (like a different desktop environment or configuration of it)

In many cases, turning an installation of the base distribution used to the one they're shipping is a matter of installing certain packages and setting some configurations. Why should the user be required to reinstall their whole OS for this?

It would be way more practical if those distributions are available as packages, preferably managed by the package manager itself. This is much easier for both the user and the developer.

Some developers may find it less satisfying to do this, and I don't mean to force my opinion on anyone, but only suggesting that there's an easier way to do this. Distributions should be changing things that aren't easily doable without a system reinstall.

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

If what you proposed was put into practice, we wouldn't have hundreds of distributions. I think the amount of distributions that exist may actually be overwhelming to a new user. If there were only a few distributions to choose from, you wouldn't have so many people distro hopping, which is a waste of time (in most cases). You don't like the desktop environment? Install something else. You don't like floating windows? Use a tiling window manager.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You and OP probably are confusing "distribution" with "UI customization". Granted, lazy distros may by simply that, but not all of them.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Why do you think I am talking about all distributions? Even the title of the post alone makes it clear I am not.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I don't know any distro that only changes non-system software and UI customizations. They all package all their components and include the packages in their repo.

Again (and again and again), this gives them control over dependencies and compatibility tests.

Even if they just recompile & package the components with no modifications from the upstream sources, they are the ones who test their whole set of packages.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What system software from Ubuntu does Kubuntu change?

What system software from Arch Linux does Garuda change?

If you go on distro watch, you'll find that most distros only change non system software, compared to the base they started with.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Really? Did you diff everyone of them? And will every distro maintainer swear that they will never do it, just to help whiney distro hoppers?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Don't really get your argument here. Why does anyone need to swear? What does this have to do with my post about Linux distributions? The only one whining here is you, my friend.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Compatibility, testing, dependecy trees. You either don't understand or pretend not to. Either way, I've wasted too much time with you already. Bye.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Oh I understand. Just not whatever you're hallucinating lol, but I'm glad you decided to give it up. Goodbye and thanks!