this post was submitted on 09 Apr 2024
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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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I thought I'll make this thread for all of you out there who have questions but are afraid to ask them. This is your chance!

I'll try my best to answer any questions here, but I hope others in the community will contribute too!

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago (6 children)

What is the practical difference between Arch and Debian based systems? Like what can you actually do on one that you can't on the other?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago (3 children)

How do I install one Linux image to multiple machines at once?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago (3 children)

Someone gifted me with some old iPad that's more than 10 years old. What steps should I take to install Linux on the iPad?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago

I don't think that's possible.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago (2 children)

How do I enable DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS for all connections in NetworkManager in Debian 12?

It is easy to configure custom DNS servers for all connections via a new .conf file in /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d with a servers=8.8.8.8 entry in the [global-dns-domain-*] section.

How can I configure NetworkManager to use DNS over HTTPS or DNS over TLS via a conf file?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago (6 children)

what is hyprland

why do ppl use the CLI for things like making and moving files? i find the GUI easier and faster as well as less prone to mistakes

what is wayland and xorg, and why does everyone argue about them

[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago

Xorg is a display server for Linux ecosystem. Every ecosystem has a display server. It is what makes it possible for you to have graphical applications with movable windows that can talk to each other, or have a mouse cursor that can click on things.

Wayland is a replacement for Xorg because Xorg is old and its developers said an alternative is needed. Wayland has differences that I won't discuss here, but I'll be happy to do so if you ask.

Hyprland is a wayland compositor. A compositor is basically an implementation of wayland (there are many) and gives you a windowing system that you can run graphical applications through. It is usually a lot more minimal than having a full graphical desktop like KDE or Gnome.

Hyprland belongs to a class of comositors called "tiling", which forces windows to be in a tiling formation. In other words, windows do not overlap or stack on top of each other. Hyprland stands out in having a lot of eye candy and visual effects.

I use CLI for moving files, etc. After you use it for a while, you find out it can be more efficient, faster, and more pleasant to work with.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago (1 children)

hyprland

A wayland compositor and tiling window manager. The lead developer of the project is a Polish transphobic workaholic.

why do ppl use the CLI for things like making and moving files? i find the GUI easier and faster as well as less prone to mistakes

If you understand how shell scripting works you can easily automate menial tasks. CLI is also an interface shared by all operating systems so if you know how to work around in a shell you're not bound to any particular workflow/desktop GUI. Keep using GUIs though, they exist for a reason.

what is wayland and xorg, and why does everyone argue about them

Both are display protocols that are in charge of displaying graphics to your screen. Xorg is over 30 years old while wayland is only about 15 years old. The polemic about xorg was that the codebase was unmanageable and the design architecture of the program was inherently flawed (example: screenlocker getting access to your entire screen including apps and desktop, making writing malware for x11 a 3 line python script). X11 was designed during a time when people were using actual real life terminals and mainframes. Wayland is much more modern and akin to how modern graphics APIs are handled (for the most part)

Wayland at its core has and always will be design by committee so a lot of the arguing is necessary (though sometimes long-winded) to make sure to not repeat xorg's mistakes. Protocols take months if not years to be merged into wayland and those protocols have to be implemented by wayland compositors themselves rather than sharing 1 program altogether like with xorg.

Watch this video for more information, explains it much better and is from an actual wayland board member.

Why YOU should write a Wayland compositor – Victoria Brekenfeld – HiP22 Berlin

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago (6 children)

I'm a disabled gamer with lots of time on my hands. I'm considering dual booting Linux Mint (or something else equally easy to transition to) with Windows 10. My plan would be to entirely swap to Linux, but keep Windows for the few games that require it. However, I have some concerns.

Do I need to worry about certain niche programs I use not being Linux compatible, or do things like Wine make that irrelevant? I'm especially curious about 3rd party game/mod launchers, like GW2Launcher and XIVLauncher, or Overwolf/Curseforge.

What about Windows store apps-- is there any way to use them while in Linux? Sounds like a dumb question, but figured I'd ask just in case. This part isn't a deal breaker either way.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

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