this post was submitted on 09 Apr 2024
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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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Why are debian-based systems still so popular for desktop usage? The lack of package updates creates a lot of unnecessary issues which were already fixed by the devs.
Newer (not bleeding edge) packages have verifiably less issues, e.g. when comparing the packages of a Debian and Fedora distro.
That's why I don't recommend Mint
Debian systems are verified to work properly without subtle config breakages. You can run Debian practically unattended for a decade and it's chug along. For people who prefer their device to actually work, and not just be a maintenance princess, it's ideal.
Okay, I get that it's annoying when updates break custom configs. But I assume most newbs don't want to make custom dotfiles anyways. For those people, having the newest features would be more beneficial, right?
Linux Mint is advertised to people who generally aren't willing to customize their system
having a stable base helps. Also, config breakage can happen without user intervention. See Gentoo or Arch's NOTICE updates
I customized Mint. It is a great system that I run in a VM.
Breaks can happen without user intervention in other distros, there are some safeguards around it, but it happens. Also new users are much more likely to edit their configs because a random guy on the Internet did it than an experienced person who knows what they're doing, also a lot more likely not to realize that this can break the system during an upgrade.