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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Sell us on your favorite exotic/niche distro (discuss.online)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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The Linux ecosystem is vast and diverse, offering a multitude of distributions to suit every need and preference. With hundreds of distros to choose from, it's a pity that most are rarely mentioned while the popular ones are constantly being regurgitated.

This thread aims to celebrate this diversity and shine a light on smaller projects with passionate developers. I invite you to pitch your favorite underappreciated distro and share your experiences with those lesser-known Linux distributions that deserve more attention.

While there are no strict rules or banlists, I encourage you to focus on truly niche or exotic distributions rather than the more commonly discussed ones. Consider touching upon what makes your chosen distro unique:

What features or philosophies set it apart?
Why do you favor it over other distros, including the popular ones? (Beyond "It just works.")
In what situations would you recommend it to others?

Whether it's a specialized distro for a particular use case or a general-purpose OS with a unique twist, let's explore the road less traveled in the Linux landscape. Your insights could introduce fellow enthusiasts to their next favorite distribution!

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[–] [email protected] 33 points 3 months ago (3 children)

Alpine. The Linux, not GNU/Linux joke aside, Alpine's kinda great. Light, fast, stable, great package manager. I've daily driven it on both a server and as my main distro and it's pretty nice for both... Unless you're on Nvidia.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago

My first intro to it was with postmarketOS, and I have to say it felt super light and stable

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

Huh, I'd never actually considered that Alpine Linux existed as something other than a base for docker containers.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

Yeah, that's many people's impression of it.

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

Want there a post I saw just the other day about Nvidia starting to make open source releases with one of the upcoming driver updates? I just saw it yesterday and didn't even think I checked it out yet but it's somewhere here on my "look at better later" lists here.

It would be fine then if that was true.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Just the kernel module, which still interacts with the proprietary driver.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

Well there goes that good news. I hadn't finished looking into it, it's still in a tab I stashed here somewhere.