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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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How to have a boring and low-maintenance system? (lemm.ee)

submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Those who don't have the time or appetite to tweak/modify/troubleshoot their computers: What is your setup for a reliable and low-maintenance system?

Context:

I switched to Linux a couple of years ago (Debian 11/12). It took me a little while to learn new software and get things set up how I wanted, which I did and was fine.

I've had to replace my laptop though and install a distro (Fedora 41) with a newer kernel to make it work but even so, have had to fix a number of issues. This has also coincided with me having a lot less free time and being less interested in crafting my system and more interested in using it efficiently for tasks and creativity. I believe Debian 13 will have a new enough kernel to support my hardware out of the box and although it will still be a hassle for me to reinstall my OS again, I like the idea of getting it over with, starting again with something thoroughly tested and then not having to really touch anything for a couple of years. I don't need the latest software at all times.

I know there are others here who have similar priorities, whether due to time constraints, age etc.

Do you have any other recommendations?

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 6 days ago (2 children)

Ubuntu. It's boring but it all works.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago

I am currently using an recent version of Ubuntu live USB for backups and a "serious" error window pops up every time I boot it. Same experience with Ubuntu installations. For me at least, Ubuntu isn't anything close to stable.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Ubuntu is literally just Debian unstable with a bunch of patches. Literally every time I've been forced to use it, it's been broken in at least a few obvious places.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 days ago (2 children)

So, you are saying Debian is the better choice, right?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

Ubuntu comes with non-free drivers which can make it easier to set up and use. I use Debian on my server and Ubuntu on my laptops. They have both been pretty reliable for me. LTS versions of Ubuntu are pretty bug free but have older versions of software. I'd guess that Daniel was using a non-LTS release which are a bit more bleeding edge. The LTS ones strike a good balance between modernity and stability.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago

Absolutely. I've been running Debian for literally decades both personally & professionally (on servers) and it's rock-solid.

On the desktop, it's also very stable, but holy-fuck is it old. I'm happy to accept the occasionally bug in exchange for modern software though, so I use Arch (btw) on the desktop.