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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Tool to automate Linux reinstall? (programming.dev)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by staircase@programming.dev to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I frequently reinstall Linux. Is there a tool to say what to install and configure that I can just run once after OS install? Things like

Install neovim, signal, steam
Configure firefox, desktop environment

I'm using this for just me, on my personal machine.

I don't anticipate it's possible between different distros, so assume I'm reinstalling the same distro.

EDIT: thanks for replies. I'm mostly seeing Ansible and NixOS. I'll start looking at those.

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[–] throwaway403@programming.dev 8 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Aight. Understood. Thank you!

In your case, I'd propose something like NixOS then. As your full system configuration can be contained within a (set of) config file(s), the very same ones you use to install/config stuff, a reinstall just becomes very easy. Heck, if you're willing to embrace the "Erase your darlings"-lifestyle, then I don't even think you'd ever feel the need for a reinstall. Because, frankly, the clean slate is just a reboot away.

EDIT: Perhaps Guix System is also worth considering as an alternative to NixOS*.

EDIT2: If you still want to explore other distros, then it's worth noting that nix, i.e. NixOS' package manager, is available on most distros and offers a lot of the benefits already. Like, you could configure your system using it, and then use that config on another distro to get your config back. Good stuff.