this post was submitted on 02 Aug 2024
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Linux

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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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Buying a new computer to run Linux on - suggestions? (midwest.social)
submitted 3 months ago by clark@midwest.social to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Hello. I have never used Linux before in my life, but this post isn't really about the software. I know there are many guides and threads out there explaining how to set up Linux for beginners.

My question is more about what computers you guys suggest for Linux. I don't have any old computers lying around at home, I only have a computer assigned by my school that I'll turn in next year. To my understanding, Linux should be able to work on almost all computers, so I haven't thought about a specific brand.

My top priorities are (in order):

  • good/great battery life
  • quiet
  • compact and lightweight

Preferably a 13" or 15" screen, though I prefer the former. Just a small machine with a great battery life that also doesn't make much noise when several apps are open at once. I have looked at Asus before, but I'm not sure what the general consensus is of this brand, so I was hoping to get some suggestions. I've also looked at Framework computers, but honestly it's a bit expensive for me. My budget is ~1000$ (10 000 SEK).

Might be unnecessary information, but: I will be using this computer mainly to write documents, make the occasional presentations, browse the web, and watch videos and movies. So no photo- or video editing nor gaming at all. Like everybody, I hope to buy a computer that will last many years and survive many student theses. Cheers and thanks!

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[–] CMDR_Horn@lemmy.world 36 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Look at frame.work they have good documentation about various Linux distros on their machines

[–] clark@midwest.social 16 points 3 months ago (2 children)

I have, unfortunately they're too expensive for me.

[–] nichtburningturtle@feddit.org 15 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)
[–] boredsquirrel@slrpnk.net 8 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Their firmware updates are pretty late and they ditched coreboot.

But I guess the hardware is awesome. Keep in mind that these thunderbolt adapters suck quite some battery, so having a laptop simply with the ports you need uses up less battery. Also, the modularity may not be needed and causes it to be less stiff.

[–] Chef6652@lemmy.world 9 points 3 months ago (1 children)

They ditched Coreboot?

[–] boredsquirrel@slrpnk.net 6 points 3 months ago (2 children)

They gave some coreboot devs laptops but didnt invest anything apart from that, afaik. The result was not working well enough, so they use insyde (which has pretty cool features but also past security vulnerabilities and it is backdoored by Intel & the NSA)

Like, UEFI being backdoored by the NSA is not a conspiracy. "Persistence" in "end user device data retrieval" was one big goal. Persistence means than an OS reinstall, Secureboot, boot integrity, QubesOS disposable Cubes etc. will all not protect you, as that shit is in the firmware!

No security or privacy without coreboot. Google knows that and has all their servers on coreboot and also all Chromebooks. Android is ARM so that is different but also WORLDS more secure than any secureboot garbage.

[–] cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.de 10 points 3 months ago (1 children)

It looks like work is still being done on Coreboot for the Framework. They got it running on the AMD version. It's not ready for use yet, but at least there is some progress.

[–] boredsquirrel@slrpnk.net 1 points 3 months ago

Nice! Thanks for the note!

Frameworks sound like a really cool idea.

Can you disable ports like on hardware? It would save a good amount of battery