this post was submitted on 19 Jan 2024
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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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"Must Try" distros and DEs? (lemmy.sdf.org)
submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by nickwitha_k@lemmy.sdf.org to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Hey folks! I'm getting a fresh laptop for the first time in about a decade (Framework 16) in a couple of months and am looking forward to doing some low-level tinkering both on the OS and hardware. I'm planning to convert into a "cyberdeck" with quick-release hinges for the screen since I usually use an HMD, built-in breadboard, and other hardware hacking fun.

On the OS, I'm planning to try NixOS as a baremetal hypervisor (KVM/QEMU) and run my "primary" OSes in VMs with hardware passthrough. If perf is horrible, I'll probably switch back to baremetal after a bit. But, I'm not likely going to be gaming on it so, I'm not likely to have much issue.

Once the hypervisor is working in a manner that I like, I should have an easy time backing up, rolling back, swapping out my "desktop" OS. I've been using Linux as my pretty much my only OS for over a decade (I use MacOS as a glorified SSH client for work). Most of my time has been on distros in the Debian or RHEL families (*buntu, Linux Mint, Crunchbang, CentOS, etc) and I pretty much live in the terminal these days.

With all of this said, I am coming to you folks for help. I would like you folks to share distros, desktop environments, window managers that you think I should give a try, or would like to inflict on me and what makes them noteworthy.

I can't guarantee that I'll get through suggestions, as my ADHD has been playing up lately, but I'll give it an attempt. Seriously. If you want me to try Hannah Montana Linux, I'll do it and report back on the experience.

EDIT: Thank you all for your fantastic suggestions. I'm going to start compiling them into a list this weekend.

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[–] beta_tester@lemmy.ml 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Paperwm

[–] nickwitha_k@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 9 months ago

Skimming through the readme has me intrigued. I haven't used many tiling WMs but find them very useful in my terminal-centric workflows. Definitely going to try this one.

[–] Dehydrated@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago

I recommend you try Gentoo and DWM. You don't have to use this setup forever, but at least try setting it up. Installing Gentoo, patching DWM and st, etc. is fun and it's an interesting experience. If you want to use Wayland, check out dwl and the foot terminal emulator. Perhaps you're actually gonna like Gentoo and stick with it, I think it's a great distro. They also provide binaries for larger programs, so you don't have to compile stuff like Firefox. But definitely try out custom kernels.

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Coreboot. As low level as you probably get. Embedded secure element OS maybe

[–] nickwitha_k@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I do intend to dig deeper into OSHW and eventually build a modern, fully open-source laptop eventually but, we'll see if I can get there within the decade. Coreboot/Libreboot would definitely make the mainboard implementation a lot easier. Hopefully, Framework gets around to Coreboot support.

[–] Pantherina@feddit.de 2 points 9 months ago

Cool. There are definetly companies working on that, so its just a matter of getting stuff to work, like Battery life etc.

  • Chromebooks (hardware is shit and often unrepairable and un-upgradeable)
  • Novacustom / System76 / Nitrokey using 3mdeb Dasharo
  • starlabs

Framework tried it afaik, but it gave problems. But then they should fix them...

[–] atomkarinca@lemmygrad.ml 3 points 9 months ago

if you're looking for an original distro, you should try void. it's super lightweight. i used to keep away from gentoo because it was a source only distro, i would otherwise go fulltime on it, but now that it also has binary compatibility you should check that out, too.

as for wm, i love wayfire as a floating wm, and sway as a tiling wm.

[–] kwedd@feddit.nl 3 points 9 months ago

https://gobolinux.org/

[–] EponymousBosh@beehaw.org 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Garuda might be worth a try. I used it for a couple months and really enjoyed it, I only stopped because Nvidia drivers kept breaking.

[–] nickwitha_k@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I'm going to be on an AMD CPU and didn't opt for the discrete GPU at this time, nor will I be purchasing an Nvidia device until they start being consistently FOSS-friendly.

[–] EponymousBosh@beehaw.org 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, I unfortunately didn't know about the "Nvidia hates Linux" thing when I bought this laptop. I guess I know better for next time.

[–] nickwitha_k@lemmy.sdf.org 2 points 9 months ago

Oof. Yeah. Years ago, it was the other way around.

[–] Presi300@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

I'd say try anything (except debian) with hyprland, it's the dream of anyone who wants to customize their desktop experience.

As for non-standard distros, try Alpine, Void or if you have a lot of time, Gentoo.

As for distros I'd actually recommend, try fedora or any of it's spins

[–] nickwitha_k@lemmy.sdf.org 1 points 9 months ago (2 children)

What's your favorite distro for running Hyprland?

[–] k4j8@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago

I run Hyprland on Arch. It seems most of the people who run window managers instead of full fledged desktop environments prefer the minimalism of Arch.

[–] Presi300@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago

Probably arch or arco, but I think credits has a hyprland spin now

[–] BurntKrispe@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago

Fedora rawhide’s an interesting bleeding edge experience. I’d recommend installing fedora minimal and setting up your system from there. The rpm system’s rather robust when it comes to installing the correct dependencies when done correctly so I personally haven’t had any issues with version conflicts.

[–] hellvolution@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 9 months ago

Debian + MATE Desktop! Lightweight + fully compatible with games/Steam!!!

[–] QaspR@lemmy.world 2 points 9 months ago

LeftWM. I've been using it for about a year now and I have no complaints vIt doesn't hold your hand as much as other WMs, but it is extremely powerful if you're willing to do some manual setup.

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