From dd44ff4c6d040d3da68e5eb3b4fb938e2d87226a Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Tanner Collin Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2020 02:43:21 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Add linux flavour article --- content/linux-flavour.md | 104 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 104 insertions(+) create mode 100644 content/linux-flavour.md diff --git a/content/linux-flavour.md b/content/linux-flavour.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e2548b0 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/linux-flavour.md @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +Title: Choosing a Linux Flavour +Date: 2020-10-31 +Category: Writing +Summary: A recommendation on which flavour of Linux to run. + +[TOC] + +People often ask me which flavour of Linux they should install. In summary, +choose Ubuntu if it's your first time. Once you are comfortable, install Debian +the next time you need to install Linux. + +I run Debian on my computers and servers. + +## Linux Distributions + +When people refer to the "flavour of Linux" they are talking about a Linux +distribution (distro). It mostly describes what software is distributed in its +software repository. + +"A typical Linux distribution comprises a Linux kernel, GNU tools and +libraries, additional software, documentation, a window system, a window +manager, and a desktop environment." [Wikipedia] + +The major Linux distros are practically all the same. If you master one it's +easy to pick up the others. The main differences you'll run into are which +tools you use to install new software, and the desktop environment, which is +what all the windows and buttons look like. + +I recommend two Linux distros, Debian and Ubuntu. Ubuntu is based off of +Debian, so they are very similar. + +## Pros of Debian + +Debian is one of the oldest distros and many other distros are based off it. +You can see a timeline visualization of all its derivatives here: + + + +This image is what originally convinced me to use Debian. Scroll down until you +see it and zoom out so you grasp how many derivatives it has. + +Debian is also non-commercial and requires that all software in its main +repository is free and open source. This is important because that grants you +the right to study, change, and distribute the software and source code to +anyone and for any purpose. They also follow a strong social contract you can +see here: + + + +It's also a very stable Linux distro since they freeze all software features on +each release. This makes it great for servers because nothing will break when +it updates. + +The main Raspberry Pi distro is nearly identical to Debian, so you'll also gain +familiarity with it. + +## Cons of Debian + +Since Debian requires all its software to be free and open source, proprietary +hardware drivers aren't included in its main repo. This can make installing +Debian difficult if your hardware requires non-free drivers. You'll need to use +a non-free installation image found here: + + + +The fact that Debian freezes software features can also mean that your software +gets old until the next Debian release. If you want versions that are bleeding +edge, you'll need to use Debian Unstable as described here: + + + +Don't be fooled by the name "unstable". I use it for my personal computers and +it runs fine. + +## Pros of Ubuntu + +Ubuntu is incredibly easy to install. You can also try it out before deciding +to install it. The distro pretty much just works on what ever hardware you +have. + +It's very beginner friendly because it's so popular. Any problem you search for +will reveal dozens of threads with people solving the same problem. + +## Cons of Ubuntu + +Unfortunately Ubuntu is developed by a commercial company, Canonical. The +company's interests come first, before the users' and they have a track record +of betraying their users' trust and privacy. + +Years ago Ubuntu had a feature enabled by default that would send your desktop +searches to Amazon so they could suggest products for you to buy: + + + +Currently whenever you remote login to your Ubuntu machine, it phones home to +Canonical and they collect info about your system: + + + +While these reasons are fairly minor, they are quite frowned upon in the Linux +community and are reason enough to switch to Debian once you are comfortable +with using Linux. + +[Wikipedia]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution