this post was submitted on 06 Aug 2023
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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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I don't think we should recommend any rolling release to beginners, I love Arch but that's just going to cause issues!
At least not without warning. I begun with Manjaro and am very happy with it, so much it's still my main OS maybe 5 years later, but I'm happy I was warned and read a few things beforehand.
Definitely, you have to want to learn Linux fast and possibly a little more painful if you choose that path. Especially that SteamOS comparison annoys me, you spend basically all your time in a completely sandboxed environment with that (Steam uses Flatpaks for everything) so it has very little to do with Arch for most users!
Why not?
They aren't unstable perse but there are always issues with some update and as a beginner with no clue about Linux I even struggled to solve Mints very rare issues, I think it's better to learn Linux first or that person might have a very frustrating experience!
You don't need to update things to use rolling-release distros, and I've never encountered an issue with updates yet.
Not updating regularly is the best way to brick a rolking release, just trust me on that one! 😅😂
Gently scoffs in Tumbleweed
I think rolling releases are fine for beginners as long as they update regularly. If you do not update EndeavourOS often enough, you will get arch-letting and GPG issues when you do. Also, you may get more than one “do you want to replace” questions and the more packages you are updating, the harder it is to know what that means.
I think Manjaro has ruined the reputation of all rolling releases. People blame the problems Manjaro has on its rolling nature. You will not see those issues on Arch. By reputation, OpenSUSE Tumbleweed is solid.
Yeah, you're probably right. Haven't had any issues the last time I used Manjaro, though. But that's only anecdotal evidence at best.