this post was submitted on 08 Oct 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 think Debian is great for servers but for desktop use for casual/new Linux users it's not the best, IMO. The install ISO can lack drivers (one with non-free drivers is available but hard to find), the installer is not great (although I heard it's gotten better since I last tried), non-free packages are not in the repos, packages are stable but that can also be out of date. It is vanilla but I don't think it's the best UX.
I think Debian derivatives are easier to sell like Mint, PopOS, maybe Ubuntu (yeah, yeah snaps/malware/etc.). If they're a bit on the techy side maybe EndeavorOS just because Arch Wiki and AUR are pretty sweet. If they're 13 and wear hoodies Kali ;P
But it all depends on the use case right. If I set up a laptop for my Mom and she only surfs the Web and uses a word processor and it just needs to be reliable and not break on updates, I think Debian is great for that. But for someone that wants to explore a bit or has to install it themselves I think there's better options.
Also I feel that 'help my Debian is having $issue' vs 'help my Mint/PopOS/Ubuntu is having $issue' is going to bring up different styles of answers. Debian forums or articles may expect a level of competence that is not expected for distros often recommended to beginners.
Debian is the most stable and usable distro I have ever used on a desktop. I have tried many distros in my life, Debian is the one that's been satisfying me the most so far.
Great! I use Debian for all my server VMs. I'm not saying it's bad or anything and I definitely think it's worth a shot once the user enters the distro hopping phase.
LMDE for your mum
Yeah, that would be easier.