this post was submitted on 16 Jul 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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This is only something that happens when you purchase from a vendor that actively chooses not to play nice with Linux, i.e. Macs or Surfaces. They don't offer Linux drivers in the kernel, so people have to write them on their own. They'll usually eventually get into the kernel, but it takes time since creating drivers for a black box (proprietary hardware) is hard.
Also note, more stable distros will be on older kernels, meaning older and fewer drivers. It's possible that the drivers you need are in the kernel, but not the one Debian is shipping.
I see.
Ill look for the best distro that supports surface hardware better.
To be honest, even with all of these issues, linux is far ahead in terms of speed and reliability.
I would recommend following the installation guide from the Linux Surface repo. NixOS seems to have very good support because of it's modules system, but you'll probably run into other problems using it. They provide instructions for most major distros fortunately.
There isn't a best distro that supports surface hardware. You have a to install a distro of your choosing for which there is a guide on the linux-surface github and then follow the guide.
Thank you.
I followed the instructions and the camera showed up.
Also Gnome 43 supports touch out of the box.
Now my setup looks great!