I’ve been on Linux for 20 years. Gamer, so dual-booted for the first 10. Ubuntu -> Linux Mint -> Debian -> Mint Debian -> EndeavourOS. I think. Messed with Knoppix and Mandrake before those, THAT was definitely before the “YotLD” 😅
Ads in the OS make me kick that shit out in an instant. Yes, I know there are third-party utils but I’ve seen settings reverted on update, and if I’m fighting my own PC it’s going to be by choice and I’m going to learn to improve it along the way, which is not easy in closed-source land. If ads didn’t do it, “AI” “stealing” my data would. Somehow piracy bad but I have to agree to let Microsoft copy my data for profit in order for me to use my computer? Fuck that.
You could make a Windows killer desktop, except which distro?
Mint Debian for computer-illiterate. The built-in software manager has tens of thousands of safe Debian packages available rather than installing adware infestations from random websites. Two clicks and a password OR set automatic for getting all software up-to-date.
EndeavourOS for tech-inclined. More cutting-edge software packages from Arch (and the AUR, but adds a bit of risk/required knowledge). Still no installing random shit from websites.
Which shell/tools/utilities?
The defaults, or whatever you want or need from a wide selection. Choice is bad now?
Steam, duh. Lutris has scripts to install the older/more picky/fiddly Windows games that aren’t on Steam. For students/office work, OnlyOffice has better compatibility with MS formats if necessary. List goes on…
I’ve been on Linux for 20 years. Gamer, so dual-booted for the first 10. Ubuntu -> Linux Mint -> Debian -> Mint Debian -> EndeavourOS. I think. Messed with Knoppix and Mandrake before those, THAT was definitely before the “YotLD” 😅
Ads in the OS make me kick that shit out in an instant. Yes, I know there are third-party utils but I’ve seen settings reverted on update, and if I’m fighting my own PC it’s going to be by choice and I’m going to learn to improve it along the way, which is not easy in closed-source land. If ads didn’t do it, “AI” “stealing” my data would. Somehow piracy bad but I have to agree to let Microsoft copy my data for profit in order for me to use my computer? Fuck that.
Mint Debian for computer-illiterate. The built-in software manager has tens of thousands of safe Debian packages available rather than installing adware infestations from random websites. Two clicks and a password OR set automatic for getting all software up-to-date.
EndeavourOS for tech-inclined. More cutting-edge software packages from Arch (and the AUR, but adds a bit of risk/required knowledge). Still no installing random shit from websites.
The defaults, or whatever you want or need from a wide selection. Choice is bad now?
Steam, duh. Lutris has scripts to install the older/more picky/fiddly Windows games that aren’t on Steam. For students/office work, OnlyOffice has better compatibility with MS formats if necessary. List goes on…