Posted on 07/19/2021 11:53:21 AM PDT by ShadowAce
There are hundreds of Linux distributions. Some are for general purpose usage, while some are specifically tailored for education, robotics, hacking, gaming and what not.
You’ll notice that most of them originate from Debian/Ubuntu, Arch and Red Hat/Fedora. If you like distrohopping and experiment with a range of distributions, you may soon get ‘bored’ out of it. Most Linux distributions would feel too similar after a point and apart from a few visual changes here and there, you won’t get a different experience.
Does that sound familiar? If yes, let me list some advanced, independent, Linux distributions to test your expertise.
You may argue against the use of term “expert” here. After all, ‘expert Linux users’ don’t necessarily need to use advanced Linux distributions. They can easily utilize their expertise on beginner-friendly distributions like Linux Mint.
The term expert here is intended for people who won’t easily get overwhelmed when they are taken out of their comfort zone and land in an unfamiliar environment.
Alright then. Let’s see which distributions you can use to test your expertise on.
NixOS Linux illustration NixOS is a unique distribution in the terms of how it approaches everything from the kernel to configuration to applications.
NixOS is built on top of the Nix package manager and everything from the kernel to configuration is based on it. All packages are kept in isolation from each other.
It ensures that installing or upgrading one package does not break other packages. You can also easily roll back to previous versions.
The isolation feature also helps you in trying new tools without hesitation, creating development environments and more.
Sounds good enough to give it a try? You call, truly.
Void Linux illustration Void Linux is another independent Linux distribution which was implemented from scratch. It is a rolling release distribution but it focuses on stability rather than being bleeding edge like Arch Linux.
Void Linux has its own XBPS package management system for installing and removing software with option to build packages from sources (from XBPS source packages collection).
Another thing that sets Void Linux apart from the crowd of other distribution is its use of runit as init system instead of systemd.
Can Void Linux fill the void in your distrohopping life? Find it out yourself.
Slackware Linux illustration The oldest active Linux distribution, Slackware, can surely be counted as an expert Linux distribution.
Which is amusing because once upon a time, many new Linux users started their Linux journey with Slackware. But that was back in the mid-90s and it is safe to assume that those newbies have turned into veteran with their neck beard touching the ground.
Originally, Slackware was based on Softlanding Linux System (SLS), one of the earliest Linux distributions in 1992.
Slackware is an advanced Linux distribution with aim to produce the most “UNIX-like” Linux distribution out there.
No slacking here. Be ready to use the command line extensively in Slackware.
Gentoo Linux illustration Gentoo Linux is named after the fast swimming Gentoo penguin. It reflects the speed optimization capabilities of Gentoo Linux.
How? It’s software distribution system, Portage, gives it extreme configurability and performance. Portage keeps a collection of build scripts for the packages and it automatically builds a custom version of package based on end user’s preference and optimized for end user’s hardware.
This ‘build’ stuff is why there are many jokes and meme in Linux-verse about compiling everything in Gentoo.
Can you catch up with the Gentoo?
Clear Linux illustration Clear Linux is not your general purpose desktop Linux distribution. It is an open source, rolling release distribution, created from the ground up by Intel and obviously, it is highly tuned for Intel platforms.
Clear Linux OS primarily targets professionals in the field of IT, DevOps, Cloud/Container deployments, and AI.
The package management is done through swupd but unlike regular package managers, versioning happens at the individual file level. This means that it generates an entirely new OS version when any software change takes place in the system.
Is it clear enough to try Clear Linux?
Linux From Scratch illustration If you think installing Arch Linux was a challenge, try Linux From Scratch (LFS). As the name suggests, here you get have to do everything from scratch.
From installing to using, you do everything at a low level and that’s the beauty of it. You are not installing a pre-compiled Linux distribution here. You build your own customized Linux system entirely from the source code.
It is often suggested to use Linux From Scratch to learn the core functioning of the Linux and it is indeed a learning experience.
Still scratching your head about Linux From Scratch? You can read its documentation in book format.
There are a few more independent Linux distributions. Mageia and Solus are two of the relatively more popular ones. I did not include them in this list because I consider them more friendly and not as complicated to use as others on the list. Feel free to disagree with me in the comments.
I really can’t find any other logical explanation...
Absolutely no one can claim that the windows experience has been smooth and trouble free. When in fact it has been brutal with the MS business model alone.
Only those with a “vested interest” would claim so and bash any and all alternatives.
I had that windows “experience” too... Been there... So no one is pulling the wool over my eyes...
Did any of the windows users here ever claim that windows was perfect? Or trouble-free?
I’ve gone out of my way to express that, as a computer software engineer with 30 Years experience, I admit freely that Linux is a superior operating system.
I never tried to get you to use windows.
You on the other hand are promoting Linux. If anyone here is behaving as if they had a vested interest it is you.
I don’t care what operating system you use. You want to call people names if they don’t use the operating system you like. Or accuse them of being “Microsoft plants.”
Let me ask something... What would you be willing to do to escape slavery? Nothing and just accept it? Or try every alternative there is available if it sets you free?
And the percentage is now pushing 30% as Linux desktop, 80% as servers, and 100% of all appliance and robotic applications, Whole governments, and huge operations like the Hadron Collider. There is obviously a reason why they do NOT run MS.
Now let me share what I have found... Most times folks fight Linux is because hey fear change, or they do not have the skills to try something new.
One thing very cool about Linux users is free and gracious detailed tech support and they will stick with you until it is done and up and running as it should.
I have personally helped with around 20 installs by PM step by step here on the FR. Even sent out several USB sticks with a full OS ready to rock as an external OS, just plug and play...
“as a computer software engineer with 30 Years experience, I admit freely that Linux is a superior operating system.”
Then why would you go out of your way to knock Linux as a very viable alternative?
“You on the other hand are promoting Linux. If anyone here is behaving as if they had a vested interest it is you.”
ABSOLUTELY! And all that freedom from MS is free is free too. I don’t make one dime trying to help you escape MS because I care and because I hate them with a passion.
I am going to claim that I am very Proud and Privileged to help others ditch MS here...
So yes... You are absolutely right... I sure do and I am proud of it.
What about Puppy (if you can find the download)?
With all the cyber malware out there, I can see tiny distros becoming VERY popular.
That’s fine, but it sounds a little... Unhinged
IMO, Gentoo is the only one on that list worth trying.
I have 35 years in I.T. and made my living with Microsoft, Unix (HP, Solaris, AIX) Linux and Mainframe OS' over the years. In the past five years I've been somewhat of a Linux proponent/bigot.
In the org that I work in (a large multi-national bank) less than 5% of our desktops are Linux. 5% are Mac and the remaining 90% are Windows.
In the Server space, well over 60% are RedHat Enterprise Linux, 5% are Solaris/AIX and the remainder are Windows. Yes we have a Mainframe, I don't count that as a "server." It's a very large Batch Processing environment that stands on its own.
So I'm a little confused where you come up with that 30% Linux Desktop total. Is that the environment you personally work in, or is that some industry metric I've not seen yet? (A link would be helpful if it's an industry metric.)
It is not unhinged, it is MS ball and chain free with priceless peace of mind. :)
5 years now with my first Linux install and not even one update needed yet.
Pretty hard to argue with that fact...
Me too, and you can build YOUR OWN... :)
https://duckduckgo.com/?t=lm&q=build+your+own+linux+distro&ia=web
Hold on and give me a bit... I ran across that a couple weeks ago, so let me track it down again.
It was explaining that because MS is now embracing and trying to commandeer Linux the actual usage has doubled in reality as a desktop by other brand names.
The others speak for themselves as fact when discussing linux web hosting, It is all now Linux Apache. Amazon AWS... Linux. Google... their own linux version. You and your own servers. And appliance/robotics firmware. The list goes on and on.
The only place left That is not Linux dominated is the desktop because of fear and the ignoranance. They do not know yet what peace of mind and freedom is truly available...
But once you do there is no going back unless someone else forces you to, like work.
I'm not arguing the stats here. Just stating what I'm seeing from my own experience.
Linux Server deployments 15 years ago at my employer were 1:3 (one Linux Server per every three Windows servers.)
Now that's not just reversed, it's overwhelmingly in favor of Linux Server v.s. Window Server (where I work.) Desktop hasn't changed. It's still overwhelmingly Windows vs. Linux though I *personally* have switched from Windows to Linux desktop (Ubuntu Linux w/my own themes and add-ons to be precise.)
I *suspect* we're not unique, where I work
Regards,
USC
Thanks. I had found it before but only after finding dead links to normal search results a couple weeks ago. It can offer a challenge since it is so pared down, but I like its "personality."
Out of thousands of servers, only a handful of legacy servers at my place are Windows anymore. Too costly, for one thing. We are also moving to all cloud providers (good or bad thing) so containers are the in-thing right now.
OK, since we are on the same page and understanding of the real situation, including personal. hen jump in and help me with my Crusade against MS and heir arrogant business model?
See, this is more than about their OS, For myself this is all about their arrogant extortion business model that has now become the liberal business model world wide in all industries. MS started that trend that will now destroy the freedom and prosperity of my Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
No one has vision of cause and effect anymore??? Have we allowed them to reduce us to just a single cell species now?
Lol, don’t take it personal... We all get dead links... :)
It is like a treasure hunt! Rockhounding for a crystal in the matrix! :)
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