Posted on 08/22/2022 11:57:36 AM PDT by ShadowAce
Linux is a far cry from the esoteric bundles of code it once was, and the number of polished distros offering variants for Windows, OS X and Ubuntu, is testament to that.
Also read:What is Void Linux and How to Install It
Arch Linux has grown to become one of the leading Linux distros since its launch in 2002. The distro is very minimal in its default state but offers an unbridled level of customization for the more experienced user.
There’s no default desktop environment, so you can choose and install one that’s best suited to your personal tastes and the power of your PC. The minimum requirements of Arch Linux are a modest 512MB RAM and an x64 CPU.
It’s not the simplest of Linux distros to get your head around, given how much it leaves in the user’s hands to figure out, but the documentation is very good (one of the best), and the sporadic nature of new releases means your custom-tweaked desktop environment won’t deprecate quickly.
For more in-depth details on this great distro, check out some of the best Arch Linux distros that are easy to use.
Also read:How to Fix Broken Packages in Linux
Describing itself as a “midweight” Linux distro, MX Linux runs like a dream, even on lower-end PCs, and its fairly minimal starting setup makes it a favorite among developers. Yes, its default XFCE desktop environment may look a little dated next to more renowned distros like Ubuntu, but there’s something to be said for keeping things simple.
The important stuff is never more than a couple of clicks away in MX Linux. The taskbar brings up a menu of MX Tools, which includes crucial things like PC maintenance and setup options for your system sound and keyboard.
The base installation of MX Linux includes a solid bunch of packages that features Firefox, VLC, LibreOffice and GIMP, and you can, of course, get more through the Synaptic Package Manager, which will point you to the package repositories for MX Linux.
If you’re fresh to this whole Linux business, then it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed if you’re migrating over from Windows or macOS. For that reason, you may want to start simple, and Linux Mint is just what you need.
Mint comes packed with much of the software you need to get straight back into your workflow, such as LibreOffice and some decent onboard media software. You have a choice of four main desktop environments, with Cinnamon being the most Windows-like, with its pseudo-Start menu (though MATE remains a popular choice too). It’s pretty light resource-wise, too, loading faster and using less memory than the all-popular Ubuntu.
Mint is always in sync with the latest Ubuntu LTS releases, meaning you don’t need to worry about being left vulnerable during zero-day scares or malware outbreaks.
Keeping this in mind, some may also recommend Ubuntu or Elementary OS, but we are sticking with Linux Mint.
Also read:Ubuntu Software Center Not Working? Here Are the Fixes
Privacy is a strange concept but one that is becoming more important as technology becomes inherently woven into our daily lives. It boils down to what you perceive as your threat model.
If you are trying to be 100 percent anonymous on the Internet, for example, you will have to try very hard. If you want to prevent companies from building a data profile on you, then things are easier.
A good way to be more anonymous online is to use Tails.
Tails is a Debian-based Linux distro that comes pre-configured for use with the Tor Network. Tor is a public decentralized network that allows users to send and receive traffic through several relays. The concept is simple – each relay has its own IP address that hides the original location of the user by creating several “layers.” This is especially useful for privacy-conscious individuals or users within countries that have oppressive governments.
Tails is designed to be run from portable storage, as it only uses your RAM and leaves no permanent traces of what you’ve been up to on it (though you can save data on your portable media).
It comes with a bunch of privacy-based encrypted tools, like an instant messenger, KeePassX password manager, and email encryption tools. Crucially, LibreOffice is there for most of your productivity needs.
Linux is a strong player within the area of forensics. There are many distros to pick from in this category, but we’ve chosen Kali Linux.
Kali Linux is a Debian-derived Linux distribution designed for digital forensics and penetration testing. It is maintained and funded by Offensive Security Ltd.
The toolset is very comprehensive, and prior knowledge would be useful. Beginners should take advantage of Offensive Security’s courses to become a Kali Ninja.
Puppy Linux is a super-lightweight distro that will run entirely within RAM on your machine. This is incredibly useful if you need to perform tasks quickly. The entire system can be run from RAM with current versions generally taking up about 210 MB, allowing the boot medium to be removed after the operating system has started.
It has variations built on Slackware and Ubuntu, but they both have the same tools for the most part.
We generally tend to use it when we need to repurpose and wipe hard drives using either the dd command or hdparm, but it is a fully stocked distro for a variety of tasks.
Despite the rise of the tablet, there are still users who have lighter portable netbooks who make use of Linux. The same can be said for older machines that can be given new life. A great distro for this is Bodhi Linux.
While a derivative of Ubuntu, it is an elegant and lightweight distro featuring Moksha, an Enlightenment-based desktop environment. Along with the polished desktop, Bodhi offers a minimal install, which leaves the user free to customize easily. Bodhi offers a variety of ISO files and can be installed on Chromebooks and legacy devices.
Also read:5 Arch Linux Distros That Are Easier to Install and Use
If you are tired of having to constantly upgrade your Linux distro from version to version, Arch Linux is the one for you. Manjaro is based on Arch Linux and comes with all the benefits of a full vanilla Arch install but leaves that complication at the door. Manjaro is Arch with no assembly required.
The Arch Linux Wiki is unparalleled when it comes to distribution documentation. Everything in it applies to Manjaro. You also have the benefit of Arch’s huge repositories that are always up to date and the various AUR helpers.
If you’re more comfortable with Linux and looking for a new distribution packed with power and options, Manjaro is definitely worth consideration.
Gentoo might seem like an odd choice if you’ve paid attention to all the memes and noise around it. Gentoo is no joke, though. It’s easily the most flexible distribution around, and you can configure it to be as stable or bleeding edge as you need. Essentially, Gentoo is whatever you make it.
Gentoo is a source-based distribution, meaning you compile every package that is installed from its source code when you install it. While this does take additional time, it also presents an opportunity to customize every package to meet your needs.
Whether you are installing Gentoo on a desktop or server, you can tailor it precisely. For desktops, you can choose your desktop environment or window manager without any unnecessary bloat. Servers provide a similar situation, allowing for lightweight purpose-built installations. As an added bonus, Gentoo doesn’t make any decisions for you, not even for something like Systemd. If you don’t want it, you don’t need it.
On the side of security, the Gentoo Hardened project is one of the best, if not THE best, projects within a Linux distribution to increase its overall security. Even without the GRSecurity patches that were previously a large part of the project, Gentoo Hardened is an excellent option for server or desktop security.
Also read:What Is Gentoo Linux and How to Install It
GNU Guix is a brilliant Linux distribution that allows you to build systems that you can recreate on any computer. This can be especially useful if you are a systems administrator and want a quick way to deploy Linux.
The way GNU Guix does this is only using a single programming language to manage the entire system. Unlike other distributions, you only need to remember a single format for all of your program’s configurations.
Further, GNU Guix also creates a transactional sandbox history of every package that you install. Similar to NixOS, this allows you to roll back and seamlessly jump through different versions of your software. It is useful if you want to either experiment with new software or want a reliable package system.
Pop!_OS is a simple, yet effective distribution that aims to create an easy-to-use environment for multimedia and gaming in Linux. It was originally a fork of Ubuntu and is currently the default operating system in System76 laptops.
Aside from its multimedia support, Pop!_OS also sports a custom version of GNOME that includes a number of extra features. For example, it is possible to convert your desktop into either a stacking or tiling layout. It can be especially useful for power users who want to have a quick way of managing windows.
Further, Pop!_OS also has extensive support for a number of scientific and development software. By default, it includes IDEs, such as Jupyter, MATLAB, and Android Studio. Pop!_OS can be an option if you are looking for a distribution that you can use for both work and play.
Also read:How to Build a Package from Source in Linux
One of best Linux distros you can install is Slackware and is one of the three original Linux distributions. Alongside Debian and Red Hat, it aims to provide you with a simple and flexible UNIX-like experience.
One of its best features is its commitment to stability. It strives to maintain the same tools and processes for its users across different versions. For example, you can follow a guide for an older version of Slackware, and it will still work today.
This approach encourages users to invest time in learning how their system works since they can be confident that it will not change over time. Further, it also means that programs you install on your machine will rarely break. Slackware is a highly attractive distribution for users who want a system they can learn and rely on.
Also read:5 Best Linux-Libre Distributions for Better Security
Almost all Linux distributions today offer similar hardware compatibility because the Linux kernel already includes support for the most common hardware. Unless your machine uses a rare architecture, most Linux distributions should work out of the box.
However, Linux distributions often differ with software availability. This is because most distros today build and provide their own package repositories. You need to be aware which distributions offer the software that you need. For example, Slackware does not provide most third-party packages out of the box.
This will largely depend on how you intend to use your machine. A rolling release distribution benefits users who are constantly on their computer and need the latest software updates. For example, if you are writing a program that you want to work with the latest software, you’ll have to use a rolling release distribution.
On the other hand, a Long-Term Support (LTR) distribution tends to cater to users who want a stable computing experience. This could either be a family relative who is not familiar with computers or a security-conscious user who wants to create an air-gap machine. This is because most LTS distros are stable and mature enough to not require constant system updates.
Yes! However, the process of backing up your files will depend on the distribution you are currently using. Unlike other operating systems, Linux does not provide a one-click solution to storing your files outside your machine.
Despite that, backing up your files can be relatively straightforward. For the most part, you only need to save your “/home” directory since it contains all of your personal files. Knowing that, you can use a tool such as rclone to upload your files as an encrypted backup.
LOL- so you don’t understand what ‘straw man’ OR ‘zealotry’ mean...
OK
Installed A OK, did not open-— when the bug fix comes around...
pysolfc no longer works in 22.04 due to python changes pysolfc (Ubuntu) Confirmed Bug #1967793
FWIW... over 12 years ago, I had teenage daughters who used social media and a wife who hardly knew how to turn on a computer. I also owned a business which demanded I run windows (all insurance brokerages ran on windoze based software). I got so sick of secretaries trying to install nonsensical virus laden stuff, and kids who insisted on unsafe programs at home that I just installed Warren Woodford’s MEPIS on my machine at home. The girls griped a bit, but figured out I was serious and I never had any problems with malware. I started running Windows inside virtual box at work and poof, no more problems that could not be fixed with a wipe and reinstall.
What has been interesting is my wife. If you look up the word “technophobe” you will get a picture of her. She is TOTALLY un digital in every area. After MEPIS, we went to Ubuntu, then Mint. I run MX with KDE on my personal machine. My wife gets very frustrated when she has to operate a windows box. She has “learned” to do everything she wants, email, letters, videos, surfing, etc on Linux and considers the learning curve on Windows to be too high to bother.
It is not that Windows is harder... or easier. It is just what you learn.
PS. I have retired and now work “full time” trading. I use a dedicated windoze box because my ib software runs mostly on windows, along with some analytical/charting stuff. That is likely to change and I will change with it, but I am not a “I HATE WINDOWS” guy... well...., maybe just a little, but I am more like the guy who hated his wife and divorced her and has not seen here in 10 years, so doesn’t care much one way or another.
We’re saying there’s more than one possibility for a lot of people which might lead to more people and he’s saying there’s only one possibility.
The only one I use a lot is Raspbian, on the Pi 4 and 400.
Linux Mint 21: The Best Distro. Better.
August 7, 2022
ExplainingComputers
Linux Mint 21 review, covering what’s new in the latest edition of this popular distro, including how to upgrade from version 20.3 (see last chapter of the video).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s74cta1cpRY
“How have you ruled out a hardware issue?”
Nothing changes from the time it works and the times it doesn’t. Same router, same laptop, same printer.
Now with Windows the same hardware works reliably every time.
As I said, I really wanted to like it - used it for a couple of years.
i tried manjaro- it was one headache after another- almsot gave up on linux, but trtied mint cinnamon, and fell in love-
Of course, Linux users need not pay for anything, including illegal codecs which used(?) to be an issue with some of the conscientious. However, while I have tried my every Linux distrto, and installed Mint for a brother is used daily on an older but capable (4.2 Ghz CPU) rig, yet as explained, I do not switch to Linux since there is no need, as the time it would take to attain the level of functionality and enhancements I can easily obtain under Windows (which I thereby find more functional, despite MS attempts to improve it) is not yet warranted. Thank God for options and tools however.
The difference is that most Windows users do not seek improvements and enhancements but just go with the flow (thus years ago most they switched to inferior Chrome with no extensions from Firefox which abounded with the latter), while by nature Linux users are willing to experiment. But thus most Windows users do not even know about the level of safe and free enhancements available, which they should find improve Windows despite MS upgrades which overall are negative as regards efficient functionality.
Like Open Shell, download Open Shell (click on Releases>Latest on middle right side) to replace the mobile device W/11 start menu, and there is Explorer Patcher that restores the Windows 11 taskbar to be exactly like Windows 10, while Windows 7+ Taskbar Tweaker (I am using the beta ver.) provides more customization.
Then there are the over 200 tweaks available in Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 and now there is Ultimate Windows Tweaker 5 for Windows 11 from the Windows club.
Add to this the many Winaero features of the Winaero Tweaker
Add to this is Right-Click Extender (add items to many right click menus),
W/11 Default Start menu>All apps
Versus OpenShell W/11:
Right Click Extender (some additions):
7+Taskbar Tweaker (stacks open pages from same source, etc.):
Device manager still the same (good!):
Linux has improved on this, yet where is the actual (not wannabe) equivalent to the Windows Device manager (under Windows key and i) in Linux?
shrug. If you wanna support an evil organization, I can’t stop you.
How is MS getting support from me, aside from doing what Google does, though I turn off telemetry and do not use Windows app, or even Edge (though I use Bing somewhat) ? I do not even have a smart phone which adds to the collection of browsing data.
To be consistent, do you boycott most every major and minor corporation, since most all are LGBTQ abortion friendly? If you do not, does that mean you wanna support evil organizations. I do not, but like saving money via Walmart so I can have more to for Good and Godly purposes, so I use Windows to save time. By i like to read your informative posts, without elitist attitudes.
“Yes, Linux is great and everyone should use it.”
That’s much better, Winston.
I am as consistent as I can be. I do not shop at Wal-mart, Kroger, Sam's, Costco, HEB, Target, or any other store where I have localized alternatives. Since Linux does provide an alternative to MS, I no longer use Windows or any other MS product.
I do not, but like saving money via Walmart ...
OK, as long as you like something, then that's OK.
My attitude is not "elitist." It's conservative and Christian.
Yet the last time I did was many years ago and do not intend to do so again, God willing.
"I am as consistent as I can be. I do not shop at Wal-mart, Kroger, Sam's, Costco, HEB, Target, or any other store where I have localized alternatives"
At least you are trying to be consistent, however, here in MA even if I was willing to spend more by shopping locally for us and sometimes my Latino neighbors then finding a conservative retailer for varied items would be a rare find. And uses more time. And the locals likely support liberals and Communists by whom they buy from. For me, saving money which then can be used to do good and combat evil warrants finding the lowest prices.
" OK, as long as you like something, then that's OK. My attitude is not "elitist." It's conservative and Christian"
Excellent! But using Windows does not mean one wants to support liberals, which is the objection. My computer, with its Bible programs, Apache and Libre Open Office and approx. multiple portable browser installations (better for organization, , each generally for its own purpose, mostly Firefox and Vivaldi, with multiple tab rows) and is purposed to serve Christian purposes, for which I find customized(!) Windows as best for me. But I am glad for alternatives and if Windows goes much beyond its Microsoft’s TPM 2.0 and makes it harder to run what you want then (it will not run safe freeware as Explorer Patcher unless you click on More info) it may be time to go to Puppy (so i can run as root).
Thanks for posting.
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