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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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How to have a boring and low-maintenance system? (lemm.ee)

submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Those who don't have the time or appetite to tweak/modify/troubleshoot their computers: What is your setup for a reliable and low-maintenance system?

Context:

I switched to Linux a couple of years ago (Debian 11/12). It took me a little while to learn new software and get things set up how I wanted, which I did and was fine.

I've had to replace my laptop though and install a distro (Fedora 41) with a newer kernel to make it work but even so, have had to fix a number of issues. This has also coincided with me having a lot less free time and being less interested in crafting my system and more interested in using it efficiently for tasks and creativity. I believe Debian 13 will have a new enough kernel to support my hardware out of the box and although it will still be a hassle for me to reinstall my OS again, I like the idea of getting it over with, starting again with something thoroughly tested and then not having to really touch anything for a couple of years. I don't need the latest software at all times.

I know there are others here who have similar priorities, whether due to time constraints, age etc.

Do you have any other recommendations?

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago (2 children)

Yeah, sure. I was running Bluefin-DX. One day image maintainers decided to replace something and things break. UBlue is an amazing project. Team is trying hard but it's definitely not zero mainainace. I fear they are chasing so many UBlue flavours, recently an LTS one based on CoreOS, spreading thin.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

If you depend on third party modules you'll end up with third party maintenance - we didn't purposely decide to break this we don't work at Nvidia.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago (1 children)

Jorge, OP asked about “not having to really touch anything for a couple of years”. I am just sharing my experience. Big fan of containers and really appreciate your efforts of pulling containers tech into Linux desktop. Thank you!

I don’t understand the answer though. Maybe I am missing something here. There’s an official Bluefin-DX-Nvidia iso. Nvidia-containers-toolkit was part of that iso.

On a separate note, I liked the idea of GTS edition. Since few weeks ago iso became unavailable pending some fix. At the same time I see loads of new LTS edition buzz. It’s still in Alpha though. I feel confused.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

I don’t understand the answer though.

The answer is if you're depending on software that is closed and out of your control (aka. you have an Nvidia card) then you should have support expectations around that hardware and linux.

There are no GTS ISOs because we don't have a reliable way to make ISOs (the ones we have now are workarounds) but that should be finished soon.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Thanks for clarifying, Jorge. I wish I lived in a perfect world where all hardware and software follow FOSS principles. Until then I will have to rely on the other distros that embrace an imperfect reality. I cannot reconcile how Bluefin targets developers and NVidia, unfortunately is not something many of those developers can afford to ignore. Good luck with your project!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 days ago

I cannot reconcile

It's like a saving throw in a video game, most times you can make it, but every once in a while you don't lol.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

🤷 I've been running Aurora and uCore for over a year and have yet to do any maintenance.

You can roll back to the previous working build by simply restarting, it's pretty much the easiest fix ever and still zero maintenance (since you didn't have to reconfigure or troubleshoot anything, just restart).