Linux

63827 readers

872 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.

Rules

Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
No misinformation
No NSFW content
No hate speech, bigotry, etc

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 6 years ago

MODERATORS

nooter692@lemmy.ml

AgreeableLandscape@lemmy.ml

MarcellusDrum@lemmy.ml

cypherpunks@lemmy.ml

cyclohexane@lemmy.ml

d3Xt3r@lemmy.nz

are community based distros stable or only corp ones? (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 1 day ago by golden_king@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/linux@lemmy.ml

47 comments fedilink hide all child comments

i mean is a distro not made by a corp stable as in does it last years or do they often fail and vanish?

so i dont install a distro and customize it and all this and fine i need to move my whole digital life to new distro again.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] atomicStan@programming.dev 11 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

You seem to have the false notion that corporate distros are safe (or something). But, that's not true. Look e.g. at the demise of Clear Linux OS.

For (perhaps) a better assessment on whether a distro is well-established^[I.e. that it will not cease existing overnight.] or not, consider looking at the following factors:

How long does it exist? Like, if it's old enough to drink, then that's definitely a good indication.
How strong is its community? If there are literally millions of users, many of which actively contribute, then that's definitely a good thing.
How active is its development? The Linux landscape is constantly evolving. Hence, adopting changes (or, at least, enabling them) is somewhat to be expected.
Does it serve a distinct raison d'être? It simply has to offer a strong justification for its existence.
Does it have any strong dependencies/contingencies? Here, a lack thereof is actually what's good.

TL;DR: If you want to be absolutely safe, then I'd recommend Arch, Debian or Gentoo.