this post was submitted on 14 Sep 2026
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Linux
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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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privacy alone is a good enough reason to get rid of a chromecast
Oh I agree, chromecasts and any android streaming box are a hard no. It’s just really important to recognize that replacing one with a mini pc is going to be much more expensive than just using a better streaming box.
So what IS a better streaming box if Chromecast and Android are out? IIRC Roku is enshittifying and Apple TV is great, but it's even more proprietary and locked down than an Android box. Shield is also Android I think?
I use appletv. It’s the best available option I’m aware of and certainly the best one in the ~$100 price range.
I'll agree that it's a good device, but this being the Linux community, I suspect most people would prefer something running open source software.
Also apparently these days it's like 250€, 320€ with ethernet and extra storage. No longer feels like a good deal to me, I had one when it was ~170€ with ethernet.
The second gen ones are still incredibly cheap for what you get and will most likely have a long support window (they’re still pushing updates for the old hd models from nine years ago).
As far as being open source, I have done diy linux streaming or time shifting boxes for twenty years before switching to the appletv and the fact that it can connect up to a smb, ntfs or jellyfin is enough for me.
Just trying to save our illustrious op some money, time and heartache.
It's usually a worse streaming box.... WAY worse. Lol
I should know since I tried it twice. First w mythbuntu circa 2004 and again w Kodi over a decade later and they both sucked compared to the $20 Chromecast I got for Xmas. Lmao