I’ve been using linux desktop for a year or so now. One noteable thing i keep seeing is that one person will say I dont like XYZ distrobution because of its base. But I am still a little unsure what is meant by it. I am assuming the main difference between each base is the choice of package management(?). But what other factors/aspects that are important for the average user to know about each ‘base’? This is probably quite a broad question to a rather technical answer, but appriciate any answers, and i’ll try my best to understand and read up :)

    • yala@discuss.online
      41·
      6 months ago

      Unfortunately, perhaps understandably so, popularity is very hard to measure on Linux. Though, while far from representative, ProtonDB’s measurements do exist and provide us some insights. As for the distros found on the chart:

      • Arch (base):
        • Endeavour
        • Garuda[1]
        • Manjaro
      • Debian (base):
        • Ubuntu
          • Linux Mint[2]
          • Pop_OS!
      • Fedora (base):
        • Nobara
      • NixOS
      • openSUSE

      Note that Flatpak is not a distribution, but a packaging format.

      BoilingSteam’s article in which their thoughts and reflections are written can be found here.

      1. While it’s technically not labeled, the blue-colored columns found right below openSUSE belong to Garuda; as can be seen here (from an earlier iteration of the graph).
      2. Technically, Linux Mint also has their Debian Edition. But, the vast majority of its users should be using the one based directly on Ubuntu.