this post was submitted on 28 Jun 2024
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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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I installed Mint (no idea mint was old tbh) looked into Gentoo and tried the live boot USB option. 'This looks nice, no how do I install" The install option opened a web page (gentoo wiki) with several options for guides based on various permutations. All options send you in a ring without actually telling me how to install.
I went back to Mint as it does the few things I need a PC to do these days:
Some kind of office suite with spreadsheet and word processor, Steam, Netflix and Prime, Firefox
Added bonus is that it runs MegaMek natively AND i don't need to read pages of documentation, just click install.
Well you went from one of the easiest to one of the more complicated distros so thats not surprising. There's a lot of distros thst are just as simple to install as mint, you don't need to mess around with arch and gentoo unless you're planning on becoming a real Linux enthusiast.
Don't know. I was installing Gentoo in 6th grade of school with poorly-translated gentoo handbook.
EDIT: had wrong quote
If it doesn't provide a benefit for them, why should they bother? I understand why a teenager would, I would have as a teenager. But as an adult? Who got time for this?
It was counterpoint to "send you in a ring without actually telling me how to install". It does.
I also agree that installing it is rather lengthy.
Why the fuck would you try Gentoo as a Linux noob? I am guessing no one told you it was for advanced Linux users only. Fedora and OpenSUSE are nowhere near as difficult to install as Gentoo, as they are made for normal users.
Gentoo was my second linux Distro ever some time in 2003 or 2004.
Installed it by printing out the full install doc, which was like 30 or 40 pages, and starting up a stage one install. I got through the entire install by following the instructions because the documentation was that good.
I remember having a problem and hopping on an irc chat to ask for help and people there being baffled about the basic level questions I was asking while having a working Gentoo install.
Yeah, even the "difficult" distributions tend to just be a matter of following instructions to get a working installation. Gentoo was a massive PITA to maintain though. Chances are I was missing some knowledge that would've simplified things, but I spent way too much time on maintenance for the system to actually be useful. Arch has been much kinder.
Dear Faust.
Difficulty:
I thought you went with minimalcd, opened handbook in links(browser) and installed stage3.
Self-perpetuating circle of "Gentoo is not for noobs" stereotype.
Gentoo is good at explaining how system works.
This is always a fun thing to read in the wild. Keep on stompin', MechWarrior! O7 (salute)
Gentoo might have been quite a leap! :p I wanna try it some day as a challenge but it's def intimidating.
I run Tumbleweed on my main rig and love how crazy stable it is for being cutting edge. Endeavour OS is also cool for this. Both great communities too.
But agree with you on Mint. It's just a really nice smooth experience. So far it's on my "little media laptop I won't update much, need to be reliable, and will probably hand to family on occasion", and I can trust it's just gonna work.