For desktop use, I'm not even sure that minimal binary distros make as much of a difference as they used to. Most of the software I use tends to be flatpak, which is like the opposite of minimal binary.
I'm starting to think that whatever distro installs and updates the easiest is probably the best to use. Either that, or if you want a specialized distro, like one specializing in games, that might be the best, because games tend to be my number one headache.
Flatpaks tend to work more reliably than AUR packages. For example, I tried the markdown editor apostrophe, which only works well with certain versions of GTK. Only worked reliably as a flatpak for me. Flatpaks sidestep dependency hell.
Flatpaks really shine on LTS distros, allowing you to run cutting edge versions of software on a stable older base system.
It's quite a valuable skill to be able to do it. You appreciate how all the bits of Linux fit together when you've done the whole installation from scratch, and know that's there's nothing particularly hard about compiling the kernel. Indeed, it's one of the easiest packages to compile, got a great module selector and very few dependencies. You're far more likely to be able to recover a borked system if you've got all the low-level skills.
Actually using Gentoo as your daily driver? Well, that's a different matter. The problem with having complete control over every aspect of your system in every detail is that you're also responsible for it. Arch (btw) is a bit more of a sensible middle ground. You retain most of the control and responsibility, but also have all those packages prebuilt and ready to work together, plus loads of great documentation.
Gentoo, and to a lesser extent Arch, are kits for building your own operating system. That means there are a millions ways to put together a system. That can make support and debugging harder.
I could probably figure it out if i wanted to. I've used Arch, Void, NixOS, and now Guix, but Gentoo never appealed to me. I generally really don't like compiling software. I know you don't have to compile everything anymore these days, but still, seems like that's kinda the point of using the distro, so i don't see why someone like me would want to use it.
24 replies
I did it once
Used it for a month
Compilation never got faster
Miserable experience updating or installing new software
Never trying it again
Just use minimal binary distros like Arch
Or if you really want the control of Gentoo use Nix; it's just a better system for that since almost everything you need is prebuilt as well
For desktop use, I'm not even sure that minimal binary distros make as much of a difference as they used to. Most of the software I use tends to be flatpak, which is like the opposite of minimal binary.
I'm starting to think that whatever distro installs and updates the easiest is probably the best to use. Either that, or if you want a specialized distro, like one specializing in games, that might be the best, because games tend to be my number one headache.
I don't have enough disk space to be using flatpak, jeez
What’s your disk size?
I can't even remember. 1TB or so. Files expand to fill the size of their container, ya know?
They do. :)
Most of what is distributed on flatpack is also available in the AUR if not packaged directly by the distro
I like that flatpak runs the apps in a sandbox.
Flatpaks tend to work more reliably than AUR packages. For example, I tried the markdown editor apostrophe, which only works well with certain versions of GTK. Only worked reliably as a flatpak for me. Flatpaks sidestep dependency hell.
Flatpaks really shine on LTS distros, allowing you to run cutting edge versions of software on a stable older base system.
Remilia Scarlet lying about using Gentoo when you know she's using a Linux Mint laptop that Sakuya gave her
Sakuya silently switched it to Mint instead of upgrading to Win11, and Remi never even noticed.
meanwhile Flan is on some Lain shit, compiling LFS in her basement
"on some Lain shit" is the best description I've ever heard. And 100% true for Flan lmao
Yukari still remembers USL v. BSDi.
It's quite a valuable skill to be able to do it. You appreciate how all the bits of Linux fit together when you've done the whole installation from scratch, and know that's there's nothing particularly hard about compiling the kernel. Indeed, it's one of the easiest packages to compile, got a great module selector and very few dependencies. You're far more likely to be able to recover a borked system if you've got all the low-level skills.
Actually using Gentoo as your daily driver? Well, that's a different matter. The problem with having complete control over every aspect of your system in every detail is that you're also responsible for it. Arch (btw) is a bit more of a sensible middle ground. You retain most of the control and responsibility, but also have all those packages prebuilt and ready to work together, plus loads of great documentation.
Gentoo, and to a lesser extent Arch, are kits for building your own operating system. That means there are a millions ways to put together a system. That can make support and debugging harder.
Still using my Gentoo install on my server which is now going on maybe 8 years?... Never changing it lol.
My gentoo server's up 2550 days (5 days until 7th birthday), not far behind you.
(Though that's just uptime. Had as long again before the fire.)
Actually I've installed Slackware since 2002.
How do you like it?
I love it, it's closer to Unix and is very KISS-oriented. I plan to use it until I die or can't use Linux anymore because it died.
I could probably figure it out if i wanted to. I've used Arch, Void, NixOS, and now Guix, but Gentoo never appealed to me. I generally really don't like compiling software. I know you don't have to compile everything anymore these days, but still, seems like that's kinda the point of using the distro, so i don't see why someone like me would want to use it.
I've done it twice. The second time didn't succeed because Nvidia
I use gentoo as a daily driver and it's lovely
Sure I know how to install gentoo. You run
sudo brl fetch gentoo.Oh, you mean outside of bedrock?
Sure, I know how to install gentoo. You follow this >40 second video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t09IbcxAJlU
... Or if that's too hard, cheat with Calculate, Redcore, Decibel, Argent, 250126 exGENT, or even an old Toorox, Sabayon or CloverOS.
But no, seriously, do a proper stage3 by the handbook.
And fret not. Everybody fails the first time. (Like the Jump Program in the movie The Matrix.) ... But what if you don't?