I’m about to go ahead and go 100% Linux on my PC and completely get rid of Windows. The latest advancements in Windows application compatibility for Linux has taken strides and it’s now easier than ever to run Windows apps thanks to Wine and Bottles and Steam’s Proton. There’s literally nothing I can’t do in Linux that I could do in Windows.
The distro of choice I will probably go for is going to be Kubuntu. But I’ve been looking at immutable distros as a more stable alternative. But, it sounds to me like it’s more adapted for smaller devices and IoT, like the Steam Deck or similar handheld devices.
Have you installed an immutable distro on your PC? What distro did you use? What was your experience like? What were the pros and cons according to you?
A lot of people use Bazzite, but i’ve switched my systems to Nix, and so far i’m very satisfied. The learning curve is colossal, but i feel like once you figure out what you need, it’s absolutely worth it
From my personal testing experience I would say the concept is solid but the existing distros are not there yet, with some missing features, minimal documentation and several rough edges in their containerisation approach (as in: some features and things not working because the container wasn’t well adapted to the immutable OS yet).
I really like the concept of immutable/atomic distros, but right now its just not a super viable option for me. Every time I’ve tried one, there’s always been something that I felt like I either couldn’t install, or ran into a lot of resistance installing. Something super basic for example is OpenRazer in order to control the settings of my mouse and keyboard - the backend of OpenRazer exists as a DKMS module, and kernel modules seem to be a bit more difficult to install on an atomic distro than a “mutable” distro.
Most atomic distros have some sort of escape hatch/“break glass in case of emergency” way of installing packages directly (such as layering with OSTree distros), but those tend to have their cons and also feels like its going against the whole point if I end up having to use it a bunch.
NixOS was interesting, but I just don’t have the time to learn Nix, I’ve tried on multiple occasions and get mostly there with configuring my system how I want… and then there’s something that just doesn’t work and ends up being a deal-breaker for me.
I think the endgame solution for me would be to look into something like blue-builds so that I can “craft” my own image, but again, time is the limiting issue for me.
That all being said, just because it doesn’t work for me personally, that doesn’t mean it won’t work out for you - I’d advise anyone to give it a try if their interested.
Something super basic for example is OpenRazer in order to control the settings of my mouse and keyboard - the backend of OpenRazer exists as a DKMS module, and kernel modules seem to be a bit more difficult to install on an atomic distro than a “mutable” distro.
IIRC, the DKMS modules are included in uBlue images. Have you tried any of their images?
I have, yeah - I’ve tried Bazzite (the Bazzite Portal does have an OpenRazer entry in it, but didn’t seem to quite work for me at the time), Bluefin/Bluefin-Dx, and Aurora. However perhaps they didn’t have it in at the time I tried the images out.
Definitely not just for handhelds. Check out Universal Blue images which are built ontop of Fedora Atomic (the immutable variant). Bazzite is an awesome gaming distro that’s rock solid. Bluefin is awesome for Devs and more technical people. But even for non-devs it’s awesome since the images are purpose build with and without all the devs tools. You pick your preferred DE (KDE or GNOME), and your graphics drivers.
Almost everything is setup for you that you would have to do mannually compared to Fedora Atomic, and additional quality of life tweaks are included as well.
Been running, Bazzite on my gaming rig for months now and it’s been great. Running the Cosmic/Gnome UBlue image on my framework laptop for months and its also been amazing.
I’ll add that Bazzite, while it works for Steam Deck, is and always has been built for desktops first. Steam Deck just works out well as a target, because SteamOS is already immutable-ish and is also a Linux distro.
But I’ve been looking at immutable distros as a more stable alternative.
If “stable” is used in the context of “intended use entails no changes/updates to packages found in the repositories in between ‘long supported’ point releases”[1], then it’s important to note that an ‘immutable’ distro as such does not exist; or at least is far from mainstream*.
If, however, "stable", instead, is used in the context of “less inclined to cause breakage upon (perhaps more frequent) updates”, then indeed; ‘immutable’ distros can definitely be beneficial. Heck, I would even argue that they are successful at providing more stable experiences. This is actually implied merely by design. And, thankfully, the ‘immutable’ distros have been able to deliver on this promise.
But, it sounds to me like it’s more adapted for smaller devices and IoT, like the Steam Deck or similar handheld devices.
They, indeed, make a lot of sense for these use cases. However, the use of ‘immutable’ distros on desktop is also pretty well established. Even if it’s currently (relatively) niche.
Have you installed an immutable distro on your PC?
Yup. Over two years ago, I switched cold turkey from Windows to Fedora Silverblue without any prior Linux experience. I’ve been very happy with it ever since. However, since over a year, I’ve been on uBlue. These are recommended over Fedora’s own images for a multitude of reasons; one of which being better on-boarding.
What distro did you use?
As previously mentioned; Fedora Silverblue. Back then, and even today, Fedora Atomic has been one of the most mature iterations. Other mature ‘immutable’ distros (i.e. Guix System and NixOS) require a lot more know-how by comparison.
What was your experience like?
I simply don’t see myself use traditional distros beyond special use cases. Literally all of my experiences with (semi-)rolling traditional distros[2] (that I have engaged with through dual booting) ended with an unbootable system. By contrast, besides my first week, I can’t recall the need to resort to Fedora Atomic’s built-in rollback functionality to combat a non-booting system. It’s just been such a pleasant experience.
- Besides those related to security.
- Which include the likes of Arch, EndeavourOS and Nobara.
