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?
I’m upgrading my father-in-laws 2011 imac (Intel, amd GPU) to an ssd, 16GB ram, and planning on putting an immutable linux OS on it for him since he primarily uses the browser anyways.
Any recommendations for non-techy seniors/gotchas for installing it on a mac?
I was thinking fedora silverblue since GNOME should feel more familiar than KDE for him.
I really liked the interface of the desktop manager in Elementary OS. I think it used the Pantheon desktop.
I tried it and fell in love with it. Though I did run into a few problems while installing applications. But if you’re keeping it basic it shouldn’t be a problem.
I don’t think they make an immutable distro though.
You may want to look into Vanilla OS 2.0. I’m seriously considering it a my daily driver.
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.
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.
No, the device size doesnt matter at all.
Sounds you only saw Bazzite, which would be my recommendation if you want good Windows app compatibility.
I personally use the official Fedora Kinoite but it is a lot more barebones, and I change quite a bit.
I recommend to try Bazzite or Aurora, it just works. Poorly, because Fedora people make strange decisions, and also leave out too much, I cant recommend vanilla Kinoite for beginners.
I just made a post on how I setup Silverblue and I will do one on how I actually setup my main Kinoite.
That will be bigger, as I have a ton there.
I have my dotfiles, which contain configs, here on Github.
Also have a look at these posts
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
