What to try in a linux distro ?
What to try in a linux distro ?
Beside DE and terminal commands , is there anything else I should try in a linux distro ?
It sounds as you want to evaluate different Linux Distributions.
DE/GUI is a good one, terminal commands is a bit useless since the vast majority of Linux systems use Bash as default.
This is what I would look into on a new distro:
UI - What DE or WM is it using, what is the default config like, and try to learn from that. How is the terminal prompt configured (the default Ubuntu and Debian prompts are terrible, I allways change them)
Package Manager - how does it work, what software is available?
Unique software - Does the distribution include some tools, applications or games I haven't heard about? If so, what do they do, and how do they work.
This gives me a feel for the distribution and how to use it.
I disagree that the UI/DE/WM is a good way to evaluate a distro. One could make any distro look and feel like any other.
In my opinion one should look primarily at three factors:
- Package manager
- Release type
- Stability
From there just choose either Debian or Arch and install the UI you want with the DE/WM
Also check hardware support.
You are technically correct (I know) but I would argue that distros that come with a certain DE usually have their experience built into it. Sure you can install gnome in kde neon but don’t expect anything to work, if it does it’s mostly by accident.
This is true for distros that cater to “simple” users that want to install and be productive of course, not for those like Debian or arch which cater to users who want to build their own experience.
I'd say it depends if you are a technical user or not.
Please notice that I spoke about the configuration of the DE/VM, I have learned a lot about DE/VM confug from looking at different distros
If you've no prior experience with Linux, I'd say just try using it. For the average computer user, the overall experience will be very similar to Windows or Mac.
Go easy on yourself, and don't try to do/learn everything all at once. Just use the system like you would any other. Once you're comfortable with the overall experience, you can then tackle more complex stuff if/when you feel the need.
Edit: Just wanted to add that Fedora, Linux Mint, and Ubuntu are all solid choices for beginners.
Try in what way?
First and foremost, that my hardware peripherals work with it (wifi card, camera, bt stuff if you have it...) - if not (and hope you don't nor would be frustrated by it happens), that there's a way to make it work
As in part of a review process?
Things like:
- Software update process
- Installing software which isn't in a repository
- Seeing how the community is for support ?
things that differ between distros, because everyone thinks they can do it better than others: multimedia and sound, firewall config, service management, different init systems, switching default when multiple packages provide the same feature and are installed in parallel, config file migration during updates, making and installing your own custom kernel, selection of free games available.
So pretty much everything. That's the beauty and the plight of Linux, because there are so many variations of pretty much everything.
It depends on your goals with linux.
If your goals are on devops, you may find a good idea learn about docker, ansible and other tools to make your life easier. If you're a home user, maybe it's a good idea try flatpaks, for example. And there is much more, but you need to define your goals.
“If you don't know where you want to go, then it doesn't matter which path you take.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in WonderlandI just tried them to see if they worked, but I'm a casual.