this post was submitted on 09 Aug 2023
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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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The out of date package problem you're running into is because Mint is based on the LTS version of Ubuntu. This means that it's set up for long term service and stability. All well and good if that's what you're after.
As to your problem, I'm not big on Endeavor - or any Arch based distro - for folks who are new to Linux. Unless you're willing to take the time to use Arch itself and set up your system, and learn how it all comes together, you're better off not using Arch. I know I'll get shouted down for this, but IMHO, all of the easy install Arch based distros are terrible for people new to linux.
If your biggest issue is that the software versions aren't as up to date as you'd like, then all you really need to do is switch to a non-LTS. I'd recommend Fedora. I use it myself, and it's easy to set up, works great out of the box, and is up to date. They come out with a new version twice a year, and upgrades run smoothly.
If you're really focused on a rolling release, though, I'd suggest looking at OpenSuse Tumbleweed. It's rolling, super stable, and has a fantastic community. Their Yast tools are famous and really impressive.
Alternately, take the time to install a proper Arch setup. You'll learn a ton, and find out that all that maintenance stuff you feel like you don't have time to do isn't that big a deal, really.
Fedora is ok, idk what it is but I have never had a good experience with Fedora. If you need to install anything outside of the default repos it can be a major pain and while yum is ancient and rock solid, it's replacement with dnf, is terrible and slow. OpenSuse is also rock solid but I didn't like the install experience and while yast is good, you're still limited by the repos. Also OpenSuse is getting rid of, I think it's called leap or something, which I think tumbleweed uses as a base. It's unfortunate but I think the best option for most new Linux users is simply the latest Ubuntu. I hate snaps as much as the next guy, but their packages are fairly up to date. Outside of that you have the niche distros like MX and Garuda, but even those are just Debian and Arch. The other option is LMDE by the Linux mint team but idk how often that's updated.
Tumbleweed is a snapshot of factory. Leap is based on SLES which is based on Tumbleweed. The next SLES release is likely to be immutable and there will be something like Leap but it could have a different name.
This is good information! I tried to give OpenSuse an honest try, and while I would recommend it over RHEL any day in enterprise environments, I just don't like it as a daily driver workstation.
@Defaced @s20 Fedora with Distrobox and Flatpak and there should be nothing missing.
I like about Fedora that it is very stable and comes with a recent GNOME. In times of distrobox and other container technologies – who cares for the repository?
What do you think flatpak and snaps are? They're at the very least containerized applications. Why would I install distrobox when I can literally install the same apps without having to screw around with installing a third party tool from a GitHub repo? That just seems like more trouble than it's worth. Not to mention you have to trust the GitHub author which really is no different than trusting the AUR package maintainer.
@Defaced Distrobox ist included in the Fedora repository. Have you ever used Fedora? Or are you just spreading your prejudices here?