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Ask HN: Where can I find a detailed comparison of Linux distros?

2 points by 0xff00ffee 7y ago

0xff00ffee 7y ago
Try Googling for comparisons between Linux distros (e.g., Debian vs. Ubuntu) and you get dozens of hits that are about 200 words and talk about the GUI and package installer. I want to know more than just the topical issues. I know that some distros compile with different networking #defines, others have different service control, and important low-level stuff... But it seems there isn't a deep-dive out there, just lots and lots of chaff.
- Chaekyung 7y ago
  It sounds like you have quite the wish list in mind. Feel free to make a list of what's missing from https://linuxreviews.org/Debian https://linuxreviews.org/Debian I'm not sure how much detail most people want, but know I need a better checklist for what should and should not be included in a distribution review.
  - 0xff00ffee 7y ago
    Hey thanks for the link! I always run headless so I guess I'm interested in knowing the "top 10 most relevant differences" that don't include the GUI, but that just caters to me, I guess. Obviously if a group of users feel passionately enough to create a new distro, they do it for damn good reasons, I'd like to put those reasons side-by-side. Maybe all these years I've been using the wrong distro?! Over the past ~24 years of using Linux, I've moved from RedHat in the late 90's to SuSE to Ubuntu, but just because that's what was easiest. It only seemed like the package managers changed from my POV, so I guess there is no difference for my needs if that's the case. Anyway, thanks for the link.
  - 0xff00ffee 7y ago
    Ok this link is kinda "ick": the first page is a waifu anime and softcore lesbian graphic. WTF is this shit?
    - Chaekyung 7y ago
      Thank you for your feedback. I removed the problematic anime graphics from that page.
chunkles 7y ago
Distrowatch has a good summary of most distributions. I don't believe you can do side by side, but of you want to click through various distros it might be a good resource. https://distrowatch.com/ https://distrowatch.com/
- russianator 7y ago
  Another vote for distowatch. I go there from time to time when I get bored of Ubuntu :)
- aSplash0fDerp 7y ago
  I second distrowatch. Add the site to your favorite rss reader and you'll be notified of all new distro releases and updates.
- jolmg 7y ago
  Is a total count of distros given anywhere in distrowatch? I tried using search with no filters, but in the returned list, I couldn't find DamnSmallLinux, so I guess it wasn't complete.

2 points by 0xff00ffee 7y ago

Try Googling for comparisons between Linux distros (e.g., Debian vs. Ubuntu) and you get dozens of hits that are about 200 words and talk about the GUI and package installer. I want to know more than just the topical issues. I know that some distros compile with different networking #defines, others have different service control, and important low-level stuff... But it seems there isn't a deep-dive out there, just lots and lots of chaff.

Chaekyung 7y ago
It sounds like you have quite the wish list in mind. Feel free to make a list of what's missing from https://linuxreviews.org/Debian https://linuxreviews.org/Debian I'm not sure how much detail most people want, but know I need a better checklist for what should and should not be included in a distribution review.
- 0xff00ffee 7y ago
  Hey thanks for the link! I always run headless so I guess I'm interested in knowing the "top 10 most relevant differences" that don't include the GUI, but that just caters to me, I guess. Obviously if a group of users feel passionately enough to create a new distro, they do it for damn good reasons, I'd like to put those reasons side-by-side. Maybe all these years I've been using the wrong distro?! Over the past ~24 years of using Linux, I've moved from RedHat in the late 90's to SuSE to Ubuntu, but just because that's what was easiest. It only seemed like the package managers changed from my POV, so I guess there is no difference for my needs if that's the case. Anyway, thanks for the link.
- 0xff00ffee 7y ago
  Ok this link is kinda "ick": the first page is a waifu anime and softcore lesbian graphic. WTF is this shit?
  - Chaekyung 7y ago
    Thank you for your feedback. I removed the problematic anime graphics from that page.

chunkles 7y ago

Distrowatch has a good summary of most distributions. I don't believe you can do side by side, but of you want to click through various distros it might be a good resource. https://distrowatch.com/ https://distrowatch.com/

russianator 7y ago
Another vote for distowatch. I go there from time to time when I get bored of Ubuntu :)
aSplash0fDerp 7y ago
I second distrowatch. Add the site to your favorite rss reader and you'll be notified of all new distro releases and updates.
jolmg 7y ago
Is a total count of distros given anywhere in distrowatch? I tried using search with no filters, but in the returned list, I couldn't find DamnSmallLinux, so I guess it wasn't complete.