The Linux ecosystem is vast and diverse, offering a multitude of distributions to suit every need and preference. With hundreds of distros to choose from, it’s a pity that most are rarely mentioned while the popular ones are constantly being regurgitated.

This thread aims to celebrate this diversity and shine a light on smaller projects with passionate developers. I invite you to pitch your favorite underappreciated distro and share your experiences with those lesser-known Linux distributions that deserve more attention.

While there are no strict rules or banlists, I encourage you to focus on truly niche or exotic distributions rather than the more commonly discussed ones. Consider touching upon what makes your chosen distro unique:

  • What features or philosophies set it apart?
  • Why do you favor it over other distros, including the popular ones? (Beyond “It just works.”)
  • In what situations would you recommend it to others?

Whether it’s a specialized distro for a particular use case or a general-purpose OS with a unique twist, let’s explore the road less traveled in the Linux landscape. Your insights could introduce fellow enthusiasts to their next favorite distribution!

  • uthrediiEnglish
    92·
    4 months ago

    NixOS:

    • Largest and most up to date package repository (no need for flatpack/appimage/snap ect)
    • Reproducible
    • Declarative
    • Rollbacks you can select at boot time
    • No dependency conflicts

    I think it will easily be the number 1 distro if/when they can :

    • the steep learning curve (e.g. have a gui installer EDIT: As in a GUI software centre)
    • documentation
    • have more tools use nixos and have nixos in mind (e.g. there are a couple of tools that didn’t work for me because of specific C libraries not beeing present/configured on nixos that are present on other distros. some libraries implicitly expect these to be present).
    • Telorand@reddthat.com
      5·
      4 months ago

      I really like how configurable NixOS is, but that learning curve is immense when you need to install something unique that doesn’t already have a package or flake.

    • Malgas@beehaw.orgEnglish
      4·
      4 months ago

      e.g. have a gui installer

      I assume you mean a GUI for editing configuration.nix? Because the initial NixOS install is GUI-based.

      • uthrediiEnglish
        4·
        4 months ago

        yep, I mean a GUI based software centre

    • FizzyOrange
      3·
      4 months ago

      no need for flatpack/appimage/snap ect

      No matter how large their repo is you’re always going to find some software they haven’t packaged. Trying to convince the entire world to use your repo isn’t scalable.

      • uthredii
        2·
        4 months ago

        Yeah I agree, I am sure they are missing some obscure stuff. But in practise it has everything that I use and there has been no need for me to touch flatpak/appimage/snap