Distrohopping is something Linux users do when they can’t settle on one Linux distro, or distribution, and constantly switch back and forth between them.
What is a Linux distro? Well, if you like computers, software, and the like, you’ve probably heard of Linux distros without realizing it. You know them by names like Ubuntu, Fedora, Red Hat, Arch, Slackware, and so on. They’re based on Linux, which is itself based on Minix from back in the 1990s.
These are alternative operating systems to Microsoft Windows is what I’m saying. They can do everything Windows can do, but without all of the spyware and corporate manhandling of your data, but that’s something I’ll get into down the road, as I’m an avid Linux user who is very privacy conscious.
Anyway, for me, I think the distrohopping is spurred by conflict between two favorite distros.
I’m always stuck between Kubuntu and Fedora KDE. I consider them both well made, community focused, and very flexible for just about any use.
I keep switching back and forth because I *LOVE* Debian based distros. Why? My first distro was a Debian based distro, and I got to know it and love it. But also, I love up to date systems with the latest drivers and software, and KDE is my preferred DE. Where does that leave me?
Fedora, then Kubuntu, then Fedora, then Kubuntu again.
Fedora will drive me away with codecs and I’m just not a fan of DNF.
Kubuntu will drive me back because of Snap and its older packages.
I don’t think I’ll ever resolve it.
My fellow Linux nerds will understand, and likely have a similar story on their own Linux journey, because there are so many possibilities, from the easiest to use distros (Linux Mint, Ubuntu), to the more difficult, expert user distros (Arch, Gentoo, Linux From Scratch).
I do love Linux, though, because it represents freedom from corporate control, freedom from being told to choose between bad options that don’t benefit the user. That, too, is something I’ll get into down the road.
Ah well, I just wanted to vent that one for now. So until next time,
.Red
