My Journey with Linux Distributions: From Debian to MX Linux

As a seasoned Linux administrator, my relationship with various distributions has spanned over two decades. In this article, I'll share my personal experience and the distributions I've used the most throughout my journey. From the early days of Debian to recent transitions to MX Linux, I'll outline the reasons behind my preferences and the challenges I've faced along the way.

My Desktop and Server Experiences

My primary experience with Linux was primarily on servers and then shifted to a desktop environment.I began with Debian on servers, followed by Ubuntu for desktop usage. I've used CentOS, Linux Mint, and AlmaLinux for both scenarios, though not in consistent order. For servers, I've found a mix of these distributions to be effective CentOS and Ubuntu have held a place due to their reliability and widespread adoption. However, I've spent a significant amount of time on CentOS as it was the default choice for our sites. Around the end of CentOS 7's life, I transitioned to AlmaLinux, a community-supported alternative, to ensure continued support for my infrastructure needs.

For desktops, my initial choice was Debian, but it didn't click immediately. After a few years, I tried Linux Mint and found it to be a pleasant surprise. However, the need for more robust software and features eventually drew me back to Debian, which I've now been using for over 25 years. My preferences in desktop distributions reflect this experience, with the Debian-based MX Linux now emerging as a go-to alternative.

Debian: My Long-term Choice

My journey with Debian began around 1997 or 1998, when I was exploring Linux for the first time. Back then, I tried several distributions like Walnut Creek CD sets, Slackware, and Red Hat. However, it was Debian 1.3.1 that finally gave me a stable and functional environment. The release of ldquo;aptrdquo; greatly enhanced my experience by overcoming the dependency issues faced in early distributions. Debian quickly became my primary choice due to its consistency, extensive package repository, and the support of the community.

Since then, I've remained steadfast with Debian, even though it's not the most popular choice. My desktop is running the Debian-based MX Linux, and I find it to be more user-friendly and feature-rich compared to older Debian versions. I rarely venture into Windows territory, except for a brief period when I owned a Windows Vista laptop. Currently, I have a Windows 7 partition on my machine, mainly for legacy application support, but I plan to phase it out over time.

Exploring New Horizons: FreeBSD and Debian

In recent years, I've expanded my knowledge to other Unix-like operating systems like FreeBSD, which has parallels with Linux but distinct differences. While FreeBSD is not a Linux distribution, it shares the same goal of providing a reliable and efficient system. Unfortunately, the software landscape on FreeBSD is not as up-to-date as Debian, which can be a drawback. However, running Debianldquo;Sidrdquo; as my desktop has allowed me to stay on the bleeding edge of software updates, with a decade of continuous usage.

My plans for the future include setting up two new Linux boxes one as a server for my home email cloud environment and another as a desktop with virtual machines and containers. Both are expected to run Debian due to its flexibility and extensive software availability in the repository. I may also explore Windows in a VM for experimental purposes, but the preference remains firmly on Debian.

The Challenges with Snap Applications in Ubuntu

One of the challenges I've faced is the extensive use of Snap applications in Ubuntu. Ubuntu's push towards Snap has led to limited functionality in many applications and an increasing number of mount points, which can create issues with updates. While I can remove Snaps using available documentation, I prefer not to do so to avoid potential complications in the future. This has pushed me to explore MX Linux, which offers a more traditional installation process free from these issues.

Conclusion

My journey with Linux distributions has been marked by a preference for Debian, driven by its stability, extensive package repository, and the strength of its community. Over the years, I've experimented with other distributions, but my core work and personal use have consistently gravitated back to Debian. Whether it's running on my desktop or serving as a foundation for servers, Debian has proven to be an invaluable choice. As I continue to explore new technologies, I look forward to staying with Debian, ensuring that my setup remains both robust and up-to-date.