Thoughts on listings like these selling flash drives with Ubuntu and other Linux distros pre-installed?
https://redd.it/1iw2zog
@r_linux
https://redd.it/1iw2zog
@r_linux
The Challenges and Opportunities in Distributing Flatpak Applications: Reflections on the Case of the Fedora Project.
Recent dramas involving some developers and the Fedora Project have raised important questions about application distribution, especially with regard to Flatpaks. Topics discussed include the importance of close collaboration between upstream and downstream, the security and control of Flatpak repositories, and the need for transparency and accountability in the maintenance of these repositories. However, one point that cannot go unnoticed is the democratization of these repositories, especially with regard to their creation and maintenance.
One of the suggestions made to the Fedora Project was to completely close its Flatpak repositories. While it is acknowledged that there are serious problems with these repositories, this measure seems extreme and anti-competitive. It goes against the spirit of Flatpak (unlike similar solutions), which seeks to facilitate the distribution of software universally, and also against the spirit of freedom within the scope of free and open source software (FOSS), which values the freedom to distribute and modify software.
# Packaging Problems Are Not New
First, it is important to highlight that problems related to software packaging are not new. No Flatpak repository is immune to technical, security, or management issues. If the solution were to simply close problematic repositories (something that, by the way, lacks clear legitimacy), we would probably have to close all existing repositories. Instead of adopting drastic measures, the community should focus on collaborative solutions. Users, developers, packagers, maintainers...can work together to resolve the main issues raised. While not all issues can be resolved immediately, maintaining an open and constructive dialogue is essential for the common good.
# The Importance of Open and Democratic Application Markets
Second, at a time when the economic sustainability of FOSS projects has dominated discussions, it is crucial to think about creating open and democratic application markets. These marketplaces would allow developers to offer their products and services, while users would have the freedom to choose from a variety of options. An open market ensures equal treatment for all operators, avoiding monopolies that harm both developers and end users.
The existence of a competitive and diversified market stimulates investment and innovation. Developers would have more incentive to create high-quality apps, knowing that they can reach a wide audience and be fairly compensated for their work. On the other hand, users would benefit from a wider variety of options, competitive prices, and the assurance that they are supporting a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.
# The Democratization of Flatpak Repositories
Democratizing Flatpak repositories is a fundamental step towards ensuring that software distribution remains aligned with FOSS principles. This means not only enabling more entities to create and maintain repositories, but also ensuring that these repositories are managed transparently and responsibly. The community must work together to establish quality and safety standards that can be adopted by everyone, without centralizing control in a few hands.
Additionally, it is important that there are tools and resources available so that new maintainers can enter the ecosystem without excessive barriers. This includes clear documentation, technical support, and possibly even crowdfunding or sponsorships for smaller projects that contribute to the diversity of the ecosystem.
# Conclusion
The case of the Fedora Project and its Flatpak repositories serves as a warning to the FOSS community. Instead of adopting extreme measures, such as closing repositories, we should seek solutions that strengthen collaboration and democratization. Creating open application marketplaces and promoting diverse and well-managed repositories are essential steps to ensuring a sustainable and fair future for free
Recent dramas involving some developers and the Fedora Project have raised important questions about application distribution, especially with regard to Flatpaks. Topics discussed include the importance of close collaboration between upstream and downstream, the security and control of Flatpak repositories, and the need for transparency and accountability in the maintenance of these repositories. However, one point that cannot go unnoticed is the democratization of these repositories, especially with regard to their creation and maintenance.
One of the suggestions made to the Fedora Project was to completely close its Flatpak repositories. While it is acknowledged that there are serious problems with these repositories, this measure seems extreme and anti-competitive. It goes against the spirit of Flatpak (unlike similar solutions), which seeks to facilitate the distribution of software universally, and also against the spirit of freedom within the scope of free and open source software (FOSS), which values the freedom to distribute and modify software.
# Packaging Problems Are Not New
First, it is important to highlight that problems related to software packaging are not new. No Flatpak repository is immune to technical, security, or management issues. If the solution were to simply close problematic repositories (something that, by the way, lacks clear legitimacy), we would probably have to close all existing repositories. Instead of adopting drastic measures, the community should focus on collaborative solutions. Users, developers, packagers, maintainers...can work together to resolve the main issues raised. While not all issues can be resolved immediately, maintaining an open and constructive dialogue is essential for the common good.
# The Importance of Open and Democratic Application Markets
Second, at a time when the economic sustainability of FOSS projects has dominated discussions, it is crucial to think about creating open and democratic application markets. These marketplaces would allow developers to offer their products and services, while users would have the freedom to choose from a variety of options. An open market ensures equal treatment for all operators, avoiding monopolies that harm both developers and end users.
The existence of a competitive and diversified market stimulates investment and innovation. Developers would have more incentive to create high-quality apps, knowing that they can reach a wide audience and be fairly compensated for their work. On the other hand, users would benefit from a wider variety of options, competitive prices, and the assurance that they are supporting a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.
# The Democratization of Flatpak Repositories
Democratizing Flatpak repositories is a fundamental step towards ensuring that software distribution remains aligned with FOSS principles. This means not only enabling more entities to create and maintain repositories, but also ensuring that these repositories are managed transparently and responsibly. The community must work together to establish quality and safety standards that can be adopted by everyone, without centralizing control in a few hands.
Additionally, it is important that there are tools and resources available so that new maintainers can enter the ecosystem without excessive barriers. This includes clear documentation, technical support, and possibly even crowdfunding or sponsorships for smaller projects that contribute to the diversity of the ecosystem.
# Conclusion
The case of the Fedora Project and its Flatpak repositories serves as a warning to the FOSS community. Instead of adopting extreme measures, such as closing repositories, we should seek solutions that strengthen collaboration and democratization. Creating open application marketplaces and promoting diverse and well-managed repositories are essential steps to ensuring a sustainable and fair future for free
Snapcraft
Snapcraft - Snaps are universal Linux packages
Snaps are containerised software packages that are simple to create and install. They auto-update and are safe to run. And because they bundle their dependencies, they work on all major Linux systems without modification.
software.
The freedom to distribute and modify software is one of the pillars of FOSS, and any measure that restricts this freedom must be carefully evaluated. The community has a responsibility to find a balance between security, quality, and openness, ensuring that the ecosystem continues to thrive for the benefit of all.
In conclusion, I would like to remind you that it is currently impossible to have competition in the application distribution ecosystem on smartphones, and the monopolies of Google and Apple have created other derived problems that harm both developers and users.
https://redd.it/1iw4a6j
@r_linux
The freedom to distribute and modify software is one of the pillars of FOSS, and any measure that restricts this freedom must be carefully evaluated. The community has a responsibility to find a balance between security, quality, and openness, ensuring that the ecosystem continues to thrive for the benefit of all.
In conclusion, I would like to remind you that it is currently impossible to have competition in the application distribution ecosystem on smartphones, and the monopolies of Google and Apple have created other derived problems that harm both developers and users.
https://redd.it/1iw4a6j
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit: The Challenges and Opportunities in Distributing Flatpak Applications: Reflections on the Case…
Explore this post and more from the linux community
Can one install Linux in bed and patch that?
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-02-21/silicon-valley-s-favorite-mattress-might-pose-privacy-risk
https://redd.it/1iwctjo
@r_linux
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-02-21/silicon-valley-s-favorite-mattress-might-pose-privacy-risk
https://redd.it/1iwctjo
@r_linux
Bloomberg.com
Silicon Valley’s Favorite Mattress Might Pose Privacy Risk
Welcome to Tech In Depth, our revamped daily newsletter with reporting and analysis about the business of tech from Bloomberg’s journalists around the world. Today, Ellen Huet wonders about the merits of an internet-connected, subnoscription-based bed system.
What distro for my 70yr old uncle to run One piece of software on his weedy miniPC?
Title is not a joke. Uncle has a trig key (mini PC) with 3.2 ghz processor and 16gb RAM, he only uses it to run something called REAPER which is music recording software.
When running on windows 11 the thing chuggs and laggs a lot
Soo ideally, would a light weight distro without all the gumpf windows 11 runs in the background solve this? Would still need to have a desktop cos, ya know, the guy is 72.
In my limited experience raspberry PI ps seems to fit? Being build for single board computers
https://redd.it/1iwf7ly
@r_linux
Title is not a joke. Uncle has a trig key (mini PC) with 3.2 ghz processor and 16gb RAM, he only uses it to run something called REAPER which is music recording software.
When running on windows 11 the thing chuggs and laggs a lot
Soo ideally, would a light weight distro without all the gumpf windows 11 runs in the background solve this? Would still need to have a desktop cos, ya know, the guy is 72.
In my limited experience raspberry PI ps seems to fit? Being build for single board computers
https://redd.it/1iwf7ly
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community
I want to switch to linux but the nvidia driver's is the pain in the ass
Hi, i want to learn linux but before switching to linux i am afraid that are there any fixes for drivers of old nvidia gpus i have a gt710 i have tried installing it before by using guides from here and there can someone help please. Thanks, i want to badly switch to linux windows is getting bullshit generation by generation
https://redd.it/1iwgmwa
@r_linux
Hi, i want to learn linux but before switching to linux i am afraid that are there any fixes for drivers of old nvidia gpus i have a gt710 i have tried installing it before by using guides from here and there can someone help please. Thanks, i want to badly switch to linux windows is getting bullshit generation by generation
https://redd.it/1iwgmwa
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community
I think I will stick with Arch now. I am sick of Distro hopping at my age.
I am not exactly new using Linux in general. I think it was early 90,s when my journey began but back then I was also running a garage and relied somewhat on AutoData for accounts and pricing jobs so I was forced to use MS at that point.
I will be honest since 2005 after i stooped working at the Garage I have done my fair share of Distro hopping, I think I have tried most distros and some were suitable and others were just not for me.
I have always maintained that there is no hard and fast rule to what distro you choose and why you like it or rather why it works for you.
In that case the distro that makes your life easy and is productive is always the one for you.
I thought Debian was my chosen one recently until I bought my new / used laptop
The Dell ( The one I am on now ) did not like Debian on UEFI but would work fine on legacy boot.I was a bit peed of with this and believe me I have tried numerous Bios settings to try and get this working.
This seems its a Dell thing where Debian grub does not speak to the firmware to boot correctly.
Hence ..Can not find boot device. Error.
Anyway I have reverted back to Arch as it is a simple install and simply works.
Installed perfect on this Dell with no issues.
I have installed the basic stuff I need to use and to be honest its running smooth as silk.
I have to admit I missed the up to date programmes available in Arch and the nice sleek KDE Plasma is ringing all my bells.
I am like a kid in a sweet shop again at my old age.
In the past I have broke arch by trying to do sh1t that simply breaks things and should not be done.
Yep I admit its my fault why I use to say arch can break.
I should of said I can break arch.
I am fairly educated on how it works, not a guru like some but I know my way around and what to do and what not to do.
I am hoping to stay with Arch now and just use it sensible for what it is intended for.
Thanks everyone for bits of advice along the way.
What put me off Arch was the RTFM and I use Arch by the way crowd.
It just spoiled it all for me reading how toxic they turn when a new user asks for help instead of simply helping and passing on a little knowledge to help them on the Journey with Arch.
Now I dismiss all that crap....Its only another distro. No more and no less.
But it is a good distro.
Cheers
https://preview.redd.it/4h9l5ud7kxke1.jpg?width=817&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20c353fef3bbfdabd1bebf9278b28e90427a1684
https://redd.it/1iwghx3
@r_linux
I am not exactly new using Linux in general. I think it was early 90,s when my journey began but back then I was also running a garage and relied somewhat on AutoData for accounts and pricing jobs so I was forced to use MS at that point.
I will be honest since 2005 after i stooped working at the Garage I have done my fair share of Distro hopping, I think I have tried most distros and some were suitable and others were just not for me.
I have always maintained that there is no hard and fast rule to what distro you choose and why you like it or rather why it works for you.
In that case the distro that makes your life easy and is productive is always the one for you.
I thought Debian was my chosen one recently until I bought my new / used laptop
The Dell ( The one I am on now ) did not like Debian on UEFI but would work fine on legacy boot.I was a bit peed of with this and believe me I have tried numerous Bios settings to try and get this working.
This seems its a Dell thing where Debian grub does not speak to the firmware to boot correctly.
Hence ..Can not find boot device. Error.
Anyway I have reverted back to Arch as it is a simple install and simply works.
Installed perfect on this Dell with no issues.
I have installed the basic stuff I need to use and to be honest its running smooth as silk.
I have to admit I missed the up to date programmes available in Arch and the nice sleek KDE Plasma is ringing all my bells.
I am like a kid in a sweet shop again at my old age.
In the past I have broke arch by trying to do sh1t that simply breaks things and should not be done.
Yep I admit its my fault why I use to say arch can break.
I should of said I can break arch.
I am fairly educated on how it works, not a guru like some but I know my way around and what to do and what not to do.
I am hoping to stay with Arch now and just use it sensible for what it is intended for.
Thanks everyone for bits of advice along the way.
What put me off Arch was the RTFM and I use Arch by the way crowd.
It just spoiled it all for me reading how toxic they turn when a new user asks for help instead of simply helping and passing on a little knowledge to help them on the Journey with Arch.
Now I dismiss all that crap....Its only another distro. No more and no less.
But it is a good distro.
Cheers
https://preview.redd.it/4h9l5ud7kxke1.jpg?width=817&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20c353fef3bbfdabd1bebf9278b28e90427a1684
https://redd.it/1iwghx3
@r_linux
I Dual Boot for School
I swapped to Linux fully a couple weeks ago. I didn't play anything that required kernal level anti-cheat except occasionally Rust. I mostly play other games. I have to swap back to Windows when I take my online proctored exams and online certifications(CompTIA, Windows, etc). They require some hefty permissions that Linux won't grant. Until I'm out of school, I'll have to keep Windows alive. With how far Linux has come, I don't see a reason to keep Windows around anymore. I've always used open source because I'm too cheap anyway.
https://redd.it/1iwjlih
@r_linux
I swapped to Linux fully a couple weeks ago. I didn't play anything that required kernal level anti-cheat except occasionally Rust. I mostly play other games. I have to swap back to Windows when I take my online proctored exams and online certifications(CompTIA, Windows, etc). They require some hefty permissions that Linux won't grant. Until I'm out of school, I'll have to keep Windows alive. With how far Linux has come, I don't see a reason to keep Windows around anymore. I've always used open source because I'm too cheap anyway.
https://redd.it/1iwjlih
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community
Budget Friendly Gaming Laptop
Hi all! I’m looking to buy a budget friendly gaming laptop for my husband for his birthday. He uses Linux on all his devices but I’m not super familiar with it yet. My only experience so far has been my steam deck & he has stated he doesn’t want one at this time. However, his laptop is ancient & we’d still like the portability of gaming when going on vacation.
I’m looking for recommendations for laptops he can put Linux on & that can run FFXIV (his favorite game we currently play). He doesn’t really play anything more intensive so I don’t think the hardware specifications need to be too crazy. I’m looking to spend under 1000 & if possible somewhere between 400-600.
https://redd.it/1iwkfdc
@r_linux
Hi all! I’m looking to buy a budget friendly gaming laptop for my husband for his birthday. He uses Linux on all his devices but I’m not super familiar with it yet. My only experience so far has been my steam deck & he has stated he doesn’t want one at this time. However, his laptop is ancient & we’d still like the portability of gaming when going on vacation.
I’m looking for recommendations for laptops he can put Linux on & that can run FFXIV (his favorite game we currently play). He doesn’t really play anything more intensive so I don’t think the hardware specifications need to be too crazy. I’m looking to spend under 1000 & if possible somewhere between 400-600.
https://redd.it/1iwkfdc
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community
9 Most Stable Linux "Rolling Release" Distributions
https://linuxblog.io/linux-rolling-release-distros/
https://redd.it/1iwluru
@r_linux
https://linuxblog.io/linux-rolling-release-distros/
https://redd.it/1iwluru
@r_linux
LinuxBlog.io
12 Most Stable Linux "Rolling Release" Distributions
Choosing a rolling release Linux distribution means you get the latest software without having to reinstall the OS. But not all Linux rolling releases are
Gentoo Linux Announces Official QCOW2 Images For Cloud VMs
https://www.gentoo.org/news/2025/02/20/gentoo-qcow2-images.html
https://redd.it/1iwlu1c
@r_linux
https://www.gentoo.org/news/2025/02/20/gentoo-qcow2-images.html
https://redd.it/1iwlu1c
@r_linux
www.gentoo.org
Bootable Gentoo QCOW2 disk images - ready for the cloud! – Gentoo Linux
News and information from Gentoo Linux
Resources for learning to use OpenSUSE as a user of mainly Debian-based distros
Hi all,
I'm interested in trying OpenSUSE because I've heard a lot of good things about it. I'm starting on Leap because I value stability over having the latest-and-greatest stuff. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on resources or documentations geared at learning the basics of OpenSUSE use and administration, apart from the official docs on their website.
Specifically, I've pretty much always used Debian or other Debian-based distros (Ubuntu, Mint, etc) and while I know tools like apt like the back of my hand, I'm totally lost when it comes to using an RPM-based distro. The last one I used regularly was Red Hat Linux 7 (not RHEL) as a teenager.
Has anyone put together a document outlining what the equivalent commands are to administer an OpenSUSE system compared to Debian?
Thanks in advance for any help.
https://redd.it/1iwo1h0
@r_linux
Hi all,
I'm interested in trying OpenSUSE because I've heard a lot of good things about it. I'm starting on Leap because I value stability over having the latest-and-greatest stuff. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on resources or documentations geared at learning the basics of OpenSUSE use and administration, apart from the official docs on their website.
Specifically, I've pretty much always used Debian or other Debian-based distros (Ubuntu, Mint, etc) and while I know tools like apt like the back of my hand, I'm totally lost when it comes to using an RPM-based distro. The last one I used regularly was Red Hat Linux 7 (not RHEL) as a teenager.
Has anyone put together a document outlining what the equivalent commands are to administer an OpenSUSE system compared to Debian?
Thanks in advance for any help.
https://redd.it/1iwo1h0
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community
First announced here, my Open-Source "Internet OS" Just Hit 2,000,000 user!
https://github.com/HeyPuter/puter/
https://redd.it/1iwpyem
@r_linux
https://github.com/HeyPuter/puter/
https://redd.it/1iwpyem
@r_linux
GitHub
GitHub - HeyPuter/puter: 🌐 The Internet Computer! Free, Open-Source, and Self-Hostable.
🌐 The Internet Computer! Free, Open-Source, and Self-Hostable. - HeyPuter/puter
Southern California Linux Expo
Just a reminder that the Southern California Linux Expo (SCaLE) is in less than 2 weeks in Pasadena.
There’s also lots of colocated events for devops days, cloud native days, and more.
It’s a completely community run event and reasonable ticket prices.
I’m a long time attendee and now part of the planning committee. AMA
https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/22x
https://redd.it/1iwo7lp
@r_linux
Just a reminder that the Southern California Linux Expo (SCaLE) is in less than 2 weeks in Pasadena.
There’s also lots of colocated events for devops days, cloud native days, and more.
It’s a completely community run event and reasonable ticket prices.
I’m a long time attendee and now part of the planning committee. AMA
https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/22x
https://redd.it/1iwo7lp
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community
Windows 8's Metro UI for Linux?
Is there a way to make my OS look like Windows 8? I mean, the fullscreen Start menu with tiles, Metro-like theme for Qt, etc.
I googled but found nothing...
Now I'm using openSUSE Leap 15.6 with KDE
https://redd.it/1iwtc92
@r_linux
Is there a way to make my OS look like Windows 8? I mean, the fullscreen Start menu with tiles, Metro-like theme for Qt, etc.
I googled but found nothing...
Now I'm using openSUSE Leap 15.6 with KDE
https://redd.it/1iwtc92
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community
AI as a guide
This may be controversial but AI is a good guide.
Everyone hates on AI when it comes to installation and configuration of your system. I think it is absolutely incredible and i will die on this hill. Now, don’t copy+paste every command it gives you because it will break something. Instead if you know what you are doing, ask the AI about your situation and what you want to do, with further research and proper knowledge this is the most effective way to find what you need. Forget the forum post from 2009, forget the guides and forum posts where it’s generic or even worse, not for your system. Ask AI, rtfm and understand what the commands/code you execute/write do.
DISCLAIMER: Don’t blindly follow AI and don’t take me for an expert. Do your research.
https://redd.it/1iwzgbp
@r_linux
This may be controversial but AI is a good guide.
Everyone hates on AI when it comes to installation and configuration of your system. I think it is absolutely incredible and i will die on this hill. Now, don’t copy+paste every command it gives you because it will break something. Instead if you know what you are doing, ask the AI about your situation and what you want to do, with further research and proper knowledge this is the most effective way to find what you need. Forget the forum post from 2009, forget the guides and forum posts where it’s generic or even worse, not for your system. Ask AI, rtfm and understand what the commands/code you execute/write do.
DISCLAIMER: Don’t blindly follow AI and don’t take me for an expert. Do your research.
https://redd.it/1iwzgbp
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community
Soar – Distro Agnostic Package Manager, HomeBrew (LinuxBrew) Done Right
https://github.com/pkgforge/soar
https://redd.it/1ix0tzs
@r_linux
https://github.com/pkgforge/soar
https://redd.it/1ix0tzs
@r_linux
GitHub
GitHub - pkgforge/soar: A fast, modern package manager for Static Binaries, Portable Formats (AppImage|AppBundle|FlatImage|Runimage)…
A fast, modern package manager for Static Binaries, Portable Formats (AppImage|AppBundle|FlatImage|Runimage) & More [maintainer=@QaidVoid] - pkgforge/soar
Linux's libinput Input Library Finally Supports 3-Finger Dragging
https://www.phoronix.com/news/libinput-3-Finger-Dragging
https://redd.it/1ix1tuz
@r_linux
https://www.phoronix.com/news/libinput-3-Finger-Dragging
https://redd.it/1ix1tuz
@r_linux
Phoronix
Linux's libinput Input Library Finally Supports 3-Finger Dragging
Libinput as the open-source input handling library used by the modern Linux desktop both by Wayland compositors and the X.Org Server now has support for three-finger dragging.
Video streaming software?
Hello all - I don't know if this is out of scope for this sub, but I have a somewhat unique problem to solve. I have a closed environment that currently uses multicast to push video stream feeds to computers within the closed environment. I've been working on a project to get the video out of that network for sharing to a remote site but it has had its own set of challenges.
What I'm trying to find now is if there is a server software that will allow me to ingest the existing multicast streams, then provide a webpage/GUI where an external party can log in and view the streams individually (or, ideally, in some form of multiviewer) rather than trying to force the video stream itself out of the network. If anyone knows a software like this that would work, I'd greatly appreciate the information! Also, I need a software that can run on a virtual machine, as we don't have the space to allow for new hardware. Thank you so much to anyone that can help! (Crossposting as well)
https://redd.it/1ix7m4f
@r_linux
Hello all - I don't know if this is out of scope for this sub, but I have a somewhat unique problem to solve. I have a closed environment that currently uses multicast to push video stream feeds to computers within the closed environment. I've been working on a project to get the video out of that network for sharing to a remote site but it has had its own set of challenges.
What I'm trying to find now is if there is a server software that will allow me to ingest the existing multicast streams, then provide a webpage/GUI where an external party can log in and view the streams individually (or, ideally, in some form of multiviewer) rather than trying to force the video stream itself out of the network. If anyone knows a software like this that would work, I'd greatly appreciate the information! Also, I need a software that can run on a virtual machine, as we don't have the space to allow for new hardware. Thank you so much to anyone that can help! (Crossposting as well)
https://redd.it/1ix7m4f
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the linux community