A rant about Ubuntu PRO.

I recently get to know about Ubuntu pro situation recently, And how do I put it… It disappointed me. There is no mention of only packages from main/restricted will get security updates from Ubuntu team/community 1. There are many packages in the universe/multiverse repo that are particularly abandoned, like VLC just months after LTS release 2. While there debian counterparts are getting security updates. Ubuntu pro users get security updates through ESM channel, normal users are left vulnerable. Even some packages take like years to be patched by community (e.g., recently published USA about alpine package) 3. I get it, Ubuntu has to make the money and I support the idea of PRO of giving business and organization that don't want to upgrade their system often. I don't mind donating Ubuntu on a regular basis, but to ask to subscribe to pro or even register for Ubuntu one when even the next non-LTS version is released is absurd. Yeah, I know PRO is free for personal use (for now), but how it is different from Microsoft pushing for accounts during Windows installations? Did Ubuntu forget what its name means? “Humanity towards others”.

How about supporting extended period after the next release of LTS, and security updates during LTS to LTS cycle on Ubuntu. Think of this way, Canonical have already fixed the issue for the pro user, it will cost canonical practically nothing.

1https://ubuntu.com/desktop

2 https://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2024-46461

3 https://ubuntu.com/security/notices/USN-7360-1

https://redd.it/1jw0ldi
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What is the current state of linux on Apple silicon?

I was wondering if anyone has experience with running linux on apple silicone as their primary daily driver. Specifically debian running on m1pro.

Background:

I regrettably bought m1pro some time ago. I do not like macos at all. I prefer running linux and gnome desktop. My current hp laptop is close to 10 years old and eventually it might stop working. If I did not have the m1pro, I would have bought a new laptop, but since I already have it, I am wondering if I can use linux on m1 as my daily driver.

Yes I am aware that there is asahi linux. I want to be able to do actually work without having to be tinkering with it all the time. Is it doable in the current state of things? What are the limitation in its current state?



https://redd.it/1jw4v91
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Why does no major distro try to update their faulty Wi-Fi firmware?

Our story starts from this repository of CodeLinaro: https://git.codelinaro.org/clo/ath-firmware/ath10k-firmware/-/tree/main

If you look at it properly, it's the open-source code for the firmware of Qualcomm Atheros. Yes, this is the place from where a lot of faulty supplicant errors arrive. Ok?

Now, QCA9377 was updated at least 5 years ago. However, every major distro bears the same error. I personally had WPA-supplicant errors for a long time, and I had to resolve them by copying the files of QCA9377 from the repo to my system.

It could've been a lot easier had the Ubuntu and Fedora devs simply updated their Wi-Fi firmware files regularly.



https://redd.it/1jw6ve7
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Finally!
https://redd.it/1jw909b
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It's surprising to hear that Linus Torvalds doesn't have an elitist attitude to Linux

A Linux elitist is someone who holds a superior attitude towards Linux users. This attitude can manifest as a dismissive or condescending behavior towards new or less experienced users or even experienced users who likes to use GUIs or simpler distros like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and preferring CLIs and more technically demanding setups that requires you to compile all programs from source.

As far as I can tell, Linus Torvalds isn't an elitist and Linux elitists would probably not like him too, since he admits to not using Debian, Arch, or Gentoo because he prefers distributions that are easier to install and configure. In an interview, he mentioned that he doesn't like Linux distros that are hard to install and configure, as he wants a distro that just works out of the box so he can move on with his life and focus on kernel development. He has stated that he never installs "hard" distros like Debian, Arch or Gentoo, which is known for its requirement to compile all programs from source. Torvalds prefers Fedora, which he uses on most of his computers, as it has been fairly good for supporting PowerPC and keeps things easy to install and reasonably up-to-date. He also appreciates Ubuntu for making Debian more user-friendly.

This makes me feel better about myself. I've been a Linux user since 2012, and I don't know how to compile programs from source and I prefer GUI over Terminal for much of my day to day life. Just like Linus, I just want a Linux distro that works out of the box and gives me no headaches to set up.

https://redd.it/1jwfulq
@r_linux

Sorry guys

I'm switching back to windows. The reason behind this treasonous decision is simple. I'm fucking dumb. I have had too many issues that I'm just completely incapable of fixing because I don't know how to run any of the necessary commands properly. It took me a full day to pair an Xbox controller to my device, and I could still never get it to function correctly. I'm sorry guys, but I am just not computer savy enough to be here.

https://redd.it/1jwgr9r
@r_linux

There will always be a way
https://redd.it/1jwh7fw
@r_linux

I plan to buy this tablet. What would you put in this hardware?
https://redd.it/1jwh1xk
@r_linux

using a mini-pc as small home-server (using Tailscale, etc.)
https://snikt.net/blog/2025/04/09/homeserver-services-pt.-1/

https://redd.it/1jwlpb2
@r_linux

How do blind/visually impaired users depend on the VT subsystem?

One thing I read occasionally is that the kernel mode VT subsystem is needed for blind users. However I do not know the details about these setups.

I've heard of brltty devices, but as I look into those devices, it looks like they present themselves as different character devices that probably a serial-getty starts on. Am I wrong?

Is it some Text To Speech thing? If it is, I would think in theory it could be pointed to a /dev/pts/n device, right? Unless I am wrong, and it is something that times into vgacon/fbcon directly that I don't know of.

What common setup depends on the VT subsystem directly that is not possible in userspace?

https://redd.it/1jwrv9p
@r_linux

openSUSE now has an official Revolt server.
https://rvlt.gg/be7fbA2E

https://redd.it/1jwtbhm
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My mother crafted an amigurumi puppet of Tux
https://redd.it/1jwu1fc
@r_linux

Good apps for drawing on a tablet?

I pre-ordered a Framework Laptop 12 and plan to mostly use the tablet mode for drawing. I'm new to digital drawing overall, and especially for Linux. What are some good apps to use? Ideally something to grab with pacman on Arch, but any recommendations are welcome!

https://redd.it/1jwvxx5
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Fedora change aims for 99% package reproducibility
https://lwn.net/Articles/1014979/

https://redd.it/1jwy46e
@r_linux

Use zram for Linux desktops - hear me out

I was shocked too when I first looked into it. zram creates a compressed block device in RAM for swap. It sounds weird, but in practice, it’s faster than writing to disk — even SSDs.

For desktops/laptops with 4–16GB RAM, enabling zram reduces I/O thrash under load and makes browser + IDE multitasking feel way smoother.
Quick setup (Debian/Ubuntu):

bashCopyEditsudo apt install zram-tools


This will auto-config based on RAM size. Performance gain is immediate. I run it on every install now.

https://redd.it/1jwze96
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Toward a Unified Linux: The Case for Consolidation and Standardization

Introduction

Since its inception in 1991, Linux has evolved into one of the most powerful and versatile operating systems in the world. Its open-source nature has empowered developers across the globe to contribute, fork, improve, and innovate. Yet, despite its strengths, Linux has never reached the same level of desktop adoption or perceived stability as macOS or Windows. A critical factor in this shortfall is the fragmented nature of the Linux ecosystem. With hundreds of distributions and variations of software stacks, the Linux community has inadvertently undermined the possibility of a singular, standardized platform.

This paper explores how the decentralization of development in Linux has hindered its potential and how the adoption of a unified Linux distribution with standardized frameworks could lead to a revolutionary shift in computing. From software development and system stability to multimedia performance and mainstream adoption, the benefits of such unification are far-reaching.

Fragmentation: The Achilles' Heel of Linux

One of Linux's greatest strengths—freedom of choice—is also its greatest weakness. While diversity fosters innovation, it often results in duplicated efforts, inconsistent user experiences, and incompatibilities. Unlike macOS and Windows, which maintain strict control over their ecosystems, Linux is a collection of projects loosely bound by a kernel.

Each distribution (distro) comes with its own package management systems, desktop environments, file hierarchies, init systems, and philosophies. As a result, developers must choose which distros to support, often at the cost of others. End-users face an overwhelming number of choices, and the lack of standardization makes support and troubleshooting difficult, especially for non-technical users.

The Case for a Unified Linux Distribution

Imagine a scenario in which the global open-source community rallied behind a single Linux flavor. This flagship distribution would not only have the advantage of community consensus but could also establish a definitive standard for development, compatibility, and performance. Here are several domains where standardization would offer significant benefits:

1. System Stability and Hardware Support A unified system would enable rigorous testing and quality assurance similar to macOS and Windows. Hardware vendors could optimize their drivers for one distribution, improving out-of-the-box support and minimizing kernel module conflicts. This would drastically reduce the number of bugs and incompatibility issues that plague many Linux users today.

2. Application and Framework Development Much like how Microsoft provides macro and automation frameworks in Word and Excel, Linux could offer robust, standardized frameworks for noscripting, automation, and application interaction. Developers would no longer have to worry about whether their app works in GNOME, KDE, Xfce, or any of the countless variants.

With a universal API, developers could create modular tools, knowing they would work consistently across the system. Standard libraries could handle GUI rendering, audio processing, and I/O with predictable performance.

3. Programming Language Interoperability Standardized frameworks for popular programming languages like Python, Rust, Go, and C++ could be provided, including version management, library dependencies, and cross-language interfacing. This would simplify the build process, eliminate conflicts, and encourage collaboration across language communities.

4. Multimedia and Creative Workflows For musicians, video editors, and digital artists, Linux has often been a second-class citizen. Lack of driver support, audio stack inconsistencies, and plugin incompatibilities (especially with VSTs and DAWs) have hampered creative adoption. A unified Linux could solve this by standardizing on low-latency audio frameworks like JACK or PipeWire, with reliable plugin APIs and a robust multimedia framework layer akin to

Apple’s Core Audio and Core Video.

Professional-grade tools for recording studios and film editors could be built and maintained with the same level of reliability as their macOS counterparts. The barriers to entry for major software vendors like Adobe or Avid could also be lowered, increasing their incentive to port software to Linux.

5. Simplified User Experience and Learning Curve A single Linux standard would eliminate the confusion of choosing among distributions. Documentation, tutorials, and support communities would consolidate, creating a stronger knowledge base for newcomers and professionals alike.

Educational institutions could teach Linux with confidence that students are learning on the same platform they might use professionally. Certifications and enterprise adoption would increase, knowing there is a common standard across organizations.

6. Security and Maintainability Security patches, system updates, and package management would be streamlined in a unified environment. A single update system could be developed to rival Microsoft’s WSUS or Apple’s update infrastructure, ensuring that systems stay patched without breaking user applications or configurations. Long-term support (LTS) cycles could be better coordinated, reducing the maintenance burden on both users and developers.

7. Market Position and Competitive Edge With the full weight of the open-source community behind one distribution, Linux could finally challenge Windows and macOS as a viable consumer desktop OS. Preinstalled versions could be shipped with laptops and desktops, supported by hardware vendors and retail chains. Marketing would be simplified, branding would be unified, and adoption would grow.

Moreover, since Linux is free and open-source, it could provide a powerful alternative to proprietary systems, enabling digital sovereignty for nations, institutions, and users alike. No longer would individuals or governments be locked into the licensing and surveillance practices of corporate platforms.

Conclusion: A Call for Collaboration

The open-source model has proven its worth. Projects like the Linux kernel, Firefox, LibreOffice, and Blender demonstrate that distributed development can yield powerful tools. However, without coordination, that power is often diluted.

A unified Linux operating system, backed by standardized frameworks and community-driven governance, could mark the beginning of a new era in computing. It would not only match but potentially exceed the usability, performance, and reliability of macOS and Windows, while staying true to the principles of openness and freedom.

The path forward is not without obstacles. Philosophical differences, governance debates, and entrenched tribalism will need to be overcome. But if the community can set aside fragmentation in favor of collaboration, the dream of a free, stable, and fully competitive Linux desktop might finally be within reach.

https://redd.it/1jx0wx8
@r_linux

A farewell to the ArcoLinux University
https://www.arcolinux.info/a-farewell-to-the-arcolinux-university/

https://redd.it/1jx4c3h
@r_linux

Fact Check My Checklist

Hello all, I am a long time recreational Linux user playing around with servers etc. I have made a blog post with a checklist of things that are important to do when spinning up a server can be found at New Linux Server? Do These 10 Things First , I was wondering if someone a little more experienced can make sure I am not giving blatantly dangerous advice. I do know you chaps like a flame every now and again so here is your chance! Let me know what I am doing wrong!

Happy to give credit with Link to your blog/github etc if you find something that's terrible advice I'm giving

https://redd.it/1jx60ir
@r_linux

Been testing CachyOS (Arch Linux based), and I have to say I'm damned impressed.

Everybody kept saying how "Arch is hard" "Only for experts" blah blah blah. Nonsense. Speed at everything is blazing fast, especially running pacman, gigabytes of stuff, done in seconds. Not only that, but the software selection is huge, as well. This one may be a keeper.

https://redd.it/1jx9vaw
@r_linux

Only PDFgear holding me back from switching

The only thing holding me back from switching from Windows 11 is PDFgear/Acrobat pro.

I still haven't found a complete package that lets me split, delete/add pages, edit text and images, and turn to fillable form.

Looking to use Zorin or other debian/Ubuntu base.

https://redd.it/1jxak57
@r_linux