Linux is the only true upgrade from Windows

Been using Windows for about 3 decades, since the MS-DOS and Windows 3.1 days. I've used every major Windows version (only skipped 8) since then. Though I don't hate Windows (not even Vista or 11), it's not exactly a secret it's been on a downwards trajectory with no signs of recovering. But for all this time I'd never considered any alternatives, just stuck with Windows and accepted it for what it was.

Nearly a month ago, I finally decided to try out Linux, and couldn't be happier with it, like pretty much instantly the moment I got access to the desktop. I was skeptical, thinking I'd probably not like it if I could even get it to work, but everything went way smoother than expected. Everything just kind of works (some things require some extra effort, but the same can be said for doing things on Windows).

Everything is so fast, like continuing from sleep mode, instantly in there. Restarting is like 5x faster than it'd be on Windows. Installing and updating stuff is all done in a flash. Endless customization and freedom, zero bloat. It only does what and when I tell it to. This is the best OS experience I've ever had.

Anyone on Windows still on the fence and somehow reading this, could absolutely recommend giving it a try.

https://redd.it/1m7x3q3
@r_linux

Bash noscripting is addictive, someone stop me

I've tried to learn how to program since 2018, not very actively, but I always wanted to become a developer. I tried Python but it didn't "stick", so I almost gave up as I didn't learn to build anything useful.
Recently, this week, I tried to write some bash noscripts to automate some tasks, and I'm absolutely addicted to it. I can't stop writing random .sh programs. It's incredible how it's integrated with Linux.
I wrote a Arch Linux installation noscript for my personal needs, I wrote a pseudo-declarative APT abstraction layer, a downloader noscript that downloads entire site directories, a noscript that parses through exported Whatsapp conversations and gives some fun insights, I just can't stop.

https://redd.it/1m81ocp
@r_linux

PixiEditor 2.0 a FOSS Universal 2D Graphics Editor launches 30th of July
https://pixieditor.net/blog/2025/07/24/v2-release-date

https://redd.it/1m83pxw
@r_linux

A Brief History of Graphs; My Journey Into Application Development
https://blogs.gnome.org/sstendahl/2025/07/24/a-brief-history-of-graphs-my-journey-into-application-development/

https://redd.it/1m867tl
@r_linux

Kdenlive 25.08 RC ready for testing
https://kdenlive.org/news/2025/2508-rc/

https://redd.it/1m8cpcv
@r_linux

Hardware-encrypting drives test suite -- "We conduct a systematic security study of 24 TCG Opal-compliant drives. . . . Our analysis shows persistent errors and vulnerabilities in SED implementations regarding basic device usage, data encryption, and random data generators."
https://is.muni.cz/th/hy1ai/?lang=en

https://redd.it/1m8dlir
@r_linux

What distro has the most expansive and up to date repository?

I'm currently on Arch as a relatively new linux user and people always say the AUR makes Arch have the largest repository which I guess is technically true but most of those packages if not all are unofficial and for security and stability concerns I'm not sure I want to touch those. I believe Debian is second place in terms of size but Debian is also notorious for old packages. I would imagine Ubuntu or Fedora is somewhere in the middle. Would love to hear everyone's thoughts and perspectives.

Asking so I know what distro to use for my gaming/workstation desktop that I'm currently saving up for. I'm willing to compromise not having every application available on Windows as long as I have a large variety to choose from and they're up to date.

https://redd.it/1m8g0zc
@r_linux

You can finally run Doom and other graphical apps in Android's Linux Terminal
https://www.androidauthority.com/linux-terminal-graphical-apps-3580905/

https://redd.it/1m8jgh1
@r_linux

Looking back on 8 years of distro-hopping and Linux fun
https://l-o-o-s-e-d.net/distro-hopping

https://redd.it/1m8lvhe
@r_linux

What's a good distro and DE to replace TV user interface?

Edit it's settled. Im buying a Roku instead thanks everyone


I hate my TV software it's slow as hell and especially HBO. Im waiting 1-3 seconds per click sometimes with the remote. I'm just looking for something that's easily accessible with remote control or my 8bitdo controller to flip through apps. Im wanting to use general streaming apps you could find on, say, a Samsung TV. Basically YT, prime, HBO, Tubi, Hulu, etc. I want to put this into a Rpi 4b, Pi zero wireless, and I could've sworn a Rpi 3a but I can't find it right now. Any recommendations for which Rpi and setup to use for this? Help please

https://redd.it/1m8mbt7
@r_linux

I just found out /proc/sys/kernel/random/uuid and uuidgen

I just found out that you can use:

cat /proc/sys/kernel/random/uuid

or

uuidgen

to generate a random UUID. This is super useful when I need a UUID for testing.

In the past, I used to search for "uuid" and go to https://www.uuidgenerator.net/, but not anymore :)

ps. uuidgen is part of the util-linux package in Nix, so it's probably available by default on most Linux systems

https://redd.it/1m8syx4
@r_linux

Those are not the Wayland bars I was searching for
https://redd.it/1m8vekd
@r_linux

Permanently assign NVME SSD to specific numa node?

I've been trying to figure out how to do this or if it's even possible to do this. I have a 7900x3d and when performing read and write tests with my SSD on the non-x3d ccd I get higher and the more consistent throughput. I've enabled ACPI SRAT L3 Cache As NUMA Domain so Linux can see each CCD as a separate numer node but I can't for the life of me figure out how to permanently assign my nvme SSD or a specific PCIe and device to a specific numa node.

If you want to know why I'm doing this, it's for fun. I have a system and I just want to see how much I can squeeze out of it to the last drop.

I'm also open to other suggestions on how to get all of the storage stuff running specifically on the none X3D CCD.

https://redd.it/1m8v2k8
@r_linux

Tippes my toes into linux (mint) for the first time
https://redd.it/1m8ynnn
@r_linux

tickrs and ticker stocks pricing package

Long shot posting here but in case it w ork :

I use ticker and tickrs to get stock prices

For a while, both do not work anymore

AM I the only one ?

I tried without VPN, etc etc.

I'm on Manjaro Linux...

Note : one of my machine (openUSE) have the same problem.

https://redd.it/1m916c6
@r_linux

Distros and ZFS

I don't even know where the hell to post this kind of question so I'm posting it here.

I am primarily a Gentoo person and its ZFS support is second to none. However the distro is becoming annoying to me having to constantly rebuild shit over. I'm looking for something that has an install process that isn't murder to get ZFS on which would probably be "manual" or ("the arch way"). I've tried Debian but debootstrap is a nightmare to use for me.

I've looked at Fedora - but the only noscript ZFS people recommend requires two drives (and I'm not doing mirroring at least not on this machine). Ubuntu supports ZFS out of the gate but ...yeah no.

https://redd.it/1m94ews
@r_linux

Ubuntu Long Term Review

(Sorry for yapping)
I've been using Ubuntu for a few months now, and I have to say, I really don't understand all the hate. It makes my PC with an i5-6500, 1050 Ti, and 16GB DDR4 feel fast and snappy. I used to share a PC with an i7-6700, 6700 XT, and 16GB DDR4. after buying this PC and installing Ubuntu it actually feels like an upgrade. It is also MUCH easier to use than people make it seem. Connecting to Wi-Fi was a breeze; I just clicked on my Wi-Fi and entered the password. Installing things was just a simple copy paste into the terminal.
Neofetch says that I use just 3.5GB of RAM with A LOT of stuff open. For comparison, 4.2GB was used on my windows PC idle. I also get a higher framerates playing less intensive games like Roblox and Minecraft than the higher end PC with Windows. I only have 120GB storage on my PC, and I've only used 67%.
However, there is the downsides. Of course, it is Linux. There is some bugs and compatibility issues. For example, Minecraft bedrock normally works, but sometimes there will be a bug that takes a very long time for the unofficial launcher to fix. As of right now, Vibrant Visuals has no shadows on the ground, only on the walls, and the reflections on the water are very messed up and look bad. Now, I have to wait a few weeks for them to release a new update.
All in all, Ubuntu linux is definitely an improvement over Windows if you are willing to work through the bugs(Usually just fixed by restarting your computer). The UI is great, and it feels fast. Would recommend.(please stop hating on Ubuntu!)

https://redd.it/1m95wqs
@r_linux

Revived my old laptop!

I just completed a transplant on my old Asus X551c latop. I3, 4gb ddr3, 500gb sata. Mid when I bought it new. It's been my garage pc for the last 2 years. The battery died years ago, so I have to keep it plugged in. Just recently the wifi card took a dump too. I debated tossing it, but it's been my road workhorse forever. Found a wifi card and "oem" battery on ebay for cheap. While I had it open I thought "why not upgrade that tired old hdd with a ssd?". Got a cheap 500gb sata ssd and wow the laptop came to life! I was running Lubuntu because it was the "fastest" at web browsing on this old machine. Now it's running Mint xfce and just as fast as my gaming pc! And the battery works! I should've done these upgrades years ago.

https://redd.it/1m947tn
@r_linux

Any way to use the hard reset button as an OS switch (using GRUB2)

I recently found that my computer has a hard reset button, which makes me ask myself if i could use this button to reboot to the OS that i'm not into

I guess that it's probably not possible due to the fact that the hard reset button acts like you unpluged and pluged again your computer but i'm still curious if something like that can be done

Additional informations :
OS 1 : EndeavourOS
OS 2 : Windows 11
Motherboard : AsRock B450M Pro4 R2.0
Bootloader : GRUB2

https://redd.it/1m98t9r
@r_linux

Dynamic disks, switch them too

# Little story

*I have to tell a story here, if you just want the important main information: TL;DR at the bottom my dude. :\**

Two identical mini PCs that were intended for use in a control cabinet were disposed of at work. One of them had a simple defect: the hard drive was dead. These devices are disposed of even if they are repairable. (Because of reasons)

So I quickly replaced the hard drive and one of them worked again. Pretty nice, passively cooled single-board computer, relatively powerful. (As a new purchase, it would cost around €500.)

So I took it with me to build a small homemade NAS, because it still had two free SATA ports and some space in the case for two 2.5" hard drives. I quickly installed Linux on it to test it out. It worked wonderfully and without any additional driver searches.

But there was a problem: there was no standard way to power the additional SSDs. Fortunately, there was a free USB 2.0 header on the board. I read up on this and found that these things deliver around 2.5W @ 5V. The sources were contradictory on this point. And unfortunately, the mind-reading, perfect Google of 2013 no longer exists. :P So I was not sure. I decided to just give it a try. I ordered an SSD that, according to the shop filter, needed around 2.5W. And I powered it via the USB header. It, worked! (Even if datasheet said afterwards: yo need 3W on write.)

From this point on, I invested a lot of time reading up on the subject. I had to rack my brains a lot because some things didn't work right away the way I imagined they would.

I set up Openmediavaul, but it was buggy, so I switched to a server distro with SFTPGo because it looked nice and simple. And it was.

Just as I had started migrating the data, I noticed a problem that would keep me busy for a month: data transfers were painfully slow. Definitely not what I wanted.

So I did a lot of research because I didn't want to wipe the setup again. But I just couldn't find any useful information. ^((Google bad)) I benchmarked my network connection between PC \~ NAS, 980Mbps, everything fine. So I suspected the problem was with SFTPGo and eventually gave up.

Next attempt: TrueNAS. Everything set up, which took longer again due to problems with access rights and stuff, because of multiprotocol overlaps. Then I started migrating the data... Slow again, \~ 5MB/s -.-

I continued to suspect that the problem was with the software and spent ages researching solutions and configuration options. Nothing. Maybe it is a problem with the power supply after all? I connected it to my PC's power supply. Same problem. Then I benchmarked the hard drive. (Yes, I realize I should have done that beforehand. :P)

dd if=/dev/zero of=/mnt/ssd/test/test.txt bs=1G count=1 oflag=dsync
1+0 Datensätze ein
1+0 Datensätze aus
1073741824 Byte (1,1 GB, 1,0 GiB) kopiert, 3,52969 s, 304 MB/s

Everything is fine. So WTF is wrong!? Why are data transfers as slow as with a fucking old USB stick!?

Yea... How about a benchmark of the read speed on my PC? Even though I don't think that can be the reason...

time dd if=/mnt/dynamic-ntfs/Videos/Filme/Interstellar.mp4 of=/dev/null bs=8k
^C77409+0 Datensätze ein
77408+0 Datensätze aus
634126336 Byte (634 MB, 605 MiB) kopiert, 39,8158 s, 15,9 MB/s

o\_\_\_\_\_o

Yea... Thing is: I switched to Linux. And did you notice where the file is? Yea, its a mount.

I've created an dynamic disk under windows. Thats something like LVM, to access multiple physical drives as one logical one. But when I switched to Linux, I didn't want to wipe them out. So I looked for a way to mount them under Linux. The ldmtool is available for this purpose. ([ArchWiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/noscript/Dynamic_disks))

It didn't even occur to me. I hadn't even remembered that I had mounted the SSDs that way. So I was looking in the wrong place the whole time. And I never noticed it before, but ldmtool mounted drives are just really slow.

A little story about how you can spend a long time looking for the cause of a

problem in the wrong place(s)...

^((Nevertheless, Google is now only a shadow of its former self. And that was time consuming as well.))

# TL;DR

If you are using ldmtool to mount windows dynamic disks, you should know: that the overall I/O performance is really low. Consider to switch them to LVM, BTRFS in JBOD config or something like that.

https://redd.it/1m97p1c
@r_linux