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this post was submitted on 31 Jan 2026
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Linux
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Reliable, clear release/support schedule: Debian Stable
Unlike Fedora Spins, most upstream distros don't come with a DE pre-packaged, you choose it during the install process (or install a custom one from other sources post-install).
DEs currently offered by the Debian Installer include:
Xfce,LXDE,LXQt,MATE,Lomiri, and of coursePlasmaandGNOME.Not in the installer, but in the repository:
Cinnamon,Budgie,Enlightenment,FVWM-Crystal,GNUstep/Window Maker,Sugar, "and possibly others" (according to the wiki).You can also do what I do on my less-powerful laptops and just install a window-manager and associated utilities—just make sure to uncheck all DE options during install (you will be forced to use the console until you have a display server and window manager, tho). Right now I'm rocking
i3on my laptops; I would useSway, but for some reason it's more resource intensive.Other offerings in the repository include:
Openbox,Fluxbox,Compiz,Awesome,dwm,Notion, andWmiiMy personal recs are i3 (and recommended packages), Xfce, or MATE. I've used and liked all 3. I still use GNOME for my desktop, but those 3 are what I go with otherwise.
Even easier if you choose XFCE during install and then add i3. You get all the benefits of a package of desktop tools pre installed and the fantastic i3 window manager to get around.