I'm trying to wrap my head around the differences between Long Term Support (LTS) and rolling release distributions. For example, when using Manjaro, I get access to the latest kernel and app versions, typically just a few weeks behind Arch. On the other hand, with Mint, I might be using a kernel and apps that are up to two years behind. But if I choose a newer kernel in Mint or use Flatpaks and Snaps, am I still really that far behind? I prefer Mint for its simplicity, but I'm also curious about distributions like Ubuntu non-LTS or Rhino. Given my preference for the Cinnamon desktop, which I can get in both Mint and Ubuntu, I'm wondering if Rhino is a good long-term choice.
3 Answers
LTS is perfect for servers where stability is key. Think of it as making sure everything just works without needing constant updates. In contrast, a rolling release like Manjaro is for those who crave the latest features and improvements. Mint and Fedora sit somewhere in the middle—offering newer features without going full-on rolling release. If you're looking for a balance, Ubuntu non-LTS might suit your needs well!
You're right; the kernel is a bit of an oddball. It usually has few dependencies and can be installed alongside other versions without conflict. As for apps, while you can get high-level apps via Flatpaks, they’re not integrated with the system like the packages provided by Mint or Ubuntu. The real challenge lies in maintaining those underlying system components.
Exactly! It’s about keeping that stable core while allowing some freedom at the application level. Thanks for clearing that up!
It's important to note that while you can use Flatpaks and Snaps on Mint, they aren't managed by Mint itself—they're from external sources. So, your Mint package manager updates come from Mint developers, while Flatpak updates come from Flathub, leading to separate update cycles. This means that while you might install newer GUI apps without being too behind, the core components of your system should still come from Mint to avoid potential issues.
Totally get that, but aren't there some apps that are better off being distro-native? Like you said, GUI stuff can come from Flatpak, but low-level components should stick to the regular package manager, right?
That makes sense! I was worried about being too outdated on Mint. So, non-LTS Ubuntu could be a sweet spot for me?