I'm an IT student building a new computer for Linux and need it to be stable enough for 24/7 operation. I want to use it for various tasks including hosting Plex, Docker, and a Minecraft server, and I'll also be accessing it remotely from my personal Windows PC. I'm using an AMD 2700X CPU and an Intel Arc A380 GPU, and I prefer having a graphical user interface as I'm still learning the ropes. I've looked into several distributions:
1. **Debian** - I've read it's stable, but I worry that its outdated packages may frustrate me.
2. **Ubuntu** - Not sure about this one; people suggest it might just be better to stick with Debian.
3. **Fedora** - I like using this in VMs but not certain it's suitable for server tasks.
4. **Proxmox** - Looks fun, but I'd prefer something straightforward without lots of VMs.
5. **PikaOS** - A friend recommended it since it's like Debian but keeps things updated.
6. **Alpine** - Another friend's suggestion, but I'm concerned about community support for the specific tasks I need.
I'm looking for a distro that allows me to run everything smoothly, has a helpful community, offers problem-solving resources, and supports my Intel GPU well. It should be beginner-friendly but still provide room to learn about Linux and the command line.
1 Answer
Debian minimal could be a solid choice if you're okay without a desktop right away. You can always install a desktop environment later if you need it. It's stable and reliable for server use, plus you could explore using the Cockpit project for a web-based admin interface.
That sounds like a good plan! I might try Debian first. Thanks for the tip!