Hey everyone, I'm making the switch back to Linux as my main desktop OS after spending nearly 12 years in the Windows environment. I used to be a dedicated Ubuntu user from about 2005 to 2013 but switched to Windows 8.1 and later Windows 10 for work purposes. Although I've kept my toes in the water with WSL and various non-desktop Linux devices, I feel a bit lost navigating the modern Linux landscape with Snap packages, Flatpaks, and the current trends in distros and desktop environments.
Here's a bit about my current setup: I've got a 2017 PC with an AMD Ryzen 8-core, 32 GB of RAM, and a decent NVIDIA 1660 Ti graphics card—not a gamer, just looking for a solid workstation for development, VMs, and productivity tasks.
My basic requirements include:
1. A preference for Debian-based systems, ideally looking for stability over the latest features.
2. Preference for a workstation that minimizes hassle with hardware compatibility.
3. Privacy is important—I want my local data secure without unnecessary AI interference.
I am also curious about several specific topics:
1. How similar is modern Gnome to Gnome 3? I was a fan of Gnome 3's virtual desktops and keyboard shortcuts.
2. What's the current state of software management with Snap/Flatpak compared to traditional APT? Are APT packages still relevant?
3. Are there still major differences in support between AMD and NVIDIA graphics on Linux?
4. Any issues with 4K@60hz DP, particularly when using KVM switches?
5. How does full disk encryption on Linux compare to Windows' seamless Bitlocker experience?
6. Are there reliable OneDrive alternatives for Linux that sync well without being self-hosted?
7. How has RDP performance improved, especially comparing to VNC?
8. What's the support like for MTP file transfers with Android devices?
9. Any suggestions for pre-built desktops with good Linux support beyond System76?
Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any help you can offer!
5 Answers
There's definitely an emphasis on Snaps and Flatpaks nowadays, especially with Ubuntu pushing for Snaps. While APT is still supported in Debian, Ubuntu is shifting more toward these newer systems for distributing apps. It's worth exploring both options based on your needs.
For graphics support, AMD has made significant strides! Their open-source drivers are now quite solid, while NVIDIA still leans on its proprietary drivers. If you don't need CUDA, I'd recommend sticking to AMD for better integration with Linux. For your desktop, just make sure your KVM is up to spec for 4K@60hz; a decent one should handle it without issue!
Modern Gnome has evolved from Gnome 3, with a lot of improvements and features. If you were a fan of Gnome 3, you’ll likely still enjoy the interface, but with some tweaks. You can always explore other desktop environments too, just in case there's something that sparks your interest more!
You might want to check out Syncthing as an alternative to OneDrive. It can sync your files across devices without the need for a centralized server and doesn’t require extensive setup. It’s pretty reliable for keeping things in sync!
Debian has become quite modern with its latest stable release just out, so you're not too far behind! They have a backports repository if you're looking for newer packages; it might be helpful for your needs. Just bear in mind, Debian focuses on stability, so there's a trade-off with newer features.
Also, if you're comfortable, Unstable has very current software, but it's not recommended if you want a hassle-free experience.
Related Questions
Sports Team Randomizer
10 Uses For An Old Smartphone
Midjourney Launches An Exciting New Feature for Their Image AI
ShortlyAI Review
Is Copytrack A Scam?
Getting 100 on Pagespeed Insights for Mobile is Impossible