I'm looking to install Linux on my wife's PC, and I was all set to go with Linux Mint. However, I recently discovered immutable distros and I'm curious to learn more about them. Most of these seem to have higher system requirements, and since her PC has a GTX 680, I'm not sure if an immutable distro like Kinoite would be a good fit. What's the real difference between immutable distros and traditional ones? Should I just stick to Mint, or are there good options for older devices with immutable systems?
5 Answers
The difference is pretty straightforward. LTS (Long-Term Support) versions get updates for about 3 to 5 years, while immutable systems are read-only with updates that can be reverted. I'd suggest letting your wife try out a few live sessions from popular distros to see what she prefers.
I recommend sticking with Linux Mint (the LTS version). Immutable distros might require a bit more Linux knowledge and can be a hassle when something goes wrong. It's just easier to deal with a stable system for general use.
Grab a USB stick (64GB should be more than enough) and test out a few distros without altering the internal SSD right away. Personally, I find immutable distros to be extra complexity without real benefits, especially since you don't usually need to work as root. A proper regular distro should work just fine for everyday tasks.
You could also try PopOS. It has excellent out-of-the-box NVIDIA support and is built on Ubuntu, giving you stability. Plus, you can test hardware compatibility during the LiveUSB trial. If you face any issues, there are always Linux-compatible USB accessories available.
If you're going to try installing, I suggest that you do it. If it doesn't work, you can always try something else. The main concern with older systems will likely be the GPU drivers, though if that's not an option for you, sticking with a distro like Mint, known to support older Nvidia GPUs, is a safe bet.
Totally agree! If you're not super comfortable with Linux yet, a stable, user-friendly distro like Mint is the way to go.