I'm considering switching from EndeavourOS and want to find a Linux distribution that doesn't rely on systemd. I'm looking at either Void Linux or Artix Linux. My main priorities are a lightweight system without pre-installed desktop environments or window managers, so I can choose my own. I want something that's stable, fast, and has the latest software. Here are my specs: 12th Gen Intel i3 processor, 12 GB RAM, and a 512 GB SSD.
3 Answers
Void Linux checks all the boxes for what you're looking for. After a clean installation, it drops you into a tty with around 250 packages, and it uses runit instead of systemd, which is nice and fast! It’s a rolling release, but the updates sit for a bit to ensure stability—not as bleeding edge as Arch but still pretty solid. Just be sure you're familiar with other init systems if you’re moving away from systemd!
I actually switched back from Void to EndeavourOS. If you're someone who likes to experiment with different software, Void might not be for you. It’s very minimal and can demand a lot of modifications and compiling, which is quite the time sink! I find comfort in Arch's AUR since it gives me quick access to most projects I want to try. Also, if you're looking for a window manager, you can customize your setup with EndeavourOS after removing KDE. I've had better stability with that setup too!
Have you done any research on this? Distrowatch is a fantastic resource to help you compare distros and see what others are saying about them.
I've checked out Distrowatch, but I get overwhelmed with all the options—it's tough to decide!
Thanks for the feedback! How's the performance on your EndeavourOS setup with the memory management tweaks?