Hey everyone! I've been using Linux Mint for a while, and now I'm ready to dive into something more DIY. I'm looking to set up a Linux system from scratch so I can fully understand what's on my computer and personalize it completely. I have some experience with customizing setups (or 'ricing'), and I'm particularly interested in trying out KDE. However, I'm looking for a distribution that's stable once it's all set up (I'm wary of Arch), so I'm open to putting in some effort during installation for a clean and bloat-free environment that's reliable in the long run. My main use cases will be light gaming and everyday productivity tasks. I'd really appreciate any advice or experiences you could share! Thanks!
5 Answers
If you're seriously considering light gaming, Debian with KDE would be great, but just keep in mind you'll encounter some pre-installed stuff that might feel like bloat. Still, you have the option to install a minimal version to keep it lean. Or you can try running Arch if you're up for it; it can be stable post-install, but just watch out for the updates!
If you're looking for stability, I think a minimal install of Debian could be a solid choice. It's quite stable and lets you build your system the way you want. If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to check out Void Linux as well. It's got a good balance of customization and stability. Arch can be a great learning experience, but it’s not necessarily the most stable option with its constant updates.
Gentoo could be an interesting option for you. It's pretty stable and gives you a lot of control over your system. Just be ready for a bit of a learning curve! But if you're really keen on DIY, it can be rewarding as you tailor everything to your needs.
You should really check out NixOS! It's got a unique declarative setup that makes managing configurations easy, and it’s quite powerful. Plus, if anything goes wrong, you can roll back to a previous state, which is a lifesaver! It could be a great fit for you if you're chasing that DIY experience without sacrificing stability.
NixOS is really intriguing! The rollback feature is definitely a huge plus, especially if you're experimenting a lot!
Have you thought about using Fedora with a minimal install? It strikes a nice balance between having everything you need and allowing customization. Plus, with DNF, you can easily manage your packages. If you want to stay flexible while keeping things stable, this could be a happy medium for you!
Yeah, Fedora's options really help avoid the bloat you might encounter with other distros. It's a solid approach!

Yeah, Gentoo is definitely a commitment, but once you get it set up, it's super customizable! Just be prepared to spend some time on the installation.