I'm setting up a Kubernetes cluster on Proxmox and looking for recommendations on the best OS for my nodes. I've considered a couple of options:
- **Ubuntu with K3s**: Is this a good choice since it's user-friendly and easy to troubleshoot?
- **Talos Linux**: Does the immutable and SSH-less design justify the learning curve?
I have a few quick questions: 1. Which OS is more beginner-friendly? 2. Should I use VMs or LXC containers for my nodes? 3. Are there other operating systems I should think about? Thanks for the help!
5 Answers
I personally lean towards Talos. A lot of people are transitioning to it due to its simple setup for Kubernetes; you just focus on Kubernetes itself instead of dealing with the OS. But if you're completely new, you might want to try MicroK8s because it manages everything for you—it's a good entry point, but watch out for when things go sideways!
I've been using Talos and I have to say, it really simplifies the management of Kubernetes clusters. I also use helm charts and cluster tooling from TrueCharts, which makes the whole experience smoother. Definitely worth considering Talos!
I run K3s on three Debian-based VMs, but I'm thinking of switching to Talos. It's interesting how Talos keeps the focus on Kubernetes while abstracting the OS details. I'd say it's worth checking out!
In my experience, Talos is great if you want things to just work. But if you're looking to really understand the infrastructure, a setup with Rancher, RKE2, and Ubuntu could provide you with more insights for future projects. It aligns better with traditional setups in the industry.
I'm running a Debian setup and so far, it's been good. I'm interested in trying Talos next to see how it compares. Always looking to optimize my setup!

What do you mean by 'real' Kubernetes? Last I heard, K3s is fully compatible and backed by significant players. I'd love to understand what differentiates your definition of 'real' Kubernetes from K3s or RKE!