Ubuntu’s popularity often makes it the default choice for new Linux users. But there are tons of other Linux operating systems that deserve your attention. As such, I’ve highlighted some Ubuntu alternatives so you can choose based on your needs and requirements—because conformity is boring.

  • TBi
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    8 months ago
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    Debian? First time i installed it wanted to use CD for packages instead of online. Don’t know why. Second time it didn’t have wireless drivers as these were non free.

    It’s a great distro but not for newbies.

    Fedora all the way!

    • kkremitzki
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      8 months ago
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      Non-free-firmware is now handled automatically during installation as of the most recent Debian release, just FYI. For reference, see the note at the top of this wiki page: https://wiki.debian.org/Firmware

      • TBi
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        8 months ago
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        That’s a recent development. I also though you had to get a specific build, not the normal one.

        • kkremitzki
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          8 months ago
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          Yep, fairly recent indeed, June of 2023, but it should work with any of the official installation media.

        • M500English
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          8 months ago
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          I think they only started doing this in the past year or so. It is decently new, but I think it is a good move.

      • pathief
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        8 months ago
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        I had this problem a week or two ago when I tried to install Debian 12 on my old MacBook pro. Ended up installing something else.

        • kkremitzki
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          8 months ago
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          Interesting, that’s kind of surprising. Do you mind sharing which model of MacBook Pro it was? I had been considering getting one for cheap for testing purposes. Also, it may not be useful to you at this point, but I figured I’d drop a link to the Debian Wiki which has a page for MBP-specific info, in case anyone reading might benefit: https://wiki.debian.org/MacBookPro

          • pathief
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            8 months ago
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            I have a late 2011 MacBook pro with a broadcom wireless card.

            I’ve used this laptop to distrohop a bit and the wireless driver is always an issue. You have to install the broadcom DKMS driver or wi-fi will randomly disconnect after a random amount of time.