this post was submitted on 22 May 2024
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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I think any distro will do really. I'd go for something that is friendly to new users, if you're not very familiar with Linux in general. For example: Linux Mint. Here is an example on how you can get your installation setup easily: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyT4wfz5ZMg
Regarding your Valve Index. It will likely work, but don't expect it to be very easy to get it running well. I'm currently on Arch Linux with red team hardware and a Valve Index. For example, you will need to ensure the udev rules are set properly: https://github.com/ValveSoftware/steam-devices. New issues occasionally arise, see: https://github.com/ValveSoftware/SteamVR-for-Linux/issues. Currently, it's not switching audio devices automatically, so I use pavucontrol (with PipeWire) to switch that manually.
Doesn't Mint hold back kernel updates to major version upgrades like Ubuntu though? That could be problematic if they have newer hardware that's better supported (or only supported at all) in newer kernel releases.
@gh0stcassette you can install HWE kernels like in Ubuntu, from Update Manager
Fair, haven't use Ubuntu or any of it's derivatives in years
5.15. isn't that bad of a kernel version in my experience. Admittedly, I'm don't have any latest gen hardware at the moment, but using one generation back RX 6700XT without problems on it with Mint. Alternatively, one can install the newer 6.x kernels with a few clicks if needed, they are not actively blocked or unlisted.
It's more complicated than that, distros typically have specific patches for packages and they assume you're running a particular kernel version. By running another kernel version you're going into unsupported territory. Yeah you can do that, and it'll probably be fine, but using another distro that actually supports the edge kernel is less risky and takes a few less clicks.
They do. Linux mint is great for office work and opening firefox. If you want a gaming distro i'd use something closer to the edge like fedora / endeavour os.