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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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Are we going to see arch based immutable distros in the near future? (self.linux)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by Sunny to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Hi there folks, I'm still learning about Linux and have yet to dip my toes properly in any arch based distro. Have for the moment fallen in love with the immutable distros based on Universal Blue project. However I do want to learn about what arch has to offer to and plan on installing default arch when I have time. But have been wondering why I haven't heard of any immutable distros from arch based distros yet.

So, am left wondering if there are talks within that Arch community of building immutable distros?

While writing this post I found a project called Arkane Linux, which seem to be very interesting. Does anyone have nay experience with it? Is there a specific reason why immutable wouldn't be a good idea when based on Arch?

Project: https://arkanelinux.org/

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[–] Sunny 2 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Essentially: read-only system files.

In immutable distros, you or any other programs that are installed on the system cannot modify the system files. That includes the system configuration files as well as applications. Its goal is to solve the problem of an entity gaining admin privlieges to your system and cause loads of damage. There are some addtional benefits too:

Updates apply at reboot
Root partition is read-only
Considered very secure
Sandboxed applications via flatpaks, snaps and appimages.

[–] JackGreenEarth@lemm.ee 6 points 5 months ago (3 children)

But then you also can't make any changes to the system files. I thought the point of Linux was having more control

[–] DarkDarkHouse@lemmy.sdf.org 7 points 5 months ago

The entity gaining access to system files and doing damage, it’s me.

[–] biribiri11@lemmy.ml 6 points 5 months ago

Config files are still editable. Most of them (rpm-ostree, for example) have a mechanism for managing packages, and subsequently rolling back if anything goes wrong or completely resetting, and leave /usr/local writable. For stuff like development and working with compiler toolchains, you should be using a container. I use vscode exported in a distrobox running Fedora 40, for example.

[–] Sunny 1 points 5 months ago

It all boils down to user preferences right. Some users prefer the maxium amount of control, while others, including myself, only use the pc for gaming and browsing, so I'd rather have a system that cannot be broken by myself and not deal with updates etc..