The quest for the perfect system continues.

[Barrucadu]

I am permamently looking for the perfect combination of OS and software. That's why I am always installing different distributions and software. So far, I have a few requirements for my 'perfect system':


UNIX-like
Based on Linux (Though I am putting this to the test by installing FreeBSD on my second computer)
Rolling-release model (Though I am willing to drop that requirement if I find somehting very good that doesn't use rolling-release)
Uses a package manager (Sorry, no 'compile everything from source, by hand' distro's for me)


Has anyone found their perfect OS/software combination? For a long time I thought Ubuntu was my perfect OS. Then I found Arch, and more recently, Zenwalk. I'm not trying FreeBSD, and possibly OpenBSD and NetBSD if I like it.

I am thinking one of the BSDs may become my 'perfect' OS, as you can run (many) Linux binaries on BSD systems, so all the software I use right now will work in BSD.

[cardinals_fan]

I'm not trying FreeBSD, and possibly OpenBSD and NetBSD if I like it.
You mean "I'm now trying FreeBSD, right?


I am thinking one of the BSDs may become my 'perfect' OS, as you can run (many) Linux binaries on BSD systems, so all the software I use right now will work in BSD.
The BSDs interest me, but there are a few compatability issues. The current system for running Linux apps uses an old kernel, so until it's updated you might have trouble with recent apps. I believe that Flash 9 isn't working yet - once it is, I'll try FreeBSD.

It sounds like Arch would be perfect for you - what don't you like about it? Zenwalk is great, but you will do LOTS of compiling from source (by the way, you're the same Barracuda as the one on the Zenwalk forums, right?).

[SunnyRabbiera]

Did you give debian a try?
initially its not that easy but after some tinkering it could be what you are looking for...
after all ubuntu is based on debian.

[Whiffle]

Whats keeping you from Arch?

[smoker]

have a look at dreamlinux:
http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/

[Barrucadu]

You mean "I'm now trying FreeBSD, right?
Yes, that's what I mean.


The BSDs interest me, but there are a few compatability issues. The current system for running Linux apps uses an old kernel, so until it's updated you might have trouble with recent apps. I believe that Flash 9 isn't working yet - once it is, I'll try FreeBSD.
FreeBSD is proving very difficult for me, but I'm going to keep at it.

It sounds like Arch would be perfect for you - what don't you like about it? Zenwalk is great, but you will do LOTS of compiling from source (by the way, you're the same Barracuda as the one on the Zenwalk forums, right?).
Whats keeping you from Arch?
I don't not like anything about Arch, I just think that there might be something better I haven't found yet. And yes, I am the same Barrucadu as on the Zenwalk forums. I don't imagine I'll have to do much compiling on Zenwalk, as my software needs are relatively minimal.

Did you give debian a try?
initially its not that easy but after some tinkering it could be what you are looking for...
after all ubuntu is based on debian.
Debian is high on my list of things to try.

have a look at dreamlinux:
http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/
I'll have a look later - I'm attempting to force myself to do some coursework right now. I'm browsing the internet with the excuse "I'm waiting for my stuff to print", which is a terrible excuse really, as I can work and print at the same time.

[mr.farenheit]

you could always make yer own.

[fwojciec]

Given the requirements you've listed in your initial post Arch seems to be a perfect match. Perhaps your "perfect os" is a matter of configuring an os to your liking rather than finding a particular distribution. At some stage distros are a completely secondary consideration -- as long as they let you realize what you have in mind.

[wolfen69]

who are you kidding? if you found the perfect system, you would be bored to tears! :lolflag:

[fwojciec]

who are you kidding? if you found the perfect system, you would be bored to tears! :lolflag:

Once you find a perfect system you start window-manager-hopping ;)

[zetetic]

What you are searching has a name: Debian.

[SunnyRabbiera]

What you are searching has a name: Debian.

Yeh I suggested it already :D

[mivo]

He listed rolling release as one of his criteria, and unless you go with Sid, Debian is not a rolling release distro (and software in Sid's repo is not anywhere as well tested as Arch). Arch is really the optimal choice here, I feel, if you are willing to really spend some time on customization. The package manager is fantastic, far better than any other I have seen, and the repositories are well-maintained, very up-to-date, and large. Then there's ABS, which is mind-blowingly awesome. I've never had anything break on me, and I really like that I never have to reinstall the OS on my Arch box. (I do use Ubuntu on my work computer though because even though I never had any troubles with Arch, my work machine can't be exposed to the risk of breakage because of too new software.)

[SunnyRabbiera]

well even if debian lacks a rolling release cycle it still be what he is looking for.

[Barrucadu]

I'm sticking with Arch for now - but as usual I'll keep an eye out for anything else that looks promising.

[mivo]

As for the BSDs, of the three, FreeBSD is the most desktop-friendly. NetBSD and OpenBSD are more server-oriented overall, though you can use them for a desktop machine as well. Still, BSD is even more "exotic" than Linux, and when it comes to support of new hardware, especially of new "desktop user" hardware, drivers usually come out much later than for Linux. (The BSDs do support very old hardware better, however.) Also, some of the typical desktop applications like flash and Skype don't run as well, if at all. FreeBSD is still worth checking out, if only for the experience that can be gained, but I'd not necessarily recommend it to someone who uses their computer for typical desktop stuff only. FreeBSD's package manager is interesting, too.

[zetetic]

He listed rolling release as one of his criteria, and unless you go with Sid, Debian is not a rolling release distro (and software in Sid's repo is not anywhere as well tested as Arch). Arch is really the optimal choice here, I feel, if you are willing to really spend some time on customization. The package manager is fantastic, far better than any other I have seen, and the repositories are well-maintained, very up-to-date, and large. Then there's ABS, which is mind-blowingly awesome. I've never had anything break on me, and I really like that I never have to reinstall the OS on my Arch box. (I do use Ubuntu on my work computer though because even though I never had any troubles with Arch, my work machine can't be exposed to the risk of breakage because of too new software.)

This is not true.

Debian testing (Lenny at the moment) is indeed a rolling release.

One can use Debian Testing forever, the system being forever, automatically and constantly updated.

[kerry_s]

debian is what you make it and is 1 of the best choice's for the job.

you should try a custom install, make it what you want. there's no need for jumping around trying to make someone else's distro fit you.

i build mine from the base to fit my laptop specs and my needs.
it can be what ever i want, i go for low resource and speed.

[SunnyRabbiera]

and if you like KDE I have another suggestion: Mepis, it is debian made easy.

[fwojciec]

Nevermind.

[Barrucadu]

and if you like KDE I have another suggestion: Mepis, it is debian made easy.
I did like KDE for a while, but I came to my senses :P

[chris4585]

Once you find a perfect system you start window-manager-hopping ;)

That's true +1