What could your distro learn from another distro?

pmk@lemmy.sdf.org to Linux@lemmy.ml – 212 points –

For example, I'm using Debian, and I think we could learn a thing or two from Mint about how to make it "friendlier" for new users. I often see Mint recommended to new users, but rarely Debian, which has a goal to be "the universal operating system".
I also think we could learn website design from.. looks at notes ..everyone else.

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I think more distros should have an easy way to set up disk level encryption in the installation

And know how to use an existing btrfs partition. And always [at least have an option to] show exactly what the automatic installer is going to do before I run anything. There's gotta be a middle ground between "we'll just surprise you" and "here, do everything yourself".

OpenSUSE has a guided setup if you dont want a surprise or don't know what manual setups requires. then prior to starting givea you a summary of what will be done.

Great, there we go, sounds like all distros should learn from OpenSUSE.

Each one has good parts, but I think openSUSE did a lot to make things easier for new users to linux

  • Install, you see software summary, you can click and alter what patterns or packages you want included.
  • auto snapshots when you enter package manager or admin tools, easy rollback with snapper or boot list
  • a GTK front for all of YAST2-GUI components. All system, network, firewall, service, packages, boot and kernel config are available as GUI dialogs (as well as many others)