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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submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hi....

I don't know what to say in the introduction, but in brief I have some questions about Linux, which were formed after trying some distributions on DistroSea and observing Linux communities on the Internet. Can you help with the answer?

I liked Gnome DE interface very much, but whenever I look at the empty workspace after closing an app , I feel that something is missing (sorry, I have been using Windows for almost 15 years). Is there an add on - or any other way - to install some apps on workspace? Or do I have to get used to it as it is ?
I read that Linux is more problematic on laptops than on personal computers, is this true? If so...what are the usual problems and is there a way to avoid them?
Are there any distributions that come with the minimum pre-installed apps ? ... I mean not even a video or music player
If I want to delete a pre-installed app (let's say the default browser), can this be done easily or does it require root, like Android?
Does rooting invalidate the system from obtaining updates?
I read that switching DEs is easy... but how exactly is it done? Something in the settings, or downloading the interface independently, or customizing it to be similar to the other, or something else?
Lazy question : What are wayland and docker? I see a lot of people mentioning them

Sorry for the many questions, and thanks in advance

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[–] [email protected] 13 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Conky widgets allow you to put some dynamic info on your desktop like hardware info, weather, RSS, etc. Also, Dash to Dock gives you a macOS like dock. Oh, and Gnome Tweaks allows you to customise your own Windows-like taskbar on the bottom, with application names and desktops.
Only problem I've experienced is that the fingerprint reader didn't work on some laptops while it did on others. YMVM, just try a Live USB, I'd say.
In my opinion they're not worth it, and you can uninstall anything you don't like, anyway.

Rooting in Android means you're always logged in as root (admin), often without password. This is unsafe. In Linux tasks can get rooted individually. This is safe (just don't give a bad task like a virus root-access) In a DE, like Gnome, some pop-up window will ask for your password if a task needs root. In a terminal, just add sudo in front of a command that needs root, and enter your password if the terminal asks.

Yes, you can uninstall any pre-installed app, just right-click it on the menu, Gnome will ask for your password so it can root that one uninstall task! Or type sudo apt remove followed by that app's internal name, like sudo apt remove firefox!
Not at all, it's the opposite! Since updates concern the whole system, system updates always require to run as root underwater!
This depends on your login screen, but assuming Debian or Ubuntu: Install the other DE, usually you just need to sudo apt install some things. Then on the login screen, there's a button with an icon on the top-right of where you enter your password, just click that and choose the other DE. You can now switch DE anytime you log in!
Lazy answer: Wayland and Docker