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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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Official vs FOSS software? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Sorry if this isn't the right place to ask this, I couldn't find a linux-no-stupid-questions community lol.

I'm migrating again to linux, and working on Linux Mint for now to avoid a huge change due to my upcoming program for school soon where I won't have extra time to fiddle with things. So I'm trying to get everything set up, and download my most used applications, but I'm trying to figure out - should I be downloading the official software if it's available, or is it better to find a FOSS alternative instead? I plan to go with the apps that come with it like the libre office instead of Microsoft, obviously, but I was looking at Discord and there is what appears to be an official looking option in the software manager app, and below it a FOSS WebCord option. Or, if this one isn't the official, I could always go to the discord site and get it from them if they have it available.

Does it matter which option I go with? Is it better to go with official software if possible? Or is it better to go with FOSS for more control/privacy?

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[–] Cryystalized 7 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

A lot of FOSS alternatives are just as good or better than official, but it’s not as simple as just choosing the FOSS alternative always, as there will always be times where the official is better. Best way to find out is to read the GitHub or app description for why the FOSS alternative exists, and if the project has been around long enough to have the features you want.

Be careful with custom Discord clients as I’ve heard they are against TOS. I don’t think people get banned very often for it but it is something to keep in mind. WebCord is based on the browser version so it MIGHT be fine, but I don’t know enough about it.