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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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Distrobox is such a cool utility! Tried it out today and don't see myself switching distros now for a long time :) (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Think of it as multiple user lands on one distro. So, why?

What if I really love the stability and familiarity of Debian Stable but applications that are either ancient versions or totally missing in Debian? Well, I could use Distrobox on Debian to get access to the Arch Linux repositories ( the largest collection of Linux software anywhere ).

What if I do not want to install huge Flatpaks for the above and prefer more traditional package management and more timely updates?

What if I want to setup a dev or test environment, want to be able to make a mess and remove it later, not also want access to my other tools and files from that environment?

What if i want to experience other package managers and userlands without having to lose my existing system only to discover I do not like it?

What if I want to build software for a specific disto and want to access files and tools on my main distribution to do so?

I am sure there are many, many more reasons.

Anyway, it is just one way to do things with pros and cons like anything else. Personally, I really like it.