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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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Is WattOS open source? (self.linux)

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

8 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm incredibly close to pulling the trigger to make WattOS my new distro for my netbook. I've been using antiX for a while and it's really great overall but the lack of systemd has worn me down I feel. A few programs I want to use just don't work properly without systemd and I don't have the patience to fill in the gaps myself.

My only real concern with WattOS is the fact it seems so mysterious. There's very little info on their site and NO LICENSE OR SOURCE CODE OR REPOSITORY! I highly doubt Russia or China are trying to weasel their way into old AF computers to create a botnet but I've never seen a Linux project be so secretive.

Anyone else have some light to shed on this project?

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[–] Deckweiss 31 points 2 months ago

As far as I can see it is just Debian with LXDE, firefox ESR and some other packages preinstalled.

If they respect the license, you as a user can ask for the source code by e-mail.

But from my point of view, you can just install plain old Debian and all the same software and get a long term proven OS that will not randomly disappear and a huge userbase for support questions.

[–] [email protected] 26 points 2 months ago

Based on your post I wouldn’t touch this distro with a 3 mile long bargepole.

[–] [email protected] 15 points 2 months ago (2 children)

I have never heard of WattOS but that sounds terrible.

It seems like antiX is a systemd-free Debian flavor.

If you want systemd, why not just use Debian? Or, if you are looking for a nice preconfigured DE/WM, any of a number of Debian/Ubuntu derivatives.

Mint for best out of the box setup, Pop!_OS for tiling, Zorin OS if you're looking for a funky styling, any of the Ubuntu derivatives for the major DEs: Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.

[–] BrianTheeBiscuiteer 5 points 2 months ago

I guess I could just try a minimal install (uncheck every box) and see how it goes.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 months ago

Mint has a Debian version if'n you want to stay Debian

[–] [email protected] 12 points 2 months ago

Sorry I can't help with additional info, as you said there's little to find. It's referenced on DW at least, but not much more is given there

A bloody discord FFS, I'm not going there.

But then I guess it's not open source, if we can't find the source.

I don't see myself installing a distro for which you can't even find the license? How do you even know you have the right to install or use it?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I found this in the forum that was linked on the planettwatt.com site. https://planetwatt.com/newforum/index.php?topic=1016.msg3100#msg3100

Didn't find any source code though.

[–] BrianTheeBiscuiteer 1 points 2 months ago

Appreciate the link but this doesn't make me feel much better. Seems like their license and terms of use is basically, "Ask and we'll tell you if you can do that." Not very transparent.