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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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Realizing Arch isn't for me after updating broke VLC (lemmy.sdf.org)

submitted 6 days ago by makeitwonderful@lemmy.sdf.org to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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I realized my VLC was broke some point in the week after updating Arch. I spend time troubleshooting then find a forum post with replies from an Arch moderator saying they knew it would happen and it's my fault for not wanting to read through pages of changelogs. Another mod post says they won't announce that on the RSS feed either. I thought I was doing good by following the RSS but I guess that's not enough.

I've been happily using Arch for 5 years but after reading those posts I've decided to look for a different distro. Does anyone have recommendations for the closest I can get to Arch but with a different attitude around updating?

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[–] derin@lemmy.beru.co 6 points 6 days ago (1 children)

New optional dependencies also happen in other distributions, just happens a lot less as they aren't rolling release distributions.

Learning to parse terminal output for what's relevant is a good and sometimes necessary skill.

[–] makeitwonderful@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

You're probably right, this is a issue that isn't unique to Arch. In this case, I would have been fine if a default had been chosen for people who didn't do the reading. Something like installing a plugin that will keep basic functionally of the app working.

I agree that reviewing terminal output is a valuable skill. I'm often lacking the attention or energy to pay attention to every update. I wish that wasn't the case because I believe I have higher than average emotional reactions when things go unexpectedly but the lack of attention -> unexpected event -> emotional reaction loop is a pattern of my life I've come to accept.

[–] derin@lemmy.beru.co 4 points 6 days ago

Please note that I wasn't passing judgement with my comment, I'm just stating that it will happen with pretty much all Linux distributions.

For example, when upgrading major Debian versions, the same will happen - but you'll usually get thrown into a full screen TUI with interactive buttons asking you how to proceed. So it isn't really possible to leave the system in a non-functional state.

Definitely check out a different, stability first distro. However, note that you will then have the problem of software being old when you want a new feature!