Rolling vs. Fixed Releases

[debtboy]

For you Linux and potential Linux users...
What is/will be your release type??

Rolling releases offer the advantage of never having to replace your OS with a new version. Everything is updated through your repository with the latest and (not always) the greatest. While this sounds very appealing, beware of broken apps due to library dependency version mismatches. (I've experienced this a few times, but not very often)
Rolling releases typically offer a snapshot (point in time) of their kernel and packages for new user installs.

Just a few examples of rolling releases are:
Arch
Gentoo (my current choice)
Debian sid
PCLinuxOS
etc...



Fixed releases offer a measure of stability as much testing is done on the packages within that release. New versions are released on a schedule and typically given a cool name. This may sound very appealing also, but you typically find your app versions are slightly dated and doing a complete OS install for each new release may be a bit of a pain.

Just a few examples of fixed releases are:
Ubuntu
Fedora
openSUSE
Debian (stable)
Slackware
Mandriva
Mint
Mepis
etc...

The lions share of Linux distributions are Fixed releases.
In either case, nothing is forcing you to update regularly or install a new versions.
Whatever your preference, Linux is a worthwhile endeavor!!

[marwex89]

I really enjoy the rolling release system of Arch and Gentoo, but I have to say that the fixed ones aren't really that bad if you have some patience.

[debtboy]

It's all good, but some distros (which target the desktop)
all but hide the command line.

Some don't even support su root out of the box.
At various times I do a lot admin work all at once and I
don't want to put sudo in front of every command.

Empower the user, there is no better teacher than
making and fixing mistakes.

I know you can make almost any distro do what you want,
but key Linux features shouldn't be hidden from new users.
Some command line should be required.

[marwex89]

Yeah, but in the long run I guess it's good for Linux to have user-friendly distros as well as power distros. That means more people will use Linux, which again means that Linux gets more attractive. Which again means that more developers will put effort in making it even better.. etc. etc.

[debtboy]

and more manufacturers will release specs
and write Linux drivers for their hardware.

Your absolutely right marwex89.

[Jordan]

I feel as if I should have known this before, but I've never heard of a rolling release. It makes sense though.

One important note (and boastful bragging): PCLinuxOS uses ionFiles and Link back to CC on their download page (however, it is an old version of ionFiles): PCLinuxOS

[marwex89]

That's cool You must be proud!