I am looking to switch to a different Linux distribution (or BSD). I currently use openSUSE Tumbleweed, which is quite nice, but I’m having issues with my USB ports and it takes a hot second to boot up.

However, the reason I’m asking here instead of going straight to DistroWatch is that my laptop has a problem. When I turn it on, it bootloops unless it’s connected to power when I press the button. As such, this distribution would need to be able to handle running for weeks on end without a reboot.

I could get this repaired or replaced, but I have neither the time nor the money to spare.

So, does anyone have any suggestions? Or should I just slap Fedora Kinoite on it and call it a day?

EDIT: I went for Debian FreeBSD, as well as running fwupd, and it’s all working now. Thanks!

  • utopiah@lemmy.ml
    1·
    12 days ago

    Debian… but also to clarify it’s not “old” at all. I’m using Debian on my servers, yes, but also on my desktop that use daily, to work and to play video games on, including VR. So… don’t think because it’s “old” and “stable” it means it’s outdated.

  • FloMo@lemmy.world
    1·
    12 days ago

    My debian machines usually only have their uptime interrupted by power outages or the like. They’re not my daily drivers, but very stable and reliable.

    I have Linux mint on my “daily driver” (used for work and gaming) desktop and I’m also very pleased with it - most updates can be installed without rebooting and it’s over-all a pretty trouble-free experience!

    Hope this helps!

  • jamesbunagna@discuss.online
    0·
    12 days ago

    As such, this distribution would need to be able to handle running for weeks on end without a reboot.

    So, it has to be something stable (i.e. receive little to no updates) that’s capable of updating without requiring a reboot. That makes any stable distro a candidate. As such, choose either:

    • Debian or something based on it
    • Gentoo (stable branch)
    • Nixos (stable channel)
    • openSUSE Leap
    • Ubuntu or something based on it
    • IsoKiero@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      0·
      12 days ago

      Ubuntu or something based on it

      I would not recommend ubuntu, specially on this case. System updates, snapd mostly, have gone downhill and it’s nearly impossible to avoid reboots for extended periods. Debian seems to be still as solid as it’s always been.

      • lordnikon@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        12 days ago

        It’s like people forget Ubuntu is based on Debian but I guess with Snapd that may no longer be true.

        • irotsoma@lemmy.blahaj.zone
          1·
          12 days ago

          Also Canonical has added a lot of problems to promote their monetization strategies lately. Mostly aimed at business rather than regular users, but still causes problems for home users.

          I generally prefer RHEL based distros over Debian based ones, so Rocky Linux for servers is my current go to and Fedora for desktop, though Fedora is heading in a similar direction as Ubuntu I feel…

  • merde alors@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    12 days ago

    i will add a question to theirs: Why is Fedora not in the suggestions?

    i’m only interested in negative criticism, if you please. What made you avoid or stop using Fedora?

    • jamesbunagna@discuss.online
      1·
      12 days ago

      I have daily driven (a) Fedora(-based distro) ever since I started using Linux. So I’m absolutely biased towards it. However, as Fedora is a semi-rolling release distro that really likes offline updates that involves a reboot, it simply falls flat when it comes to satisfying OP’s needs. They would have a very similar experience to their current one with openSUSE Tumbleweed, the very same they actively want to get rid of.