[linux] welke distro's kun je blijvend updaten naar volgende versie?

[Daniel C. von Asmuth]

Aldus schreef harry.harmsen op gmail.com op Thu, May 24, 2018 at 01:32:10PM +0200:
> Al enige tijd werk ik met Linux Mint 17.
> Ik heb een keer geüpdatet van 17.2 naar 17.3.
> Intussen is al versie 18.3 actueel en zit 19 eraan te komen.
> 
> Ik meen te begrijpen dat het niet mogelijk -in elk geval niet makkelijk- is
> om van 17.3 naar 18 te updaten. Wil ik dus bij de tijd zijn, zal ik een
> nieuwe installatie moeten uitvoeren.

Ik ben het meest bekend met RHEL. Bij die distributie kun je voorzichtig
je software updaten binnen een major release (bijv. versie 6.x) en als
je altijd alle patches installeert ben je al bij de tijd. Als je naar
een hogere major versie zou willen overstappen moet je eerste testen of
je hardware nog up to date is en daarna het OS opnieuw installeren. 

> Maar dat betekent ook dat ik allerlei programma's verlies die ik in de loop
> van de tijd geïnstalleerd heb?
> En raak ik dan ook mijn virtuele machines kwijt? (Oracle VM)

Zoals Gerard al aan gaf heb je hopelijk bij de installatie van de
machine meerdere partities gemaakt. Zo bewaar ik mijn
gebruikersprogramma's in /home en die wordt onder verschillende Linux
varianten gemount. En zo niet dan kun je naderhand natuurlijk alles wat
gewist is van je laatste back-up terughalen. Zo raak je je VMs ook niet
kwijt. Gebruik EXT4 file system, dat door vrijwel alle Linuxen wordt
ondersteund. 

Als je je favoriete programma's in aparte directories hebt geinstalleerd
zoals /usr/local of /opt, dan ben je ze ook niet kwijt c.q. je kunt je
terugzetten. Of die programma's daarna nog werken is een heel andere
vraag. Vermoedelijk zul je de meeste moeten upgraden, behalve
commerciele software die haar eigen libraries meebrengt. 

Sommige distributies kun je upgraden naar een hogere release, zoals SuSE
Linux. Daar zit wel een risico aan vast. 

> Daarom mijn vraag: zijn er ook distro's die wel telkens naar een volgende
> versie kunt updaten?

Dat had je zelf ook even snel kunnen opzoeken op www.distrowatch.org

Zoeken naar rolling releases geeft



The following distributions match your criteria (sorted by popularity):


1. Manjaro Linux (1)
Manjaro Linux is a fast, user-friendly, desktop-oriented operating
system based on Arch Linux. Key features include intuitive installation
process, automatic hardware detection, stable rolling-release model,
ability to install multiple kernels, special Bash scripts for managing
graphics drivers and extensive desktop configurability. Manjaro Linux
offers Xfce as the core desktop options, as well as KDE, GNOME and a
minimalist Net edition for more advanced users. Community-supported
desktop flavours are also available.

2. Debian (4)
The Debian Project is an association of individuals who have made common
cause to create a free operating system. This operating system is called
Debian. Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel. Linux is a
completely free piece of software started by Linus Torvalds and
supported by thousands of programmers worldwide. Of course, the thing
that people want is application software: programs to help them get what
they want to do done, from editing documents to running a business to
playing games to writing more software. Debian comes with over 50,000
packages (precompiled software that is bundled up in a nice format for
easy installation on your machine) - all of it free. It's a bit like a
tower. At the base is the kernel. On top of that are all the basic
tools. Next is all the software that you run on the computer. At the top
of the tower is Debian -- carefully organizing and fitting everything so
it all works together.

3. Solus (6)
Solus is a Linux distribution built from scratch. It uses a forked
version of the PiSi package manager, maintained as "eopkg" within Solus,
and a custom desktop environment called "Budgie", developed in-house.
The Budgie desktop, which can be set to emulate the look and feel of the
GNOME 2 desktop, is tightly integrated with the GNOME stack. The
distribution is available for 64-bit computers only.

4. Antergos (9)
Antergos is a modern, elegant and powerful operating system based on
Arch Linux. It started life under the name of Cinnarch, combining the
Cinnamon desktop with the Arch Linux distribution, but the project has
moved on from its original goals and now offers a choice of several
desktops, including GNOME 3 (default), Cinnamon, Razor-qt and Xfce.
Antergos also provides its own graphical installation program.

5. openSUSE (11)
The openSUSE project is a community program sponsored by SUSE Linux and
other companies. Promoting the use of Linux everywhere, this program
provides free, easy access to openSUSE, a complete Linux distribution.
The openSUSE project has three main goals: make openSUSE the easiest
Linux for anyone to obtain and the most widely used Linux distribution;
leverage open source collaboration to make openSUSE the world's most
usable Linux distribution and desktop environment for new and
experienced Linux users; dramatically simplify and open the development
and packaging processes to make openSUSE the platform of choice for
Linux developers and software vendors.

6. Arch Linux (13)
Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64-optimised Linux
distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses 'pacman', its
home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software
applications with full dependency tracking. Operating on a rolling
release system, Arch can be installed from a CD image or via an FTP
server. The default install provides a solid base that enables users to
create a custom installation. In addition, the Arch Build System (ABS)
provides a way to easily build new packages, modify the configuration of
stock packages, and share these packages with other users via the Arch
Linux user repository.

7. Kali Linux (15)
Kali Linux (formerly known as BackTrack) is a Debian-based distribution
with a collection of security and forensics tools. It features timely
security updates, support for the ARM architecture, a choice of four
popular desktop environments, and seamless upgrades to newer versions.

8. antiX (16)
antiX is a fast, lightweight and easy-to-install Linux live CD
distribution based on Debian's "Stable" branch for x86 compatible
systems. antiX offers users the "antiX Magic" in an environment suitable
for old computers. The goal of antiX is to provide a light, but fully
functional and flexible free operating system for both newcomers and
experienced users of Linux. It should run on most computers, ranging
from 256 MB old PIII systems with pre-configured swap to the latest
powerful boxes. 256 MB RAM is recommended minimum for antiX. The
installer needs minimum 2.7 GB hard disk size. antiX can also be used as
a fast-booting rescue CD, or run "live" on a USB stick, with or without
persistent file storage.

9. deepin (24)
deepin (formerly, Deepin, Linux Deepin, Hiweed GNU/Linux) is a
Debian-based distribution (it was Ubuntu-based until version 15 released
in late 2015) that aims to provide an elegant, user-friendly and
reliable operating system. It does not only include the best the open
source world has to offer, but it has also created its own desktop
environment called DDE or Deepin Desktop Environment which is based on
the Qt 5 toolkit. Deepin focuses much of its attention on intuitive
design. Its home-grown applications, like Deepin Software Centre, DMusic
and DPlayer are tailored to the average user. Being easy to install and
use, deepin can be a good Windows alternative for office and home use.

10. ArchLabs (34)
ArchLabs is a distribution based on Arch Linux and featuring the Openbox
window manager as the primary desktop interface. ArchLabs is a 64-bit,
rolling release distribution which provides a live DVD. The distribution
can be installed using the ABIF system installer.

11. Bluestar Linux (39)
Bluestar Linux is a GNU/Linux distribution that is based on Arch Linux.
The Bluestar distribution features up to date packages, a full range of
desktop and multimedia software in the default installation and a live
desktop DVD.

12. feren OS (42)
feren OS is a desktop Linux distribution based on Linux Mint's main
edition. The feren OS distribution ships with the Cinnamon desktop
environment and includes the WINE compatibility layer for running
Windows applications. The distribution also ships with the WPS
productivity software, which is mostly compatible with Microsoft Office,
and the Vivaldi web browser.

13. Redcore Linux (43)
Redcore Linux explores the idea of bringing the power of Gentoo Linux to
the masses. It aims to be a very quick way to install a pure Gentoo
Linux system without spending hours or days compiling from source code,
and reading documentation. To achieve this goal, Redcore provides a
repository with pre-built binary packages which receives continuous
updates, following a rolling release model.

14. Gentoo Linux (44)
Gentoo Linux is a versatile and fast, completely free Linux distribution
geared towards developers and network professionals. Unlike other
distros, Gentoo Linux has an advanced package management system called
Portage. Portage is a true ports system in the tradition of BSD ports,
but is Python-based and sports a number of advanced features including
dependencies, fine-grained package management, "fake" (OpenBSD-style)
installs, safe unmerging, system profiles, virtual packages, config file
management, and more.

15. Sabayon (47)
Sabayon is a Gentoo-based distribution which follows the
works-out-of-the-box philosophy, aiming to give the user a wide number
of applications that are ready for use and a self-configured operating
system. Sabayon offers the user an easy-to-use workspace with a
captivating look, good hardware detection and a large number of
up-to-date software packages installed by default, with additional
software available from a repository. Sabayon is available in several
flavors featuring respectively the KDE, GNOME and Xfce desktop
environments.

16. KaOS (55)
KaOS is a desktop Linux distribution that features the latest version of
the KDE desktop environment, the Calligra office suite, and other
popular software applications that use the Qt toolkit. It was inspired
by Arch Linux, but the developers build their own packages which are
available from in-house repositories. KaOS employs a rolling-release
development model and is built exclusively for 64-bit computer systems.

17. siduction (57)
The siduction distribution is a desktop-oriented operating system and
live medium based on the "unstable" branch of Debian GNU/Linux. Forked
from aptosid in late 2011, siduction offers many separate live media
with a range of desktop environments. The project also promises regular
releases, an open development model, and friendly relationship with its
developer and user community.

18. ArchBang Linux (60)
ArchBang Linux is a lightweight distribution based on Arch Linux. Using
the Openbox window manager, it is fast, up-to-date and suitable for both
desktop and portable systems.

19. GeckoLinux (61)
GeckoLinux is a Linux spin based on the openSUSE distribution, with a
focus on polish and out-of-the-box usability on the desktop. The
distribution features many desktop editions which can be installed from
live discs. Some patent encumbered open source software is included in
GeckoLinux which is not available in the default installation of
openSUSE. Special attention has been given to the quality of the font
rendering. GeckoLinux provides two main editions, Static (which is based
on openSUSE Leap) and Rolling (based on openSUSE Tumbleweed).

20. Archman GNU/Linux (64)
Archman GNU/Linux is an Arch Linux-based distribution which features the
Calamares system installer and a pre-configured desktop environment.
Archman also features the Octopi package manager to make installing new
software easier.

21. Calculate Linux (65)
Calculate Linux is a Gentoo-based family of three distinguished
distributions. Calculate Directory Server (CDS) is a solution that
supports Windows and Linux clients via LDAP + SAMBA, providing proxy,
mail and Jabbers servers with streamlined user management. Calculate
Linux Desktop (CLD) is a workstation and client distribution with KDE,
MATE or Xfce desktop that includes a wizard to configure a connection to
Calculate Directory Server. Calculate Linux Scratch (CLS) is live CD
with a build framework for creating a custom distribution.

22. SwagArch GNU/Linux (67)
SwagArch is a GNU/Linux desktop distribution based on Arch Linux. The
SwagArch distribution features a live DVD that runs the Xfce desktop and
uses the Calamares graphical system installer. SwagArch offers popular
FOSS applications pre-installed, including Firefox and the VLC
multimedia player.

23. Artix Linux (94)
Artix Linux is a fork (or continuation as an autonomous project) of the
Arch-OpenRC and Manjaro-OpenRC projects. Artix Linux offers a
lightweight, rolling-release operating system featuring the OpenRC init
software. Three editions of Artix are available, a minimal Base system,
an edition featuring the i3 window manager and an edition which runs the
LXQt desktop.

24. Container Linux (96)
Container Linux (formerly CoreOS) is a Linux-based operating system for
servers. Built from the ground up and designed primarily for the modern
data centre, Container Linux provides specialist tools for making the
system secure, reliable and up-to-date. Some of the more interesting
features of the distribution include reliable updates and patches via
FastPatch, a dashboard for managing rolling updates via CoreUpdate, a
docker for packaging applications, as well as support for bare metal and
many cloud providers.

25. Parabola GNU/Linux-libre (104)
Parabola GNU/Linux-libre is an unofficial "libre" variant of Arch Linux.
It aims to provide a fully free (as in freedom) distribution based on
the packages of the Arch Linux project, with packages optimised for i686
and x86_64 processors. The goal is to give the users complete control
over their systems with 100% "libre" software. Parabola GNU/Linux-libre
is listed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) as a fully free software
distribution. Besides a standard installation CD image, the project also
provides a live/rescue DVD image with MATE as the default desktop
environment.

26. Zenwalk Linux (105)
Zenwalk Linux (formerly Minislack) is a Slackware-based GNU/Linux
operating system with a goal of being slim and fast by using only one
application per task and with focus on graphical desktop and multimedia
usage. Zenwalk features the latest Linux technology along with a
complete programming environment and libraries to provide an ideal
platform for application programmers. Zenwalk's modular approach also
provides a simple way to convert Zenwalk Linux into a finely-tuned
modern server (e.g. LAMP, messaging, file sharing).

27. Revenge OS (109)
Revenge OS (previously called OBRevenge OS) is a desktop operating
system that is based on the Arch Linux distribution. Revenge OS features
a live DVD and offers users the Openbox window manager and Xfce panel
with the Whisker menu as the default login session. The distribution
includes a welcome window and the Pamac graphical software manager to
help users get set up with the software and drivers they need. The
distribution can be installed using the Calamares system installer.

28. Void (110)
Void is an independently-developed, general-purpose operating system
based on the monolithic Linux kernel. It features a hybrid binary/source
package management system which allows users to quickly install, update
and remove software, or to build software directly from sources with the
help of the XBPS source packages collection. Other features of the
distribution include support for Raspberry Pi single-board computers
(both armv6 and armv7), rolling-release development model with daily
updates, integration of OpenBSD's LibreSSL software, and native init
system called "runit".

29. ArcoLinux (115)
ArcoLinux (previously called ArchMerge) is a distribution based on Arch
Linux. The ArcoLinux project features two editions, one includes the
Xfce, Openbox and i3 user interfaces. The second edition is a minimal,
command line platform. ArcoLinux features video tutorials on its website
and places a strong focus on learning how to use and customize the
operating system.

30. UBOS (130)
UBOS is a Linux distribution designed to greatly reduce the amount of
time required to set up and maintain common network services. UBOS
features a command line utility, ubos-admin, which makes it possible to
set up services such as Wordpress, Nextcloud and wiki software with a
single command. Backing up all services and restoring them can also be
accomplished by issuing a short command in the shell. UBOS is a rolling
release distribution based on Arch Linux.

31. RancherOS (144)
RancherOS is a tiny Linux distribution that runs the entire operating
system as Docker containers. This includes system services, such as udev
and rsyslog. RancherOS includes only the bare minimum amount of software
needed to run Docker. This keeps the binary download of RancherOS very
small. Everything else can be pulled in dynamically through Docker.

32. ArchStrike (163)
ArchStrike is a distribution for security professionals and researchers
based on Arch Linux. ArchStrike provides an extra repository of security
software and is available in 32-bit and 64-bit builds. ArchStrike
provides a live desktop environment based on the Openbox window manager.

33. Funtoo Linux (175)
Funtoo Linux is a Gentoo-based distribution developed by Daniel Robbins
(the founder and former project leader of Gentoo Linux) and a core team
of developers, built around a basic vision of improving the core
technologies in Gentoo Linux. Funtoo Linux features native UTF-8 support
enabled by default, a git-based, distributed Portage tree and Funtoo
overlay, an enhanced Portage with more compact mini-manifest tree,
automated imports of new Gentoo changes every 12 hours, GPT/GUID boot
support and streamlined boot configuration, enhanced network
configuration, up-to-date stable and current Funtoo stages - all built
using Funtoo's Metro build tool.

34. Audiophile Linux (182)
Audiophile Linux is based on Arch Linux and provides a minimal graphical
environment from which to play multimedia files. The distribution ships
with the Fluxbox window manager, DSD support and a custom real-time
Linux kernel for improved audio performance.

35. Clear Linux (194)
Clear Linux is a minimal distribution primarily designed with
performance and cloud use-cases in mind. The operating system upgrades
as a whole rather than using individual packages. Extra software can be
added to the system (along with associated dependencies) using
pre-compiled bundles which can be accessed through the distribution's
swupd software manager.

36. LinuxBBQ (198)
LinuxBBQ is a multi-purpose operating system based on Debian's
"unstable" branch and spiced up with kernels and tools from siduction,
Grml and Linux Mint. LinuxBBQ offers different flavours and desktops
which are released as "editions" (with no version numbers) and which can
be customised and remixed by the user. The individual editions are built
to include most major desktop environments (with the exception of GNOME)
and there is a special edition offering a choice of no fewer than 53
window managers - everything from aewm to xmonad.

37. Lunar Linux (206)
Lunar is a source based Linux distribution with a unique package
management system which builds each software package, or module, for the
machine it is being installed on. Though it can take a while to do a
complete Lunar installation it's worth it as it tends to be quite fast,
once installed! In the beginning Lunar was a fork of Sorcerer GNU Linux
(SGL). The fork occurred in late January to early February of 2002 and
was originally made up of a small group of people who wanted to
collaboratively develop and extend the Sorcerer technology. The original
name for the project was Lunar-Penguin but the group decided to
re-christen it Lunar Linux while the Lunar-Penguin name has become a
sort of umbrella which the team could use if they decide to
collaboratively develop something besides Lunar Linux.

38. Exherbo (228)
Exherbo is a source-based Linux distribution inspired by the flexibility
found in Gentoo Linux (among others). Designed primarily for developers
and advanced users who are expected to take an active role in the
development of the distribution, Exherbo offers a decentralised
development model, original code, and a fast and flexible package
manager called Paludis.

39. Metamorphose Linux (230)
Metamorphose Linux is a Brazilian Debian-based distribution whose
biggest goal is being simple and complete with a pleasant graphical
interface for beginners or advanced users. The distribution ships with
KDE Plasma as the default desktop environment and WINE is present to
help users run Windows applications. UEFI support is available.

40. MorpheusArch Linux (231)
MorpheusArch Linux is a distribution based on Arch Linux. The
MorpheusArch disc provides users with a live recovery disc which comes
with Photorec, ddrescue and other recovery tools pre-installed. This
offers users with a very lightweight environment from which to rescue
data or an operating system. MorpheusArch requires less than 50MB of RAM
to boot and provides up to date hardware support.

41. Source Mage GNU/Linux (256)
Sourcemage is a source-based GNU/Linux distribution based on a Sorcery
metaphor of 'casting' and 'dispelling' programs, which we refer to as
'spells'.

42. paldo GNU/Linux (275)
paldo is a hybrid (source and binary), Upkg-driven GNU/Linux
distribution and live CD. Besides aiming to be simple, pure, up-to-date
and standards-compliant, paldo offers automatic hardware detection, one
application per task, and a standard GNOME desktop.

43. TalkingArch (282)
TalkingArch is a re-spin of the Arch Linux live ISO image, modified to
include speech and Braille output for blind and visually-impaired users.
Arch Linux is designed to be simple, lightweight and flexible.
TalkingArch retains all the features of the Arch Linux live image, but
adds speech and Braille packages to make it possible for blind and
visually impaired users to install Arch Linux eyes-free.

44. Namib GNU/Linux (Not ranked)
Namib GNU/Linux is a desktop operating system based on (and compatible
with) the Arch Linux distribution. Namib is available in multiple
desktop editions and can be set up using the Calamares system installer.

> 
> Groet,
> Harry Harmsen
> Assen

Met vriendelijke groet,



Daniel von Asmuth
Domstad


-- 
	
		Geeks of a feather cruft together