this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2024
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Hello, I'm looking for a new distro that aligns with my privacy preferences and offers a wide range of packages without requiring me to search for PPAs, similar to Manjaro. I've grown uneasy about Manjaro's decision to collect unique data like MAC addresses and disk serial numbers by default, even if it's for diagnostic purposes.

In light of this, I'd like to ask for your recommendations on a Linux distro that meets the following criteria:

  1. No opt-out telemetry: I'm looking for a distro that doesn't collect any unique data by default.
  2. Access to a wide range of packages: I prefer a distro that offers a vast repository of packages, so I don't have to search for PPAs or third-party repositories.
  3. User-friendly: I'm not a fan of complicated configurations or steep learning curves, so a distro with a user-friendly approach would be ideal.

I'm curious to hear any recommendations you might have. Thanks!

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[–] Blxter@lemmy.zip 40 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I switched to EOS Endeavour OS. I don't think it has data collection

[–] lord_ryvan@ttrpg.network 20 points 2 months ago

It doesn't, and offers an even friendlier experience than Manjaro IMO

[–] OsrsNeedsF2P@lemmy.ml 24 points 2 months ago

Use Arch Linux. There's a script called "archinstall" you can use after connecting to the internet, and it's basically a guided installer

[–] thingsiplay 20 points 2 months ago (3 children)

EndeavourOS. I used Manjaro for 1.5 years before switching to EndeavourOS. (BTW before that I was also using Ubuntu for 13 years in row...) I couldn't be happier. It's closer to Archlinux and a bit more focused on terminal, but overall hassle free for me. Updates come quicker and not in batches like Manjaro did. Which means more often new versions of packages and no compatibility or other issues with AUR caused by Manjaro. What desktop environment did you use before? KDE is pretty good on EndeavourOS and what I would recommend.

  1. No opt-out or opt-in telemetry.
  2. Same package manager and repository from Archlinux.
  3. You have already experience with Manjaro and the Archlinux stuff, so going to a similar system like EndeavourOS makes sense. However its a bit more terminal oriented, with a few GUI related help.

Because of your prior experience with Manjaro, I think EndeavourOS is a good candidate you should have in mind.

[–] airikr@lemmy.ml 9 points 2 months ago

I second EndeavourOS. It's so good!

[–] naeap@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Is there something like an easy migration script, which would take packages and settings from my current install?

Ok, settings are mostly in my home anyway
Packages I can generate a list, and the manuals throw out the Manjaro stuff

Hmm...I'm having a laptop and a workstation running Manjaro and I really would like to make the switch, but can't tolerate much downtime, because both are machines for my work

So I'm looking for something to quickly setup everything as I had, without the need to remember everything and do it manually...

[–] thingsiplay 2 points 2 months ago

You wouldn't be first who asks this. There are attempts and instructions how to do this, step by step. But I'm not confident enough to recommend any of those. Maybe they are outdated or your machine requires some setup which is not covered. I do not recommend doing this, but if you have no time to setup a new OS from scratch, then at least make a backup before attempting any of this.

I would ask those on the official EndeavourOS forum, which is active and helpful: https://forum.endeavouros.com/

[–] Aelis@lemm.ee 2 points 2 months ago

EndeavourOS is a good choice. I hopped from Manjaro to Endeavor myself a few years ago, never had an issue since. It's the kind of distro you set up once and then it's all done, you can forget about it, so much so that I hope I won't have to install it on another machine soon..because I really don't remember much about what I did back then xD

[–] MyNameIsRichard@lemmy.ml 16 points 2 months ago

Another vote for Endeavour OS here

[–] thepiguy@lemmy.ml 8 points 2 months ago

If you used manjaro before, then I will recommend endeavour. It is arch Linux (same as manjaro) with an installer. I found their support forums to be helpful as an arch user.

[–] DieserTypMatthias@lemmy.ml 8 points 2 months ago
[–] icogniito@lemmy.zip 7 points 2 months ago

Well if you don’t want plain arch I’d go with cachyos or just endeavouros

[–] imperator 5 points 2 months ago

Bazzite.gg

Upgrades didn't break your system. You can run Arch packages, AUR, flatpaks.

[–] fmstrat@lemmy.nowsci.com 5 points 2 months ago (1 children)
[–] jaypatelani@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)
[–] thingsiplay 4 points 2 months ago

LFS isn't a distribution. It's documentation only. (I know you were joking, but as an ex Reddit user I remembered my origin where I came from and got triggered hard.)

[–] eco_game@discuss.tchncs.de 4 points 2 months ago

I really like Pop!_OS, AFAIK it doesn't have any telemetry. It's basically a Ubuntu fork but without the stupid Ubuntu stuff, and they're currently even working on their own Desktop Environment.

[–] banazir@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

openSUSE Tumbleweed has served me well for some time now. Maybe give it a look-see?

[–] FrostyPolicy@suppo.fi 5 points 2 months ago

Second this. Tumbleweed is a great distro. Nearly everything you'll need can be found in default repos. Then there are several endorsed (semi) official add-on repos, and if that fails there's always OBS (opi is your friend for searching those).

[–] tomsh@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 months ago

I think you are looking for a distribution with KDE and flatpak by default

[–] secret300@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 2 months ago

Is there any distro that automatically collect data? Every distro I've tried asked directly on install or at first boot

[–] jimitsoni18@lemmy.zip 2 points 2 months ago
[–] MonkderVierte@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Take the plunge into the Void.

[–] Sarcasmo220@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 months ago

Let go your earthly tether Enter the Void empty, and become wind

[–] furzegulo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

cachyos is user friendly and based on arch

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[–] prunerye@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 months ago

Garuda. It's even easier than Manjaro. The theming can be a bit much, though.

[–] dysprosium@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago

I think maybe Fedora but probably less software available

[–] yum13241@lemm.ee 1 points 2 months ago

Garuda Linux. It's like Manjaro, in fact some utilities are forked from it, but done right.

You can also try EndeavourOS.

If you're into immutable distros, try Bazzite.