this post was submitted on 26 Jan 2024
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Linux

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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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[–] ObsidianZed@lemmy.world 12 points 9 months ago (1 children)

As a noob, can someone briefly explain flatpaks and why they may be preferred?

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com 28 points 9 months ago (3 children)

Glad you asked

  • containerized apps
  • more secure than regular install
  • less clutter
  • no dependency hell
  • open source (in opposition to snap)
[–] warmaster@lemmy.world 12 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (5 children)

Containerization is not mandatory, some flatpaks are not air-gapped at all which is a real bummer. I wish they all were.

[–] equivocal@lemm.ee 1 points 9 months ago

Are you referring to the ones with excessive sandbox permissions that flathub allows by default? Or is this something else?

[–] Loucypher@lemmy.ml 1 points 9 months ago

For some apps this is just annoying. Like on Cryptomator

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com 1 points 9 months ago

Thanks for mentioning this. I didnt know.

[–] lemmyvore@feddit.nl 1 points 9 months ago

Can they not be closed down with flatseal?

[–] baseless_discourse@mander.xyz 9 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (2 children)

It is also much easier to install and update, since it don't require restarting the computer, and also works on all distro.

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com 2 points 9 months ago

Exactly. Thanks for pointing it out.

[–] ObsidianZed@lemmy.world 3 points 9 months ago (1 children)

That was my guess, from others' context. Hits almost all of the good points.

How containerized though? Could it be a replacement for a docker server "farm" on a single machine or is it know for apps to simply use locally?

[–] haui_lemmy@lemmy.giftedmc.com 1 points 9 months ago

Good question. Docker can be used for orchestration which I‘m pretty sure is a lot more than flatpak is designed for. So if this interests you (I‘m fine with docker) feel free to try it out and update me.