Not so eager beaver
Q In your Ed’s intro ( LXF232) you didn’t mention how many of the server implementations are subscription or purchased based. I mention this because many things come and go in the Linux environment.
For example, Unity desktop is no longer supported on Ubuntu releases higher than 17.04, and Systemback isn’t supported after Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. I’ve used a Linux platform in my work for over 10 years (network vulnerability assessments and forensics). However, I haven’t converted my home computer to Linux. I recently retired and was evaluating which OS to use for all my personal needs. The OS must work seamlessly on a mobile device such as a laptop. A touchscreen isn’t important.
I have an issue with Linux OS platforms and user data recoverability and restoration (from one laptop to another similar but not identical laptop) in Linux. 16.04 LTS was fair. Rsync never really did work for me. I’m willing to pay a subscription fee or purchase fee. I may sound like a heretic now, but if you want the same success in the home market as in the server market you may wish to go the route of (dare I say it) Apple and Microsoft. As for me, I’ll continue to play with Linux, but that’s all I’ll do with it until something changes. Tim Bever, by email A Some Linux distros (namely RHEL) are subscription-based, meaning you stop receiving updates if you stop paying. Other companies (like Canonical) give you the software for free and charge for support contracts. Unity and Systemback were both included in Ubuntu 16.04 LTS and will be supported there until 2021. Desktops (like Unity) and back-up utilities to run on them aren’t things you find in the server wheelhouse, so that your message goes on to discuss touchscreens and OSes for home use is puzzling. Be that as it may, we’ll always recommend Mint to Linux beginners. The TimeShift backup utility included there is more friendly than Systemback. Rsync is all-powerful, but when in doubt use the -n (dry run) option to prevent accidents.
If you want to pay for a desktop OS that’s fine, but you’ve already mentioned the only two contenders…