MEET THE TEAM

This issue we’re comparing Fedora and Ubuntu, but what sort of distro do you favour? Something more LTS, something on a shorter update schedule or are you more a rolling-release type?

Jonni Bidwell

I use Arch, and also Arch32, Pop!_OS and Debian. And, albeit briefly, whatever’s on our artisanally crafted DVD. LTS distros, through Snaps and Flatpaks, can now obtain the latest applications too, so adding hacky PPAs on the ilk of Mint and elementary OS is no longer de rigueur.

Les Pounder

My work machine runs Ubuntu 20.04 LTS. It gives me the stability to get my work done. For my other machines, my X220 is always distro hopping (currently Kubuntu 21.10) and my X390 is on Ubuntu 21.04. My Raspberry Pis are mainly using Raspberry Pi OS and Diet Pi.

David Rutland

I use Ubuntu 20.04 LTS which, among Linux distros, is the worn and comfy pair of solid old boots. Sure, I’ll slip into Arch for an occasional dirty weekend, but it’s like wearing high heels: super sexy so long as you don’t slip and break your ankle (or distro). Comfort and reliability FTW!

Mayank Sharma

I prefer Manjaro’s curated rolling release, which delivers updates a lot faster than the Ubuntus and the Fedoras, but isn’t as maddening as a full-blown Arch. I’m not sure how Jonni manages it, but keeping pace with a full-blown rolling release is a bit too hectic for my taste.

Alexander Tolstoy

My main distro is the one with the green lizard, but I use both Fedora and Ubuntu from time to time. I tend to prefer Fedora because it successfully balances bleeding-edge software and stability. Moreover, most of the innovative desktop Linux additions that we use these days come from the Red Hat camp, which also backs Fedora.