- This topic has 19 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated Aug 25-8:20 pm by Brian Masinick.
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stevesr0
Hi all,
(moderator: please move to another forum if this is in the wrong one. Thanks.)
I have installed a number of linux distros in the past including some “minimal” and some “full” versions.
My minimal version of sid currently has 788 installed packages (77711 NOT installed). On another computer, I have a “full” install that currently has 1802 packages installed (and 86501 NOT installed).
I remain unclear how one makes sure they have built the best custom install – that includes all the good stuff they would use with stuff they won’t use.
I realized it would be nice to have an “advisor” program that one could query before installs or when “revising” one’s needs and/or interests.
I don’t know how to search for threads asking or addressing this question, or describing such an “advisor” program.
Appreciate referral to threads on the forum discussing this or to external sources.
Thanks in advance.
stevesr0
Brian Masinick
In all fairness, these are personal matters. Generally speaking, what appeals to many people who try out various Linux distributions are:
The ability to choose from a variety of distributions and styles. Some emphasize pretty appearance, others are serious about using the most “free software”, both free in financial cost and also having the freedom to use, distribute and share freely.
Other distributions emphasize ease of use.
Our particular distribution attempts to operate efficiently (lean) on a broad range of systems, including inexpensive older systems. Because of some changes at the Linux kernel project level, some really old systems are getting difficult to support; we do our best.
What is your objective in trying out antiX?
That may help with providing you with a useful response.
The more we understand what you are trying to do the more likely we’ll be able to offer help.
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Brian Masinick
christophe
I remain unclear how one makes sure they have built the best custom install – that includes all the good stuff they would use with stuff they won’t use.
I think anticapitalista has made that one for you: antiX full.
And if you ever find you need something else for whatever reason, you just install that one program, adding it & its dependencies.
For example, if someone talks about, say, dwm here on the forums & you think that seems useful or fun, then … you add it.
If you have a need, you can then fill it. Otherwise, enjoy what has been provided. Is there something you see as missing? Then add it.
You can always just add stuff & immediately use it.You have in your possession right now, the perfect OS.
😉
- This reply was modified 1 year, 9 months ago by christophe.
confirmed antiX frugaler, since 2019
BobC
As you find things antiX doesn’t do, or doesn’t do well enough, search the internet (there are many sites with reviews and comparisons, etc) for a program or application, and include the word Linux in your search criteria. If you see one that looks good, look in the Package Installer and search Synaptic for it, and I’d suggest installing it first on a test system, see if you like it, and if it doesn’t cause problems, and if so, install it to your main system.
Attachments:
christophe
Also, reading through old tips & tricks threads is a good way to find software gems you may not have known about:
https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic/short-essential-how-to-list-for-the-complete-linux-newbie/
https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic/opera-with-antix-sensational/
https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic/making-the-modern-web-a-bit-lighter-and-more-private/
https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic/additional-candidates-for-antix-cli-suggested-list/
https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic/helpful-light-weight-apps/
https://www.antixforum.com/forums/topic/how-to-add-feature-to-antix-and-also-more-window-10-like-with-tint2/confirmed antiX frugaler, since 2019
Hi all,
Thanks for responses.
I bundled two things in my question.
The first was the old question of how do I know what I should install. The traditional answers are look at different options, see what other people recommend for a basic and a full install and use one of the premade installs. Those are all valid answers. And the links from christophe are on point (and appreciated).
So that part is “solved” as far as I am concerned.
The second part (is there an “advisory program”) occurred to me as I was writing the question and seemed like a neat tool. (Obviously, this doesn’t replace trying what is recommended; it just might lead to suggestions that a person might not otherwise think of.)
I am interested in hearing others comments about the value of such a tool vs the traditional look around and try different things. Also, about whether such a tool exists…
stevesr0
I get the impression you want to replace many of the applications. If that’s the case you would be better off just running a distro that comes with the applications you like instead of trying to change everything in antiX.
That doesn’t mean it can’t be done but it will take a lot more time and effort than just running a distro. Also, think about how you plan to upgrade it as new distro versions are released, because you will have to care for the things you added or changed.
Basic rule of thumb is you should look for a system that meets all of your needs, but might need to accept one that meets 97%, and take care of the rest yourself.
rokytnji
My advisor tool and site .
https://download.tuxfamily.org/antix/docs-antiX-17/FAQ/index.html
https://www.youtube.com/user/runwiththedolphinI am interested in hearing others comments about the value of such a tool vs the traditional look around and try different things. Also, about whether such a tool exists…
I know of no such tool supplied in the live iso of any distro. Online sites instead of programs is what is used for this.
Used to be a build your own live distro site based on slackware where you decided to install DE or Window Manager, drivers, codecs, partition editor and text editor of your choice. Same for browsers. The limit was a 700MB live iso. It was maintained by a single dude in eastern europe. I can’t remember the name though. Your built iso had a shelf life on his site for 24 hours. After that. It was gone.- This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by rokytnji.
Sometimes I drive a crooked road to get my mind straight.
Not all who Wander are Lost.
I'm not outa place. I'm from outer space.Linux Registered User # 475019
How to Search for AntiX solutions to your problemsBrian Masinick
I vaguely remember that site where you could run a virtual instance of various distributions; at least I *think* that they were virtual instances.
Who knows what was really going on?
In today’s environment, I’d be suspicious of such an environment “collecting information”, but then again, if all it collected were bits and pieces of information about distributions I was interested in, that wouldn’t bother me at all.
Anyway, there are a LOT of different distributions. If you look at them, they probably fall into 3, 4, maybe 5 different packaging styles and display styles. Taking the permutations and combinations of those, along with the diverse art, preferences, etc., we end up with several hundred ACTIVELY developed and maintained distributions, and undoubtedly a few thousand distributions (at LEAST) since freely developed software became widely available.
We can’t all have everything 100% the same and still maintain personal preferences, and that’s why we have so many variations and many distributions. I personally like antiX and I use it quite often, but even someone like me, who enjoys antiX, can’t use it on every system I have; fortunately it runs on MOST of them, so I gratefully use it quite often.
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Brian Masinick
Xecure
The second part (is there an “advisory program”) occurred to me as I was writing the question and seemed like a neat tool.
The reason Google and Amazon (and Facebook) are being highly fined by different governments is because of them “recommending” articles, links, or purchasing items in the search results, showing them above everything else. Let me rephrase: they are placing in the first results what they want you to read/buy, mainly what earns them more money or removing any results from their rivals (goes against fair-play).
Any advice App is just showing you what they want you to see, and not what is best (and what is “best” is just subjective). Isn’t Ubuntu and Fedora the “best”? Then antiX and other smaller distros would never be considered an option, because they are not “the best”.
Linux is not the Apple Store, where things published there can only be approved by someone above and you cannot place any app for everyone to use. And Linux users enjoy such different flavors, that it would go against the “freedom” philosophy to imply that an app can tell you what is better (and select for you). If it did, tiling window manager would be banned, there would only be Gnome desktop environment and only one init (systemd).
You can read articles on “what is the best XXX software in linux”, but you will never see an app that does the same. An article clearly contains the subjective opinion of its author (and the reader understands this), but an app doesn’t have that personality, and could be regarded as someone trying to impose their will over the user, making decisions for them, that goes against the “freedom of choice” Linux philosophy.
If you want something artificially showing “what users like best”, install one of the “software stores” that big DEs use (Gnome software or KDE Discover). You will see what “most people use” first in each category, but not the obscure programs that sometimes work better than the bloated popular apps. Ths should make you feel more familiar if you are used to the App Store, Google Store, Microsoft Store, etc.
antiX Live system enthusiast.
General Live Boot Parameters for antiX.Yes, but if you word the search well, the search engines like Google will find at least the larger sites like Foss, Slant, and Tecmint, which for many different types of applications comparisons and reviews with recommendations exist for you to read and try to decide if one of the reviewed apps is one that would fit your requirements.
The sites probably subsist on ad and click revenues so that probably drives the design.
You could create an advisor site I suppose if you think that would be a better innovation.
Hi all,
thanks for responses.
I think of this as similar to the programs available for people looking to choose among restaurants or hotels that are supported by sites like travel advisor and yelp. But it would also include the dependencies (as aptitude does).
I see this program being updated by contributions from developers/maintainers and users.
Currently, I have to go onto the internet and search for individual reviews of different categories of applications.
I see this as an easier, more comprehensive way to survey what is available.
stevesr0
anticapitalista
There are various software centres/boutiques that do that. Mostly related to the big desktop environments like gnome.
Personally, I detest such apps. How much do you trust some random review?Philosophers have interpreted the world in many ways; the point is to change it.
antiX with runit - leaner and meaner.
Kjellinux
@stevesr0
Take a look at AlternativeTo, it’s a very good site for finding suitable software.
PPC
I can offer a “middle ground”:
You can use antiX’s own Package Installer- it’s a kind of mini app store, without any bling, that allows you to install some of the most used apps in the (FOSS) World, some, in the very latest versions, like Libreoffice
If you want to really see all availables apps in the official repositories, open synaptic and search by category
The end result is the same, using debian’s page: https://packages.debian.org/stable/ – many apps even have several pictures available- you can search by category- see anything you like? Install it using synaptic or the terminal (copy the package name from the webpage, open a terminal, and type (without quotes) “sudo apt install” [and paste the package name there).
If you want packages that may not be available on the official repositories: https://www.linux-apps.com/browse is a nice on-line appstore (that shows user comments on the apps it lists)- it allows you to find and download the application you want- then you can install it yourselfIf you like apps in flatpak format- https://flathub.org/home looks and feels more like an appstore, and has “recommendations”- it also shows exactly what commands to paste in the terminal to install each app- a very linuxy way of installing stuff.
https://appimage.github.io/apps/ does a similar thing showing apps in appimage format.
I hope this info is helpful
P.
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