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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Arch and Fedora are two different Linux distributions.
- One of these is better suited for those with less experience.
- Both are outstanding Linux distributions that can be used for free.
The first Linux distribution I ever seriously used was Red Hat 5.2 (prior to the creation of Fedora). Back then, it was the best option for just about everyone.
It was also hard to learn.
Fortunately, the Linux landscape is much different now, and there are distributions that are so easy, they make Windows look like it was created for Albert Einstein-level brains.
That doesn’t mean every distribution is created equal. Even though there are versions of Linux that are easy enough that your grandma could use them, there are also distributions that are more challenging, as well as those that would challenge system admins and developers.
Today, I want to talk about two distributions that exist somewhere in the lower-middle of the Linux difficulty ladder (which ranges from Linux Mint all the way to Gentoo): Fedora and Arch Linux.
These two distributions are often considered best suited for those with experience using the Linux operating system.
Let’s see how much truth there is to that assumption.
Fedora: Is it right for you?
For many years, I was of the opinion that Fedora Linux was best for those who had used the open-source operating system and felt comfortable with the command line. The reason was that Fedora often required the use of commands.
However, over the past decade, Fedora has slowly evolved away from that reputation to become something different.
Like most Linux distributions, Fedora has a GUI for nearly everything, and I am now I think that one could use the OS without ever touching the command line. I would even go so far as to say that Fedora is now nearly as easy to use as Ubuntu.
However, there is a slight catch.
Fedora is often considered a “bleeding edge” distribution. What that means is it adopts early technology regularly. In other words, Fedora can sometimes include pieces of software that aren’t as vetted as others. That early adoption model can lead to problems.
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I’m not saying it happens; I’m saying that it could possibly happen. When such things occur, troubleshooting could be above the head of a new user.
Again, I’m not saying it’s inevitable. I’ve used Fedora on several occasions and haven’t once found it to be unstable.
I also believe the idea that the bad rap early adoption gets isn’t always 100% accurate. It’s not like Fedora is shipping with beta software. That is certainly not the case. But while Ubuntu tends to exist in a world where the latest/greatest release of a software is rarely included, Fedora places a bit more trust in newer releases.
The cool thing about that is Fedora might receive new features sooner than Ubuntu.
If that sounds like an bonus to you, then Fedora might be the ticket.
A few tidbits about Fedora:
- It uses the RPM package manager (but includes a GUI, so the command line isn’t required).
- It uses SELinux for access control.
- It offers several “spins” (such as Fedora KDE), each with a different desktop environment.
- It uses GNOME as the desktop environment for the “flagship” edition.
- It uses a modern installer (which is quite simple).
- It supports the Flatpak universal package manager.
- It sometimes requires a reboot to apply updates (a la Windows).
- It roughly follows the same release cycle as Ubuntu (every six months).
- Fedora is associated with Red Hat Linux.
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A bit of trivia about Fedora: Linus Torvald (the creator of Linux) uses Fedora.
Who is Fedora for?
I could be so inclined (and actually have in the past) to say that Fedora is a Linux distribution for everyone. And although I do believe Fedora could be used by anyone, regardless of experience, this distribution is best used by those who are comfortable using technology. That doesn’t mean you have to be an administrator, developer, or über nerd. But you might want to be comfortable troubleshooting something (or at least know where to go for help), should something go awry.
Even with that said, I’m still a believer that Fedora could be adopted by anyone of any skill level.
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is perhaps the best-known rolling release Linux.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Arch Linux has a reputation for being challenging, especially for those who aren’t comfortable with the command line.
One of the reasons for this is that the Arch installation does require the use of the command line. To install Arch Linux, you boot into a live instance, open the terminal app, and run the archinstall command. You’ll be asked several questions (some of which are for partitioning your drive) before the installation starts.
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There are spinoffs of Arch Linux that make use of simple GUI installers, but we’re talking about Arch Linux this time around, and Arch Linux has no GUI installer.
That alone makes Arch too challenging for those new to Linux. I wouldn’t place a grandma in front of a machine running Arch Linux and say, “Have at it gramgram!” Sure, gramma could open a web browser and watch her stories via any given streaming service, but once she gets beyond that, things could get complicated.
Beyond the installation, package installation also requires the command line, as Arch Linux doesn’t ship with a GUI for the pacman package manager.
No one who is new to Linux wants to have to use the command line to install apps like LibreOffice.
So, between the installation of the OS and the installation of Software, Arch Linux gets placed above Fedora on the ladder of complication.
Even though Arch Linux is more complicated than most general-purpose Linux distributions, it’s also one of the most stable. In my opinion, Arch Linux and Debian are the two most stable operating systems on the planet. That’s why companies like Valve use Arch as the base for SteamOS (and the upcoming Steam Machine).
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If you can get up to speed with Arch Linux, you’ll enjoy an OS with more stability than any you’ve ever used.
A few tidbits about Arch Linux:
- Arch is a rolling release distribution.
- Arch has the AUR repository with tons of extra software to install.
- After using Arch, you’ll have a better understanding of how Linux works.
- Arch is often referred to as a DIY Linux distribution.
- There is no corporate backing for Arch Linux.
Who is Arch Linux for?
Arch Linux is for those with a fair amount of Linux experience. Arch isn’t a viable first distribution for users. This distribution is for those who’ve used something like Ubuntu or Fedora and want something more challenging.
Arch Linux is for those who enjoy tinkering and those who are not afraid of the command line.
Arch Linux is for those who want to show they are serious about Linux.
Which is right for you?
Simply put, if you have little to no Linux experience, go with Fedora. If, on the other hand, you have Linux experience and want to migrate to a distribution that’ll challenge you a bit but is also rock solid, then Arch is for you.