Here’s a suggestion: Consider exploring options that align with your goals for better results.
Here’s a suggestion: Consider exploring options that align with your goals for better results.
I've been using Ubuntu for a while and it's getting tiring to reinstall every time I want an upgrade. I'm now searching for a distro with rolling releases. I've tried Manjaro and openSUSE, but I'm looking for something else worth my effort. I need to pick just one and won't be easily swayed by changing distributions. What others use? Also, being able to switch kernels quickly is really important to me.
It has been some time since my last experience with non-rolling-release distributions. I believe the upgrade process should now be much smoother. Typically, they provide an upgrade option that avoids a complete reinstall. For restoring old settings, backing up /home and /etc usually covers most cases—around 95% of the time. Regarding your questions: rolling release systems tend to be less thoroughly tested than non-rolling ones, which could lead to more issues. Personally, I’ve only used Manjaro and Arch, though I’m familiar with many others. The best choice really depends on your specific needs. From what I know, Arch works well for me, while Manjaro feels a bit inconsistent in its current direction. Antergos is another option I’ve tried once but haven’t used much.
Ubuntu does provide updates to newer releases, though they can be a bit shaky. A clean install usually performs better. This system supports virtualization, which means I often need to adjust my settings after upgrading. It's also a general-purpose solution rather than a gaming powerhouse; I'm okay with an Arch-based OS even if it's cutting-edge, but not Arch itself since I don’t have the expertise to configure it properly.
You’re considering moving to a fresh Ubuntu LTS release. Two years should be fine for a home setup. I recall in virus-ridden Windows XP/Windows 98 environments I’d reinstall every six weeks! I’m not sure if that’s accurate, but Mint seems to use continuous updates. Arch Linux also follows a rolling release model, though you might run into problems with proprietary drivers—especially with big changes like XServer upgrades. Perhaps keeping your /home on a separate partition would help, and setting up a solid backup system could make upgrades smoother. If your /home is on its own partition, you can switch distros while preserving all settings and programs. A reliable backup solution will let you try different distributions without losing data or configurations.