How to Select A Linux Distribution

maketecheasier ^ | 13 March 2023 | Miguel Leiva-Gomez

[upchuck]

Thanks for the help on printer selection.

[umbagi]

I’ve met that problem with Mint 20.3 xfce. They broke it, fixed it, then broke it again. It seems to have been fixed again — my movie/TV server is working steadily again. Note, though, that this all took place over about 3-4 weeks, on a free OS. Not bad, IMHO. I knew they’d fix it, so I didn’t bother backing out of the updates.

The only way it affected me was that something was timing out and stopping playback. A PITA, to be sure, but they work hard on keeping Mint “just working.” I’m running it on a 2011 MBP i7, with 14GB of external HDDs, hardwired to the router because the box’s Wi-Fi is slower. It won’t run current MacOS, and Linux makes it a great box again.

[umbagi]

If I were in the market for a new Mac, I’d get a maxed-out M2 Mini. If I were in the market for a new box to run Linux, I think I’d go with something less expensive, but still maxed out and with an Intel CPU — probably assemble it myself from purchased components. The M2 will limit your options for Linux Distros, so do your due diligence pre-outlay.

[umbagi]

I had trouble with external HDDs on my Pi, even using a powered usb3 hub. Works great with an external SSD, so I probably just need a better PS than the little CanaKit one on the Pi now. How adequate is the Pi for 2 or 3 simultaneous movies playing? I’d like to move my Emby server to it.

[ShadowAce]

I only have one TV, so I’ve never tried to stream more than one movie at a time.

[Openurmind]

I have ran both desktops and laptops from a 12V/24V DC to 120V AC inverter on both 12 and 24 volt systems with absolutely no problems. They actually do not draw that much juice from an inverter. I run my laptop on a small cigarette lighter plug inverter in my car.

Or... One could make their own DC power supply cable for laptop (proper polarity important!). Most will run on 13-14 volts DC. Power supplies for laptops are rated 120 AC in converted to 9V-20V DC out. The computer is actually not that picky about a couple volts either way. Done it and tested it many times.

[Texas Fossil]

Thanks, I knew that may laptops ran on 18-20 volt power supplies.

The normal desktop has multiple voltage requirements inside the system.