Hello, I’m looking for a new distro that aligns with my privacy preferences and offers a wide range of packages without requiring me to search for PPAs, similar to Manjaro. I’ve grown uneasy about Manjaro’s decision to collect unique data like MAC addresses and disk serial numbers by default, even if it’s for diagnostic purposes.
In light of this, I’d like to ask for your recommendations on a Linux distro that meets the following criteria:
- No opt-out telemetry: I’m looking for a distro that doesn’t collect any unique data by default.
- Access to a wide range of packages: I prefer a distro that offers a vast repository of packages, so I don’t have to search for PPAs or third-party repositories.
- User-friendly: I’m not a fan of complicated configurations or steep learning curves, so a distro with a user-friendly approach would be ideal.
I’m curious to hear any recommendations you might have. Thanks!
I switched to EOS Endeavour OS. I don’t think it has data collection
It doesn’t, and offers an even friendlier experience than Manjaro IMO
Use Arch Linux. There’s a script called “archinstall” you can use after connecting to the internet, and it’s basically a guided installer
EndeavourOS. I used Manjaro for 1.5 years before switching to EndeavourOS. (BTW before that I was also using Ubuntu for 13 years in row…) I couldn’t be happier. It’s closer to Archlinux and a bit more focused on terminal, but overall hassle free for me. Updates come quicker and not in batches like Manjaro did. Which means more often new versions of packages and no compatibility or other issues with AUR caused by Manjaro. What desktop environment did you use before? KDE is pretty good on EndeavourOS and what I would recommend.
- No opt-out or opt-in telemetry.
- Same package manager and repository from Archlinux.
- You have already experience with Manjaro and the Archlinux stuff, so going to a similar system like EndeavourOS makes sense. However its a bit more terminal oriented, with a few GUI related help.
Because of your prior experience with Manjaro, I think EndeavourOS is a good candidate you should have in mind.
I second EndeavourOS. It’s so good!
Is there something like an easy migration script, which would take packages and settings from my current install?
Ok, settings are mostly in my home anyway
Packages I can generate a list, and the manuals throw out the Manjaro stuffHmm…I’m having a laptop and a workstation running Manjaro and I really would like to make the switch, but can’t tolerate much downtime, because both are machines for my work
So I’m looking for something to quickly setup everything as I had, without the need to remember everything and do it manually…
You wouldn’t be first who asks this. There are attempts and instructions how to do this, step by step. But I’m not confident enough to recommend any of those. Maybe they are outdated or your machine requires some setup which is not covered. I do not recommend doing this, but if you have no time to setup a new OS from scratch, then at least make a backup before attempting any of this.
I would ask those on the official EndeavourOS forum, which is active and helpful: https://forum.endeavouros.com/
EndeavourOS is a good choice. I hopped from Manjaro to Endeavor myself a few years ago, never had an issue since. It’s the kind of distro you set up once and then it’s all done, you can forget about it, so much so that I hope I won’t have to install it on another machine soon…because I really don’t remember much about what I did back then xD
Another vote for Endeavour OS here
If you used manjaro before, then I will recommend endeavour. It is arch Linux (same as manjaro) with an installer. I found their support forums to be helpful as an arch user.
Fedora
Well if you don’t want plain arch I’d go with cachyos or just endeavouros
Go to the source. Debian.
Source is LFS.
LFS isn’t a distribution. It’s documentation only. (I know you were joking, but as an ex Reddit user I remembered my origin where I came from and got triggered hard.)
Upgrades didn’t break your system. You can run Arch packages, AUR, flatpaks.
openSUSE Tumbleweed has served me well for some time now. Maybe give it a look-see?
Second this. Tumbleweed is a great distro. Nearly everything you’ll need can be found in default repos. Then there are several endorsed (semi) official add-on repos, and if that fails there’s always OBS (opi is your friend for searching those).
I really like Pop!_OS, AFAIK it doesn’t have any telemetry. It’s basically a Ubuntu fork but without the stupid Ubuntu stuff, and they’re currently even working on their own Desktop Environment.
Is there any distro that automatically collect data? Every distro I’ve tried asked directly on install or at first boot
I think you are looking for a distribution with KDE and flatpak by default
cachyos is user friendly and based on arch
Garuda. It’s even easier than Manjaro. The theming can be a bit much, though.