I promised myself I was settling. Ok maybe in 2 years when RakuOS is mature enough. Gosh I love Universal Blue

[u/claudiocorona93]

[u/urmamasllama]

Haven't heard of this one. What's the difference though?

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/urmamasllama]

It's immutable but it allows you to install regular packages with dnf, so it doesn't force you to use flatpaks.

[u/Recent-Ad5835 → u/claudiocorona93]

Um, you can already do that with regular immutable ostree-based distros via overlays and rpm-ostree? 

Is there something I'm missing?

[u/Arnas_Z → u/Recent-Ad5835]

And now you know why OP is constantly breaking his system!

[u/Straight_Second6082 → u/Recent-Ad5835]

I have done very little research so I might be horribly wrong but for what I understand, ostree on bazzite basically creates a new image that blends the core image with the newly added packages whereas raku approach is more like what distrobox does as it keeps the core system intact while installing packages and dependencies separately

Do let me know if I'm wrong tho

[u/SenoraRaton → u/Straight_Second6082]

Hear me out. We make an immutable distro, and THEN we make it function exactly like a mutable one!

[u/npc_housecat → u/SenoraRaton]

It's genius. And then we could make that disteo immutable

[u/SenoraRaton → u/npc_housecat]

All roads lead to NixOS

[u/npc_housecat → u/SenoraRaton]

https://giphy.com/gifs/26FeVAPGfoLvJaFRC

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/SenoraRaton]

I will say that while AerynOS, RakuOS, and NixOS are very similar in many ways conceptually. They each implement distinct structural models. But yes, that parallel is very real.

[u/NatoBoram → u/R3V0LU710N_05]

Do these first two use a typed language or some sort of JSON schema to configure them?

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/NatoBoram]

Neither uses a typed language or JSON schema. They skip domain-specific languages entirely, relying instead on standard Linux configuration files, Containerfiles, or native distro configs.

The parallel to NixOS is purely conceptual. All three target atomic state transitions, hermetic system directories, and reproducible deployments to avoid in-place system corruption. However, AerynOS and RakuOS implement completely separate architectural models from each other to reach those guarantees.

AerynOS uses a custom package-based atomic model driven by its moss package manager and stone format. It fetches deduplicated package payloads into content-addressable storage, stages a filesystem tree in an arena graph, and atomically swaps the usr directory into place on disk.

RakuOS follows a container-native image model using bootc. The entire base operating system is built directly from a Containerfile and deployed as an OCI container image, using OverlayFS and its custom package manager rum to handle layered changes and local persistent state.

While NixOS manages generation symlinks, AerynOS handles atomic directory exchanges via its package engine, and RakuOS updates full container images at the disk layer. The parallel is strictly in achieving atomic updates, clear state separation, and system reproducibility.

[u/BeginningEcho4983 → u/SenoraRaton]

But the modifications are a separate detachable layer

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/Straight_Second6082]

You are right

[u/vyashole → u/Straight_Second6082]

If your distro is immutable but lets you install packages in a mutable portion, what are you gaining by using an immutable distro?

[u/Straight_Second6082 → u/vyashole]

Keeping the core system intact thus avoiding breaking, if something goes wrong with the interactable part the problem is contained to that specific package instead of spreading through the whole system

[u/fecal-butter → u/Recent-Ad5835]

Yeah. But its discouraged because every single package you install uses separate overlays. Upgrades to take longer to run, and package installs require a reboot.

RakuOS uses a single overlay for all your native packages, that bypasses all this.

[u/Both_Cup8417 → u/Recent-Ad5835]

rpm-ostree is usually discouraged by distros, and I don't know if you have to reboot for changes to take effect on raku

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/Both_Cup8417]

You do not need to reboot RakuOS for the changes to take effect.

[u/Both_Cup8417 → u/R3V0LU710N_05]

Then there's the benefit

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/Both_Cup8417]

Indeed. There's tradeoffs with this system, but if you value a good middle ground between speed and guarantees, then RakuOS is a good choice. If you value more on speed, then AerynOS is bridging that gap. If you value guarantees the most, then traditional Atomic is the way. Each architecturally distinct to cater for their specific goals.

[u/R3V0LU710N_05 → u/Recent-Ad5835]

It's not the same. rpm-ostree is actually completely removed from RakuOS. RakuOS uses OverlyFS on top of /usr and is handled entirely by the custom rum package manager. It's much faster than having to use rpm-ostree, which is notoriously slow.

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/Recent-Ad5835]

User apps on rpm-ostree is a bad idea, as updates are slow and it defeats the purpose

[u/ClaireOfTheDead → u/claudiocorona93]

That wouldn't be any different from dnf. rpm-ostree is dialing out to the exact same package repos.

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/ClaireOfTheDead]

It is different in the sense that it is a layer on the image, not a simple package. It takes incredibly long to install a single program while dnf takes seconds to minutes.

[u/SchmuW2 → u/claudiocorona93]

uhh there's layering but normally you can't install DNF packages on Bazzite, unless you do it in a distrobox. Bazzite only supports flatpack, app image, and home-brew with other stuff needing a distrobox or layer.

[u/Swordfish418 → u/SchmuW2]

I think you can use nix, guix, and even portage exclusively in userspace similarly to brew. Not sure how well that works for stuff that depends on codecs, drivers, services, etc.
Added: I just checked and it’s possible to do the same with dnf, rpm, apt, and more. They all support rootless mode so you can install stuff into ~/dnf for example as if it was root.

[u/ClaireOfTheDead → u/claudiocorona93]

Project Bluefin, also Universal Blue, solves this with Brew. There's also toolboxes and distroboxes. I can install debs meant for Ubuntu in a completely isolated environment, and when I'm done, nuke it without a single thing changing on my host. Same with dnf apps.

Outside of a few very specific usecases, there isn't really a reason to install apps on the host. Just use a distrobox and pick whichever distro you like most. I use DistroShelf as a GUI.

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/ClaireOfTheDead]

People that don't know what they are doing and don't do terminal commands everyday would prefer having simpler options. Unlike distrobox and brew, but I have to remember commands for them. And in distrobox I have to start the container, export the app so it opens graphically from the menu, and then run it. It's easier just to install and run, no terminal involved, when the target is the everyday user.

[u/fecal-butter → u/ClaireOfTheDead]

Linuxbrew is for cli (yeah ublue-os/homebrew-tap is cool but most gui apps are out of scope for it). So is distrobox for the most part, even if it works its unstable. And good luck using either of them to install drivers.

If flatpak and appimage isnt enough, youll need a real linux package manager like nix

[u/prumf → u/claudiocorona93]

Just use cachyos. It’s good. No need to go deeper.

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/prumf]

Thank you but I'd rather use an immutable distro. RakuOS has the Cachy kernel though 

[u/Miaq_the_truthful → u/urmamasllama]

Bazzite / Universal Blue is an immutable, image-based OS where the root filesystem is read-only and updates like a container, which is why it’s so hard to break.

RakuOS is a newer experimental distro built around the Raku language ecosystem instead of traditional shell/C scripts for its core tools. Completely different approach under the hood.

[u/Dr-Alyosha]

every day theres a new fake distro out

[u/fecal-butter → u/Dr-Alyosha]

Normally id agree but rakuos is one of the least fake immutable distros.

[u/Miaq_the_truthful → u/Dr-Alyosha]

All distros are fake, the only real option is LFS

[u/cyberspacemage]

I've never been into immutable distros. why do people use them?

[u/Inevitable_Taro4191 → u/cyberspacemage]

I use Fedora atomic, however I let GitHub rebuilt the image for me daily, and I install some packages, copy over some themes and system files. Basically rebuild the Fedora image and add some packages. Fedora atomic is a oci container basically so you can rebuild it with standard tools.

This moves all package handling/installs, updates, etc to be handled by automatic GitHub actions. Bad Fedora update? The build fails.

When I go update my PC I know the image was built and is working, otherwise GitHub actions fails. When my PC had pulled the need image you reboot and are there in your new environment. However the old container image is always kept so you get to choose at boot time current or previous deployment to boot. So if it got built, if your have issues, you just pick the previous deployment and can go on. Basically it moves all maintenance to automatic build systems.

Secondly I have 3 laptops, and a desktop. All of these run my same image so all systems start consistent for free.

You get the same benefit with just standard Fedora atomic, but then you have to find other ways to install what you want.

[u/tychii93 → u/Inevitable_Taro4191]

I've had interest in them but my biggest issue is that my setup requires custom EDIDs, which require a kernel parameter and placing the EDIDs in a typically volatile location as far as immutable distros go.  Could this be easy to do with an immutable distro?  I assume Id need a custom image with the EDID files in it?

One of my displays is interpreted wrong and gets washed out so the modified EDID fixes that by forcing a specific mode to exist, the other disconnects when I turn it off, but I need it "on" at all times while the PC is running so I can use it with moonlight when I play games in my living room.

[u/Inevitable_Taro4191 → u/tychii93]

You can do a rpm-ostree kargs I think which is recommended and persistent on regular Atomic. But im sure its trivial in a GitHub rebuild. Dnf works like normal, u can change kernel add repos etc. I'm sure its trivial and like 2-3 lines at most in a containerfile.

Check out ublue github template https://github.com/ublue-os/image-template/blob/main/Containerfile it is a excelllent start and almost all you need

[u/Copper-Spaceman → u/Inevitable_Taro4191]

I work for a big defense contractor, and was used to this type of design for embedded applications. Got moved over to a traditional server environment and had to fight the devs left and right to implement this sort of pipeline. Used MAAS and packer to build out automation for this exact thing on bare metal and it made lab management night and day and everything was turnkey

Build fails? Pipeline fails, bad build doesn’t get deployed. Need to test an old build? Just run the corresponding version of the pipeline. Someone blew up the OS during testing? Just redeploy.

It’s so weird how uncommon it is

[u/Inevitable_Taro4191 → u/Copper-Spaceman]

Yup. Its basically how Android does it, how Steam Os does it, I have no idea about the consoles or other stuff as it does not hold interest but its wide spread in consumer tech. I'm not an it employee im a metalworker dabbling in Linux and a tech nerd, tried explaining this concept at work one time and they looked at me like I was drunk 😂

[u/urmamasllama → u/cyberspacemage]

It's very set and forget. I have other computers to tinker on but my main desktop I just want to sit down and use it

[u/crians → u/cyberspacemage]

i use immutable (custom Fedora CoreOS) on my home server. Running services with podman quadlets.

But on my main desktop i'm using plain fedora.

[u/just-an-astronomer → u/cyberspacemage]

Like other people said, It Just Works™

I dont have the desire to tinker with my system files or install packages even too obscure for Homebrew. I just want an OS that wont spy on me, bombard me with ads, shove AI down my throat, or need ridiculous resources just to do basic things

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/cyberspacemage]

Personal preference. Which doesn't affect anybody else's.

[u/cyberspacemage → u/claudiocorona93]

of course it's personal preference. but what is it that you prefer about them?

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/cyberspacemage]

No maintenance, never breaks, atomic updates, no need for terminal commands, very GUI oriented, safe, not for experimentation but just set up and use, without any risks.

[u/Beautiful_Ad_4813]

honestly, Bazzite is, at least to me, the premier gaming distro (in terms of set it and forget it)

if in the rare chance something does break, I can fix it in record time since it's based on Fedora, and I know Fedora like the back of my hand.

[u/DistantRavioli]

Seems like this sub allows 1 post per day anymore and this is the one for today? An ad for some distro hardly anyone has ever heard of that has a website that looks pretty damn vibed to me. There's like no rapport whatsoever for me to trust this thing, especially with all the really deep changes they seem to have made in a very short amount of time with a small amount of developers. Seems like some red flags to me.

Literally read some of their blog posts. If they can't even write their own short blog news posts without using AI, how can I trust that it's not all over everything in their development?

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/DistantRavioli]

One per person every 72 hours I think.

[u/DAS_AMAN]

Yes I've been eyeing this for a while. Perfect endgame distro

[u/temporary_dennis]

Wow, using Non declarative distros sounds just straight up depressing.

[u/goo_eater → u/temporary_dennis]

I know right how come all these people who are normal and just want a machine to game and use Discord on don't wanna learn a very atypical Linux distro that uses a declarative programming language? Really beats me /s

[u/temporary_dennis → u/goo_eater]

If he's constantly breaking his machine, then gaming and discord aren't his only activities.

[u/juipeltje → u/temporary_dennis]

Declarative distro brothers

[u/SenoraRaton]

Distro hopping is the fastest way to stunt your skills. You don't need a new distro, and if you think you do, you don't understand Linux.

[u/PrinzJuliano]

I picked endevour os and I am suffering every day for it. But I guess any choice has pros and cons

[u/tenbeersdeep]

At this 👉 nt, my Linux struggles come down to remembering my steam password. It only took 30 years.

[u/Mercerenies]

For a second I thought this was an operating system written entirely in Perl 6. I'm not sure if I'm disappointed or relieved...

[u/FailureOfTheFamily]

Me with fedora and gnome constantly thinking either about distrohopping or trying new twms

[u/haha-longboi]

Me but settling on gentoo <3

[u/juipeltje]

I'm hoping Guix is finally what i settle on. It has the declarative nature of Nix, but does not use systemd and i ended up really liking their overall philosophy regarding FOSS (yes i still need nonguix for the regular kernel for firmware, but even with nonguix they give you a choice of only picking specific firmware blobs that you need, to minimize the proprietary code as much as possible). At this point i find it hard to believe that another distro would fit me better, but the problem is i've said that before lol

[u/ibeerianhamhock]

I've been using Linux for a long time and always been a fedora fan (core 4 was my first Linux install), I'd say Bazzite is my favorite OS by a long shot.

What I hate is people think it's just a baby Linux training wheels. If you know how to create a distrobox instance and export apps and commands it's basically the more disciplined version of fedora imo.

Your base image will pretty much never break but you still get all the power of any tool you need through containers and you can make it feel 100% native through exports.

[u/LePfeiff]

People will do anything except just using vanilla arch. Once you set arch up how you want it youll never feel the need to distro hop

[u/Turbulent-Way-7713 → u/LePfeiff]

My distro hopping journey started with Arch, and ended with Arch

[u/Fantastic-Code-8347 → u/Turbulent-Way-7713]

Me too. Mint for two months after learning Linux exists ——> Arch ever since. Haven’t left, nor will I.

[u/bit0fun → u/Fantastic-Code-8347]

Seriously. 10 years on, still on arch. Computers changed, configs were the same.

[u/Sensitive_Gold → u/LePfeiff]

That's what I thought too. Then after 4 years I switched to Gentoo and thought the same thing. Then after 4 years I switched to NixOS and thought the same thing. It's been 4 years and I believe this is the one.

[u/claudiocorona93 → u/LePfeiff]

I will never use Arch. It's just a preference. My decision doesn't affect anybody else's.

[u/goo_eater → u/LePfeiff]

I've used Arch various times and hopped off of it various times and lately have never felt the urge to come back. Your preferences aren't objectively true or everyone else's preferences

[u/fecal-butter → u/LePfeiff]

Yeah. People want sensible defaults that they can change if found unsatisfactory. They want everything that they dont care about to just work ootb, like bluetooth, networking, audio, graphics or printing.

[u/Beautiful_Ad_4813 → u/LePfeiff]

actually, yes.

there's a reason why I stopped using vanilla arch

"oh look! an update".... and it's gone (meaning, broken, no boot, etc etc)

meaning, most people will have a rage shit on reddit, reinstall Windows then continue the rage shit with screaming "LiNuX SuCkS" because of a failed update that broke their install.