Void Linux
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Void Linux is an independent, rolling-release distribution highly regarded for its speed, stability, and use of the runit init system as a lightweight alternative to systemd. While it is praised by experienced users for being performance-optimized and "ethically" independent, it is generally considered difficult for beginners due to a manual installation process and a smaller package ecosystem compared to mainstream distributions.
Pros
- Fast and lightweight performance optimized for various hardware
- Stable rolling-release model that breaks less frequently than competitors
- Independent distribution not based on Debian, Ubuntu, or Arch
- Uses runit, a fast and simple alternative to systemd
- Excellent choice for developers and users who want a highly customized system
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complicated installation process
- Smaller package repository and community compared to Arch or Debian
- Requires manual configuration for basic components like Xorg, audio, and drivers
- Inconvenient for users who want an out-of-the-box desktop experience
Caveats
- Users often supplement the native package manager with Nix to address the smaller ecosystem
- Some users report difficulty with automatic startup of desktop environments and driver detection
- The community is described as smaller, which may impact the availability of troubleshooting resources
Best for
- Experienced Linux users
- Developers
- Users seeking a non-systemd distribution
- Reviving older or performance-constrained hardware
Avoid if
- You are new to Linux
- You prefer a simple GUI-based installation
- You require a massive, comprehensive native software repository
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older (median age ~10 months), which may impact the relevance of specific package versions or driver support mentioned in the sources.
Sentiment
56 positive (79%) · 11 mixed (15%) · 4 negative (6%)
Trust + time weighted score: +77% · raw score 73%
What redditors said (10 of 71)
If you're interested in learning a bit more about Linux you could try Void. It's a very good distro but doesn't hold your hand.
I have a cb with the exact specs and I run void on it. It's not a distro that holds your hand though.
If you want to really learn how it all goes together I like Void.
Void sounds like the best fit. It’s independent, rolling release, minimal, and uses runit, so it should feel closer to Artix.
Void because I like xbps, and runit covers all my needs and is lighter than systemd
Void is super stable, though? Although it's not beginner friendly for a number of reasons
+1 for void
I'd say Void or Artix with i3 Runit and s6 are just the littlest bit lighter than systemd
If you want small in size look into Void or Artix
Found this old system running, currently has Void Linux installed on it. ... Currently running Void Linux
Compare
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