Which Fedora should I use?

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1

I was thinking about returning to Fedora since it seems to be the top recommendation for Linux distros in the community.

I’ve used Linux before so I’m able to handle most beginner level stuff.

I’m just curious why use any Fedora spin over the default Fedora release?

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Good question. It depends on your taste and workflow. Some people prefer KDE’s built in customization tools to GNOME simple experience, and others prefer Xfce’s lighter desktop for older computers or out of legit preference, and so on.

I love Fedora Spins because you get to have an extremely modern and stable base allowing you to use the DE of your choice.

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Honestly, this might be a hot take. I love the GNOME DE. KDE Plasma just feels too Windows 7 for my taste personally.

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5

I am a happy GNOME Fedora user myself, so you’re preaching to the choir. Although, I have made some modifications…

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(yes I put the Zorin logo on the Arc Menu lol)

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6

I really like Fedora Workstation (which uses the Gnome desktop environment). I would suggest choosing either Fedora Workstation or Fedora KDE Plasma spin, these are the two that will support Wayland. Wayland is more secure compared to it’s predecessor.

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7

Fedora Silverblue Gnome.

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8

Fedora Workstation → GNOME desktop
Fedora KDE Spin → KDE desktop
Fedora Silverblue → immutable version with GNOME desktop
Fedora Kinoite → immutable version with KDE desktop

GNOME is an acquired taste, personally I hate the workflow. It doesn’t have a taskbar or dock, no minimize buttons, tray icons etc. You’re supposed to have virtual desktops and use full-screen or half-screen apps on each desktop. Switching windows is too complicated for me. It might work on a laptop or tablet where you have one small screen, but makes no sense if you have a multi-monitor setup or do a lot of multitasking. I would definitely recommend KDE instead, which is a “traditional” desktop kind of like Windows, with a taskbar, start menu, normal window buttons, tray icons, and so on.

Immutable means you’re (mostly) forced to use Flatpaks for your apps, but updates are less likely to break stuff. Here is a more in depth look: Solene’% : Introduction to immutable Linux systems

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I love the overall aesthetic of it. I tend to lean toward the Papirus icon pack

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The only unfortunate thing about Flatpak is some apps aren’t officially supported by the Devs. Like the Brave flatpak is not officially supported by Brave.

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For me, Gnome is amazing on a laptop, really optimal.

But yeah on a traditional desktop w/ mouse & keyboard its not my favorite DE out of the box. I prefer KDE Plasma as a desktop DE, and Gnome on a laptop (the gestures, and keyboard centric design philosophy + the minimalism really work for this form factor I think). For example to switch workspaces there is a keyboard shortcut, but on a laptop you can alsoliterally just ‘swipe’ right or left with 3 fingers, more or less the same concept as MacOS, iOS, and Android, its pretty convenient and intuitive.

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Short answer – personal preference.

Fedora Spins are made for people who prefer a different desktop environment (desktop environment is what defines the ‘look and feel’, the aesthetics, and the layout of the desktop among other things). If you are happy with the flagship Fedora Workstation there is really no reason to use a spin (with the exception of Silverblue/Kinoite which are fundamentally different and pretty interesting but not ready for the mainstream quite yet in my eyes).

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I checked Papirus out and I have to say it is a really nice icon pack

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Looking forward to Fedora 39 and GNOME 45. Hopefully the extensions get ported over without much delay. But it will be good even without them.

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The only thing that changes for a spin is the default DE. You can always just install another DE, log out and switch to in from the login screen. Just pick one you think you’ll like, then if you don’t like it check out some other option and install and switch to it.

Silverblue and Kinoite are fundamentally different though. They’re a whole different matter.

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Fedoras are outdated and make you come off as a twat.

(i’ll see myself out)

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16

Do you use Arch btw?

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No, I don’t use arch linux anymore. I heard something about the AUR being less secure than other repos ages ago (idk if it’s true) and switched to fedora. I still use fedora today because it works just fine.

(btw guys i used to use arch btw)

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It is true. The Arch wiki gives multiple warnings about the risks (with respect to security as well as stability) of using the Arch User Repository (AUR). Here is what you need to know:

  • The AUR is not an official repository
  • Software in the AUR is not vetted by, endorsed by, or maintained by the Arch Project or its developers
  • It is a collection of user submitted “PKGBUILDs”, which are like ‘recipes’ for building software.
  • There is no barrier to publishing to the AUR, anyone can, this includes mostly good people with good intentions, but can also include people with bad intentions, or just incompetent or unreliable people. There is no formal vetting and no quality control, and–while it is rare–there have been cases of malicious software hosted on the AUR.
  • Individuals who choose to use the AUR (Which again is not part of official Arch Linux) are expected to vet packages themselves and do their own due diligence before installing or upgrading AUR packages. This involves learning to read PKGBUILD files, and consistently doing so. Most people can’t be bothered to do so, and this is one reason why most people should not be using Arch or its derivatives.
  • In short, the AUR can be used safely, but it requires knowledge, effort, and commitment on the part of the user, and the disclaimers “use at your own risk” and “do your own due diligence” strongly apply.
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