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:

  1. No opt-out telemetry: I’m looking for a distro that doesn’t collect any unique data by default.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

  • yum13241@lemm.ee
    1·
    7 days ago

    Garuda Linux. It’s like Manjaro, in fact some utilities are forked from it, but done right.

    You can also try EndeavourOS.

    If you’re into immutable distros, try Bazzite.

  • Blxter@lemmy.zipEnglish
    4·
    11 days ago

    I switched to EOS Endeavour OS. I don’t think it has data collection

      • Classy@sh.itjust.works
        2·
        11 days ago

        Endeavour has been an amazing distro for me, noob Linuxer. I started on Ubuntu Cinnamon, then tried Mint, and ended here on Endeavour and I love it.

        • Echolynx@lemmy.zipEnglish
          1·
          5 days ago

          I started on Kubuntu and am now very tempted by Endeavour… it helps that I’ve been tinkering with Arch as well.

  • secret300@lemmy.sdf.org
    1·
    11 days ago

    Is there any distro that automatically collect data? Every distro I’ve tried asked directly on install or at first boot

  • BRINGit34@lemmygrad.mlEnglish
    1·
    11 days ago

    You probably shouldn’t be using an arch based distro if you want a user friendly experience.

    I know there are things like manjaro and even endeavor os that are “arch but easy” but honestly I cannot in good faith recommend anything arch based for ease of use. Arch is a very fast moving distribution that usually has the newest packages but that isn’t always good. There will eventually be a problem come up, maybe not often and maybe not that serious but in my personal opinion it’s not worth it.

    If you are wanting consistent ease of use and access to a lot of packages it’s hard to beat the mainstream distros. Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, (personal favorite) etc… and if you need something from arch repositories just use distrobox. You get access to all arch packages without the headache.

  • chi-chan~@lemmy.world
    1·
    11 days ago

    If you’re already used to Arch-based systems, and enjoy the convenience of the AUR, what about EndeavourOS?

    It’s basically Arch with GUI install scripts, and a different wallpaper.

    • chi-chan~@lemmy.world
      1·
      11 days ago

      I saw one commenter suggested Arch itself. IMO it’s even a better idea than EOS.

      archinstall doesn’t have GUI, but it has very nice TUI (like what you have when you use htop), and you could finish selecting the options in very few minutes.

      • potentiallynotfelix@lemmy.fishEnglish
        1·
        11 days ago

        Maybe I’m a dumbass and it’s my fault, but I find that archinstall always has an issue when you run it. It’s easier to install arch manually than run the and troubleshoot.

  • thepiguy@lemmy.ml
    0·
    10 days ago

    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.

    • TwoBeeSan@lemmy.world
      1·
      9 days ago

      Switched from manjaro to endeavor. wholeheartedly recommend. Easy enough but still has arch experience. Yay is super easy and have only had a minor issue with 1 game specifically on an nvidia card.