GNU / Linux / Free Software

[ThunderPerfectWitchcraft]

honestly probably only basic packages (VS code or Open-Source alternative, Discord, Python, KDE for desktop environment, Firefox) stuff like that

Just looked - even Discord is available in the normal repository. As long as you stick to it (or if you actively monitor the AUR packages that you install), your Arch will be much more secure than a Windows ;).

[ChainsawCannon]

Just looked - even Discord is available in the normal repository. As long as you stick to it (or if you actively monitor the AUR packages that you install), your Arch will be much more secure than a Windows ;).

hell yeah, thanks bro. I'm so excited to try and manually install this instead of just resorting to an arch-based distro lol

[BARCO]

Hii I've switched from Windows 10 to Linux Mint. In Windows 10 I used to have WLM (CrossTalk) but on Linux I'm not sure how I'm supposed to make it work
I did receive advice from someone but I lost the source I received
I was wondering if anyone knew how I could do this? I know there's a way but I'm a huge newbie with Linux and I'm not that great with PCs in the first place haha...

[lakes]

Hii I've switched from Windows 10 to Linux Mint. In Windows 10 I used to have WLM (CrossTalk) but on Linux I'm not sure how I'm supposed to make it work
I did receive advice from someone but I lost the source I received
I was wondering if anyone knew how I could do this? I know there's a way but I'm a huge newbie with Linux and I'm not that great with PCs in the first place haha...

There aren't many WLM apps for Linux. So your best bet is either to use a compatibility layer (like Wine, Proton, or Bottles) OR see if Pidgin has a WLM plugin or by default. If you don't know what either of those are, Pidgin is an instant messenger that's designed for use with multiple protocols, meaning you can use Discord, XMPP, IRC, Matrix, Slack, Signal, etc all in the same app. There's also WeeChat, but that's mostly meant for the CLI.
A compatibility layer is a program for running software or games meant for another OS, usually Windows. The main one is Wine and everything else is a fork of or GUI for it. Wine can be buggy but it works better with older versions of programs than newer ones. So you can probably use the original Windows Live Messenger with it if it allows you to change the server. Bottles is basically Wine, but with added features, like analyzing what dependencies a program needs or being able to manually add them. You can find both Pidgin and multiple compatibility layer programs (including Wine) in the Software Manager.

[lm8]

First, I'd like to encourage anyone who's interested to celebrate Software Freedom Day 2026 in September: https://digitalfreedoms.org/en/  If you have a Linux users group or club in your area, ask them if they'd like to host a local event.  It's a great way to discuss Linux software and distributions live with other FOSS users.

Second, I usually find a lightweight base distribution and then build a lot of the applications I like to use from source.  For me, the whole point about it being Free and Open Source software is that I should be able to build, modify and maintain it myself.  If I can't, I don't see much point in running the software (unless it's something I need for work to do my job).  Also, if someone can't modify and build a program, it's harder to keep using it as operating systems and computers change and advance.  I've built a large number of programs and libraries from source.  Keep debating if I should just build my entire Linux system from source or continue to use a minimal Linux system and build and install my own programs after installing it.  I'm particularly interested in lightweight, cross-platform software.  A lot of the programs I use work on a variety of operating systems, not just Linux.

[arcus]

Some cool articles:

• OpenBSD Router Guide
• Open Slopware: A list of projects that use LMMs with suggestions for alternatives
• A shell exclamation mark is not for yelling. Be lazy.: Some shell tricks
• Making ASCII art in Vim: I've been doing this for making floorplans, it's fun

First, I'd like to encourage anyone who's interested to celebrate Software Freedom Day 2026 in September: https://digitalfreedoms.org/en/ 

Thanks for sharing. How was it like in your experience?

Keep debating if I should just build my entire Linux system from source or continue to use a minimal Linux system and build and install my own programs after installing it.

Which operating systems do you use? I'm moving towards doing this for my lower end machines. I'm thinking of switching my Artix Linux machine to either Gentoo or some variety of BSD.

I'm particularly interested in lightweight, cross-platform software.  A lot of the programs I use work on a variety of operating systems, not just Linux.

Have you heard of Uxn before? It might be of interest.

[Horsey Chobunso]

Riot deciding to end development on 2XKO has removed my last real remaining hurdle to switching to linux full time. I already mess with Linux Mint and various DEs on a side laptop, but I've been meaning to switch my main PC to Linux for years. I'm leaning towards Fedora with KDE Plasma, but I might just stick to what I know and keep using Mint. I also obtained a very weak project laptop that I'm going to use to mess with Lubuntu, Puppy Linux, and other light distros. The concept of a distro running completely off a flashdrive mesmerizes me, so I'm very interested in trying that out.

The only other real hurdle will be scanning film once I switch over. I should be able to use VueScan with no problems, but the license is $200 and I'm already very used to my current scanning workflow. I also can't use Affinity Photo on Linux, but I should be able to use the open source alternatives I'm already used to.