I just tried to upgrade Ubuntu and I suddenly see that new packages want to be installed; snapd and firefox. I don’t need Firefox because I’m already using Firefox-ESR as a deb and I certainly don’t need snaps.
Why is Ubuntu doing this? I get it you like snaps but I don’t, so don’t try to force install it. I had to use apt-mark hold to block the install of snapd and firefox. This is also not an isolated incident. I just checked Reddit and someone made a thread 8 hours back regarding the same issue.
This thing is giving me Microsoft vibes.
My advice: time to move on. Ubuntu has been like that for a while and they have plans to go even further, so move to Debian, which is basically Ubuntu without the issues. Even Firefox-ESR is the default in Debian.
I don’t get these posts saying “Debian is basically Ubuntu”…? It’s the other way around, Ubuntu is literally built from Debian, with Debian itself being the second oldest linux distribution. I had nothing but problems with Ubuntu, but everything has been rock-solid since I moved all my machines to Debian about 15 years ago.
If you want bleeding-edge crap that’s going to break, choose Ubuntu. If you want a machine that always just works and doesn’t ignore your preferences, choose Debian. Yes I have strong opinions on the subject, I have servers that sometimes run for a year between reboots and I don’t put up with crap like security updates completely breaking all networking on all my machines in the middle of the night.
Hows the latest debian for gaming? Im thinking of switching but need my steam to just work
As a longtime Debian user, Steam can work really well on Debian, but rarely there are some things that fall between the cracks when some packages get updated. There’s also a bit of latest-and-greatest envy because Debian (even testing) is a little bit behind. If you’re only using your computer for Steam, look elsewhere. If you want a mostly reliable desktop computer and are okay with occasional hiccups, Debian is pretty awesome. Honestly, any computer you use will run into some issues eventually. If you get familiar with the Debian way of doing things, you’re gonna have a good time!
You can use testing (or sid, if you feel lucky) to get newer packages. I have been using testing for a year and I feel great.
One downside of testing is that it isn’t monitored by the Debian security team. Combined with the fact that updates are delayed compared to unstable, it can take many weeks to get important security updates.
I would recommend Mint for an easier transition, its what I jumped to from Ubuntu due to Canonical’s behavior and I’ve been happy. It is definitely simpler to use than Debian - which is not to say anything bad about Debian. It’s just less hand-holdy. I like it for servers.
I also recommend Fedora if OP wants a similar “just works” experience as Ubuntu.
Been using it for a while now on my desktops/laptops with no issues.
I quickly tried out Fedora and was very surprised how good it is. Just wondering how the fact that RHEL plans to go closed source will impact Fedora in the long term. Do you know?
I don’t think it will have any impact tbh
Historically the flow of code has pretty much been:
- Fedora
- CentOS stream (as of a couple years ago)
- RHEL
CentOSRocky Linux / Alma Linux
I think there’s been discussion on what will happen with Rocky/Alma, but nothing should change with Fedora.
How is Debian for servers?
I’m currently running Ubuntu server. And it’s really convenient. I even appreciate snaps as they keep things clean for the server.
Certainly I wanted something Debian based, I know some people using Fedora por servers but I really like Debian/Ubuntu LTR and not having to worry about updates so often.
Does Debian offer a lightweight server image without DE as Ubuntu?
Debian is great. It’s basically Ubuntu (it also uses apt for example) but bit more traditional. In fact it’s probably one of the most popular distros used in servers when you don’t need the support that someone like Redhat can give you especially as a business. And if you can’t live without “snaps” then you can install snapd on Debian.
Better than it is for desktop. Stable has tended to live up to its name and has always been my go-to for servers, but may not always be the best choice if for example you want to use new/uncommon hardware with a newer kernel and drivers etc (though compiling your own kernel is always an option, of course)
Perfect for servers, best there is.
It’s Ubuntu server minimal without snaps and their ubuntu-cloud, that’s it.
I think they use network manager instead of net plan too, but I think you can switch.
Just solid as all f*. My hypervisor is debian, freebsd and other debian running the apps underneath.
Every *buntu has been forced to comply, they took longer but now they are all aligned in this “Snap-it-all, don’t support Flatpak” approach.
Define “forced to comply”. I understand Canonical can do anything with Ubuntu, which is why this random forced snap install happened.
But do they have similar authority over the rest of the bunch?
at this point a lot of people who don’t like Snaps just ditched Ubuntu for something else like Linux Mint or Debian
otherwise you will be constantly fight against your distro maintainers with every upgrade
I moved to Debian and MX Linux because Ubuntu was deviating from the principles that are important to me. Can I ask why you prefer Firefox-ESR? It’s the first thing I remove when I install Debian! And why do you stick with Ubuntu if you don’t like snaps? Do you have any compatibility issues with other deb-based distros?
The reason is pretty much just laziness. This is actually my work laptop. I told management that I needed Linux. They only know about Ubuntu and their “monitoring” tools have only been tested on that platform. Thus I couldn’t use any other random distro.
I’m also a Firefox supporter (I use Chromium as backup since some company resources work better on that). I found out that the Firefox-ESR was still released as a deb and the installation is without a hassle. I just need stability and no the latest bells and whistles.
Yep I think it’s time to stop using Ubuntu because of snap and how they are forcing it. Nowadays the are many distros suitable as daily driver. If you don’t want something too much different I suggest Pop OS (I use it on all my machines). In those years it has proven to be very stable, maintainers behind it are very good in what they do and it’s pretty much updated (for example new kernels and new Nvidia GPU drivers are tested by the maintainers before they offer the update to you, so when you update you are 90% sure that everything will be ok)
If you don’t want this to happen in the future there is a solution that still works in the steps 4 and 5 of the first section of this tutorial:
