Don’t get me wrong. I love Linux and FOSS. I have been using and installing distros on my own since I was 12. Now that I’m working in tech-related positions, after the Reddit migration happened, etc. I recovered my interest in all the Linux environment. I use Ubuntu as my main operating system in my Desktop, but I always end up feeling very limited. There’s always software I can’t use properly (and not just Windows stuff), some stuff badly configured with weird error messages… last time I was not able to even use the apt command. Sometimes I lack time and energy for troubleshooting and sometimes I just fail at it.
I usually end up in need of redoing a fresh install until it breaks up again. Maybe Linux is not good for beginners working full time? Maybe we should do something like that Cisco course that teaches you the basic commands?
Afaik most distros don’t support surface computers by default. You should check out https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface
I didn’t know different distros supports different hardware.
I thought it’s sorta baked theme.
This is only something that happens when you purchase from a vendor that actively chooses not to play nice with Linux, i.e. Macs or Surfaces. They don’t offer Linux drivers in the kernel, so people have to write them on their own. They’ll usually eventually get into the kernel, but it takes time since creating drivers for a black box (proprietary hardware) is hard.
Also note, more stable distros will be on older kernels, meaning older and fewer drivers. It’s possible that the drivers you need are in the kernel, but not the one Debian is shipping.
I see.
Ill look for the best distro that supports surface hardware better.
To be honest, even with all of these issues, linux is far ahead in terms of speed and reliability.
I would recommend following the installation guide from the Linux Surface repo. NixOS seems to have very good support because of it’s modules system, but you’ll probably run into other problems using it. They provide instructions for most major distros fortunately.
Thanks!!
I just installed it
There isn’t a best distro that supports surface hardware. You have a to install a distro of your choosing for which there is a guide on the linux-surface github and then follow the guide.
Thank you.
I followed the instructions and the camera showed up.
Also Gnome 43 supports touch out of the box.
Now my setup looks great!
Very much so. Unless there are in kernel drivers, support is all over the map, particularly for newer or “non standard” hardware with proprietary drivers
I wouldn’t say very much so. The majority of drivers are in the kernel, only select hardware needs a custom distro.
This is the case for all operating systems. With the Linux kernel, support for a great deal of hardware is included, but not everything makes it into the mainline kernel, which is where specialized distros come in.
This is the result after 2 installs and days of tinkering.