I use arch because it is the boring but stable system. Rolling release means you just keep updating it and it works forever rather than having to do big bang upgrades between LTS versions that always break something

100%, I already gave a job and hobbies thanks.

Polishing dotfiles is a valid hobby, and can be fun now and then, but when I need to do actual work I reach for my debian laptop.

Yep.

In 2002, I used Gentoo.

In 2026, I use Kubuntu.

(I should probably switch since Canonical's policies are increasingly bothering me, but meh, I can't be bothered to reinstall more than once a decade.)

All roads lead to Debian Stable.

'Cause no other computer will let you touch it, let alone sudo it.

Appreciated! I’ve always hated that nonsensical format

It really depends on whether they're an enthusiast excited about it or they're just trying to ditch windows...

9/10 times, no.

I don't recommend things based on if people are new to it or not. I recommend things based on if they read and are willing to learn or not.

If you don't read, arch is not a good distro for you.

Eh, rolling release distros are great for gaming. I recommend it enthusiasts (noob or not) and gamers. If you just need a rock solid platform for a server or browsing the web / word processing then sure slap some Debian or Fedora on there and call it a day.

Honestly, if you are new to Linux and are making the switch because you enjoy customisation and tinkering, a manual Arch install is the way to go. It's fun and you learn a lot, while still having a good OS.

Archwiki is an invaluable resource even when I'm not working in arch based systems. I think it's a testament to the community that the ArchWiki has been maintained at the level it has (which is quite high) for as long as it has (a long while).

Indian place I used to live near had a similar system. Each time, I ask for Indian hot. They confirm. What they bring is not Indian hot. They ask about it, I tell them "this is really good, but next time, I'd like hotter"

This goes on for freaking forever before he finally makes a dish that's genuinely hot, and it's great, but I can do more. Lol. The next time I come in, I tell them hotter than last time, and he says he'll make it like he does for his own mom.

Lit me up. It was really good. Not too hot for me, but hot enough that I'm pushing my limits. He asks after the meal, and I tell him it was hot enough. He says "good. I won't make any hotter! That's hot enough!" Haha

I feel like a crack dealer right now, but, have you heard of Linux from Scratch?

I get what you mean with build it yourself, but Arch is more or less like a lego kit. LFS is the material manifestation of the concept of madness. I did it once, it was fun, it was crazy, I don't want to ever do it again. Afterwards I immediately switched my main machine from Arch to Mint. I have a deeper understanding of how an OS works under the hood now, and a strong appreciation for the work put forth by distro maintainers. All I want now is a system that works straight away. I no longer want to build myself anything. Tinkering is a hobby, I need a working tool. Today I use Bazzite and all my tinkering is devoted to how can I make rare old games run on Linux. It's the difference between buying a chair and taking up carpentry as a hobby.

One of my biggest mistakes was ordering "spicy" level Thai food. Took me about a week to finish it because I could only handle one bite every few hours.