GeckoLinux 做得更好

GeckoLinux 是一个独特的发行版，在统一经常令人困惑的工作平台选择方面做出了很大的贡献，这些工作平台可供企业和寻找其他计算平台替代方案的主流消费者使用。

GeckoLinux是Linux发行众多版本中的相对较新的，于2015年12月首次亮相。但它通过快速的开发周期弥补了年轻，在赶上甚至超越其他Linux选项方面做得扎实。

该发行版功能齐全，提供了一些最好的Linux桌面环境。它避免了使使用Linux变麻烦的发行版所拥有的陷阱。

GeckoLinux 接近 openSuse Linux 基础设施。传统的基于Suse的Linux平台是长期以来被证明是可靠和安全，代表Linux家族之一。

然而，旧时的Suse可能有点复杂，无法设置和维护。部分原因是GeckoLinux比传统的基于Suse的发行版有了显著的改进，也促使其开发人员创建了更好的Linux鼠标陷阱。

GeckoLinux一直是我的最爱。自从它首次亮相以来，我一直看着它迅速成长。openSuse Linux家族不是我的首选之一。但GeckoLinux发行版是为数不多的非Debian/Ubuntu的Linux选项之一，我经常向正在寻找可靠的非Debian选项的家庭和商业用户推荐。

在几年前与GeckoLinux开发人员的对话中，他提出了一个令人信服的解释，解释了为什么他的发行版会有所不同。开发商只公开承认山姆这个名字。仅此而已，只有山姆。当我向他宣传他的名字和背景时，他告诉我，我在大多数论坛上都通过sb56637，其他一切都是山姆。

但没关系。许多Linux开发人员喜欢在他们其他专业身份和他们在发展成功的Linux选项方面的工作之间保持防火墙。

作为给用户的圣诞礼物，山姆于12月中旬发布了最新版本的GeckoLinux，编号为20-12-11。

为什么是OpenSuse？

对我来说，山姆在GeckoLinux中的方法如此吸引人的是它如何避免了Suse和openSuse的一些复杂性。它为经验丰富的Linux用户和新的发行版采用者提供了一种简单的方法来尝试基于openSuse的旋转，该旋转充满功能和领先的Linux桌面的大量库存。更多关于桌面的信息。

采用GeckoLinux的另一个原因是开发人员不忽视openSuse社区内的创新。这些包括openSuse默认存储库中找不到的非免费软件包。

山姆的发行版以优化和现成可用性而闻名。它为用户提供了比openSuse社区采取的更传统方法更好的实践体验。

OpenSuse使用.rpm文件安装新软件。GeckoLinux 整理了 openSuse 陷阱，以提供更愉快的用户体验。

Gecko和OpenSuse对比

GeckoLinux与openSuse在许多关键方面有所不同。一大优点是，它是一款离线安装的实时DVD/USB图像，适用于静态版和滚动版。相比之下，GeckoLinux基于的openSuse发行版具有非实时DVD/USB安装程序、网络安装程序映像或带有网络安装程序选项的Tumbleweed实时DVD/USB。

GeckoLinux还预装了专有媒体编解码器。优势是让专有媒体格式开箱即用。由于优先包含Packman存储库，其他用户安装的多媒体应用程序会自动与受限的媒体编解码器一起工作。

OpenSuse提供此类编解码器，但用户必须知道如何添加其他存储库。他们还必须知道要添加哪些软件包。

另一个关键用户点是GeckoLinux更喜欢从Packman存储库交付的软件包。这避免了openSuse的默认软件包的麻烦，这些软件包通常不适用于受专利限制的功能。即使功能是从其他来源安装的，也可能是一个问题。

此外，GeckoLinux预配置了更好的字体渲染。一些openSuse用户对openSuse的默认字体配置有问题。

整体软件维护是有助于改善用户体验的另一个因素。例如GeckoLinux在系统安装后不会强制安装额外的推荐包。

OpenSuse预装模式，并自动安装推荐的软件包依赖项。这导致在第一次使用软件包管理器时安装许多额外的、可能不需要的软件包。

还考虑您可以卸载GeckoLinux的桌面程序及其所有依赖项。OpenSuse的模式通常会导致卸载的软件包自动重新安装。

桌面使用熟练程度

一些Linux开发人员为用户提供了单一或非常有限的桌面环境选择。其他人似乎清单无穷无尽，几乎列出了所有新旧产品。

GeckoLinux的情况并非如此。开发人员提供了一组精心策划的环境。这些包括最受欢迎的台式机和一些领先的新环境。

例如，GeckoLinux包含Plasma 5.20和最新的KDE框架和应用程序。它还包括GNOME 3.38、Buggie 10.5.2、XFCE 4.14、Cinnamon 4.6.7、Mate 1.24、万神殿和LXQt 0.16。

安装选择的桌面相对省心。每个桌面环境都有自己的ISO文件。

您可以在GeckoLinux上尝试首选的桌面，或查看其他不太熟悉的选择。ISO可以轻松转换为在DVD或USB上运行的全功能直播会话。

它无需更改硬盘驱动器上的任何东西即可加载。没有什么能干扰您现有的操作系统。

在评估本月最新一批GeckoLinux版本时，我想呆在熟悉的领域。所以我选择了肉桂桌面和GNOME环境。

肉桂是我的工作马桌面，因为它具有可配置性和灵活性。另一方面，GNOME是我最不可能使用的台式机之一。

GNOME桌面是一个完美的环境。它易于使用。但对我来说，GNOME的工作流程只是妨碍了我，使用起来没有那么灵活。

当然，这两个评估都是个人偏好。它们基于我的日常工作和多年来获得的用户体验。

“编辑”选项

决定Linux发行版的另一个软点是为滚动版本和点点版本提供支持。这可能对家庭用户或非关键业务需求影响甚微。

尽管如此，滚动版本可能会引入意想不到的软件故障。点释放往往经过更严格地审查稳定性。GeckoLinux为您提供了两种选择的完整选项。

GeckoLinux滚动版基于openSuse Tumbleweed。Tumbleweed发行版是openSuse的纯滚动版本。

它包含所有软件的最新稳定版本，而不是依赖严格的定期发布周期。这种方法为用户提供最新的稳定软件。

GeckoLinux静态版本基于openSuse Leap，遵循定期发布周期，并具有长期支持。跳跃建立在与Suse Linux Enterprise（SLE）共享的经过更多测试的代码库上。

在实践中，使用跳跃版提供了openSuse企业级操作系统的非商业版本。使用Tumbleweed版本为您提供领先、更先进的计算平台。

另一个有用的下载选项是裸机版。这是GeckoLinux背后潜力的良好展示。它配备了GeckoLinux核心组件，如PulseAudio、CUPS打印支持和GStreamer专有多媒体编解码器。

底线

GeckoLinux是一个基于美国的Linux发行版。它专注于桌面上的抛光和开箱即用性，是使用此Linux选择的历史悠久的吸引力。

OpenSuse是新用户最简单的Linux发行版之一。然而，openSuse并不专注于绝对易用性。

相反，开放苏斯社区更喜欢为用户提供灵活性和选择性。这种openSuse风格可以增加一些复杂性，同时提供一些易于使用的图形工具来配置系统设置，如YaST。

用GeckoLinux代替openSuse降低了新手的使用问题。正如我之前所指出的，我通常的Linux平台是基于Debian/Ubuntu的。但GeckoLinux将openSuse Linux家族的最佳功能放在了前面和中心。

您可以在这里下载GeckoLinux：

下载GeckoLinux

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原文标题：GeckoLinux Does OpenSuse Better

原文：GeckoLinux is a unique distribution that goes a long way towards unifying the often-confusing array of workstation choices available to business and mainstream consumers looking for an alternative to other computing platforms.

A relative newbie in the overcrowded world of Linux distributions, GeckoLinux debuted in December 2015. But it has made up for its youth by a rapid development cycle that has done a solid job of catching up to, and even exceeding, other Linux options.

This distro is fully functional and offers some of the best Linux desktop environments available. It avoids the pitfalls of distros that make using Linux bothersome.

GeckoLinux taps into the openSuse Linux infrastructure. The traditional Suse-based Linux platform is one of the hallmark Linux families that is long proven to be reliable and secure.

However, old-time Suse can be a bit convoluted to set up and maintain. That is in part what makes GeckoLinux a marked improvement over traditional Suse-based distros, and what led its developer to create a better Linux mousetrap.

GeckoLinux has been a favorite choice of mine. I watched it grow rapidly since its debut. The openSuse Linux family is not one of my go-to choices. But the GeckoLinux distro is one of the few non-Debian/Ubuntu-based Linux options that I often recommend to home and business users looking for a solid non-Debian option.

In conversations with the GeckoLinux developer several years ago, he laid out a convincing explanation for why his distro would be different. The developer only admits publicly to the name Sam. That's all, just Sam. "I go by sb56637 on most forums, and Sam for everything else," he told me when I pushed him for his name and background.

But that is okay. Many Linux developers like to maintain a firewall between their other professional identities and their work in growing a successful Linux option.

As sort of a Christmas present for his users, Sam released in mid-December the latest version of GeckoLinux numbered 20-12-11.

Why OpenSuse?

To me, what is so attractive about Sam's approach in GeckoLinux is how it avoids some of the complexities of Suse and openSuse. It gives both seasoned Linux users and new distro adopters an easy way to try an openSuse-based spin that is loaded with features and an ample inventory of the leading Linux desktops. More on desktops below.

Another reason to adopt GeckoLinux is the developer does not ignore innovations within the openSuse community. These include non-free packages not found in openSuse's default repositories.

Sam's distro has a reputation for polish and out-of-the-box usability. It offers users a better hands-on experience than the more traditional approach taken by the openSuse community.

OpenSuse uses .rpm files for installing new software. GeckoLinux sorts out the openSuse pitfalls to provide a more pleasant user experience.

Gecko vs. OpenSuse

GeckoLinux differs from openSuse in a number of key ways. One big plus is it comes as an offline installable live DVD / USB image for both static and rolling editions. By comparison, the openSuse distro on which GeckoLinux is based has a non-live DVD / USB installer, a net-installer image, or Tumbleweed live DVD / USB with net-installer options.

GeckoLinux also comes pre-installed with proprietary media codecs. The advantage is having proprietary media formats play out of the box. Additional user-installed multimedia applications work automatically with restricted media codecs thanks to the prioritized inclusion of the Packman repository.

OpenSuse provides such codecs, but users have to know how to add additional repositories. They also have to know which packages to add.

Another key user point is GeckoLinux has a preference for software packages delivered from the Packman repository when they are available. This avoids the hassle of openSuse's default packages that often do not work with patent-restricted features. This can be an issue even if the features are installed from other sources.

In addition, GeckoLinux comes preconfigured with better font rendering. Some openSuse users have issues with openSuse's default font configuration.

Overall software maintenance is another factor that contributes to a better user experience. For example, GeckoLinux does not force the installation of additional recommended packages after system installation.

OpenSuse preinstalls patterns and automatically installs recommended package dependencies. This causes many additional, possibly unwanted packages to be installed the first time the package manager is used.

Also consider that you can uninstall GeckoLinux's desktop programs with all their dependencies. OpenSuse's patterns often cause uninstalled packages to be automatically re-installed.

Desktop Proficiencies

Some Linux developers give users a single or very limited choice of desktop environments. Others go overboard with a seemingly endless list of nearly every new and old offering to be found.

Not so with GeckoLinux. The developer offers a nicely curated group of environments. These include the most popular desktops along with some of the leading new environments.

For instance, GeckoLinux includes Plasma 5.20 with the latest KDE Framework and applications. It also includes GNOME 3.38, Budgie 10.5.2, XFCE 4.14, Cinnamon 4.6.7, Mate 1.24, Pantheon, and LXQt 0.16.

Installation of the desktop of choice is relatively hassle-free. Each desktop environment has its own ISO file.

You can try your preferred desktop on GeckoLinux or check out other less-familiar choices. The ISO easily converts to a fully functional live session that runs on a DVD or USB.

It loads without changing anything on your hard drive. Nothing messes with your existing OS.

In evaluating the latest batch of GeckoLinux releases this month, I wanted to stay within familiar territory. So I selected the Cinnamon desktop and the GNOME environment.

Cinnamon is my workhorse desktop because of its configurability and flexibility. GNOME, on the other hand, is one of my least-likely-to-use desktops.

The GNOME desktop is a perfectly fine environment. It is easy to use. But for me, GNOME's workflow just gets in my way and is not as flexible to use.

Of course, both of those assessments are personal preferences. They are based on my work routine and my acquired user experience over the years.

'Editional' Options

Another fudge point in deciding on a Linux distro is the support provided for rolling versus point releases. This may have little impact on a home user or for non-critical business needs.

Be that as it may, a rolling release can introduce unexpected software glitches. Point releases tend to be more vetted for stability. GeckoLinux gives you a full array of options for both.

GeckoLinux rolling editions are based on openSuse Tumbleweed. The Tumbleweed distribution is a pure rolling release version of openSuse.

It contains the latest stable versions of all software instead of relying on rigid periodic release cycles. This approach gives users the latest stable software.

GeckoLinux static editions are based on openSuse Leap, which follows a periodic release cycle and has long-term support. Leap is built on a more tested code base shared with Suse Linux Enterprise (SLE).

In practice, using the Leap edition provides a non-commercial version of openSuse's enterprise-grade operating system. Using the Tumbleweed edition gives you a leading edge, more advanced computing platform.

Yet another useful download option is the BareBones edition. This is a good showcase for the potential behind GeckoLinux. It comes with the core GeckoLinux components such as PulseAudio, CUPS printing support and GStreamer proprietary multimedia codecs.

Bottom Line

GeckoLinux is a US-based Linux distribution. Its focus on polish and out-of-the-box usability on the desktop is a time-honored draw for using this Linux choice.

OpenSuse is among the easiest Linux distributions for new users. However, openSuse does not focus on the absolute ease of use.

Instead, the open-Suse community prefers to offer users flexibility and choice. That openSuse style can add some complexities along with providing some easy-to-use graphical tools to configure system settings like YaST.

Swapping GeckoLinux in place of openSuse mitigates the suitability of use question for newcomers. As I noted previously, my usual go-to Linux platform is Debian/Ubuntu based. But GeckoLinux puts the best features of the openSuse Linux family front and center.