00:00Hello friend. Most Linux beginners waste weeks and sometimes even months on the wrong distribution
00:07and end up hating Linux for all the wrong reasons. Though here is the secret. There are actually two
00:14types of Linux systems and picking the wrong one means endless frustration. But if you get it right,
00:21Linux becomes a joy to use. Yes, you heard that right. Because what most of the beginners do
00:28is they research online and everywhere they are recommended with options like Linux Mint,
00:35Manjaro and so on. But nowadays, apart from the traditional Linux, there exists a second kind
00:42called immutable Linux distribution and they are rarely considered as beginner friendly options.
00:49So, in today's video, I will break down the concept of mutable and immutable Linux in an easy layman's
00:56tongue so that by the end of this video, you will know exactly which one to choose. So, without further ado, let's begin.
01:08If you go by the dictionary, the word mutable means capable, susceptible or prone to change or mutation.
01:16And similarly, immutable means not capable, susceptible or prone to change or mutation.
01:24Therefore, almost all popular and classic Linux distros like Ubuntu, Fedora Workstation, Arch,
01:31Linux Mint, Manjaro, etc. are examples of mutable Linux distributions.
01:37Meaning their whole system is open for modification. The root file system is writable, meaning users can
01:45freely change or modify the system files, install or remove packages through various kinds of package
01:52managers and customize almost everything. Updates in a mutable system happens package by package through
01:59system-specific package managers like APT, DNF or Pacman giving users huge amount of flexibility.
02:08On the other hand, immutable distros are a newer approach. They are special versions of Linux where the
02:15core system is just read-only. Meaning users cannot directly change or modify the root system files,
02:22making the operating system even more secure, stable and reliable than traditional ones.
02:28With the help of containerization, immutable distros isolate every programs from the core system and even
02:35each other. So, even if you do end up getting bad, corrupted or infected application,
02:41it cannot touch the underlying system. In an immutable system, updates are done as atomic upgrades.
02:49Meaning everything in the system updates at once during the reboot. And if something fails,
02:55then the system rollbacks to its previous working state. Software installation usually happens
03:01in a containerized method through universal package managers like Flatpak, AppImage or Snap rather
03:08than the traditional package managers. Fedora Silverblue, VanillaOS, NitrixOS, BaziteOS and the newly built
03:16GnomeOS are some best examples of immutable distributions. By the way, if you are learning something new,
03:23please hit that subscribe button. It really helps the channel grow and ensure you do not miss future Linux
03:29deep dives. To be honest, after using and testing both types of Linux distribution, I have come to the
03:38conclusion that there is no wrong choice, just wrong expectations. Mutable distros gives you endless
03:46flexibility. But with great power and flexibility comes great responsibilities. You have to maintain
03:53your system regularly and properly. Otherwise, there will be a risk of breakage, conflicting packages
03:59and dependencies can indeed break your system. But in correct hands, they are incomparable.
04:06So, if you too falls in that category of users who want access to widest range of softwares,
04:12drivers, themes and tweaks. If you do not mind troubleshooting or fixing issues when something
04:18breaks, then you should go with a traditional mutable distro. If you love experimenting, customizing
04:25and editing system files. If you need total control over your system dependencies, packages and system
04:31configurations, then mutable distros are just for you. Whereas, if you are a beginner to Linux, who want
04:38to play it safe and does not like spending time in wiki pages or system troubleshooting, then it is better to
04:45go with an immutable distro. If you are not into system customization, modification, you only rely on flatpak,
04:52snap or app image for your software needs and also want a set it then forget it Linux distro with maximum
05:00stability and fewer chances of breaking, then immutable distros are for you. The future is moving towards
05:08immutable distros. But mutable distributions will always remain the backbone of Linux ecosystem.
05:16Now you tell me which side you are on. Are you team mutable or team immutable? Comment your thoughts
05:22below and if you are still not sure which distro to pick, then check out my distro finder guide which
05:27helped over 9000 people pick their perfect Linux distro. Thanks for watching. See you in the next one.
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