this post was submitted on 17 Jan 2025
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Are there distros that are actually unsuitable for gaming, besides ones that are designed to be CLI-only or specific to antediluvian hardware?
I feel like gaming-specific distros just include stuff that you could otherwise just manually add to any other distro and make it suitable.
Depends on what you want to play. If you want to play current games with current hardware then current kernel and drivers help a lot. A base Debian would (if it even works) probably less FPS than an current gaming distro.
Can you please elaborate on why? I'm running Debian stable with NVIDIA drivers and... it "just works". I'm using Steam to get Proton and game content (e.g. was playing Elden Ring minutes ago). I didn't tinker much so wondering what I could be missing.
Presumably because things like Mesa and video drivers would be somewhat out of date
Drivers are 535 on stable, cf https://wiki.debian.org/NvidiaGraphicsDrivers so it's definitely not the very latest yet even though drivers are important I doubt (and please share benchmarks if I'm way off) there is a radical performance difference.
Oh I'm not advocating that you switch distributions. If you're happy with performance there's no reason to change.
The only thing that gives me pause with outdated drivers is the possibility of being exposed to unpatched security vulnerabilities. But in my experience Debian does provide updates when it's critical.
Theres a difference between stable and outdated. Generally bleeding edge will introduce many more vulnerabilities than will go unnoticed in stable.
Debian is known (almost exclusively) for only updating their repo when they're certain it is safe, but also rapidly pushing security patches; its a server oriented distro where security is paramount.
Yeah I'm thinking bout trying something new because Nvidia just put out new drives to fix a security issue but mint hasn't seemed to update the driver manager.