Distributions like RHEL and Debian freeze packages, you will have to use old package when the newer is available. I think these distributions is just for highly mission-critical system, they have to run software smoothly, no breakage. Most personal computer don’t need that stability.

Can anyone explain more about what a stable distributions mean?

  • Ryan@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    “Stable” doesn’t necessarily refer to “reliable,” depending on the context. Stable is often used in reference to how often a distro releases new versions of the applications. Using Audacity as an example, in the current release of the distro, they’ll release security & bug fixes for version 2, but if you want version 3, you’ll have to wait until the next distro release.

    Upgrades to a new version of an application can introduce new ways of using the app (i.e. icons in different places, how user-created files are written to disk, etc.), which is disruptive to enterprise op’s, which is why Debian & RHEL take this approach.

    Hopefully that helps clarify things.

  • muhyb@programming.dev
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    8 months ago

    Stable and LTS (Long Term Support) are different things. Both Debian and Arch Linux are stable distros while only Debian is an LTS distro in this context. Both have an unstable releases as well. Stable means no breakage is expected, however in some cases it can happen with cutting-edge software. You don’t see this in LTS distros.

    Also it’s the other way. Most personal computers don’t need cutting-edge software. LTS distros are more than enough for most people.