Hello, I'm looking for a new distro that aligns with my privacy preferences and offers a wide range of packages without requiring me to search for PPAs, similar to Manjaro. I've grown uneasy about Manjaro's decision to collect unique data like MAC addresses and disk serial numbers by default, even if it's for diagnostic purposes.

In light of this, I'd like to ask for your recommendations on a Linux distro that meets the following criteria:

  1. No opt-out telemetry: I'm looking for a distro that doesn't collect any unique data by default.
  2. Access to a wide range of packages: I prefer a distro that offers a vast repository of packages, so I don't have to search for PPAs or third-party repositories.
  3. User-friendly: I'm not a fan of complicated configurations or steep learning curves, so a distro with a user-friendly approach would be ideal.

I'm curious to hear any recommendations you might have. Thanks!

  • NewOldGuard [he/him, comrade/them]
    ·
    1 month ago

    I would point you towards EndeavourOS. It's pretty much just preconfigured Arch, so you get the same rolling release packages as Manjaro and retain access to the AUR. Its a solid project, IMO it does everything that Manjaro claims and fails to but properly

  • imogen_underscore [it/its, she/her]
    ·
    1 month ago

    i found endeavor to be nicer than Manjaro but tbh I'm at the stage where i just recommend installing arch. it's gotten a lot easier. endeavor is also arch based though so I'd go with that if you want super easy install / extra stuff installed ootb

  • thepiguy@lemmy.ml
    ·
    1 month ago

    If you used manjaro before, then I will recommend endeavour. It is arch Linux (same as manjaro) with an installer. I found their support forums to be helpful as an arch user.

  • eco_game@discuss.tchncs.de
    ·
    1 month ago

    I really like Pop!_OS, AFAIK it doesn't have any telemetry. It's basically a Ubuntu fork but without the stupid Ubuntu stuff, and they're currently even working on their own Desktop Environment.

  • BRINGit34@lemmygrad.ml
    ·
    1 month ago

    You probably shouldn't be using an arch based distro if you want a user friendly experience.

    I know there are things like manjaro and even endeavor os that are "arch but easy" but honestly I cannot in good faith recommend anything arch based for ease of use. Arch is a very fast moving distribution that usually has the newest packages but that isn't always good. There will eventually be a problem come up, maybe not often and maybe not that serious but in my personal opinion it's not worth it.

    If you are wanting consistent ease of use and access to a lot of packages it's hard to beat the mainstream distros. Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, (personal favorite) etc... and if you need something from arch repositories just use distrobox. You get access to all arch packages without the headache.

  • banazir@lemmy.ml
    ·
    1 month ago

    openSUSE Tumbleweed has served me well for some time now. Maybe give it a look-see?

  • tomsh@lemmy.ml
    ·
    1 month ago

    I think you are looking for a distribution with KDE and flatpak by default

  • Lawn_and_disorder [he/him]
    ·
    1 month ago

    Peppermint OS, its what made me stop distrohopping . Debian based with extra on top, easy doesn't brake,

  • secret300@lemmy.sdf.org
    ·
    1 month ago

    Is there any distro that automatically collect data? Every distro I've tried asked directly on install or at first boot