My home server is running OMV (which is really just Debian with a web GUI), and all the services (outside of SMB/Wireguard) are running in Docker containers. I used to like to tinker, but as my server got more mature, I just wanted it to work. If OMV went away tomorrow, I would pivot to Debian because of its stability.

Laptop/desktop are running Pop_OS! Like the relative stability, but the frequent updating of the kernel for hardware support.

Are you running KDE or Gnome? If you’re using Gnome, there’s an extension to manage wireguard. I flip a switch in the top bar, and done.

GTA5 still works, just not online/multi-player. Story mode works.

You too, huh? Thank God for backups.

I would agree. But for the very basics starting and learning, the UI isn’t that intimidating.

OpenMediaVault (OMV) is a Debian server with a very user-friendly web interface. It also has solid documentation and a robust community. I’ve been running it for 6 years, and I am very happy with it.

If you’re on Windows and mildly frustrated about whatever MS is doing that week, the thing you want is a one button install that does everything for you, works first time and requires zero tinkering in the first place.

This is the reason my 77 year old father in law switched. It seemed like every couple of weeks, he was calling me because Microsoft changed something. And it confused him, and he thought he broke something. I got so frustrated that I asked if he was open to trying Linux. After having him try some distros on Live USB, he went with Pop.

Haven’t heard from him other than the occasional question about how to do something new.

I used nothing but Linux for my Master’s and am currently using it for my doctorate. I’ve been full-time on Linux for over 10 years.

I did find that OnlyOffice played better with MS Office than LibreOffice. I also use the school’s Office 365 that they provided me to open my finished files in the web version to verify the formatting matched. There was only one time it didn’t.

Vuescan is great, and near as I can tell it’s one guy. Totally worth it.

Pop has automatic updates now.