GNU/Linux Distribution

[RobertX]

I've been using GNU/Linux operating systems as alternatives to Windows and for programming for the last ten years.

However, I still do not consider myself an expert as I count on using GUIs a lot for certain things.

Right now, I'm with Linux Mint 17.3; the newer versions don't hold up to scrutiny. If I try to use Remastersys, a tool for "remastering," meaning backup, the result is an empty image. When I use Systemback on MATE versions for the same reason, the computer damn well freezes when I install Ad-Block for Firefox and run it.

Although 17.3 is old, it's the best for me.

Right now, on this computer, I use Mint 17.3 MATE for programming, work, and DOS gaming. I use Windows XP for Direct-X games like Warcraft, Diablo, and Unreal Tournament, since Wine does a piss-poor job in doing anything. I liked the concept, but it just doesn't cut the mustard on performance.

Once support for 17.3 has expired, I will try again, but that would be in 2021, plenty of time run and hide.

What do you guys dig for a Windows-alternative OS?

[hypno-potamous]

I used to use Slackware from pre version 1 up through 7 or so. Now I am using Mint 18.1
I use VirtualBox to have a Win7 system if I need to do something in windows, which is quite rare.

[RobertX]

hypno, do you remaster often (i.e. make DVD backups)?

If so, what do you use?

[freeartem]

What do you guys dig for a Windows-alternative OS?

=-==
Unfortunately, to find a 'windows-alternative OS' you will have to find a 'systemd-free' linux distro...
While these were getting very hard to find, there has been a resurgence in folks looking for this solution...
remember, Leonardo Potterdink is the new Bill Gates...
one init to rule them all,
one init to bind them...

[hypno-potamous]

I use Macrium Reflect free, the Linux recovery ISO, todo offline images, every once in a while. I tried the standard backup that was installed as a default todo /home, but it would lockup and hang on some of the special files. FIFOs I think. So out of exasperation I just do offline images.

[RobertX]

Thanks.

I used to do Ubuntu, not the derivative of one, but the "original" derivative of Debian. Used it until 2009, then switched to Linux Mint.

However, Linux Mint is derived from Ubuntu, so technically, I am resuming use of Ubunu.

Humanity for all indeed.

[RobertX]

Which edition do you use, hypno? MATE? Cinnamon? Xfce?

[floki]

remember, Leonardo Potterdink is the new Bill Gates...

If I try to use Remastersys, a tool for "remastering," meaning backup, the result is an empty image.

For backup, try:
partimage.org
system-rescue-cd.org

I've never tried it  

What do you guys dig for a Windows-alternative OS?

GNU/Linux, MacOS, BSD, and others OS is a "choice" for me, not an "alternative"