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Are You Going to "Cling to Traditional Linux"?
Note: Grok Responds to Prompt for "Old School" Distros (below)

[Poll] What Linux Distro Will You "Embrace for the Future"?

5 Best Linux Distros for "Old School" Preferences

Based on your criteria - prioritizing reliability, meritocracy over ideology, avoidance of cutting-edge changes (e.g., Rust integrations in kernels like Fedora's experiments), and stability without unnecessary innovation - here are the top 5 Linux distros that fit an "old school" mindset. These emphasize proven, C/C++-based components, community-driven development focused on functionality, and minimal bloat. Rankings are based on current stability, user-friendliness for legacy hardware, and resistance to trendy overhauls, drawn from 2025 reviews and community feedback.

I've noted for each when it would feel most familiar to Windows 7 users (e.g., via classic desktop environments like Cinnamon or Xfce, which mimic the taskbar/start menu layout without modern touch gestures).

1. Linux Mint (Cinnamon Edition)

  • Why It Fits: Highly stable LTS base (Ubuntu-derived), focuses on reliability and user-centric improvements without ideological distractions. Community-driven with a meritocracy emphasis on practical code contributions. Avoids bleeding-edge features; sticks to mature C/C++ tooling. Excellent for older Intel hardware.
  • Current Status (2025): Version 22+ is praised for "keeping what works," with no Rust kernel pushes.
  • Familiarity to Windows 7: Extremely - Cinnamon DE is designed to look/feel like Windows 7 out-of-the-box (classic taskbar, start menu, file explorer). Ideal for seamless transition.
  • Download: linuxmint.com


2. Zorin OS

  • Why It Fits: Stable Ubuntu LTS core, prioritizes simplicity and reliability over experiments. Developer focus on merit-based enhancements for broad compatibility, with no noted ideological overreach. Strong support for legacy hardware without forcing modern paradigms.
  • Current Status (2025): Zorin 17.3 is hailed as "best for Windows migrants" in reviews, emphasizing proven tech.
  • Familiarity to Windows 7: Top-tier - Customizable layouts mimic Windows 7 exactly (e.g., via Zorin Appearance tool for taskbar/icons). Great for users wanting a "Windows clone" feel.
  • Download: zorin.com


3. MX Linux

  • Why It Fits: Debian-based stability with antiX tools for lightweight, reliable performance on old hardware. Community meritocracy drives decisions, avoiding hype-driven changes like Rust. Focuses on functional, no-frills DevOps.
  • Current Status (2025): MX-23+ is consistently ranked "most stable" in user polls, with emphasis on C/C++ ecosystem.
  • Familiarity to Windows 7: High with Xfce DE (default) - Customizable to resemble Windows 7's Aero/taskbar, though lighter and more modular.
  • Download: mxlinux.org


4. Debian

  • Why It Fits: Epitome of old-school Linux - extremely stable releases, pure meritocracy in package selection (volunteer-driven, no corporate ideology push). Sticks to time-tested C/C++ components; avoids rapid changes. Excellent for legacy Intel systems.
  • Current Status (2025): Debian 12 (Bookworm) is lauded for reliability, with no Rust kernel mandates.
  • Familiarity to Windows 7: Moderate - Choose Xfce or Cinnamon DE during install for a classic desktop feel, but it's more customizable than themed.
  • Download: debian.org


5. Slackware

  • Why It Fits: Oldest surviving distro (since 1993), purely traditional with no systemd (optional) or modern overhauls - meritocracy-focused, volunteer-led without ideological shifts. Emphasizes simplicity and reliability in C/C++ codebase.
  • Current Status (2025): Slackware 15.0+ remains a bastion of "old-school" Linux, avoiding Rust trends.
  • Familiarity to Windows 7: Lower out-of-box, but install KDE or Xfce for a customizable, classic interface resembling Windows 7's workflow.
  • Download: slackware.com


These distros prioritize stability and merit-based development, steering clear of controversial changes seen in more "progressive" ones like Fedora (with Rust experiments) or Ubuntu (corporate influences). For Windows 7 familiarity, start with Mint or Zorin - they often rank "best for beginners/switchers" in 2025 reviews. If you need setup guides, let me know!

[My Prompt to Grok] I want Linux, but I'm concerned about "distros" which want "Ultra Cutting Edge" like replacing reliable code with RUST, or have "woke" Ideology over Meritocracy (pure reliability). What are the 5 best Linux distros to fit my "old school" preferences? Also, tell me when the distro would feel more familiar to Windows 7 users.

https://lunduke.locals.com/post/7576343/rant-disclosure-i-despise-this-trend-clear-os-cxl-hp-ux-cxl-rust-forced-into-linux-plu#comments

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Happy Trans Day of Visibility from KDE, GNOME, GTK, & Elementary

Celebrating holidays? Nah. Some of the largest Linux projects just want you to stare at "Trans" people.

More from The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.com/

00:08:33
MidnightBSD Becomes First Open Source Operating System to Ship Age Verification

The just released 4.0.4 version of the FreeBSD derived Operating System includes "aged", new system wide daemon for handling age verification and attestation. Not an April Fools Joke.

More from The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.com/

00:14:30
ZorinOS Makes Firm No Age Verification Statement, MX Linux Says They Will "Wait on Court Challenge"

Popular Linux distributions continue to take wildly different approaches to handling Age Verification.

More from The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.com/

00:16:15
November 22, 2023
The futility of Ad-Blockers

Ads are filling the entirety of the Web -- websites, podcasts, YouTube videos, etc. -- at an increasing rate. Prices for those ad placements are plummeting. Consumers are desperate to use ad-blockers to make the web palatable. Google (and others) are desperate to break and block ad-blockers. All of which results in... more ads and lower pay for creators.

It's a fascinatingly annoying cycle. And there's only one viable way out of it.

Looking for the Podcast RSS feed or other links? Check here:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4619051/lunduke-journal-link-central-tm

Give the gift of The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4898317/give-the-gift-of-the-lunduke-journal

The futility of Ad-Blockers
November 21, 2023
openSUSE says "No Lunduke allowed!"

Those in power with openSUSE make it clear they will not allow me anywhere near anything related to the openSUSE project. Ever. For any reason.

Well, that settles that, then! Guess I won't be contributing to openSUSE! 🤣

Looking for the Podcast RSS feed or other links?
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4619051/lunduke-journal-link-central-tm

Give the gift of The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4898317/give-the-gift-of-the-lunduke-journal

openSUSE says "No Lunduke allowed!"
September 13, 2023
"Andreas Kling creator of Serenity OS & Ladybird Web Browser" - Lunduke’s Big Tech Show - September 13th, 2023 - Ep 044

This episode is free for all to enjoy and share.

Be sure to subscribe here at Lunduke.Locals.com to get all shows & articles (including interviews with other amazing nerds).

"Andreas Kling creator of Serenity OS & Ladybird Web Browser" - Lunduke’s Big Tech Show - September 13th, 2023 - Ep 044

Catching up with some of @Lunduke's livestreams...
Did you say debate on landing on the Moon?
You should check Dave McKeegan's channel (link to last video ).
He has done lots of explanation and debunking of Moon landing deniers... and of flat earthers too.
You might as well post your excepticism to him if he has not debunked it already.

I remember "The Boring Company" - but THIS looks like a Great "Use Case" for Tesla (and other electric) vehicles.

  • Driving DOWNTOWN in a Major City for 5 to 20 miles without "Stopping for Traffic."
    👨‍🔬 Any Opinions? (see Poll)


[Jan 2026] Tesla Robovans to Be Used in the Las Vegas Loop
https://www.newsnet5.com/news/tesla-robovans-las-vegas-loop/

[Jan 2022? Video] Vegas Loop Full Tour - Elon Musk's New Vegas Tesla Tunnels! Full Guide & What You Need to Know!

March 31, 2026

Claude Code Source Code LEAKED: The Death of "Vibe Coding"? - YouTube

Lifetime Wall Number 6, Plus How to Access MP4s & Forum

A few quick reminders for all of you amazing Lunduke Journal subscribers:

First: If you have any kind of payed subscription (Monthly, Yearly, or Lifetime) there are a bunch of cool perks available to you. MP4 Downloads, PDF eBooks, and access to the Lunduke Journal Forum. All the details on how to gain access to everything is right here.

Enjoy.

Second: At the end of this next week I’ll be unveiling “Lifetime Subscriber Wall of Shame” number Six at the end of all new Lunduke Journal videos.

 

At that same time I will be updating and permanently locking down Walls 1 through 5.

If you are already a Lifetime Subscriber, and would like to be added to the new Wall number 6 (or to one of the couple remaining spots on Walls 4 and 5), email me (bryan at lunduke.com) with how you would like your name to be displayed (full name, first name only, nick name… any way you like).

  1. CRT Linux Pico Wall: Full

  2. DOS Word Wall: Full

  3. Win 3.11 Notepad Wall: Full

  4. MacOS 9 Wall: 2 Spots Left

  5. PalmOS Wall: 1 Spot Left

  6. Mystery Wall: Open

Those final spots on the MacOS and PalmOS Walls are first come first served. The first people to request those spots get them.

Everyone else will roll over into Wall 6. Which is a secret, retro computer platform. You’ll dig it.

If you have already contacted me regarding being added to one of these walls (or changing the way your name is displayed), I’ve already got you on the list for the changes later this next week.

If you don’t already have a Lifetime Subscription, grab one and get yourself on the wall.

It’s pretty sweet.

-Lunduke

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February 12, 2026
4th Wall Almost Full, $89 Lifetime Deal Ends Very Soon

Woo-hoo! The 4th Lunduke Journal Lifetime Subscriber Wall of Shame Awesomeness is almost full!

  • That means that, within the next day or two, the massively discounted Lifetime Subscriptions will go back to their normal price. So if you wanted to snag the $89 / $99 Lifetime Sub (instead of paying $300), now’s your last chance.

  • If you are already a Lifetime Subscriber and want to be added to the 4th (or the start of the 5th) wall, email me (bryan at lunduke.com). There are only a couple of spots left on Wall 4.

  • The new Lifetime Wall designs are locked and loaded, and will make their grand debut at the end of all new shows starting either Friday or Monday.

I also wanted to take a moment to thank all of the non-Lifetime Subscribers. The Lifetime Subs may get a little extra attention at the end of the shows… but every subscriber (Monthly & Yearly) helps to make this work possible.

All of you rule.

-Lunduke

Read full Article
February 08, 2026
79 Million Views in 6 Months for The Lunduke Journal

Welcome to February, all of you amazing nerds!

January was a fun month for The Lunduke Journal (thanks to all of you). For those interested in a little Inside Baseball, I’ve pulled together some stats and charts below.

The short version: Great month. Crazy news stories. Solid growth. Can’t complain!

Revamped Lifetime Wall

Oh! And the “Lifetime Subscriber Wall” is getting a “retro” facelift.

This is what the four Lifetime Walls currently look like:

 

Once that 4th Wall is filled (a little over 75% of the way there as of this morning), I’ll be introducing the new designs (for all the walls) along with the starting of Wall Number 5.

Each Wall now has its own, distinct look and theme. Very Retro Computer-y. You’re going to dig it.

To make that “Wall Number 5” get here as fast as possible, I’ve gone ahead an reinstated the “$89 Lifetime Subscriber” deal. But only until Wall Number 4 is full.

Want to be on the Wall? If you don’t have a Lifetime Subscription, grab one. If you already have one, email me (bryan at lunduke.com) to let me know how you want your name to be displayed.

Once Wall 4 is full, the Super-Mega-Ultra Discounted Lifetime Subscription goes back to regular price. And, the next day, the new Lifetime Wall design appears at the end of new shows.

At the current rate, I expect that to happen in the next couple days.

Stats for January, 2026

Now let’s look at the stats for January.

Can’t lie. I’m pleased.

  • 30 new shows (just shy of one new show every day)

  • 15.2 Million views (including podcast downloads)

  • 2,326 new subscribers

The most popular story of January, 2026:

Taking a high level view: This means that, in the last 6 months (Aug ‘25 - Jan ‘26), The Lunduke Journal has had:

  • 79.4 Million views

  • 21,694 new subscribers

Bonkers, right?

Here’s a chart of “views” for last 6 months:

Image
 

The long-term trend continues to be solidly upward, with February (in the first 7 days, so far) currently tracking slightly ahead of January.

For those interested in the specific platforms: The Lunduke Journal is seeing the most growth on X and the Audio Podcast.

Here’s a combined subscriber chart for January (up 2,326 subscribers from the month prior):

Image
 

Wild. It is truly amazing to me how widely these stories are spreading nowadays.

Over 15 million. In one month.

These are numbers that most of the big, “Main Stream” Tech Journalists could only dream of.

The reach of The Lunduke Journal, thanks to all of you, is now wildly exceeding any other publication I have ever worked with.

Even though most “Main Stream” Tech Journalists are refusing to cover some of the biggest stories in Tech… those stories are still getting out there.

They are being seen. Far and wide.

Thanks to all of you.

-Lunduke

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