my notes on my search for the perfect linux setup to use when i can't have a mac

linux.md

OSes

Cent

Solus

• Nice Mac Feel
• Linux from scratch - not branched from another distro
• seems to work and behave well out of the box
• mostly minimal config needed
• appears to be missing video drivers
• unfamiliar package manager
• unfamiliar default package bundle

Mint

• Ubuntu based
• Nice mac feel
• minimal setup
• some config required
• familiar packaging (apt)
• lots of community support

Antergos

• arch based
• nice mac feel
• seems to work and behave well out of the box
• minimal configuration needed

Elementary

• ubuntu based
• Nice mac feel
• seems to work and behave well out of the box
• minimal configuration needed

Ubuntu Gnome

Debian

• Tried and true, comfortable with the dark corners
• Slow package releases

Window Managers / Desktop environments

Awesome

• scriptable with lua
• nice hotkey layout
• quickly useable for productivity

Openbox

fluxbox

wmii

compiz

• appears to be unmaintained
• hard to set up standalone
• community not helpful for standalone

gnome

• quick and easy setup
• mac os feel
• heavy!

kde

• quick and easy setup
• windows feel

cinnamon

• can be themed like mac os
• quick and easy setup
• fairly light for a full-featured DE