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Comment by iLoveOncall | Hacker News Reader

While I understand the point of Linux distros overall, because they allow very specific usage like embedded, etc., I really don't get the point of those generalist but slightly specialized distributions focused on a single aspect that consumers use a computer for.

I'm far from a Linux super-user, I only use it for my servers and Raspberry Pis, but even I would rather pick Debian and install the necessary stuff by hand. This feels like opting-in to bloat on your newly installed OS.

I'll happily listen if anyone has a good selling point for those, but I can't think of any OS less attractive than something tailored for a single use-case on my generalist PC build.

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The reason I use Bazzite is very simple: I only use my desktop computer for gaming and when I turn it on, I want it to work immediately without issues.

With previous distros I always had issues configuring something or another with games/drivers. Bazzite has been the closest to Windows/console experience for me wrt Linux pc gaming.

If this is a generalist computer, then you are absolutely correct. This is not the distro for you. This is very specifically built for gaming.

^ this. I'm in the same boat. I got tired of having to do windows things on my windows pc.

Bazzite is actually two levels of specialization away from Debian. Yes, it supports gaming better than other distros, especially on the current wave of handheld devices, and last I heard 2/3 of its users were using the handheld/HTPC version of Bazzite.

But it is also part of the Universal Blue family, which means that updates are atomic and can be rolled back. SteamOS, GNOME OS, and KDE Linux are all trying the atomic distro thing, but you don't get it out of the box on the mainstream distros (yet).

It's common for people to have both a PC and a game console. Even a PC, an iPad and a game console. Right tool for the right job, not a bad idea.

Yes of course, but if you have a PC that's good enough for gaming, it's also good enough (more than good enough) for all your other PC needs.

But not necessarily in the right form factor. My generalist PC build is a laptop, my gaming machine is tucked away under the TV and doesn't have a mouse or keyboard.

I have separate PCs for gaming and work. The former lives in the living room and the latter by my desk.

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