EndeavourOS
Arch Made Simple
- Arch-based simplicity
- Minimal pre-installed software
- Rolling release model
- Strong community support
- Requires manual setup
- Less beginner-friendly
Best for
DIY Linux enthusiasts
EndeavourOS vs Qubes OS
EndeavourOS and Qubes OS are two distinct Linux distributions catering to different needs. EndeavourOS simplifies the Arch Linux experience while Qubes OS prioritizes security through isolation. This page explores their key differences and helps you choose the right one.
Qubes OS
Security by Isolation
- Exceptional security model
- Compartmentalized environments
- Strong security community
- Focus on privacy
- High resource requirements
- Complex setup process
Best for
Security-focused users
TL;DR: Pick EndeavourOS for a customizable Arch experience. Choose Qubes OS for top-notch security.
Side-by-side comparison
How they stack up across key categories.
Ease of use
EndeavourOS
EndeavourOS simplifies Arch Linux with a more user-friendly installer but maintains Arch's DIY nature.
OS
Qubes OS requires understanding of virtualization and compartmentalization, making it less user-friendly for beginners.
Desktop feel
EndeavourOS
Offers a clean, customizable desktop with various environment options like XFCE, KDE, and GNOME.
OS
Focuses less on desktop aesthetics and more on functionality, using XFCE as a lightweight environment.
Stability
EndeavourOS
Rolling release model provides cutting-edge software but may introduce occasional instability.
OS
Typically stable but depends on the stability of each individual VM and their configurations.
Updates
EndeavourOS
Frequent updates from Arch repositories ensure software is up-to-date.
OS
Updates are available but must be managed across multiple VMs, requiring careful planning.
Software access
EndeavourOS
Offers access to the vast Arch User Repository (AUR) and official Arch repositories.
OS
Supports various Linux distributions within VMs, allowing for diverse software availability.
Privacy
EndeavourOS
Standard privacy practices, reliant on user configuration and chosen software.
OS
Built with privacy in mind, including features like Whonix integration for anonymous browsing.
Community & docs
EndeavourOS
Strong community support with forums and an active user base, though documentation can vary.
OS
Smaller, security-focused community with detailed, security-oriented documentation and forums.
Gaming
EndeavourOS
Supports gaming with access to various drivers and Steam integration through the AUR.
OS
Not optimized for gaming due to resource overhead and focus on security.
Pros & cons summary
EndeavourOS
Pros
- EndeavourOS is built on Arch Linux, providing access to the extensive Arch User Repository (AUR) for a wide range of software.
- It offers a minimal installation that allows users to customize their system from the ground up.
- The rolling release model ensures that users always have access to the latest software updates without needing to reinstall the OS.
- The community is active and provides extensive support and resources for troubleshooting and customization.
- EndeavourOS includes a user-friendly installer that simplifies the initial setup process compared to vanilla Arch.
Cons
- EndeavourOS requires users to be comfortable with the command line for installation and maintenance tasks.
- The learning curve might be steep for new users unfamiliar with Arch Linux.
- While the community is supportive, official documentation may not be as detailed as some other distributions.
Qubes OS
Pros
- Qubes OS implements security through isolation, using Xen-based virtualization to separate applications into securely isolated compartments.
- Each activity, such as browsing or working on sensitive documents, can run in its own virtual machine (VM) or 'qube', preventing malware from spreading.
- The Qubes community includes notable security experts and provides comprehensive support and updates.
- Privacy features are built-in, such as Whonix integration for anonymous internet access.
- Qubes OS allows for flexible management of VMs with different trust levels and operating systems.
Cons
- The hardware requirements for running Qubes OS are significant due to its reliance on virtualization technology.
- Setting up Qubes OS can be complex, requiring familiarity with virtualization concepts and hardware compatibility checks.
- The learning curve for managing multiple qubes and understanding the security model can be steep for new users.
Which should you pick?
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Switching from Windows
Pick: EndeavourOS
Provides a familiar desktop experience with extensive customization options.
Following Linux Tutorials
Pick: Either
Both distros support a wide range of Linux commands and tools needed for learning.
Running on Older Hardware
Pick: EndeavourOS
It can be tailored to use lightweight desktop environments that are less resource-intensive.
Gaming
Pick: EndeavourOS
Better suited for gaming due to direct access to gaming repositories and driver support.
Professional Use
Pick: Qubes OS
Offers robust security features essential for handling sensitive professional data.
Simple Daily Desktop
Pick: EndeavourOS
Provides a streamlined, customizable desktop experience suitable for everyday tasks.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions.
What is the relationship between EndeavourOS and Qubes OS?
There is no direct relationship; EndeavourOS is Arch-based while Qubes OS uses a unique security model with Xen hypervisor.
Which distro is more beginner-friendly?
EndeavourOS is closer to being beginner-friendly due to its easier installation process compared to Qubes OS.
How do the distros compare in terms of performance?
EndeavourOS generally performs faster due to its lightweight nature, while Qubes OS requires more resources for virtualization.
Can I try these distros before installing them?
Yes, both distros offer live USB environments to test them before installation.
What about software compatibility?
EndeavourOS has access to the AUR for extensive software options, while Qubes OS can run software in different VMs using various Linux distributions.
How is hardware support?
EndeavourOS supports a wide range of hardware with Arch's latest drivers, while Qubes OS requires hardware that supports virtualization.
How often are updates released?
EndeavourOS follows a rolling release model with frequent updates, while Qubes OS updates are less frequent and focus on security.
Is switching between these distros possible?
Yes, you can switch, but it requires reinstalling the system as they have different architectures and purposes.
Compare another pair?
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.