Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
If you use a Linux distribution based on Debian or Ubuntu, the upgrade path is almost always painless. I've had maybe one Ubuntu upgrade in over a decade that had problems, and even that was a fairly straightforward fix.
But not all Linux distributions are created equal, and some are more challenging than others. Some distributions even make the upgrade process more difficult, and a few give users fair warning about why it's important to stay informed.
Also: 7 things every Linux beginner should know before downloading their first distro
That doesn't mean you should avoid the following Linux distributions. Just because the upgrade process isn't always a single click doesn't mean these distros aren't worth trying.
Which distributions require a bit more care during the upgrade process? Let's take a look at a few of them.
1. Arch Linux
The Arch Linux developers maintain a Newbie Corner with a pinned topic titled "Please Read Before Upgrading." That post discusses pacman, the package manager for Arch, and outlines what users should know before upgrading.
For example, the post reminds users to always check the Arch latest news because the developers regularly provide information about upgrades and any known issues. It also suggests watching pacman's output during the upgrade since the package manager includes pertinent information and asks especially new users to pay close attention as the process proceeds. You don't find such suggestions for Ubuntu, Linux Mint, ZorinOS or most other Debian-based distributions.
Also: Archcraft is a solid, super fast distro for anyone ready to move beyond beginner Linux
... continue reading