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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Vanilla OS and Bazzite are both immutable distributions.
- One is geared for general use and the other for gaming.
- Both are free to download and install.
Immutability has become a buzzword in the Linux world. For an operating system that already enjoys rock-solid security, imagine taking that even further to create an operating system that is almost unbreakable.
With immutability, Linux distributions mount the core of the system as read-only, which means the contents of those directories cannot be changed. So, if you were to unwittingly install a piece of malicious software, it would not be able to make changes to directories like /bin, /sbin, /usr, /lib, and /etc.
That’s some pretty high security there.
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There are several immutable Linux distributions, two of which are Vanilla OS and Bazzite. Is one of these right for you? Let’s find out.
Vanilla OS
Vanilla OS is an immutable Linux distribution that is geared toward general-purpose use. In other words, you can use it for creative endeavors, school, gaming, online shopping, banking, productivity, development, social media, communication, and more.
Vanilla OS uses a hybrid base made of Debian packages and Vib modules for increased flexibility and emphasizes a clean, declarative configuration that empowers the user to configure their system to their specific needs. This is done via OCI images. Those images are created with a tool called Vib. With Vib, you can build upon the Vanilla OS core image to add custom options, packages, and modules.
Vanilla OS is all about being unique to you.
Another important tool is VSO, which checks if the system is in an ideal state to perform an update without getting in the way of the OS being used. If VSO determines the system isn’t in an ideal state (based on connection, memory, CPU, and battery status), it will skip the update and try again later. VSO can be enabled and disabled by the user.
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That doesn’t mean you have to make use of those tools. You can always just install Vanilla OS and use it as is because it’s a fantastic distribution for everyday, general use. And no matter your skill set, Vanilla OS can take the place of whatever OS you are currently using.
Vanilla OS uses a fairly unchanged GNOME desktop, which might seem foreign to new users, but it’s actually quite simple to navigate.
Vanilla OS also features:
- Immutability & Atomicity via ABRoot for robust system updates and rollbacks
- APX Package Manager, which allows installing apps from different distributions, such as Arch, Fedora, and Alpine
- The ability to run most applications in containers (like Flatpaks) or subsystems, to isolate them from the main OS for even more security
- Customizable Installer allows users to choose the default software (LibreOffice, etc.) and settings during initial setup
- Free from telemetry and strong privacy features
- Support for Flatpak, AppImage, Snap, and distro-specific packages via APX
- Quick setup for development environments using the built-in container system
- A smooth, unified experience
Is Vanilla OS right for you?
If you want a highly secure, general-purpose operating system that offers sane defaults, access to tons of software, and a desktop environment that is minimal and easy to use, Vanilla OS is what you want.
Bazzite
On the other hand, Bazzite is an immutable distribution focused primarily on gaming. Bazzite is also based on Fedora and delivers a gaming experience that is very SteamOS-like. You get added tweaks and handheld optimizations specifically for gaming.
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However, that doesn’t mean Bazzite is strictly for gaming. Like Vanilla OS, Bazzite can be used for general purposes as well. And as far as security is concerned, Bazzite has you covered.
Bazzite is an image-based OS, which means that after every update, an image of the previous version is retained on your machine. If an update were to cause any problems, you can always select the previous images during system boot. You can also pin a version, so it’s always available to use.
For security, you get SELinux, Secure Boot support, signed container images, and LUKS full disk encryption with optional automatic TPM unlocking. Bazzite is seriously secure.
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While being secure, Bazzite also supports accelerated video encoding and decoding, includes built-in Nvidia drivers and additional HID drivers, and udev rules for just about every piece of hardware you can imagine. This all comes together to ensure that Bazzite will run on your system.
But, again, Bazzite does cater to gamers. You get out-of-the-box support for Xbox, Wii, Switch, PS3, PS4, PS5, and other gaming controllers; Nvidia drivers and the latest Mesa for AMD & Intel; support for additional Wi-Fi adapters, and display standards like DisplayLink.
Essentially, Bazzite is a SteamOS clone, so you can count on it offering a seamless, user-friendly gaming experience.
Bazzite offers two desktop options: KDE Plasma, from Fedora Kinoite, and GNOME, from Fedora Silverblue.
Bazzite also features:
- Steam pre-installed
- HDR & VRR support
- Improved CPU schedulers for responsive gameplay
- Several community-developed tools and tweaks for streamlining the gaming and streaming experience
- Proprietary driver support for GeForce GPUs
- System76’s CPU scheduler for optimized performance
- Waydroid (an Android emulator)
- DisplayLinux support
- Atomic upgrades
- LUKS full-disk encryption
A handheld daemon (for enhanced functionality and support for handhelds).
Which is right for you?
If you’re looking for rock-solid security in a general-purpose operating system, Vanilla OS is hard to beat. If you want an OS specifically created for gaming, consider Bazzite your best friend.
Even though both can function as a general-purpose OS, I would consider Vanilla OS if you’re not big into gaming. If you do consider yourself a gamer, go straight to Bazzite.
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