So after my last post about Ubuntu and Debian, it got me thinking. Should there be a Linux just for enthusiasts? It seems that every Linux distro is catering to the newbie, even Ubuntu. But can you blame them? The idea is to draw people from Windows and show them that Linux is a superior platform. The only way Linux is going to draw more people is by helping the Windows-mouse-dependant people make the transition smooth.
Yet some people disagree. Why should every Linux distro cater to the newbie? I'll ask it again, should there be Linux distros, just for the hacker, developer, tweaker and all around Linux enthusiast?
The reason I ask, is because I got into a discussion about this very topic in IRC just last night. I don't like the fact that the Debian installer is still text-based. Supposedly, in etch, the installer will be rewritten, and will be graphical. This is good news, as far as I am concerned. However, this is upsetting some users in the Debian community, because they feel Debian is becoming just like every other Linux distro, and they posed that very question.
Thinking about it, though, you do have Slackware and Gentoo that still are the Linux elite preferred choices. Even if Debian does get a graphical-based installer in etch, that doesn't mean it is going the way of SuSE or Mandriva.
So, I'm interested in your thoughts, views and opinions. Is Debian becoming too user-friendly, and should it cater only to the Linux elite? Leave your comments below.
One more thing too. Is Ubuntu just another newbie distro, or can it be called a distro for the Linux hacker? Personally, I find it very inviting, yet challenging enough to keep me interested.
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