Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Linux From Scratch VS Devuan GNU+Linux

Compare Linux From Scratch VS Devuan GNU+Linux and see what are their differences

Linux From Scratch logo Linux From Scratch

Linux From Scratch (LFS) is a project that provides you with the steps necessary to build your own...

Devuan GNU+Linux logo Devuan GNU+Linux

Debian without Systemd
  • Linux From Scratch Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-02
  • Devuan GNU+Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-01-19

Linux From Scratch features and specs

  • Educational Experience
    Linux From Scratch (LFS) provides an in-depth educational experience, allowing users to learn firsthand how a Linux system is built from the ground up. This deep understanding of Linux internals can be invaluable for system administrators and developers.
  • Customization
    LFS offers complete control over the software components and configurations, enabling users to build a system that meets their specific needs and preferences without unnecessary extraneous software.
  • Optimized Performance
    By compiling the system from scratch, users can optimize it for specific hardware, potentially achieving better performance than with pre-packaged distributions.
  • Minimal Footprint
    LFS allows users to create a minimal system with only essential packages, reducing the attack surface for security vulnerabilities and resource usage.

Possible disadvantages of Linux From Scratch

  • Time-Consuming
    Building a Linux system from scratch is a time-intensive process, requiring significant effort and attention to detail, which can be a barrier for users with limited time.
  • Complexity
    The process requires a good understanding of Linux and its subsystems, making it challenging for beginners or those unfamiliar with manual system setup and configuration.
  • Lack of Standard Support
    LFS does not have an official support community or professional support services like popular distributions, requiring users to rely on forums or their ingenuity.
  • Maintenance Overhead
    Keeping an LFS system up-to-date with new packages, patches, and security updates involves significant ongoing effort, as package management is manual.

Devuan GNU+Linux features and specs

  • Systemd-Free
    Devuan does not use systemd as its init system, which appeals to users who prefer alternative init systems like sysvinit due to systemd's complexity and perceived centralized control.
  • Stability
    Devuan aims to provide a stable and consistent operating environment by forking from Debian without using systemd, suitable for users who value stability over the latest features.
  • Compatibility
    Devuan maintains a high level of compatibility with Debian, allowing users to access a wide range of software packages available in the Debian repositories, minus those requiring systemd.
  • Privacy and Control
    By avoiding systemd, some users feel they have greater control over their system's processes, enhancing privacy and reducing potential data collection.

Possible disadvantages of Devuan GNU+Linux

  • Limited Software Support
    Some modern software packages that depend on systemd may not be available or function optimally on Devuan, potentially limiting choices for users requiring such software.
  • Smaller Community
    As a relatively niche distribution compared to Debian, Devuan has a smaller community, which may result in less community support and fewer resources or tutorials.
  • Delayed Updates
    Updates on Devuan may lag behind other distributions, as it takes time to ensure compatibility without systemd, which might affect users seeking the latest software features or security fixes.
  • Complex Migration
    Users migrating from systemd-based systems may face complexities or a steeper learning curve as they adapt to different init systems used in Devuan.

Linux From Scratch videos

Linux From Scratch 7.5 First Impressions

More videos:

  • Review - Linux From Scratch 8.2 - Episode 1: Host System
  • Review - Why should we learn Linux from scratch? | Linux From Scratch (for beginners) LFS-EP-01

Devuan GNU+Linux videos

Devuan GNU+Linux 3.0.0 overview | software freedom, your way

More videos:

  • Review - Devuan GNU+Linux presented at FSCONS 2016

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Linux From Scratch and Devuan GNU+Linux)
Linux
76 76%
24% 24
Linux Distribution
55 55%
45% 45
Operating Systems
67 67%
33% 33
OS & Utilities
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

Share your experience with using Linux From Scratch and Devuan GNU+Linux. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Linux From Scratch should be more popular than Devuan GNU+Linux. It has been mentiond 22 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Linux From Scratch mentions (22)

  • Unix Recovery Legend
    I got to know UNIX (or rather Linux) about 12 years later. And TBH, I wasn't very impressed. I was like "oh, you have to do all that on the console". That's how green I was :D But then it caught me, and about a month later it was more "WOW, you can really do everything on the conole!" What eventually helped me to really get into things was Linux From Scratch. If anyone wants to learn how a modern system works... - Source: Hacker News / 9 months ago
  • I Like Makefiles
    Take https://linuxfromscratch.org/ for a spin and see that Makefiles work fine; last a long time. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Installing Gentoo has been the hardest most rewarding experience with Linux
    Should have tried https://linuxfromscratch.org/ instead. Gentoo is mostly just BLFS and ALFS from there, with more available packages, and centralized 'USE FLAGS' ( https://wiki.gentoo.org/wiki/USE_flag ) which could be considered one of Gentoos USPs. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Warm Welcome to Linux P2
    As a non-computer (hardware, software etc) specialist like myself who has hobbies in computers, I wanted a challenge. Trying their luck with Linux From Scratch (LFS) and beyond as just random. As someone who completed the journey on a whim, it was worthwhile as I got to see a system built. The course takes about a week with trial, error, and sheer willpower. It is like a coming-of-age tale; complete it once and... - Source: dev.to / about 2 years ago
  • Planning to install Gentoo to learn how OS in general and Linux in particular really works
    Well, it depends on what your aim is. If you want a Linux-based system that can be used as a daily driver, then Gentoo is certainly a reasonable choice. But if you're not particularly interested in using the system once you've finished installing, then Linux From Scratch is probably more appropriate. Gentoo is not primarily an educational tool, whereas Linux From Scratch is. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

Devuan GNU+Linux mentions (7)

  • Store birth date in systemd for age verification
    Hello, as always: imho. (!) idk the exact procedure which will apply to enter the birth-date on such a system, but if other comments are correct: just enter what you want! There will be no real possibility to tie this to anything "legal" / to "enforce" any "official" check of lets say your passport or other governmental id. And if in my personal opinion (!) the pretty crazy guy behind the systemd-project tries to... - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • User and Admin Documentation?
    I'm a new user with first install. Are there any user guides / admin guides available? I'm not seeing much documentation available at devuan.org -- maybe my eyes glaze over(?). Source: over 3 years ago
  • I removed Gnome and snapd from Ubuntu and it turns out the system underneath is reasonably lightweight with 130M ram and 2.8G disk usage.
    If Canonical spin a variant without systemd, possibly choosing Devuan as the base, it'll be great. Possibly, less resource hungry. Source: over 4 years ago
  • Trisquel GNU/Linux
    Trisquel's FAQ says: > Why should I use Trisquel instead of one of the better-known distributions? > There are literally hundreds of GNU/Linux distributions designed to fill every conceivable niche. Only a handful of them are entirely free software; Trisquel is one such distribution. ... But I disagree. Trisquel is based on ubuntu, and uses systemd. Not just as some optional init system you can remove -... - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago
  • Move from Ubuntu?
    If you're experienced, look at Devuan Chimaera. BTW, I always felt Gnome is the most productive work environment with that UI. I think Cinnamon may come close. Source: over 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Linux From Scratch and Devuan GNU+Linux, you can also consider the following products

Garuda Linux - Garuda Linux is an appealing Arch Linux based Distro with BTRFS (modern filesystem), Linux-zen kernel, auto snapshots, gaming edition and a lot more bleeding edge features..

Gentoo - The website of Gentoo, a flexible Linux or BSD distribution.

Redcore Linux - Redcore Linux is a Linux distribution based on the Arch Linux operating system.

Debian - Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

Anarchy Linux - A distro that helps setting up a Archlinux system.

Void Linux - Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel.