Software Alternatives & Startups

Void Linux VS Devuan GNU+Linux

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

Void Linux

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

Rating
0 reviews
Devuan GNU+Linux

Debian without Systemd

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Devuan GNU+Linux should be more popular than Void Linux. It has been mentioned 7 times since March 2021.

social mentions
1 vs 7
Linux Distribution popularity
59% vs 41%
alternatives listed
101 vs 76

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Void Linux
Devuan GNU+Linux
Website voidlinux.eu devuan.org
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Void Linux 6 features
Devuan GNU+Linux 4 features
  • Rolling Release Model
    Void Linux follows a rolling release model, ensuring that users always have access to the latest software versions without the need for major upgrades.
  • Runit Init System
    Void uses the Runit init system, which is lightweight and fast, providing quick boot times and simple service management.
  • XBPS Package System
    The X Binary Package System (XBPS) is Void's custom package manager, known for its speed and flexibility.
  • Musl Support
    Void offers the option to use the Musl C library instead of the traditional GNU C Library (glibc), which is beneficial for those needing minimal and lightweight setups.
  • Independence from Systemd
    Void Linux does not use systemd, making it a good choice for users who prefer alternatives to this init system and its related software ecosystem.
  • Strong Documentation
    Void Linux provides comprehensive and user-friendly documentation, making it easier for users to troubleshoot and learn about the system.

Possible disadvantages

  • Smaller Community
    Void Linux has a relatively small user base and community compared to more popular distributions, which can lead to less community support and fewer third-party resources.
  • Limited Software Repositories
    The software repositories are not as extensive as those of larger distributions, sometimes requiring users to compile software from source or seek alternatives.
  • Learning Curve
    Void Linux can be challenging for beginners due to its minimalist design and the need for manual configuration.
  • Less Commercial Support
    Void Linux lacks commercial backing and enterprise-level support, which may be a concern for professional and business environments.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Users might encounter hardware compatibility issues out-of-the-box, especially with newer hardware, requiring manual configuration or driver installation.
  • Lack of Proprietary Software
    Void Linux does not include proprietary software by default, which may require additional steps for users who need such software.
  • 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

  • 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.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Void Linux
Devuan GNU+Linux

Overall verdict

  • Void Linux is a solid choice for experienced Linux users seeking a lightweight and customizable operating system with a different approach from most mainstream distributions. However, it may not be the best option for beginners due to its unconventional setup and lack of extensive documentation compared to more popular distributions.

Why this product is good

  • Void Linux is a unique, independently developed Linux distribution known for its simplicity, speed, and customization options. It's not based on any other distribution, making it appealing to advanced users who prefer more control over their system. Void Linux uses the runit init system instead of the more common systemd, resulting in potentially faster boot times and lower resource consumption. It features a minimalist approach, allowing users to build their system from the ground up, and integrates a rolling release model ensuring that users receive the latest updates and features without waiting for major release cycles.

Recommended for

    Void Linux is recommended for advanced users and Linux enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering with their system and have a good understanding of Linux-based operating systems. It's also suitable for users interested in exploring alternatives to systemd or looking for a rolling release distribution that emphasizes minimalism and system responsiveness.

No analysis of Devuan GNU+Linux yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Void Linux 3 videos + Add
Devuan GNU+Linux 2 videos + Add

Void Linux First Impression Install & Review

More videos

  • - Void Linux Cinnamon | Installation and First Impressions
  • - Void Linux Review - For The Record

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

More videos

  • - Devuan GNU+Linux presented at FSCONS 2016

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Void Linux
Devuan GNU+Linux
59% 59%
41% 41%
67% 67%
33% 33%
51% 51%
49% 49%
56% 56%
44% 44%

User comments

Share your experience with using Void Linux and Devuan GNU+Linux. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Void Linux no reviews yet
Devuan GNU+Linux no reviews yet
  • Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
    linuxsimply.com · Feb 2024

    Anyway, Void Linux uses the XBPS (X Binary Package System) package manager, and it doesn’t natively support Synaptic, which is a graphical package management tool commonly associated with Debian-based systems....

We have no reviews of Devuan GNU+Linux yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Void Linux 1 mention
Devuan GNU+Linux 7 mentions
  • Best Distro for grandparents?
    Https://itsfoss.com/void-linux-crisis/, the main website voidlinux.eu has been taken by somone else and is now a spanish blog filled with BS and without https. Source: over 4 years ago
  • 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"... - Source: Hacker News / 7 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: almost 5 years ago

View more

Alternatives to Void Linux and Devuan GNU+Linux

When comparing Void Linux and Devuan GNU+Linux, you can also consider the following products.