gNewSense vs Arch Linux

Struggling to choose between gNewSense and Arch Linux? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

gNewSense is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like free-software, ubuntubased, no-proprietary-code.

It boasts features such as Based on Ubuntu and Debian, Includes only free software approved by FSF, Uses Linux-libre kernel with all proprietary blobs removed, Uses GNOME desktop environment, Supports most common hardware out of the box, Easy to use for beginners, Active community support and pros including Strict adherence to free software ideals, Avoids proprietary code found in mainstream distros, Educational for learning about free software, Active development and security updates.

On the other hand, Arch Linux is a Os & Utilities product tagged with rolling-release, lightweight, customizable, efficient.

Its standout features include Rolling release model provides latest stable software, Minimal base install allows extensive customization, Uses pacman package manager for easy installation/removal of software, Supports multiple init systems like systemd, OpenRC, etc, Arch User Repository (AUR) provides user-submitted packages, Optimized for x86-64 architecture, Lightweight and fast performance, and it shines with pros like Cutting edge software, Highly customizable, Simple, lightweight system, Excellent documentation and community support, Works well on older hardware.

Feature	gNewSense	Arch Linux
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

gNewSense

Description: gNewSense is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu that contains only free software. It does not include proprietary drivers, firmware, or applications. gNewSense aims to provide a completely free OS while still being easy to use for regular users.

Arch Linux

Description: Arch Linux is a lightweight, flexible Linux distribution optimized for efficiency, customization, and speed. It uses a rolling release model to provide the latest stable versions of applications.

Key Features Comparison

gNewSense Features

• Based on Ubuntu and Debian
• Includes only free software approved by FSF
• Uses Linux-libre kernel with all proprietary blobs removed
• Uses GNOME desktop environment
• Supports most common hardware out of the box
• Easy to use for beginners
• Active community support

Arch Linux Features

• Rolling release model provides latest stable software
• Minimal base install allows extensive customization
• Uses pacman package manager for easy installation/removal of software
• Supports multiple init systems like systemd, OpenRC, etc
• Arch User Repository (AUR) provides user-submitted packages
• Optimized for x86-64 architecture
• Lightweight and fast performance

Pros & Cons Analysis

gNewSense

Pros

• Strict adherence to free software ideals
• Avoids proprietary code found in mainstream distros
• Educational for learning about free software
• Active development and security updates

Cons

• Limited hardware support without proprietary drivers
• Smaller app selection compared to mainstream distros
• Less newbie-friendly than Ubuntu
• Smaller user and developer community

Arch Linux

Pros

• Cutting edge software
• Highly customizable
• Simple, lightweight system
• Excellent documentation and community support
• Works well on older hardware

Cons

• Manual install can be challenging for beginners
• Frequent updates may cause stability issues
• Lack of GUI configuration tools
• Requires some Linux knowledge to administer
• Not many pre-installed applications

Pricing Comparison

gNewSense

• Free
• Open Source

Arch Linux

• Open Source
• Free