Nice. But just a note nixOS and MicroOS both have config files so you can replicate an exact install. OpenSUSE has autoyast so you can define a system and port that to your next install.

henkster OPEnglish

true. but autoyast is not everyones cup of tea

BCsven @lemmy.ca English

Do you mean because of having to build your system first then write out the config via autoyast? To then use the config next time you install?

If that is the an issue then MicroOS is probably a better option for someone, they have a config builder to insert, so at first boot the system installs itself.

https://opensuse.github.io/fuel-ignition/edit

True, and you’re 100% right that NixOS, MicroOS (Ignition), and AutoYaST can reproduce an install very cleanly.

LinuxMate isn’t trying to replace declarative provisioning though. It’s aimed at the everyday desktop distros and the “first hour after install” problem: getting your common apps onto multiple machines fast, in a way that’s shareable and distro agnostic.

For people already living in NixOS configs or MicroOS Ignition, you’re probably set. For everyone else (Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, mixed LAN machines), a simple app picker that outputs one batched script plus URL presets is a nice on ramp.

Also good note on Fuel Ignition. Quick safety tip for readers: Ignition uses passwordHash and it’s best to use SSH keys or generate the hash locally rather than typing a real password into any website.

true. but autoyast is not everyones cup of tea

looking into it!