Linux: Mint or Ubuntu
Which is best for a beginner node runner and new to Linux?
Discussion
I really don’t see a huge difference between the two. They say mint is easier but not sure why.
YES
Nah 🚫🐕
Yes, lol just pick one and go for it?
mint
LOL - YES
NAH, SERIOUSLY BOTH ARE GOOD FOR BEGINNERS. I THINK MINT IS LIGHTER THAN UBUNTU. THAT WAS MY PERCEPTION A FEW YEARS BACK, HAVENT PLAYED WITH THEM LATELY
They are both Ubuntu at the core. It really depends on your preference for the desktop. If the machine will be a node only, I would choose Ubuntu. Let me know if you need any help.
Ok great. Thanks. I have windows on it now. So I need to watch a YouTube video about replacing windows with Linux.
Safest place to download Linux? GitHub or something?
Ubuntu.com or LinuxMint.com. If you will install Linux only it’s straightforward install from USB stick. If you need to dual boot with Windows, both installers should offer that to you. Make sure you backup any files from the Windows machine you need before you start. Also, not all laptop hardware will work with Linux. For example sound or Wi-Fi may not work or everything will work. You can look up supported hardware by your machine model number.
I have a desktop with a usb plug-in device that connects it to wifi. I’ll have to check if that works or maybe I can just move the router to the computer and connect a cord.
I would want it to be the most secure so I’ll do Linux only.
If it’s USB it will probably work.
A cord is more secure, but if you’re using Umbrel please remember all local network security is on you. If you need to access remotely, use TOR or Tailscale.
Ok. I’ll just move the router most likely then.
Do I need to use umbrella or start9 to run a desktop node? Can I access it remotely with Zeus?
Start9 is Raspberry Pi or their device only. On desktop, you can use Umbrel or just install Bitcoin core. I have not used Zeus, but from what others say you can connect to LND on your own node for lightning. Start small and learn. Don’t place a large amount of coin on the node until you are more confident.
Yeah i have a signing device so I’m not going to transfer it to the node. I have a lot to learn still. 🫡
What software do you run? Bitcoin core, umbrel or something else?
I run a lot of different nodes to play with them. On Linux desktop, Umbrel is a one line install from the command line and works well. You can choose other apps to install like lightning, etc. If you don’t want to use a Raspberry Pi, it’s probably the best choice and easier for a beginner.
Agreed. Virtual environments are also great if you want to experiment with several simultaneously.
Have been using Mint for a few years now and I love it. Simple, intuitive and relatable to windows. Can't speak for Ubuntu but Mint is based on Ubuntu and was made to be more user friendly.
Ubuntu. Mint is just way too hard to troubleshoot when you inevitably run into issues.
Thanks. I’ll watch a video on installing Ubuntu then.
I prefer Debian as it avoids all Canonical (Ubuntu) weirdness, like Snap packages and "ESM" freemium security update stuff... Ubuntu and Mint are based on Debian.
Thanks. I’ll check it out too.
+1 for Debian
All my nodes run on debian
Easy to install and use?
Yep.
About the same as all the others really. Here's a guide for doing it on a PC: https://itsfoss.com/install-debian-easily/
For installing on a Raspberry Pi (3/4) you can use this guide: https://raspberrytips.com/install-debian-on-raspberry-pi/
@Smaugbtc - if you want to learn what it's like to use the OS, I recommend first doing everything in a Linux Virtual Machine, e.g. using VirtualBox software on a Windows/Mac system.
Links:
- https://bc1984.com/free-resources-for-learning-linux/
- https://www.howtogeek.com/796988/how-to-install-linux-in-virtualbox/
Hit me up if you have questions. I can also tutor people on Linux.
I think I’ll just install it. I really don’t use the computer for anything so if I need to know how to do something I can just figure it out as I need.
Ministry of Nodes has an excellent video series on YouTube for Ubuntu nodes.
This series is a must for everybody who wants run a node.