Void Linux: A Pleasantly Surprising and Stable Home

I consider myself a bit of a Linux distribution wanderer. While there’s fun in exploring, it also means I rarely settle down with one distro for long. That changed for a time when I stumbled upon Void Linux.

My Solus Story

For over three years, I was a dedicated daily driver of Solus. Its beautiful Budgie desktop environment, well-curated software selection, and rolling release model were a perfect fit. I especially appreciated how it offered a modern Linux experience without excessive tinkering.

Unfortunately, well-publicized infrastructure issues with Solus surfaced, causing me (and many others) concern. However, I’m pleased to say that the Solus project is back on track! This means it’s still absolutely a distro I recommend, especially for those wanting a polished experience with minimal setup.

But What About Void?

Despite Solus being back, my time with Void Linux has been incredibly positive. Here’s what surprised me:

Instead of the complex systemd init system, Void uses runit. It’s refreshingly straightforward, prioritizing simplicity and a blazingly fast boot process.
The X Binary Package System (XBPS) is fast, efficient, and reliable. It allows for building packages from source, giving incredible control over customization.
Even as a rolling release distro, I’ve found Void to be incredibly stable. This is likely thanks to its testing practices.
Despite being smaller than some distros, the Void Linux community is active and welcoming. The documentation is top-notch.

Which Is Right For You?

Both Solus and Void offer compelling reasons for being your home distro:

If you prioritize a polished out-of-the-box experience, a curated software selection, and want minimal tinkering, Solus is a fantastic choice.
If you enjoy customization and don’t mind a bit more hands-on setup, Void Linux could be your new favorite.

Sticking Around for Awhile

While I loved the Solus experience, I’ve been absolutely blown away by Void’s reliability, speed, and philosophy. After my experience, I don’t see myself distro-hopping anytime soon—though it’s wonderful to have Solus back as a strong option too!

If you share my priorities, I strongly encourage you to give Void Linux a chance. If you prefer a more polished experience, definitely check out the revitalized Solus project. Either way, you might just find your new Linux home!