Data sources and definitions
These attributes describe observable traits we can compare. They are not opinions or rankings.
What the fields mean
Describes how much ongoing maintenance typically requires manual terminal work. “LOW_FRICTION” means most routine updates and settings are handled with guided tools. “HANDS_ON” means you will regularly work in the terminal for common tasks.
Indicates whether proprietary (closed-source) software or drivers are supported. “NONE” means the system avoids them by default. “OPTIONAL” means they can be enabled. “FULL” means they are commonly included or expected for typical use.
A yes/no flag based on whether a system is commonly used on older machines without requiring high specifications. This does not guarantee performance on any specific device.
“GUI” means a guided graphical installer is available. “MANUAL” means setup is primarily command-line and requires more manual steps.
A rough indicator of how well a system supports modern games with minimal extra setup. “GOOD” means common gaming tools are well supported, “LIMITED” means some work is needed, and “NONE” means gaming is not a focus.
“STRONG” indicates a system is designed with privacy protections as a primary goal. “DEFAULT” means it does not make that a central focus.
Limits and boundaries
- These fields are simplified summaries of observable behavior, not judgments of quality.
- Real-world experience can vary by hardware, updates, and personal configuration.
- We avoid scores, rankings, and hidden weights by design.