The low-end requirements for Debian GNU/Linux (assuming a graphical install and an up-to-date version) are not that low. They're higher than the low-end for Windows XP when it first came out, and probably close to the official requirements for "Vista-capable" machines. So yes, it's a very efficient system by modern standards but it does come with some very real overhead nevertheless.

VIsta capable wasn't that capable. It required 1GB of RAM to run well. Debian with ZRAM and light DE could run with 512MB of RAM and Seamonkey + UBlock Origin with patience.

Would you mind expounding upon what you have done to achieve 'leanness' in this Debian system? Thanks!

I think the fast feeling and the low ram footprint comes mostly from the choice of the window manager. Just use XFCE and you'll be fine.

I love this comment for getting at what, in my opinion, Linux on the desktop is all about: spending your time with a computer that just plain feels great to use.

It doesn't look the same for everyone, of course. It's not about some universalizable value like minimalism. But this is a great example of one of the dimensions in which a Linux desktop can just feel really great in an almost physical way.

So, how much RAM does it take? You let that bit out.

If they spend money for NVMe SSD, 38" display and 2 Gbps fiber. My bet is 128GB.

Could you explain why any of the things he says make you think a number that high? I'm just finishing building my first PC ever (I've used computers for ... 20 years? But never actually built one). And I have a 1TB NVMe SSD from Western Digital, it was about 60 bucks. I have a 35" BenQ monitor from work, I think it was around $600 at the time of purchase. I don't have fiber at my home, but from what I understand, it's not prohibitively expensive in general. Anyway - I went with 16gb RAM. That felt like a reasonable starting point considering my current and prior daily driver were there as well. My build (minus admittedly expensive monitor) was, to me compared to the Macbooks I usually have for work, a fairly modest $1250 or so. So, roughly the same specs - seems like nothing too crazy?

Likely the fiber setting expectations, 2gbps is the "premium" tier in many places, where the monthly difference between fast and the top speed is about the same as 32gb of ram.

i’ll bet they went for less than max RAM capacity, even if they could afford it:

- most motherboards reduce the DDR clock when using > 2 sticks.

- higher capacity RAM sticks use more “ranks” (AKA “banks”), which increases latency.

as of 2 years ago, 2x single rank DDR would limit you to 64GB. but 2 years is a long time in computerland: 64GB single rank sticks sound plausible.

What would you say is the best Desktop environment for Debian for an average user (not Development), modern PC, and some gaming (nvidia 3080Ti)?

Personally, XFCE is pretty lightweight, customizable and stable. I actually did a blog post where I ran Linux Mint (based on Ubuntu) with XFCE, so you can get a rough idea of it in some screenshots: https://blog.kronis.dev/articles/a-week-of-linux-instead-of-...

It's not particularly interesting or pretty, but it works well and does most if not everything that you might need, so is my choice for a daily driver. Here's the debian Wiki page on it: https://wiki.debian.org/Xfce

Apart from that, some folks also like Cinnamon, MATE, GNOME or even KDE. I think the best option is to play around in Live CDs with them and see which feel the best for your individual needs and taste. Do note that Ubuntu as a base distro might give you fewer hassles in regards to proprietary drivers, if you don't care about using only free software much.

Thank you for the info;

I was already leaning towards XFCE so i will give that a try.

Also i did some reading on the proprietary drivers (nvidia, etc.) I'm going to install dual boot Debian/XFCE and Pop!_OS for the gaming.

I still can't believe that Windows has turned into such a bloatware/mess that i'm actually at a point i can't live with it anymore...

> I still can't believe that Windows has turned into such a bloatware/mess that i'm actually at a point i can't live with it anymore...

That is quite unfortunate, especially because there is some software that I think Windows does better - like MobaXTerm or 7-Zip (with its GUI), FancyZones (for window snapping) and most of the GPU control panels.

That said, as that article of mine shows, Linux on the desktop is actually way better than it used to be years ago and gaming is definitely viable, even if not all of the titles are supported. Sadly, I don't think that'll happen anytime soon, but it's still better than nothing!

I'll still probably go the dual boot route with Windows and Linux, or maybe will have a VM with GPU passthrough for specific games on Linux, although I haven't gotten it working just right, ever. Oh well, here's to a brighter future!

38" doesn't say anything though, what matters is the resolution. smaller screens at same resolution gets you more ppi.