Linux installs fast. Then you spend the next hour doing the same boring ritual: browser, codecs, media tools, chat apps, dev tools, fonts, utilities… all via tabs, notes, and half-forgotten package names.
So I built LinuxMate: a free, open-source helper that generates a clean “get me productive” install script from a checklist. Basically Ninite, but for Linux, and without the “sign in to continue existing” vibes.
- Pick apps/tools
- Choose your distro / package manager
- Get a reproducible script
- Run it and move on with your life
Live demo: https://www.allroundwebsite.com/linuxmate/ Repo: https://github.com/Henkster72/LinuxMate Blog (my reasoning / background): https://www.allroundwebsite.com/blog/bye-windows-hello-linux-and-linuxmate/
If you’ve got strong opinions (the useful kind): distro support, package picks, safer defaults, or edge cases, I’m collecting feedback.
@illusionist @henkster Firefox from apt and firefox from flatpak are not equivalent. The former goes through an extra process to remove non-free components.
true so how to make it better?
Neither do native and flatpak vscode work the same way. It’s about that OP decides it, not the user.
@illusionist At least with the demo that I’m looking at with the script to download, it gives both flatpak AND apt install commands, giving the user a choice. Maybe I’m looking at the wrong thing though?
Your right. The rest of the comment still holds. Backup and restore.
Edit: I have to sanitise the final script and remove all the wrong commands afterwards 🤔
what do you mean?
Backup apps with e.g. this https://www.nixtutor.com/linux/keep-a-backup-of-installed-packages/ and this https://itsfoss.com/back-up-restore-flatpak-apps/ and borg/pika/deja dup/kopia for files. Let’s add appimages, snaps and brew and containers/distrobox.
The only thing that is missing is an all in one solution that puts everything together. And a cloud where you can restore it.