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.
Nice. But just a note nixOS and MicroOS both have config files so you can replicate an exact install. OpenSUSE has autoyast so you can define a system and port that to your next install.
true. but autoyast is not everyones cup of tea
Do you mean because of having to build your system first then write out the config via autoyast? To then use the config next time you install?
If that is the an issue then MicroOS is probably a better option for someone, they have a config builder to insert, so at first boot the system installs itself.
https://opensuse.github.io/fuel-ignition/edit
True, and you’re 100% right that NixOS, MicroOS (Ignition), and AutoYaST can reproduce an install very cleanly.
LinuxMate isn’t trying to replace declarative provisioning though. It’s aimed at the everyday desktop distros and the “first hour after install” problem: getting your common apps onto multiple machines fast, in a way that’s shareable and distro agnostic.
For people already living in NixOS configs or MicroOS Ignition, you’re probably set. For everyone else (Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, mixed LAN machines), a simple app picker that outputs one batched script plus URL presets is a nice on ramp.
Also good note on Fuel Ignition. Quick safety tip for readers: Ignition uses passwordHash and it’s best to use SSH keys or generate the hash locally rather than typing a real password into any website.