Linux - Some Tricks

[Phylo]

According to ChatGPT

Here’s a rough popularity ranking of widely used Debian-based Linux distributions. There’s no single official list (because “popularity” depends on metrics like downloads, installs, community size, etc.), but this ordering reflects a blend of usage, visibility, and community activity as of recent years:

---

🥇 Most Popular Debian-Based Distros​

1. Ubuntu
   The dominant Debian-based distro. Huge ecosystem, beginner-friendly, widely used on desktops, servers, and cloud.
2. Linux Mint
   Extremely popular desktop distro, especially for users switching from Windows.
3. Debian
   The original base. Known for stability and massive package repositories.

---

🥈 Very Popular / Mainstream Derivatives​

1. Pop!_OS
   Strong following among developers and gamers; polished Ubuntu-based system.
2. Kali Linux
   Very popular in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
3. Zorin OS
   Designed to mimic Windows/macOS experience; popular with beginners.
4. MX Linux
   Known for performance and simplicity; often ranks high on DistroWatch.

---

🥉 Moderately Popular / Niche but Active​

1. elementary OS
   macOS-inspired UI, strong design philosophy.
2. Lubuntu
   Lightweight Ubuntu variant using LXQt.
3. Kubuntu
   Ubuntu with KDE Plasma desktop.
4. Xubuntu
   Lightweight and stable XFCE-based Ubuntu.
5. Ubuntu MATE
   Classic desktop experience.

---

🧪 Smaller / Specialized / Emerging​

1. antiX
   Ultra-lightweight, often used on very old hardware.
2. Devuan
   For users who prefer alternatives to systemd.
3. Peppermint OS
   Lightweight with web-app integration focus.
4. Deepin
   Known for its custom desktop environment (though less trusted by some users).

 

[Phylo]

NOTE: APPLICABLE TO MINT / UBUNTU / DEBIAN BASED

Z - Update
This is more efficient:

1. Create a folder AutoSH.
2. Open a text editor and copy the script commands inside the code box
   

   echo 'my_password' | sudo -S apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y && flatpak update -y

   and save the file as UpDate.sh in the AutoSH folder.
3. Locate the file, right click, select Permissions tab, check: Allow executing file as program.
4. Right click desktop and click: +Create a new launcher here.
5. First, check: (a) launch in Terminal?, (b) Name: Z - UpDate ^, (c) Browse: Navigate to the UpDate.sh file and select to fill the Command:box.
6. Click the red and white icon and select an Icon from available sources.
7. Check list:
   1. Is script text file saves in *.sh format - zxy.sh ?
   2. Is your _password enclosed in single quotation as 'your_password' ?
   3. Is Permissions - checked: Allow executing file as program ?
   4. Is Launcher option Checked: Launch in Terminal ?

^ If any desktop automation launchers are prefixed with Z - they will all be grouped together and as the last listed icons which make locating them easier and faster to locate.

NOTE: If the Update manager icon is in the system tray it should disappear after the Z - UpDate script is run - IF - the relevant option is checked - like: Hide the update manager after applying updates

Remaining Script-Launchers

• xyz.sh scipts for Z - Shutdown, Z - Reboot, Z - Close All, Minimise All, follow the same steps - EXCEPT - DO NOT - Checked: Launch in Terminal ?
• REMEMBER: Locate the file, right click, select Permissions tab, check: Allow executing file as program.

Z- SD ( Shudown )
Script for *.sh file

for n in $(wmctrl -l | awk -v name=$1 '$0 ~ name{print $1}');
do
    wmctrl -i -c $n;
done
for n in $(wmctrl -l | awk -v name=$1 '$0 ~ name{print $1}');
do
    wmctrl -i -c $n;
done
sleep 2
shutdown  -h now

Z - RB ( Reboot )
Script for *.sh file

for n in $(wmctrl -l | awk -v name=$1 '$0 ~ name{print $1}');
do
    wmctrl -i -c $n;
done
sleep 2
shutdown -r --reboot  now

Z - CA ( Close All )
Script for *.sh file

 for n in $(wmctrl -l | awk -v name=$1 '$0 ~ name{print $1}');
do
    wmctrl -i -c $n;
done

Z - Min ( Minimise All )

First install, xdotool​

 sudo apt install xdotool

Script for *.sh file

#!/bin/sh
sleeop 10
xdotool key super+d

 

[Grommy]

Good stuff! Especially like the idea of quick shutdown and minimize all scripts.Do you have any other useful aliases or scripts you use daily while trading on Linux?