On the immutability of current Linux Operating Systems
If you are a avid reader and user of the linux field, surely for some time you have been aware of certain IT trends about free and open operating systems based on Linux. Being one of them, their immutability.
And if you are a frequent reader of our website, surely you have already read some of our publications related to this subject on previous occasions. Being 2 good examples of it, our post about Fedora Silverblue and EndLess OS. Which are 2 great GNU/Linux Distros that make use of this interesting feature or technology. Therefore, today we will address in depth the subject of the “immutability of current Linux Operating Systems”, taking advantage of the computing trend of the future release of Ubuntu LTS 24.04 which will own an immutable version.
Fedora Silverblue: Interesting Unalterable Desktop Operating System
But, before starting reading this post about the “immutability of current Linux Operating Systems” and the future release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, we recommend the previous related post:
On the immutability of current Linux Operating Systems
What is immutability in Linux Operating Systems about?
If something has characterized the Free and open operating systems based on Linux compared to proprietary and closed Operating Systems such as Windows and macOS is precisely the possibility of manage and manipulate the largest number of files, properties and features essential, vital and visual parts of it. And this, in a way, is what has made Linux an Operating System worthy of leading the use in Servers, Mobile Devices, and the Internet of Things.
And although, in the desktops and laptops of common users it only occupies a small percentage, it is also true that its users in this line are mostly holders of medium and advanced knowledge in computing and computing, and tend to prefer it precisely because of its high capacity to be adapted, changed, customized and managed. Therefore, it can be understood that immutability for many may go against this traditional situation.
But, so that we understand briefly and simply what it is about the “immutability of Operating Systems” In general, it is good to keep in mind and clear the following points:
What is an immutable Operating System?
An immutable operating system It can be mainly defined as one where users or applications cannot directly modify the running system. one where updates are applied atomically, that is, they are successfully applied all at once or not applied at all. Furthermore, an immutable OS must be predictable, since its core must not change and therefore its behavior must be essentially the same on all installed devices.
And finally, one where installed applications are often isolated from the core operating system and from each other, usually through container technologies. This usually ensures that changes made by one application do not affect the core system or other applications.
benefits or advantages
- Security: Immutability makes it more difficult for various known malware to make changes to essential or vital operating system files or spread from one application to another.
- Stability: Immutability makes operating system stability more secure by easily preventing important files or settings from being changed or deleted, accidentally or through routine updates.
- reproducibility: Immutability allows the operating system to be identical from start to start, therefore, it usually makes it easier for users to carry out various technical tasks, such as: Testing, auditing and verifying the OS, and diagnosing and solving problems in it.
- Manageability: Immutability facilitates the overall management of the OS, since there is less probability of damage or problems caused by unexpected changes or inconsistencies between different deployed OS. In addition, atomic updates and rollbacks also go a long way in preventing and fixing issues.
Disadvantages or disadvantages
- reduced flexibility: Immutability makes an immutable OS less flexible than a traditional or normal one. This is because users will not be able to modify certain OS files at will, or easily customize it.
- Limited compatibility: Immutability currently reduces the use of certain software, as not all applications and services support container-based or sandboxed environments within an immutable OS.
- storage requirements: Immutability requires a lot of disk space to make update mechanisms based on snapshot image storage work successfully.
- Developer Experience: Immutability at the cost of benefits such as isolation and reproducibility, add certain additional degrees of complexity. What also, can limit the use of familiar tools and workflows, that is, more known or used.
About the future release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS immutable
What is known so far about said launch is that, most likely, there will be an upcoming long-term support release of Ubuntu, that is, an Ubuntu 24.04 LTS release that will be available for download. But, in 2 versions, that is, a classic version based on the traditional .deb files (by default) and a new version, based on an immutable compilation through snapshots and 100% under the Snap package, which will be ideal for those Linux enthusiasts and IT professionals who like to experience new things to the max.
There is an immutable version from 2015, called UbuntuCore… there will be a desktop version with the next LTS (although it is optional, the classic desktop installation will not go away) Read more
A perfect mix of all Linux distributions
Known immutable GNU/Linux distros
To this day, the immutable operating systems They are usually more recommended and used in environments where stability, security and predictability are vital. For example, server environments, IoT devices and high security environments. But, as we stated at the beginning, in recent years the trend has been directed towards the computers of common users (computers and mobile devices for offices and homes). And this has led to the following immutable OS offerings currently exist, such as the following:
- BlendOS
- bottlerocket
- CarbonOS
- ChromeOS
- Fedora Silverblue
- Flatcar Container Linux
- Plaster
- Endless OS
- microOS (Now: Aeon y Kalpa)
- Nix OS
- Talos Linux
- vanilla OS
And in case of wanting know more about this topic, we invite you to explore the following official link from Canonical (Ubuntu Blog).
Summary
In short, this well-known and useful technological feature of the “immutability of Operating Systems” On current GNU/Linux Distros it has, like many others, various pros and cons, or advantages and disadvantages. Which, many times, can vary depending on the type of user or organization, that is, the requirements, uses, and needs of those who are going to use it. Therefore, without a doubt, we invite you to try some of these Immutable GNU/Linux Distros, so that later you can tell us your opinion about its operation and its characteristics for the knowledge and usefulness of all.
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What is the difference between a gnulinux immutable system and a freebsd kernel + ports implementation scheme??
I think the main difference between an immutable GNU/Linux system and the implementation scheme of a ported operating kernel under a FreeBSD Distro is that the former has a read-only root filesystem, while the latter uses a root filesystem. package management based on the compilation of source code to install software. Therefore, both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of use will depend on the specific needs of the user and the environment in which the operating system will be used. Having all the essentials locked down and compiling everything by hand, step by step, are 2 very different things.