I’ve been using Clear Linux on and off for a bit now, not because it best fits my needs as an end user, but because it is the only distro outside of Debian that supports my wifi without a hassle, and has been for a while now. The only other up to date Kernel I’ve seen work with my Realtek wifi is, weirdly enough, Liquorix. But Liquorix isn’t exactly easy on battery life for my laptop, so Clear was the better choice. Why is this the case, and is there any way to copy over whatever Clear Linux does with drivers to other distros? I’m fine using Clear Linux for now, but if the wifi here breaks, my only option is to use an ancient kernel.
Also, unrelated, but are there any plans to release Gnome 3.38? There are a few neat looking features being added that I’d like to try out.
Desktop isn’t actively being developed. I’m sure 3.8 will eventually be in a release though. As far as wifi support, if you are using Intel hardware and a wifi card commonly found on boards supporting an intel platform then yes it’s no suprise CL works well with it. I’ve notice the same thing with Bluetooth as well, which is why I usually prefer it over fancier, more heavily developed distros with more packages.
The biggest challenge with linux in the desktop/laptop arena is always in the hardware and firmware support. One can always compile packages. If all the standard chips on my board light up when I plug you in you’re my winner. (nvidia is a whole 'nother animal entirely)
As far as the kernel, it is a rolling release and a heavy contributer to linux itself.
Its bizarre because while I am running Intel hardware, the wireless card is Realtek. It is a pretty popular laptop though. Shame about the desktop not actively being developed as much, but I’m not all that torn up about it. Thanks!
As far as wifi support, if you are using Intel hardware and a wifi card commonly found on boards supporting an intel platform then yes it’s no suprise CL works well with it. I’ve notice the same thing with Bluetooth as well, which is why I usually prefer it over fancier, more heavily developed distros with more packages.
I wish CL supported my old Intel KB581603/01 PCI dial-up modem but they don’t.
Instead, on CL, I had to use an external serial modem as a VoIP phone dialer.
The Intel modem works well on a Win10 machine.