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How do immutable distros work? (feddit.de)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by superkret@feddit.de to c/linux@feddit.de

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I'm really interested in trying out an immutable distro like Fedora Silverblue. And I get the concept that the base system is read only and you install software through flatpaks.
But how does this work in practice?

If I change a config file in /etc, will the changes survive a reboot?
How can I see or decide which parts of the system are immutable and which are not?
Can I install packages that aren't available as flatpaks, like more obscure stuff or command line tools?
What about ppd files for printing, firmware, drivers, fonts, icon packs, etc.? Where and how do those get installed?
Also, is it possible to replace or remove packages that are within the immutable part of the system?

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[–] Mininux@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 year ago

For Firefox I replaced it with the flatpak version and hid the system version, I found that better

As for chosing what to install where, i made simple rules

If it's available as a flatpak, I use the flatpak
Otherwise if it is system related/always required, rpm-ostree
Otherwise, I use distrobox (it's like toolbx but better, it's more integrated with the rest of the system and allows to have containers of other distros, for example I had some debian only packages and used an Arch container for AUR packages)

But if it's too much of a hassle for and it's gonna be your daily system, yeah better not use it.