Several folks have asked me about this issue. Well, maybe not several, actually just one person.
The issue?
BcalcOS and the LCOS both started around the same time and appear to be quite similar.
Appear being the operative word.
BcalcOS is based on Devuan. LCOS is based on Devuan.
BcalcOS utilizes SysVinit. LCOS utilizes SysVinit.
BcalcOS ships with XLibre. LCOS ships with XLibre.
BcalcOS’s desktop is Xfce. LCOS’s desktop is Xfce.
BcalcOS chose Brave Origin. LCOS chose Brave Origin.
BcalcOS rocks SLiM. LCOS uses LightDM. Bingo
BcalcOS has a custom installer. LCOS has a custom installer.
BcalcOS has its own repo. LCOS has its own repo.
BcalcOS has custom apps. LCOS has custom apps.
As you can clearly tell, the two distros are nothing alike!
Seriously though, much like Kilby and Noyce, they are independent efforts.
LCOS is more ambitious in some areas. It provides its own kernel build and maintains its own XLibre package builds. Its package selection is carefully curated with a lean footprint in mind.
A few days before this post, I installed LCOS on bare metal. The installation went fine. No issues.
Not surprisingly, I prefer the aesthetics of BcalcOS but LCOS does definitely have its own look. Little jealous that I didn’t think of Zork. Yes, I spent about a half-hour “researching” by playing the game.
So, given the similarities, why choose BcalcOS?
In You Probably Don’t Need BcalcOS I argued that for the typical Linux user, those of us in the middle 60% of the bell curve, the differences between distributions matter much less than is sometimes portrayed.
LCOS starts you minimal and encourages you to build up. It’s a system built around Lunduke’s own vision of what an operating system should be. I plan to watch where it goes and, who knows, steal consider its interesting ideas.
BcalcOS starts you good-to-go and encourages you to make it your own. The installer works (even on virtual machines now, ha) for new users. The Welcome Center is there if you need help. The curated application set means everyone begins from the same solid footing, then goes wherever they want with it.
Then there’s this forum.
One of BcalcOS’s project principles is Open process produces better outcomes. If you want to understand the why, the how, and the what of BcalcOS, it’s here. You can see the decisions being made and understand the reasoning behind them. This part of the project is important, at least to me.
LCOS or BcalcOS? One of them has Zork. One of them has Quail Man.
Give BcalcOS a shot. Or, try out LCOS if it better suits your preferences. Either one should serve you well.