I started my Linux journey with Mandrake in 2001 and later switched to Ubuntu in 2004. Initially, I used it alongside Windows but eventually abandoned it in favor of Linux exclusively in 2008. When the system starts making decisions for me, autonomy beats hand-holding. I prefer a lighter Linux system with fewer enforced decisions.
Ubuntu’s defaults are stronger, automation is more assertive, and the system assumes convenience over control. This creates friction that’s hard to ignore, especially when it comes to the desktop environment, packaging system, and overall OS footprint. The GNOME desktop feels over-customized, polished but stiff, and often behaves in frustrating ways.
The Snap packaging system introduces delays and reduces choice. It makes sense conceptually, but in daily use, it interrupts momentum. Launching applications takes longer, and relying on lightweight tools becomes less predictable. Ubuntu’s increasing reliance on Snap also increases its footprint and reduces user control.
As a result, I’m leaving Ubuntu for a leaner Linux distro. I’ve come to appreciate the simplicity and predictability that comes with a truly minimalist operating system. If you value responsiveness and focus over bundled features, Ubuntu’s bulk may feel unnecessary.
Source: https://www.makeuseof.com/reasons-im-not-going-back-to-ubuntu