No Systemd
The nosystemd.org website provides a list of Linux distributions that do not use systemd as their init system, including alternatives such as Devuan, AntiX, and Artix. It presents arguments against systemd, citing concerns about complexity, security, and departure from Unix philosophy.
Background
- systemd is a widely-used "init system" (the first process that starts when a Linux computer boots) and service manager that controls how other programs launch and run. It was created by Red Hat engineer Lennart Poettering and has become the default on most major Linux distributions (e.g., Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian, Arch).
- Nosystemd.org is a site created by opponents of systemd who argue it violates the Unix philosophy of "do one thing and do it well." They see systemd as overly complex, too tightly integrated into the OS, and a project that improperly expands its scope (e.g., into logging, networking, boot loading).
- The debate is one of the most contentious in the Linux community: systemd's supporters say it modernizes Linux and solves real problems (parallel boot, dependency management), while critics say it needlessly bloats the system, creates security risks, and centralizes control under Red Hat's influence.
- Alternatives to systemd include OpenRC, runit, s6, and dinit — but none enjoy widespread distribution support, meaning switching often requires using a niche distro like Devuan (a Debian fork that avoids systemd) or Artix Linux.