I am in charge of the IT department at an educational center and I am considering installing EndeavourOS with the KDE environment on several computers used in classrooms. However, I have some specific requirements that I would like to implement, and I would really appreciate your help or recommendations:
Alternative to Timeshift compatible with Systemd:
I have considered using Timeshift for system snapshots and restoration, but I’ve read that it doesn’t work well with Systemd. Do you know of any reliable and compatible alternatives that work well?
Automatic restoration to the original state after each reboot:
I would like the computers to automatically restore to a predefined configuration state upon reboot. Something similar to tools like Deep Freeze on Windows. Any software or method compatible with EndeavourOS that you would recommend?
Automatic shutdown at a specific time:
I would like all the computers to automatically shut down at a specific time each day. What tool or configuration would be most suitable to achieve this?
I understand that the last two tasks could possibly be achieved with a script, but I’m a bit inexperienced in this area…
I would advise against a rolling release distro, and i agree what @dalto already mentioned to use a immutable distro for your purpose, it will save you as sysadmin a lot of work
Timeshift should work and use GRUB2. That should alleviate all the concerns.
I concur with what @dalto and @fred666 have said. Please evaluate an immutable distro. EOS is based on Arch. Arch is a rolling distro. While it is possible to restore to the original state after each reboot, for example by preventing upgrade itself. This should be discouraged. It like taking a VW Golf to pull a trailer. Theortically it can be done, but that is not the intended purpose of VW Golf.
Have a look at systemd’s timer service. You can setup a timer to say execute the shutdown -h now command at say 7:00 pm.
If you do not want to use the timer then the same can be achieved with cron jobs too.
By default EOS comes with systemd timer.
Thank you all so much for your help and suggestions! I really appreciate the time you have taken to reply.
This is the first time I’ve heard about immutable distributions, so I did some research, and it seems like they might be exactly what I need. From what I understand, these distributions protect the base system from accidental or unwanted changes, which sounds ideal for my case.
However, I have a few questions:
Would an immutable distribution allow everything to revert to a predefined state upon reboot?
I mean, all downloaded files, changes in configuration (like wallpaper, user preferences, etc.) would be erased after reboot, and the system would return to the original state I set up.
Since you are recommending switching to another distro, I would like to know if there is any immutable distribution based on Debian or Ubuntu that uses KDE.
I prefer to use KDE because it allows me to customize it and give it a Windows-like appearance so that no one at the center complains. If there is an immutable option with these characteristics, that would be perfect.
Again, thank you for all the help and recommendations. I hope I can implement something that works well for the needs of the center.
What you are asking for is not a immutable distribution but a live distribution.
Like I said earlier it is possible to create an immutable distribution, just do not install the updates. MX Linux and LMDE are two main distros that come to mind, which are based on Debian and use KDE. Both of these are not immutable but with some effort can be made into one. Two issues over here. Firstly MX Linux comes with the older KDE 5.x plasma. Currently the latest KDE plasma is 6.x. Secondly LMDE comes by default with only one desktop environment, Cinamon. But using tasksel command a new desktop environment can be installed on LMDE.
If you are looking for the latest KDE then you will have to wait till the next version of Debian, i.e. 13 or Trixie, comes out. That will most probably have Linux Kernel 6.12 LTS with KDE Plasma 6. It is expected somewhere in the Q3/Q4-2025.
Ubuntu I would personally not prefer nor recommend. That is my opinion, But if you do want to then look at Kubuntu.
As another already posted, you are describing a live ISO. Pick one that best suits your needs. Kubuntu LTS would be a suitable choice. I would forget about creating your own spin merely to customize some look and feel elements. Unless you want the task of learning how to remaster your own customizations into a live ISO. MX Linux actually has a remastering tool to do just that, create your own live system. It’s not that difficult, but it will take some practice and experimentation. It really depends on how much time you want to invest.
Q4OS - https://q4os.org/
Might be another interesting option. They provide a Debian based system with KDE Plasma or the Trinity Desktop (based on KDE 3, but modernized). I would look at their Plasma offering.