Anyone here use #Qubes? I'd be interested to know your thoughts. I have a spare laptop and feel like trying it out. I love the idea of compartmentalisation and #virtualisation for maximum #privacy and #security, just don't know yet if I'd want to use it on a daily basis, and how it compares to just spinning up multiple VMs in #VirtualBox.
@syntax
I have used it, but not currently.
There's no other/better way to learn and experience it, then to use it.
Running everything isolated in VMs is very different then electing to use 'something' in a VM 'sometimes'.
Running everything in VMs is what makes it 'reasonably secure' (their 'slogan'), but ofc does come at a cost.
An important reason I stopped using it on my laptop was that I used it a lot for watching videos.
Qubes doesn't use HW acceleration, but all CPU, draining battery.
@FreePietje
So far I've had no luck even installing it (due to X not starting, a common driver issue, I think), so I don't imagine I'll even get round to trying it, at least anytime soon. I think maybe for my purpose and threat model, and because I'm happy with my current setup, VirtualBox VMs are the probably the way to go.
@syntax
They have a Hardware Compatibility List, so searching for "Qubes HCL <laptop-model>" may provide you some clues.
I am/was lucky as I have the exact (?) same laptop model as the lead maintainer :)
You can try the Mailing List and/or IRC (libera.chat:#qubes). I've found they are or at least try to be helpful. Which can also mean "yeah, that's not gonna work".
I think #Qubes is amazing, but critical wrt hardware and not easy, at first at least, bc it requires you to think differently.