Motivation

Hi, my name is Doug Burks and I got my first computer in 1984. It was a Commodore 16 and, of course, the very first thing I typed was PRINT "DOUG IS COOL". The first real program I wrote mapped the F1 key to do the same thing. So apparently I've been using the command line and hotkeys for (checks notes) over 40 years now!

Over the years, I transitioned from the Commodore 16 to the Commodore 128 and then into the PC world starting with an Epson Apex. I had several different PC systems running MS-DOS and Windows 3.1. In December of 1997, I discovered Linux and my entire career changed. In 2008, I started the Security Onion project to build a specialized Linux platform for cybersecurity. Security Onion is great for cybersecurity, but it's not designed to be a general purpose desktop environment.

Every year or so, I review my desktop environment to make sure I'm using the best tools for the job. Starting from first principles, I consider needs, desires, and workflows and ask myself a few questions:

• What are the best of breed productivity apps that help me get my job done with a minimum amount of fuss?
• What is the best terminal and command line environment?
• What is the Linux desktop environment that allows me to work with all of those applications at the same time most efficiently?
• How can I use hotkeys to keep hands on keys for better ergonomics and more speed?
• Which Linux distro provides all of the above and runs on the hardware that I need it to?

I've been inspired by DHH and his Omakub and Omarchy setups to not only build my ideal desktop environment but publish it so that others can benefit as well. This is my own personal omakase menu, a curated collection of comprehensive components that balances the ideals of productivity, flexibility, and beauty while offering a modern command line experience and some fun 8-bit nostalgia as well.