what are the differences between the armbian versions_

[waldmattis]

Good evening.

Having several problems with Tinker OS 2.0.8
I would like to try armbian.

But there are at least 4 different versions

Armbian Stretch Stable
mainline kernel 4.14.y                                   or
legacy kernel 4.4.y


Armbian Bionic Stable
desktop mainline kernel 4.14.y                    or
desktop legacy kernel 4.4.y

I do not understand the difference between
mainline kernel and legacy kernel 

what is newer?
4.14.y or 4.4.y

what is better?
Bionic or Stretch

Which versions have a graphical user interface?

Thank you for advice.

Regards
Karl

[igorpec]

4.4.y = legacy kernel = similar problems as TinkerOS since kernel is the one which makes you most troubles. After you secure stable powering ...
4.14.y = LTS mainline kernel + patches to support Tinkerboard = better on some, worse on other areas, more recent kernel
4.19.y = LTS mainline kernel with more support for Tinkerboard + patches to support Tinkerboard = under testing and upcoming replacement for probably both which are available now.

You can switch between different kernels to see the difference without reinstalling anything.

Bionic = Ubuntu packages version relations, Stretch = Debian relations. Both are latest stable versions and have some specific advantages/disadvantages. Upon of your use case. Some prefer Debian, some Ubuntu "taste".

If "desktop" is written below the download name it means it has GUI. If you start with a CLI by some mistake, go to the armbian-config and install the desktop.

[waldmattis]

@igorpec

WOW, this is what I call a very helpfull answer.
Thank you very much for your support!!

I will try debian-based desktop version.

Thanks again.
Have a peaceful Christmas time.

Regards
Karl