I recommend Linux Mint (21.2), which a based on Ubuntu (22.04) and Debian. The cinnamon desktop environment it comes with is pretty similar to windows 7, which makes it easier to use. I think 21.2 will remain supported until 2027 as LTS.

It’s not super difficult to host your own gitlab instance tbh.

Not directly related but RISC-V is also really nice to to program with. I hope it takes off because it has fewer niche instructions that may slow down a system (x86 sucks in that regard).

How is that related to the space mission? Or are we trying to make this look like a Reddit comment section now? It’s an issue in India but that’s not relevant to their accomplishments in space exploration now is it?