Manjaro: Easy-to-use Arch Linux Based Distribution

Arch Linux is one of the most appreciated and hated distributions we can find. This distro is one of the most stable, safe, fast and customizable that we can find. However, it is not one of the best distros that an inexperienced user can use, since since its safe installation it causes us more than a headache. Luckily, if we want to experience first-hand the full potential of Arch, but we don’t want to complicate ourselves, there is a Linux distro created precisely for this purpose: Manjaro.

Manjaro is an operating system based on Arch Linux designed to be placed as a quality alternative to Windows and macOS. This distro allows any user to have the best of Arch Linux by eliminating the difficulty of installing the operating system, configuring it and launching it.

Escritorio Manjaro live

Manjaro Linux features

While Windows, macOS and even some Linux distros, such as Ubuntu, always try to have control over our PC, Manjaro wants users to have complete control over it. Although the distro comes with some programs and some standard configurations, users can change them without problem and adapt them to their needs, as they feel most comfortable.

Manjaro htop

We can find this distro in various flavors. For example, we can find an XFCE desktop for users who want something fast and consume few resources, a Plasma desktop for those seeking greater customization, themes, widgets, etc., or GNOME, for the classics. We can also find an Architect image , without a desktop, for the user to download and install manually.

Configuración Manjaro

As for the updates, Manjaro has its own repositories through which we receive new packages, new versions of already installed packages and new features. Going back to control, it is the users who decide if they want to install them now, later or just not install them. In addition, we are facing a Rolling Release distro. That is, it does not receive new versions from time to time. Simply downloading and installing the packages we will have this distro always up to date.

Security and privacy are also two very important aspects for Manjaro. This distro does not send any non-telemetry data to any company or any server. Users decide if they want to use software that sends data, or use the system and tools provided by Manjaro, which have been reviewed, and that guarantee maximum privacy.

Many other functions that in other distros can be complicated, in Manjaro they can be done with a click. For example, we can download the proprietary drivers of our new graphics card from its own program. Or also change the kernel version we use with just one click. Without compiling or making complicated configurations. Of course, it is multi-user, and it gives us full control over the packages we want to install.

Programs for everyone

Manjaro comes with a large collection of software installed by default (although all optional). We can find scientific and professional programs, such as the LaTeX editor , your Lyx GUI or the R statistical software, the KDevelop IDE or the Geany text editor . Also programs for home use, such as LibreOffice, Thunderbird or Firefox. painting and drawing programs, such as Krita, Kdenlive and Ardor. And even games, like 0 AD , Steam and PlayOnLinux. We will not miss anything.

Menú inicio Manjaro

Although it is based on Arch, Manjaro has its own software repositories. Through them we can download the programs we want to install them in our distro. Or we can add other repositories just like any other distro.

Minimum requirements of Manjaro

Although it is a distro based on Arch Linux, the desktops and the configurations that mount make the requirements are not as low as those of its base. Although it will depend on the type of desktop we use (Plasma is not as light as XFCE, for example), the requirements that we should meet in order to use this distro without problems are:

  • 1 Ghz processor.
  • 1 GB of RAM.
  • 30 GB of hard disk space.
  • A bootable media (DVD, USB, etc.).
  • Internet connection to download updates and patches.
Requirements
CPU 1 GHz
RAM 1 GB
HDD 30 GB
Installation ISO, DVD, USB
Internet Optional (recommended)

Download Manjaro

This distro is totally free for all users, and its development is also open. We can find the latest published versions of it in the following link . Here we will have to choose the desktop we want to download according to the user experience we are looking for.

Once the ISO is lowered (which will take up more or less depending on the desktop) we will simply have to burn it to a DVD or a USB memory to make it ready. We start the computer from this medium and it will start loading the distro. Now we will choose if we want to use it in Live mode to test it or install it definitively on the PC.

In addition to the official images of Manjaro, we can also find a wide variety of distros maintained by the community, with different desks and configurations. As well as distros for ARM and even unofficial images to install Manjaro on 32-bit systems.