How to Get Manjaro Linux: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly yet powerful Linux distribution, Manjaro might just be the one for you. Manjaro Linux is a user-friendly Arch-based operating system that aims to be simple, elegant, and reliable.
In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to install Manjaro Linux, upgrade to it from your current Linux distribution, and showcase its unique selling points. We’ll also compare it to other popular Linux distributions and explore the vibrant Manjaro community. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of how to get Manjaro Linux and why it’s worth considering.
Installing Manjaro Linux from Scratch
Installing Manjaro Linux is a straightforward process that can be done in a few steps. If you’re new to Linux, don’t worry—our guide will help you through every step. Before starting, make sure to back up your data and create a bootable USB drive with the latest Manjaro ISO image.
Step 1: Boot from the USB drive
Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it. Press the key to access the boot menu and select the USB drive from the list of bootable devices.
Step 2: Choose the language and keyboard layout
After booting from the USB drive, you’ll be greeted by the Manjaro Linux welcome screen. Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout and click “Next.”
Step 3: Select the installation option
You’ll be presented with three options for installing Manjaro Linux. Choose your preferred option, whether it’s with or without encryption, and click “Next.” You can also choose to install third-party software and drivers by selecting the corresponding option.
Step 4: Set up the partitions
If you’ve chosen the manual partitioning option, you’ll need to set up the partitions according to your preferences. If you’re unsure, choose the automatic partitioning option and click “Next.”
Step 5: Choose your timezone
Select your timezone and click “Next.”
Step 6: Create a user account
Create a user account with your desired username and password. You can also choose to log in automatically and encrypt your home folder. Click “Next” to proceed.
Step 7: Confirm the installation
You’ll be presented with a summary of the installation details. Make sure everything is correct and click “Install” to start the installation process.
Step 8: Wait for the installation to complete
The installation process may take a while, so be patient. Once it’s finished, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Manjaro Linux on your computer.
Upgrading to Manjaro Linux
If you’re already using a Linux distribution and want to upgrade to Manjaro, there are a few things to consider. Upgrading to Manjaro Linux is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to back up your data and make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Step 1: Update your system
Before upgrading to Manjaro, you should update your current system to the latest version. This can be done using your system’s package manager.
Step 2: Install the Manjaro package manager
Once your system is up to date, you can install the Manjaro package manager using the following command:
sudo pacman -S manjaro-system
Step 3: Update the system using the Manjaro package manager
After installing the Manjaro package manager, update your system using the following command:
sudo pacman -Syu
This command will upgrade your system to the latest version of Manjaro Linux.
Step 4: Reboot your computer
Once the upgrade is complete, reboot your computer to make sure everything is working properly.
Top 10 Reasons to Switch to Manjaro Linux
Manjaro Linux has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Here are the top 10 reasons why you should consider switching to Manjaro:
- It’s user-friendly and easy to install
- It uses a rolling release model, which means you always have the latest updates
- It’s based on Arch Linux, which provides access to a vast library of packages and customization options
- It’s stable and reliable, especially when compared to other rolling release distributions
- It’s lightweight and fast, making it ideal for older hardware
- It has a large and active community that creates and maintains several desktop environments and window managers
- It’s highly customizable, allowing you to tweak everything from the look and feel to the behavior of your system
- It supports a wide range of hardware, including Nvidia graphics cards
- It’s great for both desktop and server use
- It’s free and open-source
By switching to Manjaro Linux, you’ll have access to a powerful, reliable, and customizable operating system that can meet your computing needs.
Comparison of Manjaro to Other Popular Linux Distributions
Manjaro Linux is not the only Linux distribution available, and it’s important to compare it to other popular distributions to determine which one is right for you. Here’s a comparison of Manjaro with Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions:
Manjaro Linux
- Rolling release model
- Based on Arch Linux
- Targeted at intermediate and advanced users
- Highly customizable
- Fast and lightweight
Ubuntu
- Fixed release model
- Based on Debian
- Targeted at beginners and advanced users
- Easy to use and install
- Better suited for server use
While both distributions have their strengths and weaknesses, Manjaro is better suited for users who want the latest updates and customization options, whereas Ubuntu is better for beginners and those who prioritize ease of use and stability.
The Manjaro Linux Community
The Manjaro community is one of the strongest and most vibrant in the Linux world. The community is made up of developers, contributors, and users who are passionate about the operating system and are dedicated to making it better. Here are some highlights of the Manjaro community:
Values: The Manjaro community values transparency, inclusivity, and user-friendliness. They aim to create an operating system that is accessible and easy to use for everyone.
Prominent users and developers: The Manjaro Linux community features several prominent users and developers, such as Philip Müller, the project lead, and the late Jonathon “frostschutz” in addition to many other developers and contributors who actively participate in the development of the project.
Benefits of being a part of the community: Being a part of the Manjaro community means you can connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to making the operating system better. You can get involved in testing, translating, packaging, or even just spreading the word about the OS.
Conclusion
Manjaro Linux is a powerful and user-friendly operating system that is worth considering if you’re looking for a versatile and customizable Linux distribution. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, Manjaro has something to offer. We’ve covered how to install Manjaro from scratch, upgrade to it from your current Linux distribution, and showcased its unique selling points. We’ve also compared it to other Linux distributions and explored the vibrant Manjaro community.
Are you ready to give Manjaro Linux a try? Check out the official website or join the community to learn more.
