Manjaro 24 is Arch Linux for the rest of us
Manjaro Linux represents the spirit of DIY Arch Linux distros but with a simplified approach, enabling users to proudly declare, “I run Arch, BTW,” even on their journey to guru status.
The latest version, Manjaro 24.0 “Wynsdey,” offered by the German company behind it, introduces kernel 6.9.0 along with updated desktop releases like GNOME 46.1, KDE Plasma 6.0.4, and LXQt 2.0.
Manjaro’s endeavor is intriguing: it aims to refine the rolling-release Arch Linux distribution into a smoother and more stable system. Unlike Arch, Manjaro routes packages through its own repositories, categorizing them into Unstable, Testing, and Stable branches, resembling Debian’s hierarchy. This results in a distinct distro with periodic releases and significantly fresher components compared to traditional fixed-release-cycle distros like Debian or Ubuntu.
Manjaro grants access to the renowned Arch User Repository (AUR), offering a vast array of Linux software packaged for Arch. While it supports cross-distro packaging formats like Flatpak, Snap, and Appimage, the extensive AUR library renders them almost unnecessary.
Our initial impressions of Manjaro 21.3 in 2022 left us underwhelmed, but this latest release proved smoother and flawlessly installed on both VirtualBox and an old ThinkPad X220.
The Xfce edition, featuring version 4.18, impressed with its easy installation via the Calamares installer. However, some screens required scrolling due to the ThinkPad’s limited resolution, and we were surprised to find no default swap configuration, not even ZRAM memory compression.
Nevertheless, Manjaro worked seamlessly, greeting us with a helpful “Hello” screen post-login and promptly prompting for updates. We appreciated the option to replace LibreOffice with the free version of Softmaker Office and found it effortless to install Google Chrome. With modest resource usage, Manjaro proved itself as a practical choice.
Compared to manual Arch installation, Manjaro offers a simpler experience, striking a balance between sobriety and functionality. Its desktop selection is judiciously curated, with official flavors including GNOME, KDE, and Xfce, complemented by community-maintained editions. Additionally, the Arm edition supports various Arm-based boards and devices, further extending its versatility.
