Now it's time to choose a disk partition for your operating system. Garuda Linux can be installed alongside another system or as the main operating system. If we decide on the first option, we can easily divide and format disk partitions from the installer level.
After that, we create a user account and we can go to the last step - summary.
3. Seven reasons why Garuda Linux is a good choice
1) Easy access to administrative tools
After starting the system, a welcome panel is displayed that gathers many useful tools in one place, such as:
- Garuda Assistant
A toolkit that simplifies complex administrative tasks to just a few clicks. From checking for updates and reinstalling packages, through support for HiDPI screens and DNS services, to advanced system options.
1 of 1- Garuda Settings Manager
Settings Manager provides quick access to system settings, such as: selecting the system kernel, changing language packs, or updating drivers.
- Garuda Gamer
Garuda Gamer will make life easier for more than one gamer by simplifying the process of finding and installing more game-related programs to just a few clicks.
1 of 1- Garuda Network Assistant
A panel containing various settings and information related to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GPS modules, including the ability to install/update drivers for Wi-Fi components.
- Garuda Boot Options
A set of boot configuration tools - from basic settings (default system), to appearance customization (GRUB menu background), to advanced options (like Disable CPU vulnerability mitigations).
- Garuda Boot Repair
2) Modern design and diverse graphical environments
The system supports numerous graphical environments, but each of them has been modified in accordance with the vision of the creators. For example, Gnome shows numerous references to macOS, which are in vain to look for in "pure" Gnome.
3) Garuda Linux is player-friendly
A rich library of games has been an undeniable strength of Windows for years, but Garuda Linux tries not to lag behind - the system allows you to install the Steam platform, use game emulators written for Windows, tools for players (e.g. Mumble or OBS-Studio), as well as emulation of games from other consoles and handhelds.
4) Automatic snapshots
Snapshots are a convenient way to restore the system to a previous state in case of a failure. Using the BTRFS file system integrated with Timeshift, snapshots are created automatically before each update or on a user-selected schedule .
5) Always up to date
Garuda Linux receives rolling release updates, which guarantees access to the latest versions of the kernel, packages and software.
6) Graphical interfaces instead of the Terminal
There is a visible focus on graphical interfaces within the system, which is to reduce the need to reach for the terminal, which will certainly be appreciated by people unfamiliar with this tool. Just in time for people looking for an advanced, yet convenient operating system.
7) Close to pure Arch Linux
The default software source is the Arch Linux repository with AUR packages (marked 'community') enhanced with an additional repository (marked 'extra').
4. Three reasons why Garuda Linux might not be for you
1. Not every environment is stable
Garuda Linux attracts with a wide range of desktop environments available, but they differ in terms of stability and ease of use. I personally tested versions with the Deepin, UKUI and Gnome environments, with the former causing many problems, e.g.
2. Modifications that cannot be removed
Some programs - like the operating system and graphical environments - have undergone some changes, eg Firefox comes with extensions installed by default that cannot be uninstalled. Changes in the browser settings are also visible, where the sending of analytical data to Mozilla servers has been disabled.
3. A lot of redundant programs
The system contains 60 pre-installed programs that may be completely unnecessary for the user, such as HP Device Manager or several terminal programs (Gnome Terminal and Alacritty).
1 of 1Summary
Garuda Linux is a distribution aimed at various audiences, but it should work especially for people familiar with technology who appreciate extensive capabilities and ease of use. The system is not very resource-intensive, and the version with the Gnome environment - which is considered relatively demanding - works smoothly and without any problems even on old hardware with low-performance components and a slow HDD (I tested this distribution myself on a weak laptop from 2010, where even using Windows 7 requires a lot of patience).
The system can be downloaded here.
