Garuda Desktops Put a New Spin on Linux Looks
Garuda Desktops Put a New Spin on Linux Looks
To a wide variety of users, the Linux operating system is numerous things. It is not, as Microsoft and Apple provides a one-size-must-fit-all computing platform.
Garuda Linux is an excellent example of Linux's breadth of functionality. Not typically included in mainstream distributions, its diverse desktop offerings will pique your interest in computing.
On April 9, developers released the latest version of Garuda Linux, dubbed Hawk Eagle. However, not all of the desktop offerings are available in this latest version. Although those that were not included in the January release of Serpent Eagle are still available.
Garuda Linux is an Arch-based rolling distribution based in India. Linux distributions offer two types of maintenance. Rolling releases arrive in pieces — but frequently — so you never have to perform a full system upgrade once or twice a year when developers release traditional major point releases. Arch-based Linux distributions advocate for the rolling method.
By and large, I am not a fan of Arch-based Linux distributions. However, on nearly all of my office computers, I use rolling update distributions. Arch's relatively rigid design philosophies make it notoriously difficult to install and maintain. Arch systems require a basic understanding of how Linux works behind the scenes. This disadvantages new users. However, Garuda is an exception to this rule.
For ease of installation, Garuda Linux includes the Calamares graphical installer. Additionally, Garuda Linux includes advanced graphical tools for system management. For example, Pacman, the standard Arch package manager, has a text-based interface. It makes use of simple compressed files as a package format, which users must occasionally tweak manually.
Pamac is a graphical user interface (GUI) that manages packages. Additionally, Garuda Linux includes a graphical user interface (GUI) tool called Garuda Assistant for managing common tasks such as managing drivers and kernels, as well as other graphical user interfaces for managing GRUB boot options and network and hotspot creation. If you're a gamer, you'll adore the graphical user interface for installing curated gaming software.
First Impressions
The Garuda's performance-oriented design incorporates numerous performance enhancements. These include performance-enhancing CPU governors such as Zram and custom memory management software.
The Linux-zen feature provides a more responsive and faster Linux kernel optimized for desktop, multimedia, and gaming. In general, the Linux-zen feature results in a more responsive and faster Linux kernel that is optimized for desktop, multimedia, and gaming.
Garuda Linux is a very modern operating system from a technical standpoint. It makes use of the BTRFS filesystem, which is compressed using zstd. BTRFS is a file system and storage format that combines the copy-on-write (COW) principle with logical volume management.
In comparison to the more widely used Ext4 file system, BTRFS is optimized for high-performance storage servers. Ext4 was designed to be a straightforward local filesystem. This provides BTRFS with advanced features not available in Ext4.
The Timeshift backup utility is another simple-to-use maintenance tool included with the default installation. Configure it to backup what you want and how frequently you want it to backup and then forget about it.
Timeshift runs in the background, taking snapshots of your system at the intervals specified by you. If something goes wrong with an update or an errant application setting, it's simple to restore a previous snapshot and get back up and running quickly. Your previously saved settings and data are never jeopardized.
Desktop Delights
This distribution is an exceptional choice, as it comes with a plethora of desktop options. Several of them are not available in alternate distributions. You can download and install a version of Garuda Linux that is compatible with almost any desktop environment. The list includes desktop environments such as KDE, Xfce, GNOME, LXQt-kwin, Cinnamon, MATE, Wayfire, Qtile, BSPWM, and i3wm.
The vast array of desktop environments — technically, some are window managers rather than complete environments — appears to be an alphabet soup of computer jargon. However, it is well worth investigating them using the live session ISOs. You will discover numerous surprises.
For example, the KDE version is quite interesting. It's about as conventional as you can get. Having said that, Garuda's developers infused this KDE iteration with a distinct spit and polish that elevates it to an artistic level by design.
Another extremely intriguing desktop option is one I was unaware of prior to discovering Garuda Linux. Wayfire is an open-source computing environment that is both fast and visually appealing. It is a Wayland compositor that generates a highly customizable, extendable, and lightweight environment without sacrificing its aesthetics.
If you're familiar with the Compiz display of yore, Wayfire restores a good portion of that glitz and glam to your monitor. I'm referring to superior eye candy such as wobbly windows, extravagant window animations, and a rotating 3D cube. The Wayfire environment accomplishes all of this without starving your system's resources.
Wayfire is a three-dimensional floating Wayland compositor that makes use of wlroots. That is a modular Wayland compositor library in non-computerese. A Wayland compositor is analogous to compositing window managers in the older but still prevalent X11 computing world, which many distros continue to support. The Wayland software manages all of your open applications and coordinates all of your input and output devices.
To get a bird's eye view of what all of this jargon means, watch this video, which features animated graphics.
Garuda Viewing Options
To be honest, not all of these desktop alternatives are suitable for everyone. However, the beauty of Linux is the ability to experiment with various configurations. Occasionally, you'll come across something that piques your interest and performs better than your current Linux platform.
Here is a quick rundown on each option:
The dr460nized edition of Garuda Linux is the standard KDE distribution. It provides a dark, hazy, and completely immersive Plasma experience. The workflow is similar to that of a Mac, with the app menu integrated directly into the top bar.
The Dragonized Gaming Edition retains the same tweaks and appearance, but includes additional software for Linux gamers, such as game launchers and video-centric utilities.
Dragonized BlackArch Edition is a penetration testing distribution built on Arch Linux with a focus on cybersecurity tools. It is an open-source distribution designed specifically for penetration testers and security researchers, with over 2,600 tools in its repository.
The Xfce edition of Garuda is a lightweight desktop environment that is fast and efficient with system resources. The lightweight design has no adverse effect on the product's performance.
Garuda's LXQT-Kwin edition is another lightweight desktop option. When the QT environment is combined with the KDE window manager, some unexpected visual effects result.
Additionally, Garuda Linux provides you with additional options that you will not find in the majority of distro offerings.
The Qtile edition includes a highly customizable dynamic window manager. Its use of the 'jgmenu' enables users to launch applications without having to remember key bindings. Garuda BSPWM, or Binary Space Partition Window Manager, is a minimal yet modern-looking tiling window manager that renders windows as the leaves of a complete binary tree.
The Garuda i3WM edition is a small-footprint window manager. It is entirely controlled via the keyboard. Garuda's developers added an easy-to-configure GTK theme manager via LXappearance. Additionally, they include a cheat sheet to assist you in getting started.
The Barebones KDE edition of Garuda Linux is intended for advanced users. It does not include any additional software or functionalities. You are provided with the bare minimum number of packages necessary to get started. Likewise, you will receive no support from the developers for Barebones editions.
If you prefer the classic GNOME desktop environment, Gartuda's Garuda GNOME distribution will not disappoint. It provides a contemporary desktop environment with an emphasis on usability.
Bottom Line
Garuda Linux requires a minimum of 30 GB storage space, 4 GB RAM, and a 64-bit system. However, the recommended requirements result in significantly improved performance. These are 40 GB of storage space, 8 GB of RAM, and a video card capable of OpenGL 3.3 or higher.
The Garuda distribution has been optimized for real-world performance on modern hardware. Installing Garuda in virtual machines may produce undesirable results.
Oftentimes, evaluating Linux distributions consists of two components. One is the design and feature sets that distinguish one Linux distribution from others. The other is how the desktop environment enhances or degrades the computing experience of the user.
You can rest assured that Garuda Linux addresses both of these points. Not every desktop flavor is a winner. However, Garuda's overall performance and design, as well as its wide range of environments, can help you avoid distro hopping in search of the best fit.
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