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== Overview == | |||
= Overview = | |||
[[File:BigManjaroIcon.png|left|90px]] | [[File:BigManjaroIcon.png|left|90px]] | ||
Although Manjaro is Arch-based and Arch compatible, '''it is not Arch'''. As such, far from being just an easy-to-install or pre-configured version of Arch, Manjaro is actually a very different kind of beast. | |||
In fact, the differences between Manjaro and Arch are far greater than the differences between the popular Ubuntu distribution and its many derivatives, including Mint and Zorin. To help provide a clearer understanding of Manjaro, a few of its main features have been outlined. | In fact, the differences between Manjaro and Arch are far greater than the differences between the popular Ubuntu distribution and its many derivatives, including Mint and Zorin. To help provide a clearer understanding of Manjaro, a few of its main features have been outlined. | ||
* '''Manjaro''' is developed independently from Arch, and by a completely different team. | * '''Manjaro''' is developed independently from Arch, and by a completely different team. | ||
* '''Manjaro''' is designed to be accessible to newcomers, while Arch is aimed at experienced users. | * '''Manjaro''' is designed to be accessible to newcomers, while Arch is aimed at experienced users. | ||
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* '''Manjaro''' provides its own distribution-specific tools such as the Manjaro Hardware Detection (mhwd) utility, and the Manjaro Settings Manager (msm). | * '''Manjaro''' provides its own distribution-specific tools such as the Manjaro Hardware Detection (mhwd) utility, and the Manjaro Settings Manager (msm). | ||
* '''Manjaro''' has numerous subtle differences in how it works when compared to Arch. | * '''Manjaro''' has numerous subtle differences in how it works when compared to Arch. | ||
A more detailed outline of these differences has been provided below. | A more detailed outline of these differences has been provided below. | ||
==Dedicated Repositories== | |||
=Dedicated Repositories= | |||
{{Important|An important benefit from Manjaro's use of its own repositories is that the developers will automatically implement critical updates on your behalf, and there will therefore be no need for you to intervene manually.}} | {{Important|An important benefit from Manjaro's use of its own repositories is that the developers will automatically implement critical updates on your behalf, and there will therefore be no need for you to intervene manually.}} | ||
To ensure continued stability and reliability, Manjaro utilises its own dedicated software repositories. With the exception of the community-maintained Arch User Repository (AUR), | To ensure continued stability and reliability, Manjaro utilises its own dedicated software repositories. With the exception of the community-maintained Arch User Repository (AUR), Manjaro systems do not access the official Arch repositories. | ||
===Manjaro package repository=== | |||
====Stable==== | |||
'''Stable''' branch is snapped from '''testing''' approximately two weeks after the sync from Arch stable repositories. The packages on stable branch are the default repositories used by Manjaro systems to provide updates and downloads to the general user base. | |||
====Testing==== | |||
'''Testing''' branch is snapped from '''unstable''' at irregular intervals - but usually shortly after the syncronization from Arch stable. This branch is used as a testing area for packages build by Manjaro developers such as kernels, kernel modules, nvidia graphics, software patches, Manjaro inhouse applications. The package may be subject to further checks by developers and testers for potential bugs and/or stability issues, prior to being released to the '''stable''' branch. | |||
====Unstable==== | |||
'''Unstable''' branch is synced several times daily from Arch stable and the packages from Arch repo is generally considered stable as they have been vetted by the Archlinux QA and the Archlinux community. Manjaro maintainers build kernels, kernel modules and nvidia graphic drivers from kernel source. This branch is also the entry point for Manjaro's inhouse applications. The latest available versions of software will be located here and <u>using the ''unstable branch'' may cause issues on your system</u> | |||
====Result==== | |||
A consequence of accommodating this testing process is that Manjaro will never be quite as bleeding-edge as Arch. Software may be released to the stable repositories days, weeks, or potentially even months later; however, users who wish to access the very latest releases can still do so by enabling access to the Unstable Repository or the Testing Repository… at their own risk! | A consequence of accommodating this testing process is that Manjaro will never be quite as bleeding-edge as Arch. Software may be released to the stable repositories days, weeks, or potentially even months later; however, users who wish to access the very latest releases can still do so by enabling access to the Unstable Repository or the Testing Repository… at their own risk! | ||
=Exclusive User-Friendly Tools= | ==Exclusive User-Friendly Tools== | ||
Another feature that sets Manjaro apart from Arch and other Arch-based distributions is its focus on tools to ease the general system maintenance. This extends far beyond just providing an easy graphical installer and pre-configured desktop environments. Manjaro also provides a range of powerful tools developed exclusively by the Manjaro Team. | |||
Another feature that sets Manjaro apart from Arch and other Arch-based distributions is its focus on | |||
===Manjaro Hardware Detection=== | |||
{| | |||
|- | |||
| [[file:mhwd2.png|thumb|left|375px]] || '''Manjaro Hardware Detection (mhwd)''' | |||
The '''mhwd''' command enables the automatic detection and configuration of your hardware for you, usually undertaken during the installation process. This includes support for hybrid graphics cards, as well as setting everything up such as module dependencies for Virtualbox virtual machine installations; however, it can also be used by users with limited technical knowledge to easily undertake this task for themselves. | The '''mhwd''' command enables the automatic detection and configuration of your hardware for you, usually undertaken during the installation process. This includes support for hybrid graphics cards, as well as setting everything up such as module dependencies for Virtualbox virtual machine installations; however, it can also be used by users with limited technical knowledge to easily undertake this task for themselves. | ||
A '''[[Configure_Graphics_Cards|guide on how to manually configure graphics cards]]''' has been provided. | A '''[[Configure_Graphics_Cards|guide on how to manually configure graphics cards]]''' has been provided. | ||
|} | |||
===Manjaro Kernel Detection=== | |||
{| | |||
[[file:Screenshot_mhwd-kernel.png|thumb|left|375px]] | |- | ||
| [[file:Screenshot_mhwd-kernel.png|thumb|left|375px]] || '''Manjaro Hardware Detection Kernel (mhwd-kernel)''' | |||
'''Manjaro Hardware Detection Kernel (mhwd-kernel)''' | |||
While automatic support for the use of multiple kernels is a defining feature of Manjaro, the '''mhwd-kernel''' command also empowers users with no technical knowledge to easily manage them as well. This includes automatically updating any newly installed kernels with any modules being used, such as those required to run Manjaro within Virtualbox. | While automatic support for the use of multiple kernels is a defining feature of Manjaro, the '''mhwd-kernel''' command also empowers users with no technical knowledge to easily manage them as well. This includes automatically updating any newly installed kernels with any modules being used, such as those required to run Manjaro within Virtualbox. | ||
A '''[[Manjaro_Kernels|guide on how to manage kernels]]''' has been provided. | A '''[[Manjaro_Kernels|guide on how to manage kernels]]''' has been provided. | ||
|} | |||
===Manjaro Settings Manager=== | |||
{| | |||
[[File:Screenshot_msm.png|thumb|left|375px]] | |- | ||
| [[File:Screenshot_msm.png|thumb|left|375px]] || '''Manjaro Settings Manager (msm)''' | |||
'''Manjaro Settings Manager (msm)''' | |||
This user-friendly application allows you to quickly and easily manage user accounts, install new language packs, and even switch your system's default language and keyboard layout on-the-fly. '''msm''' will also automatically notify you of any updates available for installed language packs, too. | This user-friendly application allows you to quickly and easily manage user accounts, install new language packs, and even switch your system's default language and keyboard layout on-the-fly. '''msm''' will also automatically notify you of any updates available for installed language packs, too. | ||
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Recently new features were added such as easy ways to choose and install between multiple kernels and drivers for your graphics card. | Recently new features were added such as easy ways to choose and install between multiple kernels and drivers for your graphics card. | ||
Please look here for more detailed explanations about [[Manjaro Settings Manager|Manjaro Settings Manager]]. | |||
Please look here for more detailed explanations about [[Manjaro Settings Manager]]. | |} | ||
===Pamac Package Manager=== | |||
{| | |||
|- | |||
[[file:Screenshot_pamac.png|thumb|left|375px]] | | [[file:Screenshot_pamac.png|thumb|left|375px]] || '''Pamac - The Graphical Software Manager''' | ||
'''Pamac - The Graphical Software Manager''' | |||
Exclusively developed by the Manjaro Team, this intuitive application allows you to easily search for, install, remove, and update software applications and packages. '''pamac''' will also automatically notify you of any updates; keep your system up-to-date with just a single click! | Exclusively developed by the Manjaro Team, this intuitive application allows you to easily search for, install, remove, and update software applications and packages. '''pamac''' will also automatically notify you of any updates; keep your system up-to-date with just a single click! | ||
There are more detailed explanations available for [[Pamac|Pamac Package Manager]]. | |||
|} | |||
==Conclusion== | |||
= | |||
Manjaro is definitely a beast, but a very different kind of beast than Arch. '''Fast, powerful, and always up to date''', Manjaro provides all the benefits of an Arch operating system, but with an especial emphasis on '''stability, user-friendliness and accessibility''' for newcomers and experienced users alike. | Manjaro is definitely a beast, but a very different kind of beast than Arch. '''Fast, powerful, and always up to date''', Manjaro provides all the benefits of an Arch operating system, but with an especial emphasis on '''stability, user-friendliness and accessibility''' for newcomers and experienced users alike. | ||
Any enquires about the Manjaro operating system should therefore be directed towards the '''[[Manjaro Forums]]''' or '''[[Manjaro IRC| Manjaro Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channels]]''' in order to receive the best help and support possible. '''All are welcome!''' | Any enquires about the Manjaro operating system should therefore be directed towards the '''[[Manjaro Forums|Manjaro Forum]]''' or '''[[Manjaro IRC| Manjaro Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channels]]''' in order to receive the best help and support possible. '''All are welcome!''' | ||
==See Also== | |||
* [[About Manjaro|About Manjaro]] | |||
* [[Manjaro FAQ|Manjaro FAQ]] | |||
* [[The Rolling Release Development Model|The Rolling Release Development Model]] | |||
[[Category:Contents Page]] | [[Category:Contents Page]] | ||