Manjaro is a user-friendly Linux distribution based on the independently developed Arch operating system. Within the Linux community, Arch itself is renowned for being an exceptionally fast, powerful, and lightweight distribution that provides access to the very latest cutting edge - and bleeding edge - software. However, Arch is also aimed at more experienced or technically-minded users. As such, it is generally considered to be beyond the reach of those who lack the technical expertise (or persistence) required to use it.
Developed in Austria, France, and Germany, Manjaro provides all the benefits of the Arch operating system combined with a focus on user-friendliness and accessibility. Manjaro follow Archlinux and officially only offers a 64 bit version. Manjaro is suitable for newcomers as well as experienced Linux users. For newcomers, a user-friendly installer is provided, and the system itself is designed to work fully 'straight out of the box' with features including:
- Pre-installed desktop environments
- Pre-installed Graphical Software Managers to easily install software and update your system, and
- Pre-installed codecs to play multimedia files
For more experienced - and adventurous - users Manjaro also offers the configurability and versatility to be shaped and moulded in every respect to suit personal taste and preference. Manjaro Architect is both a CLI installer, available side by side with the graphics installer and a CLI based ISO giving the option to install any Manjaro flavours and offers unflavoured DE installation, filesystem choices and bootloader choice for those who wants complete freedom to shape their system; starting from a command line, you are completely free to chose your own greeters, desktops, hardware drivers, software applications, and so on!
Manjaro shares many of the same features as Arch, including:
- Speed, power, and efficiency
- Access to the very latest cutting and bleeding edge software
- A 'rolling release' development model that provides the most up-to-date system possible without the need to install new versions, and
- Access to the Arch User Repository (AUR).
However, Manjaro boasts a few extra features of its own, including:
- A simplifed, user-friendly installation process
- Automatic detection of your computer's hardware (e.g. graphics cards)
- Automatic installation of the necessary software (e.g. graphics drivers) for your system
- Its own dedicated software repositories to ensure delivery of fully tested and stable software packages, and
- Support for the easy installation and use of multiple kernels.
The latest stable and community releases are available from Manjaro
Official announcements can be viewed at Manjaro News.
The latest test-builds of Manjaro are available from OSDN
Recommended rather than minimum system requirements have been provided in order to ensure that you get the most out of your Manjaro system. Although many distributions will list the bare minimum specifications necessary to run, it wouldn't be a particularly fun or useful experience to actually use them! As such, it is recommended to have at least:
- One gigabyte (GB) of memory
- Thirty gigabytes (GB) of hard disk space
- A one gigahertz (Ghz) processor
- A high definition (HD) graphics card and monitor
- A broadband internet connection