Download Manjaro
Overview
32 and 64 bit versions of Manjaro are available for download as ISO files. An ISO file is itself a literal copy of a disc image, although not in the same sense as a copy and paste duplicatation. Rather it is a copy of the raw machine code that makes up the files and folders of that disc. This is why just copying an ISO file to a disc (or USB flashdrive) to begin installing it won't work; you'll need to use a disc burning application to translate that raw data into the files and folders. Instructions to do so for both Linux and Windows operating systems are provided below.
ISO images available for 32 bit systems will end in i686.iso, while images for 64 bit systems will end in x86_64.iso. Please try to ensure that you download the appropriate ISO image for your system as:
- a 64 bit ISO won't run on a 32 bit system, and
- a 32 bit ISO will not be able use the full power or resources of a 64 bit system.
Manjaro Editions
There are two editions of Manjaro available for download:
1. The full edition: This edition of Manjaro comes complete with everything pre-installed, including a desktop environment, popular software applications, and codecs. This would of course be the most appropriate choice for those who wish to try out Manjaro on a Live-CD without having to install it first. An ISO image for a full edition of Manjaro will list the pre-installed desktop environment in its name. For example, an ISO image beginning with manjaro-xfce will have the XFCE desktop environment pre-installed.
2. The NET edition: This edition of Manjaro provides only a base installation, stripped of any and all pre-installed software. This is suitable for more experienced users who may wish to build their own Manjaro systems from the ground up, starting with the command line. An ISO image for a NET edition will always begin with manjaro-net.
Downloading an ISO image
Each stable release and test-build of Manjaro has its own particular folder, which will contain all the 32 and 64 bit versions of both the full and NET editions available. Each folder will also contain the relevant checksum files which can be used to check the integrity of your downloaded ISO file (i.e. to ensure that it has not been corrupted during the process of being downloaded). A guide on how to use these has been provided here.
Stable Releases of Manjaro are intended to be used by the general public. As such, will be the appropriate choice for the majority of users. Each of the stable releases - starting from 0.8.0 - can be downloaded from the Stable Release section of the Sourceforge website.
Test Builds of Manjaro are intended to be used only by developers and testers, in order to identify any bugs or issues to be addressed as their development continues towards the next stable release. These are not suitable - or intended - for use as a main operating system by the general public. However, should you wish to try out a test build (preferrably in a virtual machine), each current release can be downloaded from the from the Test Build section of the Sourceforge website.
Checking the Downloaded ISO Image For Errors
It is absolutely critical that you ensure that your downloaded ISO file had not been corrupted during the download process before attempting to use it. A guide to undertake this in both Linux and Windows operating systems is available here.
Burning an ISO File
Once the integrity of the ISO has been verified, unless you wish to use Manjaro in a virtual machine, it will then be necessary to installation medium such as a CD/DVD or USB flashdrive / datastick in order to run and/or install it on your system. A guide to do so is available here.
Installing Manjaro
If you are new to Linux or Manjaro, then you may find the Installation Guide for Beginners' the most suitable place to start. Otherwise, there is also an Installation Guide for Experienced Users.