Difference between revisions of "Using Manjaro for Beginners"

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This guide provides a brief overview of some key knowledge points necessary to get the most out of using the Manjaro operating system.

This guide provides a brief overview of some key knowledge points necessary to get the most out of using the Manjaro operating system.

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Pamac, in the menus add Add/Remove software, is Manjaro's graphical software manager.   

Pamac, in the menus add Add/Remove software, is Manjaro's graphical software manager.   

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Another available options for graphical software updates and management is '''Octopi'''. Like pamac-manager, Octopi can install software from either the repos or [[Arch_User_Repository|AUR]].

Another available options for graphical software updates and management is '''Octopi'''. Like pamac-manager, Octopi can install software from either the repos or [[Arch_User_Repository|AUR]].

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* '''To install available updates''' click the menu icon at the bottom of the application window (in this illustration, next to the red star), and then select '''Install'''.

* '''To install available updates''' click the menu icon at the bottom of the application window (in this illustration, next to the red star), and then select '''Install'''.

On occasion, particularly when installing new software applications, several other software packages will also be automatically installed as well.  These are known as dependencies, as they are necessary for whatever is being installed to work properly. In other words, the software package being downloaded is dependent upon them.  

On occasion, particularly when installing new software applications, several other software packages will also be automatically installed as well.  These are known as dependencies, as they are necessary for whatever is being installed to work properly. In other words, the software package being downloaded is dependent upon them.  

Your package manager will list the dependencies required for software packages in the information pane. For example, as illustrated, if the VLC Media Player were to be installed, then several other software packages --such as to allow it to play different media formats-- would also be automatically be downloaded if not already installed on the system. Without them, the Media Player would not be able to play certain media formats, or perhaps not be able to play anything at all!

Your package manager will list the dependencies required for software packages in the information pane. For example, as illustrated, if the VLC Media Player were to be installed, then several other software packages --such as to allow it to play different media formats-- would also be automatically be downloaded if not already installed on the system. Without them, the Media Player would not be able to play certain media formats, or perhaps not be able to play anything at all!

{{BoxInfo|Tip| You won't need to worry about dependencies yourself, as they will be automatically identified and downloaded for you when necessary.}}

{{BoxInfo|Tip| You won't need to worry about dependencies yourself, as they will be automatically identified and downloaded for you when necessary.}}

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The [[Manjaro Settings Manager]] offers you GUI settings, which are either enabled by Manjaro (i.e. installation of multiple kernels and easy installation of non-proprietary and proprietary graphics drivers) or are missing from at least some of the popular [[Desktop Environments|Desktop Environments and Window Managers]].

The [[Manjaro Settings Manager]] offers you GUI settings, which are either enabled by Manjaro (i.e. installation of multiple kernels and easy installation of non-proprietary and proprietary graphics drivers) or are missing from at least some of the popular [[Desktop Environments|Desktop Environments and Window Managers]].

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Although Manjaro is compatible to Arch --being based on Arch itself-- it is not possible to access the official repositories of the Arch System to download software. Manjaro instead uses its own official repositories in order to ensure that any software packages provided (e.g., system updates and applications) have been fully tested and are completely stable before release.

Although Manjaro is compatible to Arch --being based on Arch itself-- it is not possible to access the official repositories of the Arch System to download software. Manjaro instead uses its own official repositories in order to ensure that any software packages provided (e.g., system updates and applications) have been fully tested and are completely stable before release.

However, it is still possible to access additional software packages from the Arch User Repository (AUR), which is managed by the Arch community of users themselves. Although this repository is unofficial, software packages first placed here are known to make their way into Arch's official repositories if they become popular enough. A '''[[Arch_User_Repository|guide on how to Access the AUR]]''' has been provided.

However, it is still possible to access additional software packages from the Arch User Repository (AUR), which is managed by the Arch community of users themselves. Although this repository is unofficial, software packages first placed here are known to make their way into Arch's official repositories if they become popular enough. A '''[[Arch_User_Repository|guide on how to Access the AUR]]''' has been provided.

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In simple terms, a terminal (or console) is an interface that allows for text commands to be entered and displayed. As it is an exceptionally powerful and versatile tool to use, Arch and other Arch-based systems are notable for relying far more heavily on their use than other (user-friendly) distributions such as ''Ubuntu'' or ''Mint'', which have placed a greater focus on the use of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).

In simple terms, a terminal (or console) is an interface that allows for text commands to be entered and displayed. As it is an exceptionally powerful and versatile tool to use, Arch and other Arch-based systems are notable for relying far more heavily on their use than other (user-friendly) distributions such as ''Ubuntu'' or ''Mint'', which have placed a greater focus on the use of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI).

Although GUIs to undertake many common tasks have been provided with Manjaro, particularly to assist new users just as with other user-friendly distributions, it may on occasion be necessary to use the terminal to get something done. '''Most of the guides contained in the wiki rely on using the terminal, particularly where solving problems and tweaking the system is concerned'''. For those users who wish to learn more about how Manjaro works, and for those who wish to take full advantage of its versatility, it is highly recommended to learn how to use the terminal. Don't worry: it's not that hard or scary, and this wiki can be used to guide you every step of the way.

Although GUIs to undertake many common tasks have been provided with Manjaro, particularly to assist new users just as with other user-friendly distributions, it may on occasion be necessary to use the terminal to get something done. '''Most of the guides contained in the wiki rely on using the terminal, particularly where solving problems and tweaking the system is concerned'''. For those users who wish to learn more about how Manjaro works, and for those who wish to take full advantage of its versatility, it is highly recommended to learn how to use the terminal. Don't worry: it's not that hard or scary, and this wiki can be used to guide you every step of the way.

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The Linux kernel is the core of a Linux operating system. It acts as an interface between your computer's hardware and the applications that run on it. Manjaro not only supports the use of multiple kernels (selectable from the boot screen), but allows easy access to the very latest, bleeding edge kernels as well. All available kernels installed on your system will be presented upon booting up, including backup copies of each kernel version installed. If sub-menus are in effect, you will need to press Enter on the second item of a set.  

The Linux kernel is the core of a Linux operating system. It acts as an interface between your computer's hardware and the applications that run on it. Manjaro not only supports the use of multiple kernels (selectable from the boot screen), but allows easy access to the very latest, bleeding edge kernels as well. All available kernels installed on your system will be presented upon booting up, including backup copies of each kernel version installed. If sub-menus are in effect, you will need to press Enter on the second item of a set.  

Having most supported kernels available means you have the ability choose from having bleeding-edge kernel updates or sticking with a stable LTS kernel.  No matter what kernel you choose, you will still get access to the latest applications.

Having most supported kernels available means you have the ability choose from having bleeding-edge kernel updates or sticking with a stable LTS kernel.  No matter what kernel you choose, you will still get access to the latest applications.

A '''[[Manjaro_Kernels|guide on how to manage kernels]]''' has been provided.

A '''[[Manjaro_Kernels|guide on how to manage kernels]]''' has been provided.

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It is easy to add printers in Manjaro.

It is easy to add printers in Manjaro.