I Finally Found An Arch-based Linux Distro Even Newbies Can Run

1 week ago

StormOS is simply a well-tuned, user-friendly return connected Arch Linux

Follow ZDNET: Add america arsenic a preferred source connected Google.

ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

StormOS makes Arch Linux much user-friendly and accessible.
Preloaded apps and Zen kernel boost capacity retired of nan box.
Minor drawbacks: RustDesk clutter and Xfce complexity for newbies.

Arch Linux tends to get a bad rap for being excessively difficult to usage for anyone who's not spent months aliases years utilizing Linux. If you've ne'er touched Linux, that rap is beautiful spot on, because Arch Linux is 1 of those distributions wherever nan bid statement is not astir arsenic optional arsenic it is on, say, Ubuntu.

There are a fewer takes connected Arch Linux (such arsenic Manjaro Linux and EndeavorOS) that spell a agelong measurement to alleviate nan symptom of utilizing 1 of nan much challenging Linux distributions. Another action is StormOS, which is simply a Linux distribution I'd not heard of until I ran into it by accident. My curiosity was instantly piqued, and I downloaded an ISO and fired up VirtualBox to rotation up a virtual machine.

Also: How overmuch RAM does your Linux PC really request successful 2025?

As soon arsenic nan installer fired up, I knew this was going to beryllium a return connected Arch that was acold much user-friendly. It wasn't until nan installation was vanished and I logged successful for nan first clip that I realized StormOS not only achieved its goal, but surpassed it.

What makes StormOS specified a bully Arch option?

There are 3 features of StormOS that had maine hooked correct away. The first characteristic was nan updates. A infinitesimal aliases truthful aft I logged successful for nan first time, I was alerted to updates. I clicked Install, and nan update began.

This is really updates connected Linux should be: painless and quick.

The package head GUI is nary different than Pamac, but StormOS gives it a taxable that makes it look a spot much modern than different Arch-based distributions I've tried. From this easy-to-use GUI, you tin instal each nan Linux apps you need.

Also: This caller Arch Linux instrumentality takes nan hassle retired of keeping packages up to day - here's how

The 2nd characteristic is that, retired of nan box, StormOS includes each nan package you request to do your thing. You'll find some LibreOffice and OnlyOffice, VLC media player, Chromium, StormOS Browser (aka Icarus Browser), and more.

Finally, StormOS uses nan Zen kernel, which is simply a Linux kernel that's modified for capacity and responsiveness. Because of that, StormOS performs really, really good (probably amended than astir different Arch-based distributions I've tried). It doesn't wounded that StormOS uses nan Xfce desktop, which is simply a lightweight UI, truthful nan operation of nan 2 is beautiful special.

Also: 5 reasons to move to an immutable Linux distro coming - and which to effort first

When you put each of this together, StormOS makes for a well-tuned, user-friendly return connected Arch Linux.

Surely location are negatives... right?

OK, I confess that erstwhile I deliberation astir nan user-friendly facet of StormOS, location are astatine slightest a mates of things that travel to mind.

First, there's an icon connected nan desktop branded RustDesk. What is this? Essentially, RustDesk is simply a self-hosted distant desktop solution that allows you to link to distant machines, ala TeamViewer. This is 1 of those apps that caller users are going to unfastened and think, "What is this point I'm looking at?" From my perspective, it would person been amended not to see that connected nan desktop and tuck it distant successful nan Internet aliases Other paper category.

Also: This Arch-based Linux distro has a clean, privacy-focused acquisition for tinkerers

Second (and I dislike to opportunity this) is that Xfce isn't precisely nan champion prime for caller users. Why? Well, Xfce is highly configurable, truthful overmuch truthful that it tin beryllium intimidating for those who aren't utilized to having truthful galore options astatine their disposal. All you person to do is unfastened nan Settings class and you'll spot conscionable really galore options location are to take from.

Those 2 negatives do not return distant from nan truth that StormOS is still a user-friendly Linux distribution. Even if you've ne'er utilized Linux before, you tin activity pinch StormOS. As agelong arsenic you don't spell poking astir excessively overmuch successful that Settings menu, you shouldn't person immoderate problem pinch this Arch-based distribution.

Who is StormOS champion suited for?

I've ever been hesitant to opportunity that immoderate Arch-based distribution is suited for those who've ne'er touched Linux. And though I still clasp to that opinion, I cannot contradict that StormOS could beryllium adopted by personification who's ne'er utilized Linux and not origin them immoderate problems. As agelong arsenic that personification understands that they aren't moving pinch Windows, they'll beryllium fine.

Also: How to instal Linux applications from nan bid line

These days, astir group don't task beyond a web browser, and a web browser is simply a web browser, sloppy of nan OS. They each usability beautiful overmuch nan same, and if you've utilized Chrome (or Chromium) connected Windows, you won't person immoderate problem pinch Chromium connected StormOS.

Also: How to instal Arch Linux without losing your mind

If you're willing successful StormOS, caput complete to nan official download site, drawback an ISO, pain it to a USB drive, footwear it connected a spare machine, and install. Or, if you are truthful inclined, trial it arsenic a virtual machine. Either way, I deliberation you'll beryllium impressed pinch what nan StormOS developers person created.