CachyOS This is not just a name that’s meant to catch the eye of users.
It is an attempt to accomplish what the majority of Arch Linux distributions have failed to achieve. It tries turning its parent into an operating system for beginners that also meets the needs of seasoned Linux user.
The still-young newcomer, which first appeared on July 3, 20,21, has a ways to go before it reaches its full goal. It is off to a good start, competing with a few now more experienced Arch distros who are trying to achieve the same goal.
Arch Linux’s ease of use is not an easy task. LinuxInsider has tested some of these leading contenders, as have other Linux developers. Find out what Arch Linux made easy distributions like are good and bad for. Garuda Linux, RebornOS. EndeavourOS.
New users find Arch Linux challenging because of two factors. Installation is one of the challenges for new users. Second, you need to configure your OS. For a more user-friendly Linux, most users choose Debian, RedHat Suse, Fedora and Ubuntu over Arch.
After you’ve installed and configured Arch Linux, the applications in the Arch repositories are similar to those in other distros. In that regard, Linux is Linux is Linux…
CachyOS is a relatively new distro, but it has already proven to be a fast and stable performer. CachyOS offers a number of features that make it an attractive distro for users who want to try Arch Linux.
What’s Inside
CachyOS places a high priority on performance, customization and ease of use. This combination of three factors is rare in Arch Linux.
CachyOS is known for its enhanced desktop packages, security and performance improvements.
The advanced BORE (Burst Oriented response Enhancer) CPU scheduler, as well as a variety options, include CFS and PDS kernel customizations, BMQ and TT.
CachyOS is a tweaking of all kernels that uses optimized x8664v3 and x8664v4 instructions as well as Link-Time Optimizations (LTO). This optimizes speed, reliability and performance.
Linux does not always support dual monitors. CachyOS has mastered the experience from the start.
Arch distros can be updated by rolling releases. This feature must be part of any architecture. The rolling release approach is not universal in non-Arch Linux systems, so system software packages and application packages will be updated frequently in Arch based OSes. It can lead to massive maintenance and digital breakdowns. CachyOS maintains a stable platform despite digital updates.
This tech talk might be confusing for Linux beginners, but it is a good way to see what CachyOS developers are doing that other Arch Linux makers are not.
Too Much To Consider
CachyOS’s variety of desktop environments is one of its main attractions. CachyOS is a relatively new distro. It’s rare to let users choose from KDE, GNOME XFCE i3, bspwm LXQT Openbox Wayfire and Cutefish.
You can select the environment you prefer during the installation process online or download a specific ISO to install it without the Internet.
GNOME is my least favorite desktop in my collection, so I chose it to test this new distro. I wanted to really be impressed by CachyOS without being influenced by a desktop that was more of a favorite.
Gnome integration was excellent. The elegant, contemporary, and user-friendly look of the design gives it a very clean and attractive appearance.
CachyOS is a distro based on Arch designed to be unorthodox. CachyOS’ GNOME Desktop offers a solid computing environment in a simple format.
There are two types of installers. The Calamares installer’s GUI is a great option for Linux (or Arch) beginners. For advanced users, it may be better to choose the simplified command line interface (CLI-based) option. This will provide a satisfying experience without a graphical installation.
The sheer size of this desktop paradise can be overwhelming, especially to Linux beginners. There are many different environments to choose from. Some desktop options, however, are experimental and non-traditional, so you may not like them if they’re not your favorites.
CachyOS Installation Insights
You can install online (via internet) or offline (via ISO files). The latter installs the most recent packages. This is similar to a standard Arch installation, but it eliminates updating your newly-installed system.
I had no problem running the ISO file from a DVD at first to try out CachyOS during a live session. The live session makes no changes to the computer’s hard disk or OS.
This option didn’t work for me when I tried installing the OS on a Virtual Machine. Normally, the VM will read the installation code out of the ISO file in order to complete a virtual installation. Live session allows you to load CachyOS virtualy and test it out before installing the Calamares included.
It worked perfectly when I installed the software directly on the hard drive of my computer, instead of using the virtual drive. But running this distro in virtual machines on my various test PCs failed.
CachyOS Goodies
To make Arch easier to use, you need to modify the system files which control user options. It is also necessary to adapt existing applications. This is called forking code.
Cachy-Browser, for example, is a fork from Firefox that offers enhanced security and performance. It includes patches from the Librewolf web browser, an independent customized version of Firefox that focuses on privacy, security and user freedom.
Pacman is one of Arch’s biggest bugs. Pure Arch relies solely on terminal commands. Pacman, however, has a GUI application that simplifies this process.
This tool shows you the packages that are ready to be updated. Select packages and check or uncheck them.
KISS Principle in Action
CachyOS has a great feature that allows you to easily maximize the tiling. It only takes a single click on the toggle at the top of the screen to maximize the tiling. Keep It Simple, Stupid!
Cachy is like a mini-settings panel. You can use it to activate system-specific settings, change application and kernel settings, and even enable or disable specific applications.
The tiling option there gives you an added desktop element found in the i3 desktop environment — i3 is a tiling window manager entirely written from scratch.
Bottom Line
CachyOS has a better plan and execution than most other Arch-like distros. It supports Nvidia graphics card out of the box.
It is clear that other Linux options would be better suited for novice users. Even the most experienced Linux users do not require Arch’s added layers of security and complexity.
Linux OS is not for everyone. There is no one solution for all users. It is more about the ability to customize and personalize as well as engage in operational challenges.
CachyOS offers a more simple way to enjoy Linux, and some computing features that are not available with other family distributions.
Suggestions for a Review
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