BigLinux

Overview

BigLinux is a free and open-source Linux distribution originating in Brazil and maintained by Bruno Gonçalves and a volunteer community. Originally based on Kubuntu, it transitioned to Deepin in 2017, and finally to Manjaro Linux in 2021. It uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment by default (with support for community distributions such as GNOME, Xfce, and Cinnamon). Designed with user-friendliness, aesthetics, and versatility in mind, BigLinux targets a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced users. It offers support in Brazilian Portuguese and English (with Chinese supported via KDE System Settings). It uses a rolling update model and is based on Manjaro's Pacman package manager. It supports Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage, and offers automatic conversion of .deb and .rpm packages. BigLinux comes pre-installed with a rich set of applications (such as Firefox, LibreOffice, GIMP, Steam, Krita, and Transmission) to support gaming, productivity, multimedia, and development tasks. Its slogan is "In search of the perfect system," and it focuses on stability, aesthetics, and ease of use.

History and Development

• Origins:
  • 2001: Founded by Bruno Gonçalves, initially based on Kurumin (based on Knoppix), offering KDE, GNOME, IceWM, and Fluxbox desktops.
  • August 19, 2004: BigLinux 1.0 released, based on Kurumin and Kubuntu, emphasizing 3D desktop effects.
  • 2017: Based on Deepin, offering Cinnamon and Deepin desktop environments.
  • 2021: Migrated to Manjaro, using KDE Plasma by default, with support for Pacman, Flatpak, and Snap.
• Development History:
  • April 2019: BigLinux 19.04 released, based on Deepin, offering KDE Plasma and LXQt desktops.
  • 2022: A new version based on Manjaro will be released, adding web apps (such as Netflix and Spotify), Waydroid (for running Android apps), and ZSTD file compression.
  • June 2025: The latest version will be based on Manjaro, offering KDE Plasma 6 and multiple kernels (Xanmod, TKG, and Amber).
• Community and Support:
  • Maintained by Bruno Gonçalves and volunteers, the website biglinux.com.br is available in Portuguese and English (Chinese is supported via KDE System Settings).
  • Support channels: Forums (communitybig.org), GitHub (216 repositories, such as biglinux-settings and big-store). A Reddit user called BigLinux "the most beautiful distribution, with excellent polish."
• Open Source License:
  • GPL.

Key Features

BigLinux is designed with user-friendliness, aesthetics, and versatility at its core, making it suitable for both beginners and developers. Here are its key features:

1. Beautiful KDE Plasma Desktop
   • KDE Plasma 6 is used by default, offering multiple layouts (Classic, New, Modern, K-unity, Next-G, Desk-X) similar to macOS or Windows.
   • Integrated BigBashView control center simplifies theme, wallpaper, and layout settings.
2. Manjaro-Based Rolling Updates
   • Based on Manjaro (an Arch Linux derivative), it uses rolling updates to maintain the latest software and security patches.
   • Using Pacman package management, it supports AUR, Flatpak, and Snap, and automatically converts .deb/.rpm packages.
3. Rich Pre-installed Software
   • Pre-installed Firefox, LibreOffice, GIMP, Krita, Transmission, Steam, Lutris, Spotify, Deezer, and web apps (Netflix, Discord, Google Play).
   • Supports Waydroid for running Android apps.
4. Performance and Hardware Support
   • Minimum requirements: 2GB RAM, 8GB disk, 64-bit CPU (4GB RAM, 40GB disk recommended).
   • Supports multiple kernels (Xanmod, TKG, Amber), compatible with Intel, AMD, and Nvidia (Secure Boot disabled).
   • Idle usage: 1-1.5GB RAM, 1-10% CPU.
5. Security and Privacy
   • Default support for ZSTD file compression to save disk space.
   • Integrated SSH manager for GUI configuration.
   • No ad data collection.
6. Mobile Office and Live Mode
   • Supports Live USB mode, created using Ventoy or Etcher.
   • Integrated with KDE Connect, enabling collaboration between mobile and PC.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Beautiful and User-Friendly:
  • KDE Plasma's various layouts (Next-G, K-unity) are superior to Voyager Linux's GNOME/Xfce.
  • A Reddit user called BigLinux "the most beautiful distribution, with excellent polish."
• Rolling Updates:
  • Based on Manjaro, it maintains the latest software, superior to Ubuntu's fixed version updates.
• Rich Pre-installed Software:
  • Includes Krita, Transmission, Steam, web applications, and Flatpak support for ONLYOFFICE.
• Hardware Compatibility:
  • Supports multiple kernels, suitable for both modern and older hardware.
• Community Support:
  • Active forums (communitybig.org) and GitHub.

Limitations

• Language Issues:
  • Some Control Center menus (such as the Driver Manager) are still in Portuguese.
• Rolling Update Stability:
  • Manjaro rolling updates may introduce instability.
• Community Size:
  • The community is smaller than Ubuntu and primarily Portuguese-speaking.
• Resource Usage:
  • KDE Plasma consumes 1-1.5 GB of RAM, more than Puppy Linux.

Summary

BigLinux is a free, open-source Linux distribution based on Manjaro and KDE Plasma 6. It focuses on aesthetics (with multiple layouts, such as Next-G and K-unity), user-friendliness, and versatility. It uses rolling updates, supports Pacman, Flatpak, and Snap, and comes pre-installed with Krita, Transmission, LibreOffice, Steam, and more. The latest version (June 2025) offers a variety of kernels (Xanmod, TKG, Amber) suitable for gaming, office and development tasks.