Garuda Linux

Overview

Garuda Linux is an open source Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, focusing on performance optimization, beautiful interface and user-friendliness, especially designed for gamers and desktop users. It provides multiple desktop environments (default KDE Plasma Dr460nized), known for its gorgeous "cyberpunk" style and ease of use. Garuda Linux adopts a rolling update model (Rolling Release), provides the latest software through the Pacman package manager and Chaotic-AUR, supports BTRFS file system and automatic snapshots, and ensures system stability and recoverability. Garuda Linux aims to simplify the complexity of Arch Linux and provide graphical tools (such as Garuda Assistant) to make it suitable for novice and advanced users.

History and Development

• Origin:
  • Garuda Linux was released on March 26, 2020 by Indian college student Shrinivas Vishnu Kumbhar and German developer SGS. It is based on Arch Linux and Manjaro and aims to provide a user-friendly Arch experience.
  • The name "Garuda" comes from the "Garuda" in Indian mythology, which is the king of birds and the mount of Vishnu. It symbolizes strength and speed, which is reflected in its eagle-shaped logo.
• Development history:
  • 2020: Garuda Linux is released for the first time, providing KDE Plasma Dr460nized (neon style similar to macOS) and Calamares graphical installer.
  • 2022: Introducing Garuda Gamer (game package installation GUI) and Snap/Flatpak support to enhance gaming functions.
  • 2023: Release Spizaetus version, test KDE Plasma 6, and optimize BTRFS snapshots.
  • 2024-2025: Garuda Linux continues to roll out updates, supports new kernels (such as Linux Zen 6.10) and GPU drivers, and enhances AI workload performance.
  • X post said "Garuda's Dr460nized interface is as beautiful as a work of art."
• Community and Support:
  • Maintained by the Garuda Linux team and community, hosted at garudalinux.org and GitHub.
  • Provides forums (forum.garudalinux.org), Discord and X communities.
• Open Source License:
  • Adopts GNU GPL v2 (core components), MIT and other free software licenses, compatible with Arch Linux.

Main Features

Garuda Linux is known for its beautiful interface, performance optimization and ease of use, suitable for development and games. Here are its main features:

1. Beautiful desktop environment
   • Default desktop:
     • KDE Plasma Dr460nized: neon style, similar to macOS, with transparent effects and cyberpunk themes.
     • X posts say "Garuda's KDE interface is the coolest in Linux."
   • Other desktops:
     • Support GNOME, XFCE, Cinnamon, LXQt, MATE, Deepin, UKUI, etc.
2. Performance optimization
   • Linux Zen kernel:
     • Optimizes high-load tasks (such as games, AI, development), faster than the standard kernel.
   • ZRAM and pre-configuration:
     • Use ZRAM to compress memory and optimize the performance of low-memory devices.
     • Pre-installed tools (such as Neofetch, htop) to monitor the system.
3. BTRFS file system and snapshots
   • BTRFS:
     • Default file system, supports snapshots, compression and subvolumes.
     • Automatic backup through Timeshift, save the last 5 snapshots, and restore from GRUB.
4. Graphical tools
   • Garuda Assistant:
     • Graphical interface management of kernel, driver, system service and mirror list.
   • Pamac:
     • GUI package manager, supports Pacman, AUR, Snap and Flatpak.
   • Garuda Gamer:
     • Graphical installation of game-related packages (such as Steam, Wine).
5. Game and multimedia support
   • Game optimization:
     • Pre-installed GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD) and game tools (Steam, Lutris).
     • X post said "Garuda's gaming performance is comparable to Windows".
   • Multimedia:
     • Supports MuseScore, Shotcut and Firefox, suitable for sound and video editing.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• User-friendly:
  • Calamares installer and Garuda Assistant simplify Arch Linux configuration.
  • X post said "Garuda makes Arch simple".
• Beautiful interface:
  • KDE Plasma Dr460nized provides a cyberpunk style to attract visually oriented users.
• Performance optimization:
  • Zen kernel and ZRAM improve development and game performance.
• BTRFS snapshot:
  • Automatic backup ensures system stability, suitable for project development.
• Multi-platform support:
  • Supports x86_64, ARM64, VirtualBox and cloud deployment.

Limitations

• Resource usage:
  • KDE Plasma and Zen kernels require high-performance devices (minimum 4GB RAM, recommended 8GB+).
  • Solution: Use XFCE or LXQt lightweight desktop.
• Rolling update risks:
  • Rolling updates may introduce unstable packages.
  • Solution: BTRFS snapshots and Timeshift recovery system.
• Learning curve:
  • Although simpler than Arch Linux, you still need to be familiar with Pacman and AUR.
• Community size:
  • Smaller than Ubuntu, fewer resources.
  • Solution: Combine Arch Wiki and X tutorials.

Summary

Garuda Linux is an open source distribution based on Arch Linux, featuring a beautiful KDE Plasma Dr460nized desktop, a high-performance Zen kernel, and BTRFS snapshots, suitable for gaming, development, and desktop users. It simplifies the complexity of Arch Linux and provides a user-friendly experience through the Calamares installer and Garuda Assistant.