Garuda Linux
Garuda Linux is a Linux distribution based on the Arch Linux[1] operating system. Garuda Linux is available in wide range of popular Linux desktop environments, including modified versions of the KDE Plasma 5 desktop environment. It features a rolling release update model using Pacman as its package manager. The term Garuda, originates from Hinduism, which is defined as a divine eagle-like sun bird and the king of birds.
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Developer | Librewish 🇮🇳 (Shrinivas Vishnu Kumbhar), SGS 🇩🇪, tbg 🇨🇦, dr460nf1r3 (Nico) 🇩🇪, Yorper 🇦🇺, Naman Garg 🇮🇳, Rohit 🇮🇳, TNE 🇦🇹, Πέτρος (Petsam) 🇬🇷, Dalto 🇺🇸 |
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Written in | C, C++, Python, D, Java |
OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
Working state | Current |
Source model | Open-source |
Initial release | March 26, 2020 |
Latest release | Rolling release |
Repository | https://gitlab.com/garuda-linux |
Available in | Over 50 languages |
Package manager | Pacman |
Kernel type | Linux Zen |
Preceded by | Arch Linux |
Official website | https://garudalinux.org/ |

Desktop Environments
Garuda Linux KDE comes in three variants; Dragonized, Dragonized Gaming and Dragonized BlackArch.
Garuda Linux GNOME features Garuda Linux's own customized dark theme and light theme of GNOME.
Garuda Linux Xfce, which features Garuda Linux's own dark theme and light theme of Xfce.
Garuda Linux LXQt-kwin, which features Garuda Linux's own dark theme and light theme of LXQt-kwin.
Garuda Linux Wayfire, which features Garuda Linux's own dark theme and light theme of Wayfire.
Garuda Linux Qtile, which features Garuda Linux's own dark theme and light theme of Qtile.
Garuda Linux i3wm, which features Garuda Linux's own dark theme and light theme of i3wm.
Garuda Linux Sway, which features Garuda Linux's own dark theme and light theme of Sway.
Community Editions of Garuda Linux as Garuda Linux Mate & Garuda Linux Cinnamon also exists.
Garuda Linux comes with an option called Barebones for advanced users. It's meant for users who do not want extra software and functionalities. Barebones KDE and GNOME have minimum packages that allow the Operating System to run simple functionalities. Garuda Linux does not provide any support for Barebone users, as the user has the liberty to control their Linux distribution. Garuda Linux provides multiple environments, but the ISO's are packed with either one of the environments only. Others can be installed manually.[2]
System Requirements
Garuda Linux hardware requirements vary on the Desktop Environment used, but are very similar.[3]
- Minimum requirements:
- 30 GB storage
- 4 GB RAM
- Recommended requirements:
- 40 GB storage
- 8GB RAM
Garuda Linux also requires a thumbdrive that contains 4GB space for their standard versions. Gaming Desktop Environments require a thumbdrive with 8GB storage space available.[4]
Installation
The official Garuda Linux website supplies ISO images that can be run using a USB which contains 4GB/8GB of storage space, depending on the ISO image chosen. After the user has their partitions and formats set up on their drive, they can insert the thumbdrive and boot into it from the BIOS. Calamares will begin its process and present the user with a GUI installer.[5][3][6][7]
Garuda Linux uses a rolling release update model in which new packages are supplied throughout the day. Pacman, the package manager, allows users to easily update their system.
Features
Garuda Linux installation process is done with Calamares, a graphical installer.[8][9] The rolling release model means that the user does not need to upgrade/reinstall the whole operating system to keep it up-to-date inline with the latest release. Package management is handled by Pacman via command line, and front-end UI package manager tools such as the pre-installed Pamac. It can be configured as either a stable system (default) or bleeding edge in line with Arch. Garuda Linux includes colorized UI which comes in various options, with the option to further customize the users preferences.
History
Garuda Linux was released on 26 March 2020.[10] Garuda Linux is developed by developers around the world. Founded by Shrinivas Vishnu Kumbhar (India) and SGS (Germany). https://garudalinux.org/about.html
References
- "Arch-based distributions - ArchWiki". wiki.archlinux.org.
- "DistroWatch.com: Garuda Linux". distrowatch.com.
- "Garuda Linux Installation - Garuda Linux Dual Boot". 23 September 2020.
- "Garuda Linux | Downloads".
- "Install Garuda Linux DUAL BOOT with Windows 10 Step-By-Step". 29 November 2020.
- "How to Install Garuda KDE Dragonized". 16 January 2021.
- Dimitrios. "Garuda Linux Review: Pure Arch With GUI Tools and Good Looks". itsfoss.com/. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
- Name, Your. "About". Calamares.
- "Garuda Linux". SourceForge. Retrieved 2021-09-20.
- "Garuda Linux".