The Ultimate Manjaro Linux User Guide: Getting Started and Beyond

Manjaro Linux, based on Arch Linux, is known for its user-friendly experience combined with the power and flexibility of a rolling release system.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to try Linux for the first time or an experienced user wanting to leverage Manjaro’s features, this guide will walk you through essential tips, installation steps, and advanced features to help you make the most out of your Manjaro Linux experience.

What is Manjaro Linux?

Manjaro Linux is a free and open-source operating system that offers the simplicity of Arch Linux with added user-friendly tools and interfaces. It provides:

• Rolling Release: Continuous updates without needing full reinstallation.
• User-Friendly Interface: Manjaro’s pre-configured desktop environments make it accessible to both new and experienced Linux users.
• Extensive Software Repositories: Access to both Arch User Repository (AUR) and official Manjaro repositories.

Getting Started: Download and Install Manjaro Linux

Step 1: Download the ISO

Choose the desktop environment that suits you best:

• XFCE: Lightweight and highly customizable.
• KDE Plasma: Visually appealing and feature-rich.
• GNOME: Modern, simple, and minimalistic.

Download the ISO file from the official Manjaro website.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (cross-platform) to create a bootable USB:

1. Insert a USB drive (minimum 4 GB capacity).
2. Open Rufus or Etcher, select the Manjaro ISO, and create the bootable drive.

Step 3: Boot and Install Manjaro

1. Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.
2. Select Start Manjaro Linux from the boot menu.
3. Run the Manjaro Installer once the live environment loads. Follow the installation prompts:
   • Choose your language, location, and keyboard layout.
   • Select your partitioning method (automatic or manual).
   • Create a user account and set a strong password.
4. Confirm the installation settings and let the process complete. Reboot the system when prompted and remove the USB drive.

Initial Setup and Configuration

First Login and Update

Log in with your new user account and update the system:

sudo pacman -Syu

This command ensures that all software and security patches are up to date.

Enable AUR for Extended Software Options

1. Open Pamac (the software manager).
2. Go to Preferences and enable AUR support.
3. Use Pamac to search for and install software from both official repositories and AUR.

Installing Essential Software

Manjaro comes with a good selection of default applications, but you may want to install additional tools:

• Web Browsers: Install Firefox or Chromium:

sudo pacman -S firefox

• Office Suite: LibreOffice is available for productivity tasks:

sudo pacman -S libreoffice-fresh

• Development Tools: Install programming languages and IDEs:

sudo pacman -S code python nodejs

Customizing Your Desktop Environment

Change Themes and Icons

• Access the Appearance settings to change themes, icons, and fonts.
• Download additional themes from the Manjaro Settings Manager or online repositories like Pling.

Configure Startup Applications

Control which applications run at startup:

• Go to Session and Startup settings (for XFCE) or Startup Applications (for GNOME/KDE).
• Add or remove applications based on your preferences.

Managing Software with Pacman and Pamac

Pacman is the command-line package manager for Manjaro:

• Install packages:

sudo pacman -S package_name

• Remove packages:

sudo pacman -R package_name

Pamac is the graphical alternative:

• Use Pamac Manager to browse and install applications with a user-friendly interface.

Enabling Advanced Features

Setting Up Snap and Flatpak

Install Snap and Flatpak to access even more software:

• Snap:

sudo pacman -S snapd
sudo systemctl enable –now snapd.socket

• Flatpak:

sudo pacman -S flatpak

Using Timeshift for System Backups

Install Timeshift to create system snapshots and restore points:

sudo pacman -S timeshift

Configure it to schedule automatic backups and protect your system from potential issues.

Security Tips

• Enable UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) for basic firewall protection:

sudo pacman -S ufw
sudo ufw enable

• Regular Updates: Always keep your system updated to get the latest security patches and features.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Broken Dependencies: Run:

sudo pacman -Syyu

• Corrupted Packages: Clear the cache and reinstall:

sudo pacman -Scc
sudo pacman -S package_name

Manjaro Linux is a powerful and user-friendly distribution that offers a balance between simplicity and control.

By following this guide, you can set up and customize your Manjaro system to meet your needs, install essential software, and maintain system security and performance.

Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, Manjaro provides the flexibility and tools you need to make your computing experience productive and enjoyable.