Garuda Linux is a Linux distribution targeted towards gaming[1][2] based on Arch Linux. It is available in multiple desktop environments, but the KDE Plasma version is the main one.[3] The term Garuda, originating from Hinduism and Buddhism, is defined as a divine eagle-like sun bird and the king of birds.[4]
Developer | SGS, Shrinivas Vishnu Kumbhar (Librewish), tbg, dr460nf1r3 (Nico), Yorper, Naman Garg, Filo, TNE, Πέτρος (Petsam), Dalto, Zoeruda, Eduard Tolosa, Ankur Kumar |
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Written in | C, C++, Python, D, Java |
OS family | Arch Linux (Unix-like) |
Working state | Current |
Source model | Open-source |
Initial release | 26 March 2020 |
Latest release | Rolling release / 29 October 2023 |
Repository | gitlab |
Available in | Over 50 languages |
Package manager | Pacman |
Kernel type | Linux Zen, based on the Linux Kernel |
Default user interface | KDE (Dr460nized Theme) |
License | GPLv3 |
Official website | garudalinux |
Garuda Linux, being based on Arch, features a rolling release update model using Pacman as its package manager.[1]
Garuda Linux was released on 26 March 2020 by Shrinivas Vishnu Kumbhar, a university student from India and SGS from Germany.[5]
The operating system provides GUIs for all operations, instead of focusing on the command line like Arch Linux.[6] Garuda Linux installation process is done with Calamares, a graphical installer. The bootloader used is GRUB. The distribution uses the btfrs file system by default which supports snapshots.[2] The snapshots can be accessed from the bootloader and support compression.[2] Garuda includes Manjaro's pamac GUI frontend for Pacman that allows for the installation of packages from pacman and Snap and Flatpak packages.[7] Support for the AUR is provided by Chaotic-AUR. The command line can also be used. It also includes Garuda Settings Manager, a program for system settings such as the kernel, and Garuda Assistant for changing admin settings.[4] The main theme of Garuda Linux is a custom KDE Plasma theme known as Dra460nized (dragonized) which resembles macOS.[6]
Garuda Linux includes Garuda Gamer, a GUI offering easy installation of gaming related packages.[4][1]
The rolling release model means system software components are updated during normal software updates, instead of a special software update having to be used.[3]
Garuda Linux's flagship desktop environment is KDE Plasma, but it offers other desktop environments such as Cinnamon, GNOME, Deepin, XFCE, i3, and Hyprland.[1] Support for the newest version of KDE Plasma, Plasma 6, is available.[8]
Garuda Linux's hardware requirements vary depending on the desktop environment used. The system requirements are listed below:[9]
Garuda Linux also requires a storage device for the ISO file that contains 4 GB of space for their standard versions. Larger desktop environments such as KDE require a storage device with 8 GB storage space available.