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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Prism Linux is an Arch-based distribution with lots to supply.
- You possibly can select between completely different desktop environments/window managers.
- The Prism Linux installer is likely one of the greatest I’ve ever used.
Should you’ve adopted me lengthy sufficient, you may know that I’ve tried a number of Arch-based Linux distributions to search out the holy grail of installers.
I imagine I’ve discovered it in Prism Linux.
This Arch-based Linux distribution claims to be the “a high-performance system constructed for stability.” What the builders must be calling it’s “The Arch-based distribution with a killer installer and the whole lot you want in a desktop OS.”
You suppose I am kidding? Strive the Prism installer and see what you suppose. As quickly because the installer started, I knew one thing particular was on its method.
Arch-based distro made simple
The Prism Linux installer makes putting in this Arch-based distribution really easy that anybody, no matter expertise, can set up Linux. Throughout set up, you may select which desktop surroundings you need. (I opted for Hyprland.) You additionally get to decide on the purposes you need put in — together with net browsers, desktop instruments, system instruments, utilities, workplace and productiveness, multimedia creation, audio enhancing, communication, code editors and IDEs, improvement instruments, gaming, safety and privateness, and virtualization. Basically, you get to create precisely working system you want… all through the set up.
You additionally get to decide on the kernel you need, resolve whether or not to incorporate Flatpak, allow ZRAM, and set the hostname. As soon as you’ve got performed that, create your person, evaluate the set up, and also you’re off and working. My chosen Prism Linux set up took lower than 5 minutes to finish. (I added a whole lot of additional packages.)
However do not be fooled, the awesomeness that’s Prism would not cease on the installer. Since I put in the Hyprland window supervisor, I used to be excited to present it a go. After I logged in, I discovered the desktop to be fairly lovely.
Should you’re not accustomed to a tiling window supervisor, I extremely suggest you select one of many different choices (comparable to KDE Plasma or GNOME). Nevertheless, in case you’re adventurous, Hyprland is fairly nifty.
Constructed-in AI device included
One of many greatest surprises was that the desktop features a built-in AI device. Click on the highest left icon, and the device seems, prepared on your first question. You first have to pick out a mannequin by typing /mannequin, then deciding on the one you need. You might be restricted to solely three fashions:
- gemini-2.5-flash
- gemini-3-flash
- mistral-medium-3
Every of the above requires an API key, and the app will direct you to the suitable location to search out it.
One of many first issues I spotted is that this occasion of Hyprland would not embrace an app launcher, so I needed to set up rofi, which isn’t the simplest app launcher I’ve ever used. On high of that, the keyboard shortcut for that launcher wasn’t functioning as anticipated.
After which I hit paydirt. In any case my makes an attempt to put in a distinct app launcher, I found the built-in choice, which was fairly good. I did not discover this at first as a result of the launcher was related to the digital desktop switcher. Click on the far proper icon on the dock (the sq. of dots). After I first launched this, I could not get past the truth that Prism had 10 digital desktops created by default.
Above the digital desktop switcher was the launcher I used to be in search of. Kind the app you wish to launch, and also you’re good to go. On high of that, you could possibly use that device as a desktop search device and whilst a calculator.
All was properly with Hyprland on Prism.
This is the factor, although: Should you’re new to Linux, do not set up Prism with Hyprland or Sway. As an alternative, go together with one of many mainstream desktops (comparable to KDE Plasma or GNOME); in any other case, you may end up extra pissed off than not (except you are prepared to spend a very good period of time acclimating to a tiling window supervisor). Do not get me unsuitable, Hyprland is superior — it is simply not the only option for newbies.
Since I’ve used Hyrpland earlier than, I discovered Prism’s tackle the tiling window supervisor fairly good. There are simply sufficient additional goodies to make it stand out from among the different distributions that ship with Hyrpland.
If, alternatively, you wish to take a stroll on the wild facet, do give Hyprland on Prism a attempt. I discovered it to be a whole lot of enjoyable and actually cool trying.
Out of the field goodness
What I actually respect about Prism is that, due to the installer, it contains the whole lot I wanted out of the field. There was nothing I wanted to put in to hit the bottom working with this Linux distribution.
As a result of I used to be in a position to curate solely the software program I wished, I felt as if Prism was one of many extra full out-of-the-box experiences that I would had in fairly a while.
Sure, it is based mostly on Arch Linux, however due to Octopi (the GUI app retailer) and the enjoyment of utilizing Hyprland, it did not really feel like Arch.
Curious? It’s best to actually try Prism Linux. This distro is enjoyable and contains the whole lot you want, with out the challenges of the distribution it is based mostly on. Simply be certain that your first time with Prism is with both KDE Plasma or GNOME. Then, while you’re feeling adventurous, give Hyrland or Sway a attempt. Seize an ISO of Prism Linux from the official obtain web page.
