I was surprised to recently discover that CachyOS has taken over the top spot as the most popular Linux distro, usurping the likes of Mint and Ubuntu. So, I loaded CachyOS’s live edition via a Ventoy bootable drive to see for myself.
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CachyOS Mini Review
CachyOS is an Arch-based Linux distro with an emphasis on speed. There is a lot of typical Linux mumbo-jumbo in the blurb throughout CachyOS’s home page, but what it all essentially boils down to is that CachyOS is very fast.
CachyOS is also highly customizable with a comprehensive set of desktop environments and other packages to choose from:
(click image to enlarge)
It should be pointed out that the options already ticked in the above screenshot are enabled by default to provide an optimal experience. So, while experienced Linux users can pick and choose, newbies can simply go with the defaults.
CachyOS comes with all required software, including Firefox as the default browser, so in typical Linux fashion, it’s all ready to use out of the box. There is no email client included, but with the popularity of online webmail clients such as Gmail and Outlook.com, I can understand that decision.
There are, however, several very good local email clients available via CachyOS’s ample software repository, including Thunderbird and Geary, the latter of which I believe is very popular.
The default Plasma desktop is very Windows-like, complete with Start menu and Taskbar, so Windows converts should find the layout familiar.
As for speed, yes, it is extremely responsive, especially considering it was loaded from an old USB flash drive. I can only imagine how much quicker it might be when loaded from a modern SSD. So, a solid pass on that score.
BOTTOM LINE:
With its comprehensive customization options and genuine speed, I can understand CachyOS’s popularity among Linux users. However, I feel that those very same comprehensive customization options that appeal to Linux users might represent a put-off for Linux newbies.
In my opinion, and it’s only my opinion, CachyOS is highly suitable for intermediate to advanced Linux users, but newbies converting from Windows might find it a tad confusing.
- For more information, plus download link visit: CachyOS Home Page
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