I customized an Arch-based distro my way in under 5 minutes – and it’s glorious

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Prism Linux is an Arch-based distribution with loads to supply.
• You possibly can select between completely different desktop environments/window managers.
• The Prism Linux installer is without doubt one of the greatest I’ve ever used.

When you’ve adopted me lengthy sufficient, you will know that I’ve tried a number of Arch-based Linux distributions to seek out the holy grail of installers.

I imagine I’ve discovered it in Prism Linux.

Additionally: set up Arch Linux with out dropping your thoughts

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 all the things you want in a desktop OS.”

You assume I am kidding? Strive the Prism installer and see what you assume. As quickly because the installer started, I knew one thing particular was on its method.

Arch-based distro made straightforward

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’ll be able to select which desktop setting you need. (I opted for Hyprland.) You additionally get to decide on the functions you need put in — together with net browsers, desktop instruments, system instruments, utilities, workplace and productiveness, multimedia creation, audio modifying, communication, code editors and IDEs, improvement instruments, gaming, safety and privateness, and virtualization. Primarily, you get to create precisely working system you want… all through the set up. 

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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 have achieved that, create your consumer, evaluation 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 number 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 offer it a go. After I logged in, I discovered the desktop to be fairly stunning.

When you’re not accustomed to a tiling window supervisor, I extremely advocate you select one of many different choices (corresponding to KDE Plasma or GNOME). Nevertheless, should you’re adventurous, Hyprland is fairly nifty.

Constructed-in AI software included

One of many greatest surprises was that the desktop features a built-in AI software. Click on the highest left icon, and the software seems, prepared to your first question. You first have to pick a mannequin by typing /mannequin, then choosing the one you need. You’re 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 seek out it.

One of many first issues I noticed is that this occasion of Hyprland would not embrace an app launcher, so I needed to set up rofi, which isn’t the best app launcher I’ve ever used. On prime of that, the keyboard shortcut for that launcher wasn’t functioning as anticipated.

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After which I hit paydirt. In any case my makes an attempt to put in a distinct app launcher, I found the built-in possibility, 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 on the lookout for. Sort the app you wish to launch, and also you’re good to go. On prime of that, you could possibly use that software as a desktop search software and at the same time as a calculator.

All was nicely with Hyprland on Prism.

Here is the factor, although: When 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 (corresponding to KDE Plasma or GNOME); in any other case, you will end up extra pissed off than not (except you are keen to spend period of time acclimating to a tiling window supervisor). Do not get me improper, Hyprland is superior — it is simply not the only option for newbies.

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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, however, you wish to take a stroll on the wild aspect, do give Hyprland on Prism a attempt. I discovered it to be a number of enjoyable and actually cool trying.

Out of the field goodness

What I actually recognize about Prism is that, because of the installer, it contains all the things 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 needed, I felt as if Prism was one of many extra full out-of-the-box experiences that I might had in fairly a while.

Sure, it is based mostly on Arch Linux, however because of Octopi (the GUI app retailer) and the enjoyment of utilizing Hyprland, it did not really feel like Arch.

Additionally: This glorious-looking Linux distro is in contrast to something I’ve ever seen in my a long time of use

Curious? You need to actually take a look at Prism Linux. This distro is enjoyable and contains all the things you want, with out the challenges of the distribution it is based mostly on. Simply be sure your first time with Prism is with both KDE Plasma or GNOME. Then, once you’re feeling adventurous, give Hyrland or Sway a attempt.  Seize an ISO of Prism Linux from the official obtain web page.