Screenshot by JackWallen/ZDNET
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Prism Linux is an Arch-based distribution with lots to supply.
- You’ll be able to select between totally different desktop environments/window managers.
- The Prism Linux installer is likely one of the finest I’ve ever used.
Should 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.
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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 every part you want in a desktop OS.”
You assume I am kidding? Attempt the Prism installer and see what you assume. As quickly because the installer started, I knew one thing particular was on its manner.
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 possibly can select which desktop atmosphere you need. (I opted for Hyprland.) You additionally get to decide on the functions you need put in — together with internet 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. Basically, you get to create precisely working system you want… all in the course of 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’ve got accomplished that, create your consumer, evaluate the set up, and also you’re off and operating. 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 does not cease on the installer. Since I put in the Hyprland window supervisor, I used to be excited to present it a go. Once I logged in, I discovered the desktop to be fairly stunning.
Should you’re not accustomed to a tiling window supervisor, I extremely suggest you select one of many different choices (similar to KDE Plasma or GNOME). Nonetheless, should you’re adventurous, Hyprland is fairly nifty.
Constructed-in AI software included
One of many largest surprises was that the desktop features a built-in AI software. Click on the highest left icon, and the software seems, prepared in your first question. You first have to pick out a mannequin by typing /mannequin, then deciding on 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.
This can be a actually helpful addition for many who rely upon AI.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
One of many first issues I noticed is that this occasion of Hyprland does not embrace an app launcher, so I needed to set up rofi, which isn’t the best app launcher I’ve ever used. On high 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). Once I first launched this, I could not get past the truth that Prism had 10 digital desktops created by default.
Do not be foolish like me and miss out on the built-in launcher.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Above the digital desktop switcher was the launcher I used to be in search of. Sort the app you wish to launch, and also you’re good to go. On high of that, you possibly can use that software as a desktop search software and whilst a calculator.
All was nicely with Hyprland on Prism.
Here is the factor, although: Should you’re new to Linux, do not set up Prism with Hyprland or Sway. As a substitute, go along with one of many mainstream desktops (similar to KDE Plasma or GNOME); in any other case, you will end up extra annoyed than not (except you are keen to spend a superb period of time acclimating to a tiling window supervisor). Do not get me flawed, 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 a few of the different distributions that ship with Hyrpland.
If, alternatively, you wish to take a stroll on the wild aspect, do give Hyprland on Prism a strive. I discovered it to be a whole lot of enjoyable and actually cool wanting.
Out of the field goodness
What I actually respect about Prism is that, due to the installer, it consists of every part I wanted out of the field. There was nothing I wanted to put in to hit the bottom operating with this Linux distribution.
There are such a lot of apps you possibly can select from in the course of the set up.
Jack Wallen/ZDNET
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 primarily based on Arch Linux, however due to Octopi (the GUI app retailer) and the enjoyment of utilizing Hyprland, it did not really feel like Arch.
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Curious? It is best to actually take a look at Prism Linux. This distro is enjoyable and consists of every part you want, with out the challenges of the distribution it is primarily based on. Simply be sure your first time with Prism is with both KDE Plasma or GNOME. Then, whenever you’re feeling adventurous, give Hyrland or Sway a strive. Seize an ISO of Prism Linux from the official obtain web page.
