Manjaro 25.0 (Zetar) Released: What's New and How to Get It

The Manjaro Linux team has just unveiled Manjaro 25.0, codenamed Zetar, marking the newest stable release for this Arch Linux-based distro. It comes in Xfce, GNOME, and KDE Plasma flavors, offering something for every user. Let's dive into what makes this release stand out.

What is Manjaro Linux?

Manjaro Linux is a user-friendly, Arch Linux-based operating system. It’s designed to be accessible to both beginners and advanced users, providing a stable and up-to-date computing experience. Manjaro stands out due to its ease of installation, pre-configured desktop environments, and a rolling release model, ensuring you always have the latest software.

Why Choose Manjaro 25.0?

Manjaro 25.0 offers a blend of stability and cutting-edge features. Here’s why you might want to consider upgrading or trying it out:

• Latest Desktop Environments: Enjoy the newest versions of Xfce 4.20, GNOME 48, and KDE Plasma 6.3. Each desktop environment brings its own unique look and feel, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your workflow and preferences.
• Up-to-Date Software: Most core components and default applications have been updated to their latest versions. The KDE Plasma edition, for example, features KDE Gear 24.12.3 and KDE Frameworks 6.12.
• Enhanced File System: Btrfs is now the default file system for new installations, complete with automatic snapshots. While EXT4, XFS, and F2FS are still supported, Btrfs offers advanced features like data integrity and easy rollback in case of issues.
• Long-Term Support: The release is powered by the Linux 6.12 LTS kernel series, ensuring long-term stability and security updates.

Key Features of Manjaro 25.0

Linux Kernel 6.12 LTS

The Linux 6.12 LTS kernel provides a solid foundation for Manjaro 25.0, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware and providing long-term support. This kernel version includes numerous performance improvements and security updates.

Xfce 4.20

Xfce is known for being lightweight and customizable. The 4.20 version includes several enhancements:

• Improved performance and reduced memory usage.
• Updated icons and themes for a modern look.
• Better support for high DPI displays.
• Customizable panels and menus.

GNOME 48

GNOME 48 brings a sleek and intuitive user interface, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. Key features include:

• Redesigned system settings for better navigation.
• Enhanced search functionality in the Activities Overview.
• Improved support for Wayland, offering better performance and security.
• Updated core applications like Nautilus (Files) and GNOME Software.

KDE Plasma 6.3

KDE Plasma 6.3 offers a highly customizable and feature-rich desktop environment. Highlights include:

• Modern and polished look with adaptive theming.
• Improved Wayland support for enhanced performance.
• KDE Gear 24.12.3 and KDE Frameworks 6.12, providing the latest applications and libraries.
• Enhanced system settings and customization options.

Btrfs as Default File System

Btrfs (B-tree file system) is a modern file system offering several advantages over traditional file systems like EXT4:

• Automatic Snapshots: Easily revert to previous states in case of system issues.
• Data Integrity: Built-in checksumming to detect and repair data corruption.
• Copy-on-Write: Efficiently manage disk space and improve performance.
• While Btrfs is now the default, you can still choose EXT4, XFS, or F2FS during installation.

How to Download and Install Manjaro 25.0

Downloading Manjaro 25.0

You can download Manjaro 25.0 from the official website. The ISO images are available with the Xfce, KDE Plasma, and GNOME desktop environments. Each edition comes in Full and Minimal variants, featuring the Linux 6.12 LTS, Linux 6.6 LTS, and Linux 6.1 LTS kernels.

Download Links:
Manjaro Official Website

Choose the desktop environment that suits you best and download the corresponding ISO image.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Once you’ve downloaded the ISO image, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive. Here’s how:

• Using Rufus (Windows):
• Download Rufus from the official website.
• Insert a USB drive into your computer.
• Open Rufus and select the downloaded Manjaro ISO image.
• Ensure the partition scheme is set to GPT if you have a UEFI system, or MBR for older BIOS systems.
• Click Start and wait for the process to complete.
• Using Etcher (Cross-Platform):
• Download Etcher from the official website.
• Insert a USB drive into your computer.
• Open Etcher and select the downloaded Manjaro ISO image.
• Select the USB drive and click Flash.
• Wait for the process to complete.

Booting from the USB Drive

After creating the bootable USB drive, you need to boot your computer from it:

• Restart your computer.
• During startup, press the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually Del, F2, F12, or Esc).
• In the BIOS/UEFI settings, find the boot order options.
• Set the USB drive as the first boot device.
• Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.

Installation Process

Once you boot from the USB drive, you’ll be greeted with the Manjaro live environment. Here’s how to install Manjaro:

Start the Installer:

• Double-click the “Install Manjaro” icon on the desktop.
• The Calamares installer will launch, guiding you through the installation process.
• Select Your Language and Location:
• Choose your preferred language and location.
• Click Next to continue.
• Choose Your Keyboard Layout:
• Select your keyboard layout.
• Click Next to continue.
• Partitioning:
• Choose how you want to partition your hard drive. You have several options:
• Erase Disk: This will erase the entire disk and install Manjaro.
• Manual Partitioning: This allows you to create and format partitions manually. This is recommended for advanced users.
• Alongside: Install Manjaro alongside an existing operating system.
• If you choose manual partitioning, you’ll need to create the following partitions:
• Root Partition (/): This is where the operating system will be installed. Allocate at least 20GB.
• Swap Partition: This is used for virtual memory. The size should be equal to your RAM or double your RAM if you have less than 8GB.
• EFI Partition (for UEFI systems): This is required for booting on UEFI systems. Allocate about 300MB and set the mount point to /boot/efi.
• Select User Information:
• Enter your name, username, and password.
• You can also choose to log in automatically.
• Choose Office Suite and Additional Software:
• Select the office suite and any additional software you want to install.

Review and Install:

• Review your settings and click Install to begin the installation process.
• Wait for the installation to complete.
• Once the installation is finished, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer.

First Steps After Installation

After installing Manjaro 25.0, here are a few things you should do to get started:

Update Your System:

• Open a terminal and run the following commands:
• sudo pacman -Syu
• This will update your system to the latest packages.
• Install Hardware Drivers:
• Go to System Settings > Hardware Configuration.
• Install any proprietary drivers for your graphics card or other hardware.

Configure Your Desktop Environment:

Customize your desktop environment to your liking. You can change the theme, icons, fonts, and more.

Install Additional Software:

Use the Pamac Package Manager to install any additional software you need.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter any issues during or after installation, here are a few common problems and their solutions:

Boot Issues:

• If you can’t boot into Manjaro after installation, make sure the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings is correct.
• You may also need to update your bootloader.

Driver Issues:

• If you experience issues with your graphics card or other hardware, try installing the proprietary drivers from the Hardware Configuration tool.

Software Issues:

• If you encounter issues with a specific application, try updating your system or reinstalling the application.
• If you still have problems, consult the Manjaro Wiki or the Manjaro forums for help.

Why Btrfs? A Deeper Dive

The decision to make Btrfs the default file system in Manjaro 25.0 is a significant one. Btrfs offers several advantages that can enhance your computing experience:

• Snapshots: One of the most compelling features of Btrfs is its ability to create snapshots. Snapshots are read-only copies of the file system at a specific point in time. If something goes wrong—like a botched update or a corrupted file—you can easily revert to a previous snapshot. Manjaro 25.0 automates this process, creating snapshots before major system changes.
• Data Integrity: Btrfs includes built-in checksumming for both data and metadata. This means that the file system can detect and correct data corruption automatically. This is especially important for long-term data storage and system stability.
• Copy-on-Write (CoW): Btrfs uses a Copy-on-Write mechanism, which means that when a file is modified, the original file is preserved, and the changes are written to a new location. This ensures that the original data remains intact and reduces the risk of data corruption.
• Subvolumes: Btrfs supports subvolumes, which are like logical partitions within the file system. Subvolumes can be used to organize your data and simplify backups.
• Space Efficiency: Btrfs supports compression, which can help save disk space. It also uses techniques like deduplication to avoid storing duplicate data.

Still, why EXT4 is supported?

Despite the advantages of Btrfs, EXT4 remains a popular and reliable file system. It’s been around for a long time and is well-supported. EXT4 is a good choice if you prioritize stability and compatibility.
EXT4 is often faster than Btrfs in certain workloads, especially when dealing with large files.
It also consumes less CPU resources, which can be beneficial on older or less powerful hardware.
Btrfs requires more RAM compared to EXT4, especially when dealing with snapshots.
So, while Btrfs is the default in Manjaro 25.0, you can still choose EXT4 if it better suits your needs.

GNOME 48 in Detail

GNOME 48 brings a host of improvements and new features that enhance the user experience:

• Revamped Settings App: The Settings app has been redesigned for better navigation and organization. You can easily find and configure system settings, such as display, sound, network, and privacy.
• Enhanced Search: The Activities Overview includes an improved search function that allows you to quickly find applications, files, and settings. The search results are displayed in a clear and organized manner.
• Improved Performance: GNOME 48 includes several performance optimizations that make the desktop environment faster and more responsive. This is especially noticeable on systems with limited resources.
• New Core Applications: GNOME 48 includes updated versions of core applications like Nautilus (Files), GNOME Software, and GNOME Calendar. These applications have been redesigned with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
• Better Wayland Support: GNOME 48 continues to improve its support for the Wayland display server. Wayland offers better performance and security compared to the traditional X11 display server.

XFCE 4.20 in Detail

XFCE 4.20 comes with several enhancements and refinements that make it an even better choice for users who want a lightweight and customizable desktop environment:

• Panel Improvements: The XFCE panel has been improved with new features and options. You can now customize the panel even further to suit your needs.
• Window Manager Enhancements: The XFCE window manager has been updated with better support for compositing and window management. This results in a smoother and more responsive desktop experience.
• Updated Applications: XFCE 4.20 includes updated versions of core applications like Thunar (File Manager), Mousepad (Text Editor), and Terminal. These applications have been refined with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
• Reduced Resource Usage: XFCE remains one of the most lightweight desktop environments available. XFCE 4.20 includes further optimizations that reduce resource usage, making it a great choice for older or less powerful hardware.

KDE Plasma 6.3 in Detail

KDE Plasma 6.3 is a major release that brings a host of new features and improvements to the KDE Plasma desktop environment:

• Modern Look and Feel: KDE Plasma 6.3 features a modern and polished look with adaptive theming. The desktop environment is designed to be visually appealing and easy to use.
• Improved Wayland Support: KDE Plasma 6.3 includes significant improvements to its support for the Wayland display server. This results in better performance, stability, and security.
• KDE Gear 24.12.3: KDE Plasma 6.3 includes the latest versions of KDE Gear applications, such as Dolphin (File Manager), Kate (Text Editor), and Konsole (Terminal). These applications have been redesigned with a focus on usability and functionality.
• Enhanced System Settings: The System Settings app has been redesigned for better navigation and organization. You can easily find and configure system settings, such as display, sound, network, and input devices.
• Customization Options: KDE Plasma is known for its extensive customization options. KDE Plasma 6.3 includes even more options for customizing the look and feel of the desktop environment.

Rolling Release Concept

Manjaro follows a rolling release model, which means that you install the operating system once and then receive continuous updates. This ensures that you always have the latest software and security patches.
The rolling release model simplifies system maintenance. You don’t have to worry about upgrading to a new version of the operating system every few months.

However, the rolling release model also means that you need to be prepared for potential issues. New updates can sometimes introduce bugs or compatibility problems.
Before updating your system, it’s a good idea to check the Manjaro forums for any known issues. You should also back up your important data in case something goes wrong.

How to Contribute to Manjaro

Manjaro is a community-driven project, and there are many ways to contribute:

• Testing: Test new releases and updates and report any issues you find.
• Documentation: Improve the Manjaro Wiki and other documentation.
• Development: Contribute to the development of Manjaro tools and applications.
• Community Support: Help other users on the Manjaro forums and other community channels.
• Translation: Translate Manjaro into your native language.

By contributing to Manjaro, you can help make it an even better operating system for everyone.

Manjaro 25.0 (Zetar) is a significant release that brings together the latest desktop environments, kernel updates, and file system innovations. Whether you’re a long-time Manjaro user or new to the distribution, there’s something to appreciate in this release. With its user-friendly installer, extensive customization options, and rolling release model, Manjaro 25.0 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a stable and up-to-date Linux distribution. So, why not give it a try and see what Manjaro has to offer?