Recently my partner Pablinux wondered for the need of so many official or aspiring official flavors of Ubuntu. My concern is instead with the proliferation of unofficial flavors, this is the case of CachyOS, another derivative of Arch Linux.
Just because something can be done doesn't mean it should be done. It is true that the 4 freedoms of free software not only allow, but also promote the modification and distribution of the code. However, there should be a reason for it. I mean a better reason than the vanity of having your own distro or a tantrum because within the community they did not accept your proposal.
The overabundance of Linux distributions is not only a waste of material and human resources, it also confuses new users. Microsoft and Apple have full-time developers dedicated to their operating systems. Most Linux flavors rely on volunteers working in their spare time. Software creation is an activity that demands a lot of attention.
Why are there so many distros based on Arch Linux?
Most current distributions are derived from Debian or Arch Linux. In the case of Debian it is because of its stability and availability of useful tools and its predictable update cycle. In the case of Arch Linux for its simplicity and customization options.
In its beginnings Arch Linux was a stand-alone project consisting of a script that installed the basic components of a Linux distribution allowing the user to build from there according to their preferences. In 2007 he published his first iso image and later incorporated his package manager.
Nowadays It is one of the Linux distributions with the most complete documentation.
CachyOS, another derivative of Arch Linux
Although I haven't tried it yet, I have to give a point in favor to cacheyOS, at least it's original. Its developers did not gamble on being the millionth easy-to-install version of Arch Linux.
The focus of this distribution is on speed. The first thing that reads when you enter their website is:
CachyOS is designed for ultra-fast speed and stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable computing experience every time you use it. Whether you're an experienced Linux user or just getting started, CachyOS is the ideal choice for those looking for a powerful, customizable, and lightning-fast operating system.
How do you achieve that speed?
First, it modifies the kernel to use something called advanced BORE Scheduler for unparalleled performance. This is a more even way of distributing CPU time between system tasks and user needs. For CPU management, in addition to the traditional Linux CFS, it offers three other options
Furthermore, each kernel is compiled using different optimization techniques.
The default file system is XFS, This is an option that is rarely used on desktop systems but is very popular on servers since it can work with large amounts of data and makes it easy to retrieve information.
Regarding what the user sees, he can opt for two installers: one graphical and the other by the command line. With them you can choose between KDE, GNOME, XFCE, i3, bspwm, LXQT, Openbox, Wayfire and Cutefish desktops and window managers.
According to those who tried it, the distribution does not come with many pre-installed applications beyond your own browser, an enhanced version of Firefox with additional security features. It also comes with its own package manager and a very complete configuration utility.
Of course, from the description it seems like a distribution worth trying. Although, if the promise is true, the question will remain. Does this increase in speed contribute anything? It will be time and the users who answer it.
If any of you give it a try before I do, I'd love to read your feedback.
Good morning. The biggest problem that I see with derivatives is that, unless it's a Linux mint, the vast majority disappear overnight and you're stuck, because they are usually projects of a single person or a few and maintain a Floating distribution requires a lot of effort, antergos is the clearest example, that a lot of people were stranded overnight and that in antergos there were a few, Linux mint I have given as an example because it is also a team of more people or less big that it seems that it is not very possible that it will disappear. I don't use derivatives, I'm quite fond of them, because of what I've just explained and because everything seems to have to be based on Ubuntu or on arch, so neither one nor the other, I use Debian stable and running, the only derivative I respect is Linux mint, because it has earned it hard. Greetings.
Hello, thanks for the post, it has been very illustrative.