If you’re ready for something different, I recommend this Linux distro to newbies and experts alike

It is uncommon to discover a Linux distribution that is not based mostly on Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or Arch. That is to not say they do not exist, however they’re arduous to seek out. 

One such distribution is OpenMandriva (formally, OpenMandriva Lx), which is a group model of the once-heralded Mandriva (which was based mostly on the long-since-dead Mandrake Linux). Mandrake was a really particular tackle Linux as a result of it had one crucial aim: make Linux simple to make use of for all.

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That ethos was handed right down to Mandriva after which to OpenMandriva, and it exhibits.

If you first log into OpenMandriva, you are greeted by the KDE Plasma desktop with a darkish theme and never a lot in the best way of customization. It is just about simple KDE Plasma. Then there’s the OM Welcome app, which presents an abundance of knowledge relating to the kernel, KDE Plasma, LibreOffice, the Software program Repository Selector, updates, and a lot extra. 

I would go as far as to say that OpenMandriva’s OM Welcome device is the most effective of the most effective as a result of it does an impressive job of holding a brand new consumer’s hand to introduce them to what’s what, whereas additionally giving superior customers quick access to configurations {hardware} choices, and extra.

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OpenMandriva does not precisely supply essentially the most modern-looking desktop surroundings. Sure, it is KDE Plasma (which will be extremely personalized), however the out-of-the-box expertise is pretty vanilla. It took me all of two minutes to show the KDE Plasma desktop into one thing a bit extra trendy (I enabled the floating panel, elevated the panel peak, switched the theme to mild, and eliminated the desktop icons). 

That is a part of KDE Plasma’s enchantment: it is simply so versatile.

Put in apps

With OpenMandriva, you get an excellent quantity of pre-installed purposes, so you possibly can hit the bottom operating. You will discover LibreOffice, Chrome, KDE Join (to attach your Android cellphone with the desktop), MPV media participant, QMPlay2, and extra. In the event you do not discover what you are on the lookout for, there’s at all times the Uncover app, which is KDE Plasma’s GUI app retailer. There’s additionally Flatpak put in by default with help rolled into Uncover, so you do not have to put in Flapak apps from the command line.

And that is a key level. With OpenMandriva, you do not have to hassle with the command line… ever. You might have all of the GUI energy you want, so it’s totally a lot a point-and-click affair. That is vital as a result of customers new to Linux should not be pressured to make use of the command line. 

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Sure, it ought to be there and prepared when anybody wants it, however the terminal should not be a requirement for Linux, and OpenMandriva has the whole lot it is advisable to keep away from it. Contemplate the System Settings app, the place you will discover extra configuration choices than you are in all probability accustomed to seeing.

Rome or Rock?

That is the place it will get a bit difficult. OpenMandriva is offered in two totally different varieties: Rome and Rock. What are they? Easy: Rome is a rolling launch model, and Rock is the usual model. For individuals who need essentially the most up to date software program, go together with Rome. In the event you want extra stability and do not thoughts utilizing purposes which may not be the most recent/biggest, go together with Rock.

Then there are the spins, which embody variations for GNOME, Lxqt, Xfce, Mate, Cinnamon, and Budgie; there’s even a COSMIC spin within the works.

One among my favourite features of OpenMandriva is that it is absolutely impartial. As a result of it isn’t based mostly on every other Linux distribution, it has full autonomy to do what it needs, which is to stay as pragmatic as doable. On high of that, OpenMandriva was the primary Linux distribution to ever be constructed with Clang (a compiler entrance finish for the “C” programming languages C, C++, Goal-C, and Goal-C++). 

Clang is a modular, open-source alternative for GCC, however this does not actually matter to new customers. What’s vital is that OpenMandriva is not depending on every other Linux distribution, so it is free to be precisely what it needs to be… and it does that very nicely.

Who’s OpenMandriva for?

This can be a quite simple query to reply: everybody. You will be fully new to Linux and really feel proper at dwelling with OpenMandriva. You can too be a seasoned consumer and discover all the instruments it is advisable to construct a robust workstation for improvement, administration, and different makes use of.

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Anybody coming off of the headache that’s the finish of Home windows 10 can be remiss in the event that they did not give OpenMandriva a attempt. It is lovely, versatile, and as simple to make use of as no matter OS is presently in your pc.

Obtain an ISO, create a bootable USB drive with it, boot it, and set up it. You will not remorse giving this time-tested distribution a attempt.