Garuda Linux, an Arch-based distro, is worth mentioning. From simplifying the learning curve of Arch to providing a range of different desktop environments, Garuda Linux has it all. Aesthetically speaking, this distro is a delight for every Linux user, as it is relatively easy to install on your PC.
If you’ve been toying with the idea of installing a distro but aren’t sure how to do it, here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.
Installation Requirements
For this guide, we will be installing Garuda Linux on VirtualBox. The steps are the same for those who want to install it directly on their computer (except for the virtual machine part).
Some of the pre-requisites include VirtualBox and Garuda Linux ISO.
You need the latest version of VirtualBox on your system. If it is not already installed, you can download it from Oracle’s website.
Download the latest Garuda Linux ISO image from the official website to install on your Virtual Machine/PC.
This guide uses Garuda Linux XFCE for illustration purposes. You can also go with Garuda Linux Dr460nized Edition, which offers a dark and elegant “dragonized” desktop.
If you want to install Garuda Linux directly on your PC (without using a virtual machine), skip step one.
Step 1: Create a new virtual machine
To install Garuda on VirtualBox, click on the New button to create a new virtual machine. On the following screen, enter the desired name of the virtual machine.
In the Machine folder field, you can keep the default storage location or change it according to your needs.
Under Type, select Linux. Select Arch Linux (64-bit) under the Version category. The Garuda Linux installer requires at least 2.5GB of memory. Allocate at least 2600MB as the memory size. Note that you can choose to allocate more memory if you wish.
Now that the basics are out of the way, you will see the VM icon on the left pane. Click on Settings for your virtual machine and add the ISO image for Garuda Linux.
To do this, navigate to Storage under the list of options and under Controller: IDE, click on Empty. Then, click on the CD icon next to Optical Drive on the right panel. Click Choose Disc File and choose the ISO image from your local drive.
Install garuda linux
To install Garuda on your PC without using a virtual machine, you need to create a bootable Linux USB using the ISO image and boot your computer with it. Then, proceed with the next steps.
Once everything is done, click on Start to start your newly created virtual machine from Virtualbox dashboard.
Once the machine loads, you will see a new icon on the desktop.
Click on the Install Garuda Linux icon to continue. Then, on the Welcome screen, select your preferred language and click Next.
Select your region and time zone accordingly. Once done click on Next. On the following screen, select your preferred language and hit Next.
On the subsequent screen, the installer will present you with two options asking about the disk allocation method. These options include Erase Disk and Manual Partitioning. Depending on how well you know your OS capabilities, you can choose the preferred option.
If you are installing Garuda Linux on a virtual machine, you can go ahead with Erase Disk. For those who plan on dual-booting Linux alongside Windows, manual partitioning is your best bet as it gives you fine-grained control over your partitions.
When you get to the next screen, you’ll need to enter your new user account name and password.
If you want to have the same credentials for your standard users and superusers, you can set up root access and usernames accordingly.
As you move toward the final step, you can review the final layout and cross-check that everything is in order. After verification, click on Install.
After installation, reboot your system for the changes to take effect on your machine. Click on Done to restart the machine.
For VirtualBox users, don’t forget to remove the Garuda Linux ISO from the virtual machine, otherwise the machine will boot using the image instead of storage.
Garuda Linux is an easy-to-install version of Arch
These steps will install Garuda Linux on your computer. Before installing it, make sure that you have allocated enough storage and RAM to the virtual environment. If you allocate the right pre-requisites, your distro will be ready in no time.
Garuda Linux provides the power and features of Arch Linux packed into an easy-to-use installer. Even if you are a beginner, you can easily install the OS on your system; All you have to do is follow the on-screen instructions.