Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara”: A Confident Step Forward in Desktop Freedom

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Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara”: A Confident Step Forward in Desktop Freedom Table of contents:- Mint’s Philosophy: Why It Still Resonates “Zara” in Context: The End of a Naming Cycle Editions for Every Taste Under the Hood: Built for the Long Haul Modest Requirements, Wide Reach What’s New in “Zara” Installation and Upgrade Paths Everyday Usability: The Mint Experience Security and Privacy Community and Support Why “Zara” Matters in 2025 Conclusion Linux Mint has always been more than just an operating system. For many, it’s the first time they’ve felt truly at home on a computer — a place where the desktop works with you, not against you. With Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” , the team delivers a release that is both reassuringly familiar and quietly ambitious, refining the experience without losing sight of what makes Mint special. This is not a release that chases trends for the sake of it. Instead, “Zara” is a confident, measured step forward — a release that builds on a rock‑solid foundation, ...

Manjaro 24.2: Arch-Based Linux Made Easy and Elegant

Manjaro 24.2

Manjaro 24.2: Arch-Based Linux Made Easy and Elegant

Manjaro 24.2, codenamed "Yonada," is the latest release of this popular Arch-based Linux distribution. Known for its user-friendly approach and stability, Manjaro continues to bridge the gap between the power of Arch Linux and the accessibility needed by both newcomers and experienced users alike.


Origin and History

Manjaro was first conceived in 2011 by Philip Müller, Roland Singer, and Guillaume Benoit. The project aimed to create a more accessible version of Arch Linux, which is known for its complexity and steep learning curve. Manjaro's first stable release came in 2013, and since then, it has grown to become one of the most popular Linux distributions, consistently ranking high on DistroWatch.


Development and Team

Manjaro is developed by a dedicated team of volunteers and sponsored by Blue Systems. The project follows a rolling release model, which means users receive continuous updates rather than periodic major releases. This approach ensures that users always have access to the latest software versions while maintaining system stability.


Manjaro 24.2 Features

Manjaro 24.2 brings significant updates across its various editions. Let's explore the unique features of each:

GNOME Edition

- Updated to GNOME 47 series

- New accent colour support for enhanced customization

- Improved scaling for better display on various resolutions

- Hardware encoding support for Intel and AMD GPUs, enhancing screen recording performance


KDE Plasma Edition

- Upgraded to Plasma 6.2

- Enhanced Wayland support

- Improved energy management tools

- Better support for drawing tablets

- Refined widgets and system tray


Xfce Edition

- Features Xfce 4.18

- Thunar file manager improvements, including file highlighting and recursive search

- New Control Centre for centralized system management


Common Features Across Editions

- Powered by Linux Kernel 6.12 (LTS)

- Optional Linux 6.6 LTS and 6.1 LTS kernels available

- Updated system components, including System d 256.6 and Mesa 24.2

- Latest versions of popular applications like LibreOffice 24.8.1 and Firefox 131


Installation Guide and System Requirements

To install Manjaro 24.2:

1. Download the ISO for your preferred edition from the official Manjaro website.

2. Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Etcher or Rufus.

3. Boot from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions.


Minimum system requirements:

- 1 GHz dual-core processor

- 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)

- 30 GB free hard drive space

- Boot device (USB drive or DVD)

- Internet connection (recommended)


Troubleshooting tip: If you encounter issues during installation, try using the non-free driver option at boot to ensure compatibility with your hardware.


Supporting Manjaro

You can support Manjaro in several ways:

1. Donate through their official website

2. Contribute to development or documentation

3. Report bugs and provide feedback

4. Participate in the community forums and help other users


Comparison with Other Arch-Based Distributions

While Manjaro shares its Arch base with distributions like EndeavourOS and ArcoLinux, it distinguishes itself through:

1. Stability: Manjaro tests updates before releasing them to users, unlike pure Arch-based distros.

2. User-friendliness: Its installer and pre-configured desktop environments make it more accessible to newcomers.

3. Hardware detection: Manjaro excels in automatic hardware detection and driver installation.


However, some users prefer EndeavourOS or ArcoLinux for their closer adherence to vanilla Arch principles.


Conclusion

Manjaro 24.2 continues to refine the distribution's goal of making Arch Linux accessible to a wider audience. With its latest features, improved hardware support, and commitment to user-friendliness, it remains an excellent choice for both Linux newcomers and experienced users seeking a stable, rolling-release distribution.


Disclaimer: This overview is based on information available at the time of writing. Linux distributions evolve rapidly, and features or comparisons may change. Always refer to the official Manjaro documentation for the most up-to-date information.


References:

[1] Manjaro 24.2 Released With GNOME 47 Updates, Powered By Linux 6.12 LTS - Phoronix

[2] What Is Manjaro Linux? User-Friendly Arch-Based Distro

[3] Install Manjaro 24.2 today and leave Microsoft Windows 11 to the boomers | BetaNews

[4] manjaro/release-review

[5] Manjaro Linux Forum

[6] System requirements - Non-technical Questions - Manjaro Linux Forum

[7] Manjaro 24.2 Yonada released

[8] DistroWatch.com: Manjaro Linux

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