Can MainstreamOS finally make Linux a household name? I tried it to find out

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• There’s lastly a Linux distro that makes Arch and Hyprland simple.
• Mainstream OS is every little thing you want in a desktop.
• This distro is gorgeous, helpful, environment friendly, and free.

Each time I take a look at an Arch-based distribution, I feel, “When will Arch be my go-to?” Likewise, after I take a look at the Hyprland tiling window supervisor/compositor, I feel, “When will Hyprland be my go-to?”

After which I run right into a Linux distribution that not solely combines the 2, however does so in a approach that leaves me wide-eyed in amazement, considering, “Why hasn’t somebody carried out this earlier than?”

Additionally: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too)

That was my quick response to MainstreamOS, a Linux distribution that’s as polished as any I’ve ever beheld. The MainstreamOS website says it is “one open system that feels proper whether or not it is your first Linux or your tenth. Nothing right here wants a terminal, and nothing cannot be undone. Make your self at residence.”

That assertion is about as true as they arrive. This OS feels proper; it is received every little thing it is advisable to make working with Linux a breeze, all of the whereas making it look good and really feel environment friendly. It is the most effective of all attainable worlds, making each Arch Linux and Hyprland simple sufficient for anybody to make use of and expertise what a very environment friendly and highly effective desktop working system might be.

While you first set up and log in to MainstreamOS, you’re greeted by a setup software that allows you to configure Mainstream for no matter goal you want, reminiscent of gaming, video modifying, or content material creation. And sure, you possibly can add apps to this later by way of the helpful GUI (GNOME Software program).

Subsequent, you’re handled to a Hyprland GUI configuration software that not solely makes customizing the desktop simple, but additionally reveals you the way highly effective the UI is.

Simplifying and beautifying Hyprland

The truth that MainstreamOS makes Hyprland stunning and accessible is the largest “wow” issue for me. What the developer has carried out is customise Hyprland so it seems to be and feels very very like MacOS. And in contrast to many Hyprland configurations, you get to make use of your mouse! (IYKYK)

There is a left sidebar that may be custom-made in Settings > Interface > Left Sidebar. Presently, the left sidebar is proscribed to AI, which ought to come as no shock. Though it states it may be used with native fashions, I used to be unable to set it up efficiently. You need to use the AI sidebar with Gemini, Claude, Codex, and Mistral. I will dig into this at a later date to see if I can get it to perform with the likes of Ollama.

Additionally: I quit ChatGPT for a free, private, and local AI called Ollama – here’s why

As effectively, there is a proper sidebar that considerably resembles the one present in MacOS. You get fast settings, multimedia controls, notifications, a calendar, a to-do listing, and a timer.

I’ve but to see a distribution that makes use of Hyprland configured in such a approach that makes it helpful for nearly any kind of person. Even if you happen to’ve by no means used a tiling window supervisor, you should have no hassle utilizing MainstreamOS.

Bravo!

Additionally: This new Linux distro is a multimedia powerhouse right out of the box

After which there’s the Overview, which has similarities to that of the GNOME desktop setting however gives 10 default digital desktops and the same old search software (which additionally permits you to seek for information, do internet searches, launch apps, and run fundamental calculations).

The extra I dig into MainstreamOS, the extra I dig it.

One other good contact is the media controller within the high bar. Open Spotify, begin taking part in a tune, and you’ll pause, soar ahead or backward. You additionally get a easy Conky on the desktop that presents the time and date.

So far as the highest bar is anxious, the format goes like this (from left to proper):

• Entry to the left sidebar
• Media controller
• Digital desktop selector
• Time/date/uptime pop-up
• Screenshot/screencast controller
• Mic mute/unmute
• Climate
• Sound controls
• Networking
• Entry to the correct sidebar 

On the backside, you get a properly animated dock, the place you possibly can add/take away favourite apps and entry the overview. So as to add an app to the dock, open the overview, right-click the app, and choose Pin to Dock.

It is also Arch

Let’s not overlook that MainstreamOS relies on Arch Linux — though you’d by no means comprehend it (except you tried to put in an app or replace the system from the command line, which you needn’t do).

Additionally: How to install Arch Linux without losing your mind

One attention-grabbing bit is that Mainstream ships with apps like Spotify and GNOME Software program. You additionally get Steam, Chromium, Kitty, and even GNOME Recordsdata. That convergence of GNOME and Hyprland makes for as nice a mix as peanut butter and chocolate.

Mainstream can be a rolling launch distribution, which implies it is all the time updated. This makes it a stable gaming platform; simply launch Steam, sign up, and begin taking part in your favourite video games.

Is MainstreamOS for you?

In case you’re on the lookout for one thing completely different that will not be too difficult whereas nonetheless supplying you with the chance to make your desktop OS actually particular, MainstreamOS ought to positively be in your radar. 

Additionally: This fun tiling window manager may be rough around the edges – but it has big potential

I have never been this impressed by a Linux distribution because the final time a Hyprland-based distro wow’d me. In case you’re a fan of Linux or a fan of cool-looking, easy-to-use desktop computing, you would be remiss if you happen to did not give MainstreamOS a strive. This Linux distribution might simply make the open-source working system mainstream.