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Garuda Linux screenshot

Garuda Linux

Garuda Linux is a rolling distribution based on the Arch Linux operating system. Unlike Arch Linux, Garuda Linux comes with a graphical installer (Calamares) for easy installation, and other advanced graphical tools for managing your system.

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KaOS screenshot

KaOS

KaOS is a desktop Linux distribution that features the latest version of the Noctalia desktop environment, the Calligra office suite, and other popular software applications that use the Qt toolkit. It was inspired by Arch Linux, but the developers build their own packages which are available from in-house repositories.

Technical Specs Comparison
Garuda LinuxKaOS
ArchBaseIndependent
pacman / pkgPackage Managerpacman / pkg
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Rolling ReleaseRelease ModelRolling Release
Latest Version2026.02
IntermediateDifficultyIntermediate
March 9, 2026Release DateFebruary 15, 2026
x86_64
Architecture
x86_64
CinnamonGNOMEHyprlandi3KDE PlasmaMokkaSwayXfceniriNoctalia
Desktops
CinnamonGNOMEHyprlandi3KDE PlasmaMokkaSwayXfceniriNoctalia