Liya Linux: A New Arch-Based Distro

Promise and Pitfalls

August 2024

PC Boss

A Look at Liya Linux: Highlights and Initial Impressions

Liya Linux was developed by a single individual and has been around for about a year. It’s designed to provide an easier entry into the Arch ecosystem, similar to what EndeavourOS and Manjaro offer. Upon installation, the first thing that stands out is the Cinnamon desktop environment—the primary option for Liya Linux users. The Papirus icon theme adds a visually pleasing touch, and the desktop environment itself is responsive, providing a smooth user experience.

One of the key features under the hood is the Btrfs file system, known for its advanced features like snapshotting and error detection, which can be a significant advantage for users looking for a more robust file system than the traditional ext4.

Comparison: While Manjaro and EndeavourOS also offer user-friendly Arch experiences, Liya Linux attempts to set itself apart by focusing on specific desktop environments and the Btrfs file system by default. However, Manjaro’s extensive community support and EndeavourOS’s vast selection of desktop environments may still appeal more to users seeking flexibility and reliability.

Where Liya Linux Falls Short: Pre-installed Software and Customization

While the initial setup and visual appeal of Liya Linux are commendable, the distro begins to show some cracks when you dig deeper. One of the main criticisms is the selection of pre-installed software. For example, Liya Linux comes with Brave as the default browser, which is a solid choice, but many users might expect Firefox, the more ubiquitous option in the Linux world.

The inclusion of ONLYOFFICE instead of LibreOffice might also be puzzling for some, as LibreOffice is the go-to office suite for many Linux distributions. Additionally, the distro’s claim of being “bloat-free” doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. The default installation includes a wide array of applications—Winetricks, Deluge, Geary, Proton VPN, BleachBit, Timeshift, Gufw Firewall, Pika Backup, Redshift, Ulauncher, and more—that might not be relevant to every user. While these apps can be removed, their presence contradicts the idea of a streamlined, minimalistic setup.

Comparison: In contrast, EndeavourOS and Manjaro allow users to select the software they want during installation, ensuring that the system is as lightweight or feature-rich as desired. This approach aligns more closely with the Arch philosophy of user choice and customization.

Challenges with System Updates and Maintenance

As with any Arch-based system, regular updates are crucial for keeping the system secure and functional. However, during my testing, I encountered an issue with package signing keys not being imported, leading to errors when trying to update the system using the standard sudo pacman -Syu command. While the fix was straightforward (sudo pacman-key --init and sudo pacman-key --populate), such issues can be frustrating, especially for users who are less familiar with troubleshooting Arch-based distributions.

Comparison: Manjaro, with its curated package repositories, often avoids these pitfalls, providing a more seamless update experience. This is an area where Liya Linux could improve to match the convenience offered by other Arch derivatives.

Liya Linux’s Identity Crisis: What Sets It Apart?

A major question that arises after spending time with Liya Linux is: What sets it apart from other Arch-based distros? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t entirely clear. While Liya Linux offers a polished desktop experience with Cinnamon and Btrfs, it doesn’t introduce any unique tools or features that would define its identity in the Linux ecosystem. The distro feels more like a personal project tailored to the developer’s tastes rather than a polished, community-driven initiative.

Comparison: Manjaro distinguishes itself with its user-friendly tools and extensive community support, while EndeavourOS is known for its minimalistic approach with community-backed expansion. Liya Linux, by contrast, struggles to find a unique selling point that could attract a broader audience.

Top 10 Q/A

What is Liya Linux?

Liya Linux is an Arch-based Linux distribution that offers Cinnamon and MATE desktop environments, focusing on ease of installation and usability.

What desktop environments does Liya Linux support?

Liya Linux primarily supports the Cinnamon desktop environment, with MATE as an alternative option.

What file system does Liya Linux use by default?

Liya Linux uses the Btrfs file system by default, known for its advanced features like snapshotting.

How does Liya Linux compare to Manjaro and EndeavourOS?

While Liya Linux offers a user-friendly Arch experience, it lacks the community support and flexibility found in Manjaro and EndeavourOS.

Is Liya Linux truly “bloat-free”?

Despite its claim, Liya Linux comes with a wide array of pre-installed software, which may not be necessary for all users, contradicting the “bloat-free” claim.

What browser does Liya Linux use by default?

Liya Linux uses Brave as the default browser, though many users might expect Firefox.

What office suite comes with Liya Linux?

Liya Linux includes ONLYOFFICE by default, which may surprise users who expect LibreOffice.

How do I fix the package signing key issue in Liya Linux?

If you encounter issues with package signing keys during updates, you can fix it with the commands sudo pacman-key --init and sudo pacman-key --populate.

Does Liya Linux offer any unique tools or packages?

No, most of the software available in Liya Linux can be found in Arch’s official repositories or the AUR.

Is Liya Linux a good choice for new Linux users?

While Liya Linux offers an easier Arch installation, new users might find better support and a more polished experience with distros like Manjaro or EndeavourOS.

BOSS LEVEL TIP: Future-Proofing Your Liya Linux Setup

To avoid running into issues with pre-installed software and package management, consider creating a custom installation script that tailors the setup to your specific needs. By removing unnecessary applications and configuring your package manager upfront, you can maintain a leaner, more efficient system that aligns with your workflow. Additionally, regularly check for updates and be prepared to troubleshoot any Arch-related issues, ensuring your system remains stable and up-to-date.

The world of Arch Linux derivatives is vast, with many distros emerging to offer users a more accessible way to experience the power and flexibility of Arch without the steep learning curve. Liya Linux is one of the latest entrants in this space, offering an Arch-based experience with the Cinnamon and MATE desktops, defaulting to the Btrfs file system. While it brings some notable features to the table, it also has areas where it falls short, leaving potential users wondering if it truly stands out in a crowded field.