The CachyOS installer presents a delightful experience, merging aesthetics with functionality, although it does come with its own set of challenges. As I navigated through the installation process, I found myself enamored by its premium feel. However, there were moments where clarity seemed to wane. One such instance arose when prompted to select a Bootloader. While Grub is my usual choice, the default selection was Systemd-boot, which could pose a dilemma for users accustomed to Windows. Ultimately, I opted for Grub, but I couldn’t help but wonder how a novice might fare in this situation.
Another point of confusion emerged with the additional package installer. It felt akin to stepping into a restaurant and being presented with a surprise menu, filled with enticing options yet lacking sufficient context. Despite these minor hiccups, the installation progressed smoothly, and soon I was ready to boot CachyOS from a fresh setup.
The Evolution of Linux Installation
Reflecting on the past, the journey of installing Linux has transformed dramatically. Gone are the days of collecting blank CDs and downloading multiple ISO images, praying that none would be corrupted during the lengthy process. I still recall the frustration of a faulty Mandrake Linux ISO that cost me precious hours—an experience that feels like a distant memory now.
In recent years, the process has streamlined significantly. Nowadays, one simply downloads the ISO image and writes it to a USB stick, a task made effortless with the right software. Personally, I prefer Rufus for this purpose, though I occasionally experiment with Raspberry Pi Imager and Balena Etcher. Rufus simplifies the task by guiding users to select the target USB drive and the desired ISO image. A few clicks later, and you have a USB stick ready to host your chosen Linux distribution.
For my current endeavor, I created a Live USB for CachyOS, which I am now using to install the OS on my Lenovo X390 laptop, equipped with 8GB of RAM and an Intel Core i5-8265U. But what exactly is a Live USB? In contrast to the traditional ISO images that boot directly into the installer, Live USBs offer a hybrid experience. They allow users to test the operating system before committing to an installation, reminiscent of the days when Windows 95/98/XP provided similar functionality.
As ISO images have grown larger, the need for DVDs has diminished, giving way to the convenience of USB drives. Live USBs serve as versatile tools, enabling users to “try before they buy,” troubleshoot broken systems, and even recover data. They truly embody the Swiss Army knife of computing, offering a multitude of solutions without risking hardware integrity.
