Garuda Linux XFCE Installation Guide

Garuda Linux is a rolling release distribution based on Arch Linux, offering a sleek and high-performance system. The XFCE edition is a lightweight desktop environment that is perfect for users who want a fast and responsive system, while still taking advantage of Garuda’s beautiful customizations and performance optimizations.

Requirements:

• A computer with a 64-bit processor
• At least 2GB of RAM (4GB or more recommended)
• At least 20GB of free disk space (25GB+ recommended)
• A USB drive (minimum 4GB) or a DVD to create a bootable installation media

Step 1: Download Garuda Linux XFCE

1. Visit the official website: https://garudalinux.org/downloads
2. Download the XFCE edition of Garuda Linux.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or DVD

1. Use a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Linux/macOS) to create a bootable USB drive.
2. Insert your USB drive into your PC.
3. Open your chosen tool (e.g., Rufus or Etcher), select the downloaded Garuda Linux ISO file.
4. Choose the USB drive as the target device, and click Start (or Flash! in Etcher) to create the bootable drive.
5. If using a DVD, burn the ISO file to the DVD using your preferred burning software.

Step 3: Boot from USB or DVD

1. Insert the bootable USB drive or DVD into your computer.
2. Restart the computer and press the appropriate key to enter the boot menu (usually F12, Esc, or F10 depending on your manufacturer).
3. Select the USB drive or DVD as the boot device.

Step 4: Try or Install Garuda Linux XFCE

1. Once Garuda Linux boots up, you'll be presented with a welcome screen. You can either:
   • Try Garuda Linux: Boot into a live session to test out the distro before installation.
   • Install Garuda Linux: Begin the installation process.
2. Click Install Garuda Linux to proceed with the installation.

Step 5: Select Language and Keyboard Layout

1. Select your language and click Next.
2. Choose your keyboard layout (the default is usually fine), then click Next.

Step 6: Prepare Installation Type

1. You will be asked to choose how to partition your disk. You have several options:
   • Erase disk and install Garuda: This option will delete all data on the selected disk and install Garuda Linux.
     • Warning: This will erase everything on your disk, so be sure to back up important files.
   • Manual partitioning: For advanced users who prefer to partition the disk themselves. This is useful for dual-boot setups or custom configurations.

Step 7: Select Time Zone

1. The installer will automatically detect your timezone based on your location.
2. If necessary, adjust the timezone and click Next.

Step 8: User Setup

1. Enter your name, username, and password.
2. Select whether you want to log in automatically or require a password.
3. Choose if you want to enable automatic updates and select whether you want to install flatpak.
4. Click Next to proceed.

Step 9: Install Garuda Linux

1. Garuda Linux will begin installing the operating system.
2. The installer will copy files and install necessary components.
3. Wait for the installation process to complete. This may take a few minutes.

Step 10: Finish Installation

1. Once the installation is complete, the installer will prompt you to Reboot.
2. Before rebooting, make sure to remove the installation media (USB or DVD).
3. Click Reboot Now to restart your system.

Step 11: Post-Installation Setup

1. After rebooting, Garuda Linux will boot up into the XFCE desktop environment.
2. System Updates: Open a terminal and run the following command to ensure everything is up to date:

sudo pacman -Syu

3. NVIDIA drivers (if applicable): If you are using an NVIDIA graphics card, you can install the proprietary drivers using the following command:

sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils

• Reboot your system after installing the drivers.

4. Additional Software: Garuda Linux comes with several pre-installed applications such as Firefox, LibreOffice, and GIMP. You can install additional software using the Discover Software Center or the Terminal.

Troubleshooting:

• If Garuda Linux doesn't boot after installation, make sure the boot order is set correctly in the BIOS and that the correct hard drive is selected as the primary boot device.
• For NVIDIA graphics drivers, ensure that the nvidia package is installed correctly. If you're still having issues, try reinstalling the drivers using:

sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils

• If you encounter any other problems, visit the Garuda Linux forums or consult the official Garuda Wiki.

Enjoy your Garuda Linux XFCE setup, offering a lightweight, high-performance experience with the power and flexibility of Arch Linux and Garuda's optimizations.