Why I Switched from Ubuntu to Manjaro – Speed, Rolling Releases, and Simpler Package Management
After a decade of using Ubuntu, the author migrated to Manjaro because it feels faster, runs fewer background services, offers a rolling‑release model, and provides a cleaner, more flexible package management system, making the overall Linux experience more efficient and enjoyable.
Background and Motivation
The author had been using Ubuntu for more than ten years but recently changed to Manjaro, citing better performance, a leaner system, and a different release philosophy.
Performance Comparison
Testing in VirtualBox showed that Manjaro feels as fast as a fresh Ubuntu install, which matters when compiling large codebases. A key factor is the number of enabled services: Ubuntu runs about 90 enabled units, while Manjaro runs only 24.
systemctl list-unit-files --state=enabled --no-pagerImages of the service lists illustrate the disparity.
Release Models: Fixed vs Rolling
Ubuntu follows a twice‑yearly fixed‑release schedule, delivering a new version every April and October. Manjaro adopts a rolling‑release model, continuously updating packages after they pass testing, which avoids large version jumps but can sacrifice stability.
Package Management
Ubuntu relies on apt and .deb packages, with many third‑party applications offering .deb files. However, managing Personal Package Archives (PPAs) can be cumbersome, especially during upgrades or reinstallations.
Manjaro uses pacman and provides access to the Arch User Repository (AUR), offering a vast collection of up‑to‑date software with simpler management.
System Design and User Experience
Manjaro inherits Arch’s principles, delivering a lightweight base system that lets users choose which applications to install. In contrast, Ubuntu ships with a broader set of pre‑installed apps, resembling a fully equipped RV versus a stripped‑down go‑kart.
While Arch can be extremely minimal, Manjaro balances simplicity with usability, avoiding the need for extensive manual configuration.
Key Takeaways
Manjaro feels faster and less bloated.
It uses a rolling‑release model that provides timely updates.
Package management is straightforward, with pacman and AUR.
These observations are subjective but highlight why some users may prefer Manjaro over Ubuntu for a more responsive and flexible Linux experience.
Liangxu Linux
Liangxu, a self‑taught IT professional now working as a Linux development engineer at a Fortune 500 multinational, shares extensive Linux knowledge—fundamentals, applications, tools, plus Git, databases, Raspberry Pi, etc. (Reply “Linux” to receive essential resources.)
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