I tested CuerdOS and its unique app lineup is even better than its blazing speed
I tested CuerdOS and its unique app lineup is even better than its blazing speed
https://www.zdnet.com/article/cuerdos-debian-based-linux-distro-fast-and-unique/
Publish Date: 2026-04-09 13:37:00
Source Domain: www.zdnet.com
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- CuerdOS is a unique, Debian-based Linux distribution.
- This distro offers blazing-fast performance.
- You’ll find an interesting collection of preinstalled software.
Every once in a great while, I run into a Linux distribution that I’ve never heard of. Such is the case with CuerdOS.
This Linux distribution of Spanish origin is focused on stability, efficiency, and performance. Based on Debian, CuerdOS is, I’m assuming, a play on the Spanish word cuerdo, which means sane or rational. After using this distribution for a few days, I’d have to say that’s spot on. I downloaded the GNOME flavor of the OS and found the default settings quite sane.
Instead of the straight-up GNOME desktop, you get a few customizations by way of some GNOME extensions and just the right combination of software.
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Now, when you look at the software collection, you could conclude that CuerdOS has something for everyone. There are tools for seasoned users, those with just enough Linux knowledge, and even beginners.
Would I call CuerdOS the right Linux distribution for new Linux users? Maybe. Would I stake the claim that it’s geared toward power users? Maybe. You see, CuerdOS includes performance tweaks that optimize CPU, GPU, and RAM consumption via a patched kernel. So, yeah, it’s pretty fast.
With all of those maybes tossed around, who is CuerdOS for? That’s an interesting question, one that I’ll get to in a bit.
What I find interesting about CuerdOS
I decided to try the GNOME version of CuerdOS because I’ve ignored GNOME for some time now and thought it was time to go back. You can also select Xfce, Sway, LabWC, and KDE Plasma.
After installing CuerdOS, I logged in and started poking around.
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The first thing I noticed was…
