I customized an Arch-based distro my way in under 5 minutes – and it’s glorious
I customized an Arch-based distro my way in under 5 minutes – and it’s glorious
https://www.zdnet.com/article/prism-linux-arch-based-distro-has-killer-installer/
Publish Date: 2026-04-05 08:00:00
Source Domain: www.zdnet.com
Screenshot by JackWallen/ZDNET
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Prism Linux is an Arch-based distribution with plenty to offer.
- You can choose between different desktop environments/window managers.
- The Prism Linux installer is one of the best I’ve ever used.
If you’ve followed me long enough, you’ll know that I’ve tried several Arch-based Linux distributions to find the holy grail of installers.
I believe I’ve found it in Prism Linux.
Also: How to install Arch Linux without losing your mind
This Arch-based Linux distribution claims to be the “a high-performance system built for stability.” What the developers should be calling it is “The Arch-based distribution with a killer installer and everything you need in a desktop OS.”
You think I’m kidding? Try the Prism installer and see what you think. As soon as the installer began, I knew something special was on its way.
Arch-based distro made easy
The Prism Linux installer makes installing this Arch-based distribution so easy that anyone, regardless of experience, can install Linux. During installation, you can choose which desktop environment you want. (I opted for Hyprland.) You also get to choose the applications you want installed — including web browsers, desktop tools, system tools, utilities, office and productivity, multimedia creation, audio editing, communication, code editors and IDEs, development tools, gaming, security and privacy, and virtualization. Essentially, you get to create exactly operating system you need… all during the installation.
Also: How this strange little distro can boost your Linux skills
You also get to choose the kernel you want, decide whether to include Flatpak, enable ZRAM, and set the hostname. Once you’ve done that, create your user, review the installation, and you’re off and running. My chosen Prism Linux installation took less than 5 minutes to complete. (I added a lot of extra packages.)
But don’t be fooled, the awesomeness that is…
