Octopi is a Linux distribution designed for desktop and server use.
Octopi is a Linux distribution designed for desktop and server use.
I tried Manjaro Linux KDE and found the reviews really encouraging. After installing, I opened the Software Manager named Octopi, but it didn’t seem to offer much useful content. I was hoping for Discord or Spotify, so instead of getting more upset, I switched to Linux Mint. Now I’m wondering how people manage software on Manjaro and whether you think Octopi works well.
Discord and Spotify are exclusive software products, which means they might face legal action if distributed through their platforms without permission from the creators. They view this as a smart approach to avoid potential lawsuits. For installing Spotify on Linux, you can find guidance on their official website. Regarding Discord, you’d have to download it directly from the Discord App site.
These tools are often considered outdated and problematic. Many users prefer modern package managers like apt, pacman, or yum for efficient software handling. Issues usually stem from the repository itself rather than the manager. Certain sources may omit proprietary programs.
The Linux Mint tool perfectly meets my needs. Maybe you could say I'm being simple. I prefer not to dive into the details...
You can obtain both from the AUR, but it’s recommended to install an AUR package manager first. More detailed and useful guidance is available on the Arch Wiki. The Manjaro Wiki should contain the information you need as well, though the content generally applies to Manjaro too.
I tested it and found it just as helpful as Octopi. INUTILE. It’ll sound like a complaint, but it’s not surprising that Linux for desktop remains as mysterious as it was 10–20 years back. Setting up apps is tough without the right skills. I just learned about the AUR recently. I also heard there are various repositories. To top it off, there are multiple package managers and Manjaro doesn’t seem to come with a solid one by default, so you have to install it yourself. This really reduces the usefulness of the OS. As a newcomer, I feel like an amputee at a rock climbing event—everyone climbs cliffs smoothly while I’m stuck at the base, frustrated and confused. What’s the point of legs or arms? I just want to reach that Mars bar on top of this cliff. At least Linux Mint is doing a decent job supporting me and offering some useful apps in the included manager. Still…that manager isn’t great. There aren’t many apps here—maybe around 100. I’m sure a seasoned user would quickly install 5–6 packages and start using apps in under five minutes. It doesn’t matter if they’re using Hannah Montana Linux or Arch; it’s all the same. A GUI is for those who aren’t serious about Linux.
Arch Linux and even Manjaro suit only experienced users. If you lack the ability to manage them yet, opt for simpler, Ubuntu-based options. For those who prefer not to rely on the command line and want guidance, choose Windows or macOS.
This mainly stems from your limited experience. Windows lacked a unified storage system until recently, and I find the Windows Store to be quite poor. Your annoyance comes from being accustomed to one installation method and not investing time in understanding alternatives. Arch and its related projects have fewer items in their primary catalog because they rely on the AUR. You don’t need to instantly grasp all this, but you should review some guides. Once you adapt, I promise the learning curve is much smoother than with Windows. The Arch wiki instructions are clear, and for Manjaro it’s even simpler—just install "yaourt" from main repos and AUR packages will show up in Octopi. There are distros tailored for newcomers like Mint, which offers a gentler learning path; however, some initial challenges can be beneficial, pushing you to pay attention and absorb concepts. You might stick with Mint for years without fully understanding repository mechanics, which is perfectly acceptable for most users, but this community thrives on hands-on exploration.
Thanks for your feedback. I understand how frustrating it can be when documentation isn't clear or helpful. I didn’t find the information until I looked elsewhere, which wasn’t ideal. Using Linux on my laptop doesn’t seem to help much, and I’m not sure if it’s worth the effort. For someone with an outdoor job who mainly uses Windows software, learning Linux might not be as relevant right now.