Chakra Linux Review - Linux Distro Reviews

A review of the Chakra Linux Project version 2011.9 as of the time of recording. Based on Arch Linux, Chakra provides a lean, elegant KDE experience that stays up to date, without sacrificing stability. The package management tools of Arch, and GUI tools created by the Chakra Team provide state-of-the-art package management, and the recent polish of KDE 4.7 truly shines. Definitely recommended for those looking for a new and expandable base.

Quick stats:
- Linux Kernel 3.0
- KDE 4.7
- Minimal image you can build your desktop on
- Ported tribe (Live installer) for KDE 4.7 series
- Updated initscripts with the option to test systemd
- Updated mesa-stack

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• chakra
• linux
• arch
• aur
• review
• kde 4.7
• best kde distro
• 2011
• rolling release
• 2011.9
• linux distro reviews
• infinitelygalactic

[kingzach74]

Where can I download Chakra, I think I'm pretty much sold on Chakra, I would like to replace my Kubuntu Distro with Chakra. Is Firefox easy to install? I love Firefox and I would choose it over the default KDE browser any day.

Also does Chakra have desktop effects or do they have to be manually installed?

[InfinitelyGalactic]

@kingzach74 Just search for it, and you'll find it. Firefox is very easy to install...and the desktop effects come out of the box. No worries.

[Deliciousfruit233]

What type of problem do you have with the installer? Is it the one where the partitions on your HD don't seem to exist?

[InfinitelyGalactic]

@Deliciousfruit233 No, it starts to install just fine, but then it hangs at 80% then crashes. I'll let everybody know if the installer works the next time I try it. Thanks for the input :-)

[UnderlineVideos2]

@InfinitelyGalactic I am almost almost shure that this video was edited and converted on Windows Movie Maker. Why is that?

[InfinitelyGalactic]

@UnderlineVideos2 Hi there. I made the intro thru windows live movie maker just cause it has nice pan/zoom effects with animations etc., the rest is all edited/recorded with ffmpeg and Kdenlive, two tools I simply could not live without! Nice catch... :-)

[InfinitelyGalactic]

@jerrytaichi I know what you mean, but I'm almost sure that there is a certain party who disagrees with any Linux related video/channel who is responsible for the multiple dislikes. They all come within 10 minutes shortly after I post the video. Anyway, the more likes the video gets, it balances it out, but thanks heaps for your support. I really appreciate it. It doesn't bother me really, because I've got too many good viewers like you! :-)

[TheAtomKiller2000]

@prajullas

You could also try Arch Linux (the original distribution in which chakra is based).

It also can be configured just the way you like. The only problem is that the installation is entirely in text mode (although easy to follow).

Just my suggestion, if you want a even more streamlined system.

[zanpijer]

The distro looks great (well it's KDE based ;-) ) and it has the power of Arch Linux. I like it. Maybe the new version (2012.02) would be suitable for a good review too. I have been on Kubuntu for 4 years and now the decision of Canonical, to drop funding of Kubuntu, is a big disappointment for me... So maybe it's time for me to switch distros... and I no longer want things based on Ubuntu (so Linux Mint is out of the game for me). So I'd like to see some review before I try Chakra 2012.02 ;-)

[ElMapachePirata]

Please make an Arch Linux Review!!

[Rokalacs]

Awesome review. Installing it on Vbox just to test it out if I can or cannot mess up my partitions with it but so far looks awesome. Finally I can switch my Kubu/Mint[KDE] with "Arch". No more reinstalls in 6months ^^

[meraed818]

do u know how can i install nvidia driver on chakra ?

[TheNameOfVillain]

I love all your videos man, this video actually made me install Arch Linux a couple months ago and I love it. Liked and subscribed.

[R2Mintus]

Thanks for the upload.

Been using for the past 2 days and liking it. Migrated from Mint 12 w/ Gnome 3.

The only con is idle ram usage at 800mb vs. gnome 3 at 550mb from login.

Love the half rolling release idea.

[NewportCraig]

Decided to settle on Chakra after watching your excellent review. I love KDE 4.7. Thanks!

[timpster93]

hey make sure you empty the Cache <pronounced "CA$H" in package manager

its when you download stuff and its saves the downloaded files

so if you don't need them, just clear it

[TheAtomKiller2000]

@prajullas

And also, you will have all the latest and greatest programs on it.

Arch and Chakra are almost the same.

Chakra is a KDE-centric fork of arch.

Now, what i suggest is, try both. And see what's more suitable for your needs.