Introduction to Cinnamon on Arch Linux
If you’re new to Linux, you may find the sheer number of desktop environments available to be overwhelming. One such desktop environment that stands out is Cinnamon, an open-source user-friendly interface designed by the Linux Mint team.
In this article, we will discuss the features of Cinnamon, making it an excellent choice for beginners to dive into Linux.
Features of Cinnamon desktop environment
MDM Display Manager
Cinnamon comes with its own display manager called MDM. The MDM display manager provides an easy-to-use login screen that can be customized to match your desktop theme.
It’s simple to use and features useful options like choosing a different session, language, keyboard layout, and more.
Control Center
Cinnamon
Control Center offers a range of settings for system administration. It allows users to adjust various aspects of the environment, including sound settings, network configuration, monitor calibration, display settings, user accounts, and more.
It is designed both for those who are new to Linux and those experienced users who wish to delve into more advanced settings.
Nemo File Manager
Nemo is a file manager that enables users to navigate the file system efficiently. Nemo is integrated into Cinnamon.
It is extensible and great for users who are searching for an open-source GTK file manager. It makes copying and moving files a breeze.
Muffin Window Manager
One of the best features of Cinnamon is its window manager, Muffin. The focus has been to create an attractive, visually-pleasing, and easy-to-use window manager.
Moreover, it offers various features like window tiling, keyboard shortcuts, and an overview of all windows.
Cinnamon Shell
Cinnamon Shell provides a user-friendly interface for managing desktop tools and applications. It includes the Menu (applications menu), taskbar, and system tray.
The goal is to offer users a quick and effortless method to navigate the system and access frequently used applications.
Spices of Cinnamon
The Spices section of Cinnamon is a repository where users can download and install desktop applets, themes, desklets, and modifications. There are many options from which to choose.
The Spices section not only enhances the appearance of the desktop environment but also provides an opportunity for users to enable bug fixes or features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cinnamon is a fantastic option for those who are new to Linux and are looking for a user-friendly desktop environment. It provides a range of features, including a login screen, file manager, powerful control center, customized window manager, and a customizable desktop.
Additionally, the Spices section enables users to download and install desktop applets, themes, desklets, and modifications. Overall, Cinnamon maintains the ideal balance between speed, simplicity, and functionality, making it a great choice for beginners, but also a powerful tool for advanced users.
Installation procedure for Cinnamon on Arch Linux
To install Cinnamon on Arch Linux, you will first need to have a terminal system set up. The following are comprehensive steps that will guide you on how to install Cinnamon on Arch Linux.
Step 1: Update your system
To avoid any errors that would occur while installing Cinnamon, always update your system with the following command line in the terminal:
`sudo pacman -Syu`
Step 2: Install Cinnamon
For Cinnamon to be installed, you have to use the following command in the terminal:
`sudo pacman -S cinnamon`
The above command allows the terminal system to search for Cinnamon in the Arch Linux repositories. After this check, the terminal will then prompt you to proceed with the installation process.
Step 3: Enable and launch Cinnamon
After successfully installing Cinnamon on Arch Linux, you need to enable and launch it by running the following command:
`sudo systemctl start gdm.service`
Once the command is executed, Cinnamon’s login screen will appear for you to sign in. Then, chose the Cinnamon environment on the drop-down menu, which will appear right next to your username and password for the login.
Step 4: Enable Cinnamon at startup
To have Cinnamon launched automatically each time you start your system, execute the following command in the terminal:
`sudo systemctl enable gdm.service`
It will allow the display manager to initialize and start Cinnamon automatically.
Cinnamon as a modified desktop environment
Cinnamon is the flavor of Ed Munt and his team, the same group that created the popular Linux Mint distribution. It is a modified desktop environment that provides a user-friendly, comfortable, and seamless experience.
The desktop layout provided in Cinnamon is intuitive, with traditional perks, making it easy to navigate. Cinnamon’s usability is one of the key advantages for users who seek a more traditional styling desktop environment on Linux.
The polished user interface is highly customizable and offers an ideal balance between elegance and simplicity. The fluidity and responsiveness of Cinnamon make it a great option for PC users who prefer the Windows-like environment.
Cinnamon provides excellent functionality perfect for productivity-focused machines. It features an extensive
Control Center that enables users to adjust various aspects of their environment, including sound settings, monitor calibration, display settings, user accounts, and more.
Cinnamon desktop provides a Mint flavor, an operating system created focusing on stability, user experience, and usability, with long-term support and security updates. With the modification of Cinnamon, the user interface is designed to offer a distro powered by Xfce, GNOME, or KDE providing users a friendly interface which makes it an ideal option for people who are new to Linux.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cinnamon provides a modified desktop environment for Linux enthusiasts. Installing it on Arch Linux is a simple and straightforward process through the terminal system.
The desktop environment has been molded to cater to traditional desktop users’ needs by providing customized features, an easy-to-navigate
Control Center, and themes that are highly polished and fresh. The Cinnamon environment is compatible with various distros, including Arch Linux, providing users with the opportunity to have an operating system they desire.
As Linux’s popularity continues to soar, Cinnamon and its personalized flavor will undoubtedly serve as an excellent option for anyone seeking an alternative desktop environment. In summary, Cinnamon on Arch Linux is an ideal option for individuals who seek an open-source, user-friendly interface while maintaining traditional desktop perks.
Cinnamon’s polished user interface is highly customizable, and it provides an extensive control center that allows users to adjust various aspects of the environment. Installing Cinnamon on Arch Linux is simple, and the modified desktop environment provides an excellent balance of elegance and simplicity.
The Mint flavor of Cinnamon offers long-term support and security updates, catering to traditional desktop users’ needs. With this in mind, Cinnamon is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an alternative desktop environment that meets their productivity needs.