Audience
People seeking a customizable Linux desktop with graphical setup and administration, including first-time Linux users and experienced users interested in an Arch-based desktop.
About Mainstream OS
Mainstream OS is an Arch-based Linux desktop distribution built around the Hyprland Wayland compositor and a configurable Quickshell desktop. It provides a graphical installer and settings app for displays, window layouts, keyboard shortcuts, themes, updates, app management, and system repair. Users can customize the desktop with wallpaper-driven colors, save and share themes, manage native packages and Flatpak apps, and switch to a Steam-based Gaming or Console Mode. The distribution includes update snapshots and boot-menu rollback, plus options for dual boot and full-disk encryption during installation. It is intended for people seeking a customizable Linux desktop with graphical setup and administration, from first-time Linux users to experienced users looking for an Arch-based desktop.
Other Popular Alternatives & Related Software
Manjaro
Manjaro is a free, open-source Linux operating system based on Arch Linux that combines a user-friendly desktop experience with extensive customization and advanced system management capabilities. The distribution uses a rolling release model that delivers ongoing software updates without requiring users to reinstall the operating system for major version upgrades. Manjaro offers desktop editions featuring KDE Plasma, GNOME, and Xfce, along with community-supported alternatives for different computing preferences. Its package management tools include Pacman and the graphical Pamac software manager, providing access to official repositories and optional community software sources. Automatic hardware detection, graphics driver installation, and kernel management tools simplify system setup and maintenance across compatible computers.
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Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a free, open-source Linux operating system developed by Canonical and the Ubuntu community for desktop computers, servers, cloud infrastructure, and connected devices. Based on Debian, the distribution provides a user-friendly computing environment with regular software updates, security patches, and extensive hardware compatibility. Ubuntu Desktop features the GNOME desktop environment and includes applications for web browsing, office productivity, multimedia, software development, and everyday computing. Its APT package manager and Snap ecosystem allow users to install, update, and manage thousands of software applications. Ubuntu offers Long-Term Support (LTS) releases with five years of standard security maintenance and optional extended coverage through Ubuntu Pro. The operating system also supports virtualization, containers, Kubernetes, artificial intelligence development, and enterprise infrastructure management across on-premises and cloud environments.
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CachyOS
CachyOS is a performance-focused Linux distribution based on Arch Linux that aims to deliver a faster and more responsive computing experience through deep system-level optimizations. It rebuilds core components, including the kernel and software packages, using modern CPU instruction sets such as x86-64-v3, x86-64-v4, and Zen4, along with advanced techniques like link-time optimization and profile-guided optimization to maximize efficiency without requiring manual tuning. It includes a custom kernel with multiple scheduler options designed to improve responsiveness and interactivity, as well as enhanced throughput across different workloads. CachyOS maintains the rolling-release model of Arch Linux, providing continuous updates and access to the latest software while preserving flexibility and control. It offers both graphical and command-line installers, making it accessible to beginners while still allowing advanced users full customization over their setup.
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Arch Linux
Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86-64 general-purpose GNU/Linux distribution that strives to provide the latest stable versions of most software by following a rolling-release model. The default installation is a minimal base system, configured by the user to only add what is purposely required. Arch Linux defines simplicity as without unnecessary additions or modifications. It ships software as released by the original developers (upstream) with minimal distribution-specific (downstream) changes, patches not accepted by upstream are avoided, and Arch's downstream patches consist almost entirely of backported bug fixes that are obsoleted by the project's next release. Arch ships the configuration files provided by upstream with changes limited to distribution-specific issues like adjusting the system file paths. It does not add automation features such as enabling a service simply because the package was installed.
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Pricing
Starting Price:
Free
Pricing Details:
Open source. Free to use under the GPLv3 license.
Free Version:
Free Version available.
Integrations
Company Information
Mainstream OS
mainstreamos.org
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Product Details
Platforms Supported
Linux
On-Premises
Training
Documentation
Mainstream OS Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kinds of users and organization types does Mainstream OS work with?
Mainstream OS works with these users and organization types: Mid Size Business, Small Business, Enterprise, Freelance, Nonprofit, Government, and Startup.
Q: What languages does Mainstream OS support in their product?
Mainstream OS supports these languages: English.
Q: What other applications or services does Mainstream OS integrate with?
Mainstream OS integrates with: ChatGPT, Claude Duet, Claude for Legal, Claude, Gemini, and Ollama.
Q: What type of training does Mainstream OS provide?
Mainstream OS provides training in the form of documentation.
Q: How much does Mainstream OS cost?
Pricing for Mainstream OS starts at Free.
