The Linux environment is undergoing a shift towards immutability, with more distributions embracing this concept. Surprisingly, Manjaro, which is based on Arch Linux, has recently revealed its new unchangeable edition, currently open for community testing.

Roman Gilg, Chief Technology Officer at Manjaro, mentioned in a statement:

“Our intention is for it to become an official Manjaro variant. With the community testing version, we are gathering feedback on user expectations for this variant, noting what should be included or possibly streamlined.”

Before we delve further into this topic, let’s provide a brief explanation for those unfamiliar with the term ‘immutability.’ Essentially, it refers to the idea that the core files and configurations of a system are set in a read-only state.

This setup prevents regular system or application processes from altering these essential components post-installation. Such an approach significantly bolsters security and stability by averting unauthorized or unintended modifications that could jeopardize the system’s integrity. Now, let’s get back on track.

Exploring the Manjaro Immutable Version

Manjaro Immutable is constructed using Arkdep, a toolkit designed for developing, deploying, and maintaining an immutable, atomic, Btrfs-based system. This foundation stems from the Arkane Linux 32 project. Hence, it’s evident that this Manjaro variant relies on the Btrfs file system for its operations.

However, it’s important to note that this system is primarily a testing ground to observe how an immutable architecture can operate within the Manjaro ecosystem. In other words, it’s not yet stable enough for everyday computing tasks. This is a crucial point to keep in mind.

Despite its experimental nature, this release presents an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts and developers to explore its functionalities and constraints.

Notable Features and Capabilities

Upon installation, users can interact with various features, including:

• System Updates: Following installation, the system ideally should not display any updates, indicating its unchangeable nature. A system reboot is required after any performed updates.
• Package Management: Arkdep enables users to compare package states across different system images, highlighting any additions, removals, or upgrades.
• System Switching: Users have the option to switch between KDE and GNOME deployments, assessing the flexibility and reliability of image-based management.
• Rollbacks: A standout trait of immutable systems is the ability to revert to a previous state, a capability facilitated by Manjaro Immutable through simple command-line operations.

In addition to defaulting to the GNOME 46 desktop environment, Manjaro Immutable offers a built-in feature that permits users to switch between GNOME and KDE images. To transition to the Plasma desktop, users can utilize the command sudo arkdep deploy test-manjaro-kde.

After the download completes, reboot the system to enjoy the latest Plasma 6.1.3 desktop experience on Manjaro Immutable.

System Requirements and Setup Process

For users interested in testing Manjaro Immutable, a minimum of 32GB of storage is required, with 64GB recommended for optimal performance, alongside a system that supports UEFI boot.

The distribution is available for download, and installation can be carried out using a graphical installer or virtualization tools like VirtualBox or QEMU, provided UEFI support is enabled.

For a more detailed overview, refer to the official announcement; the link to download the installation ISO image is provided there.