Manjaro is one of the most popular Linux distributions, and many people use it as their daily driver for their main operating system.
Derived from Arch Linux, Manjaro offers the same advantages as a full-fledged Arch Linux installation but without the hassle of the difficult Arch Linux installation process.
When you try to install Manjaro, you will notice that when you download the ISO file from the Manjaro official download page, they provide two versions for you to choose from: Minimal and Full.
What does this mean? Which one should you choose?
In this article, you will learn the differences between the Manjaro Minimal and Full versions and decide which one you should choose to install.
Manjaro Distribution Overview
Manjaro is a rolling release Linux distribution that always provides you with the latest updates without needing to wait for a fixed release date.
It offers three official flavors that are maintained directly by the Manjaro team:
- Manjaro KDE/Plasma
- Manjaro Xfce
- Manjaro Gnome
And other flavors maintained by the community such as:
- Manjaro Budgie
- Manjaro Cinnamon
- Manjaro i3
- Manjaro Mate
For each of these Manjaro flavors, you have the option to choose the minimal version or the full version.
Main Differences Between Manjaro Minimal And Full
From their names, Manjaro Minimal and Manjaro Full versions imply differences in size, features, and overall usability of the Manjaro distribution.
While it’s true that their primary differences are related to size and features, there are additional distinctions, such as the number of packages they include and the absence of certain packages.
let’s dive into their differences one by one before you can finally decide which one will suit your needs the most.
Size
The first and the most obvious difference between Manjaro minimal and Manjaro full is the size. from the iso file size to the installation size, they are definitely different.
ISO File Size
Manjaro Minimal offers a smaller ISO file size compared to Manjaro Full. This option is suitable if you desire a minimal file size while retaining the overall Manjaro experience.
On the other hand, Manjaro Full has a larger ISO file size because it includes more packages than the Minimal version. Consequently, you’ll need more available storage to accommodate the larger ISO file size.
For instance, let’s consider Manjaro Xfce as an example. The Minimal version has an ISO file size of 2.8GB, whereas the Full version is about 3.8GB. This is a significant difference, nearly 1GB.
Installation Size
Given the substantial disparity in ISO file sizes, it’s expected that the installation sizes would also differ.
For instance, after installing Manjaro Xfce with the Minimal version, it occupies approximately 6GB of storage, which is relatively small for a full-fledged Linux desktop system.
In contrast, the Manjaro Full version requires around 8.4GB of disk space, significantly larger than the Minimal version.
Packages
Another significant difference between Manjaro Minimal and Manjaro Full is the set of installed packages.
In Manjaro Minimal, some packages are not included by default to conserve storage space. This is indeed beneficial for users looking to minimize storage usage.
On the other hand, Manjaro Full typically includes a more extensive selection of packages. This results in a more feature-rich experience right out of the box, eliminating the need for manual installations.
Let’s compare the number of preinstalled packages in both Manjaro Minimal and Manjaro Full versions.
In Manjaro Minimal, there are approximately 900 preinstalled packages, which is a relatively modest number. This minimal package selection excludes packages like Firefox, the Snap Store, and others.
Manjaro Full on the other side includes around 1045 preinstalled packages. It includes all the packages found in Manjaro Minimal, with the addition of extra packages not present in the minimal version. These additional packages may include software like Firefox, GIMP, VLC, Thunderbird, and various other useful applications. You can use these packages immediately without the need for manual installation.
For the full list of packages included in Manjaro Full, you can visit the Manjaro GitLab repository. Everything listed there is part of the default Manjaro Full installation.
In Manjaro Minimal, packages marked as “>extra” are not preinstalled by default, but users have the flexibility to install any of these extra packages later on as needed.
Memory Usage
Memory usage is a crucial aspect to consider when evaluating performance, the less memory used, the better.
Manjaro Minimal, which comes with fewer preinstalled packages compared to Manjaro Full, can achieve a memory usage of only about 886MB at idle.
In contrast, Manjaro Full uses approximately 987MB of memory when idle. This isn’t surprising because it comes with more preinstalled packages, leading to higher RAM usage during idle periods.
If you have plenty of physical memory, a 100MB difference in memory usage won’t have a noticeable effect. However, if you have limited physical memory, a 100MB reduction in memory usage is indeed a valuable optimization.
Customization
There are times when you may want to customize the desktop environment of your Manjaro system, whether it’s changing themes, icons, customizing the terminal, or even adding another desktop environment.
If you are using Manjaro Minimal, customization becomes easier because the nature of Manjaro Minimal is less bloated compared to the full version.
Manjaro Full version provides a comprehensive out-of-the-box experience, sparing you the hassle of configuring things. However, if you plan to customize extensively, it will add more packages to your Manjaro system, which is already populated with additional packages that come with the Manjaro Full version.
Which One Should You Choose?
From the previous sections, you already understand the differences between Manjaro Minimal and Manjaro Full versions, including factors like size, the number of installed packages, and customization.
Now you can decide which version you should use and which one will fit your needs for the Manjaro distribution.
Manjaro Minimal
Resource Efficiency: If you have limited system resources, such as an older computer or a computer with lower RAM and storage, Manjaro Minimal is an excellent choice. It starts with a minimal footprint, consuming fewer resources compared to the Manjaro full version. This can result in a more responsive and efficient system.
Reduced Bloat: Pre-installed software on some full distributions can sometimes feel like bloatware. With Manjaro Minimal, you avoid this issue and only install what you genuinely need, keeping your system streamlined and clutter-free.
Customization: Manjaro Minimal provides you with a bare-bones installation, giving you complete control over which packages and software to install. This level of customization allows you to create a system tailored to your specific needs and preferences. You won’t have unnecessary software cluttering your system.
So basically you should choose the Manjaro Minimal if you prefer to have cleaner installation and less bloated packages, or maybe you have limited resources for computer hardware, then Manjaro Minimal is the right choice for you.
Manjaro Full
No Immediate Installation Hassle: With Manjaro Full, you don’t have to spend time selecting and installing packages to set up a basic working environment. It’s ready to use as soon as you install it, which can be convenient, especially for those new to Linux.
Time-Saving: Setting up a full-featured system from scratch can be time-consuming, especially if you need to install many applications such as web browsers or office applications. Manjaro Full saves you time by providing a ready-to-use environment.
Easier Transition for New Users: Manjaro Full is a great choice for users who are new to Linux and want a smooth transition from other operating systems. The familiar applications and desktop environment can make the switch less intimidating.
You should choose Manjaro Full if you prefer to have extra packages that you can use immediately out of the box after the installation. and for those who aren’t really into customization, and just use the desktop as it is.
What I Recommend
Personally, I suggest choosing the version that aligns with your specific requirements. Here’s a simple guideline:
- If you need additional packages right from the installation and prefer a more comprehensive out-of-the-box experience, then the Manjaro Full version is the way to go.
- On the other hand, if you prefer to have fewer preinstalled packages and enjoy the flexibility of installing extras according to your preferences, then the Manjaro Minimal version is the better choice.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on what best suits your needs and gets the job done. In my case, I would opt for Manjaro Minimal, as it provides the flexibility to select and install the packages I require, without being burdened by unnecessary preinstalled packages.
Conclusion
So that’s basically what’s the difference between Manjaro minimal and full. Each one has its own advantages, so feel free to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Hopefully, this article helps you to choose the right Manjaro version for you to install on your machine.
Manjaro is a great Linux distribution anyway, so which one you choose is going to be a great distro for your daily driver.