I adapted an Arch-based distro my way in less than 5 minutes – and it’s fantastic

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ZDNET Highlights

• Prism Linux is an Arch-based distribution that has a lot to offer.
• You can choose between different desktop environments/window managers.
• The Prism Linux installer is one of the best installers I’ve ever used.

If you’ve followed me for long enough, you’ll know that I’ve tried several Arch-based Linux distributions to find the sanity of the installers.

I believe I have found it prism linux.

Also: How to Install Arch Linux Without Losing Your Mind

This Arch-based Linux distribution claims to be “a high-performance system built for stability.” The developers call it “an Arch-based distribution with a killer installer and everything you need in a desktop OS.”

You think I’m kidding? Try Prism Installer and see what you think. As soon as the installer started, I knew something special was coming.

Arch-based distro made easy

The Prism Linux installer makes it so easy to install this Arch-based distribution that anyone, regardless of experience, can install Linux. During installation, you can choose which desktop environment you want. (I chose Hyperland.) You also get to choose the applications you want to install – which includes Web Browser, Desktop Tools, System Tools, Utilities, Office & Productivity, Multimedia Creation, Audio Editing, Communications, Code Editors & IDEs, Development Tools, Gaming, Security & Privacy, and Virtualization. Essentially, you have to create exactly the operating system you need during installation.

Also: How this strange little distro can boost your Linux skills

You also get to choose the kernel you want, decide whether to include Flatpak or not, enable ZRAM, and set a hostname. Once you’ve done that, create your user, review the installation, and you’ll be off and running. The Prism Linux installation I chose took less than 5 minutes to complete. (I added a lot of additional packages.)

But don’t be fooled, the awesomeness of Prism isn’t limited to the installer. Since I had Hyperland Window Manager installed, I was excited to try it out. When I logged in, I found the desktop quite beautiful.

If you’re not accustomed to a tiling window manager, I highly recommend that you choose one of the other alternatives (like KDE Plasma or GNOME). However, if you are adventurous, Hyperland is great.

Includes built-in AI tools

One of the biggest surprises was that the desktop included a built-in AI tool. Click on the top left icon and the tool will appear ready for your first query. You must first select a model by typing /Sample, Then choose the one you want. You are limited to only three models:

• gemini-2.5-flash
• gemini-3-flash
• mistral-medium-3

Each of the above requires an API key, and the app will direct you to the proper place to find it.

One of the first things I realized is that this instance of Hyperland doesn’t include an app launcher, so I had to install Rofi, which isn’t the easiest app launcher I’ve ever used. Additionally, the keyboard shortcut for that launcher was not working as expected.

Also: How much RAM will your Linux PC really need in 2026? An expert’s favorite place

And then I hit pay-dirt. After all my efforts to install a separate app launcher, I found the built-in option, which was good enough. I didn’t notice this at first because the launcher was connected to the virtual desktop switcher. Click the rightmost icon on the Dock (the square of dots). When I first launched it, I couldn’t get past the fact that Prism had 10 virtual desktops created by default.

Above the virtual desktop switcher was the launcher I was looking for. Type in the app you want to launch, and you’re ready to go. Furthermore, you can use that tool as a desktop search tool and even a calculator.

Everything was fine with Hyperland on Prism.

However, here’s the thing: If you’re new to Linux, do No Install Prism with Hyperland or Sway. Instead, go with one of the mainstream desktops (like KDE Plasma or GNOME); Otherwise, you’ll find yourself increasingly frustrated (unless you’re willing to spend a good amount of time getting used to the tiling window manager). Don’t get me wrong, Hyperland is amazing – it’s just not the best option for newcomers.

Also: Goodbye, VirtualBox – I found a better, more reliable VM manager for Linux

Since I’ve used Hypeland before, I quite like Prism’s approach to tiling window managers. It has enough extra goodies to make it stand out from some of the other distributions that come with Hyperland.

On the other hand, if you want to take a walk on the wild side, try Hyperland on Prism. I found it to be a lot of fun and really cool looking.

goodness out of the box

What I really appreciate about Prism is that, thanks to the installer, it includes everything I needed. I didn’t need to install anything to get started with this Linux distribution.

Because I was able to create only the software I wanted, I felt as if Prism was one of the more complete out-of-the-box experiences I’ve had in a while.

Yes, it’s based on Arch Linux, but thanks to Octopi (the GUI app store) and the joy of using Hyperland, it didn’t feel like Arch.

Too: This great looking Linux distro is different from anything I’ve ever seen in my decades of using it

curious? You should really check out Prism Linux. This distro is fun and includes everything you need, without the challenges of the distribution on which it is based. Just make sure your first experience with Prism is with KDE Plasma or GNOME. Then, when you’re feeling adventurous, try Highland or Sway. hold one ISO of Prism Linux From the official download page.