CachyOS is a Linux distribution based off Arch Linux. Here are some general facts about it:

• It is a rolling release, meaning it is constantly updating all packages to the newest available versions. This is good for tech people and gamers, which benefit from quick releases. It may not be suitable for non-techies or people who only need the basics like web browsing.
• It is easy to install, and things typically “just work”. Unlike some distros and Linux issues of the past, CachyOS handles GPU drivers for all vendors really well.
• It comes with optimized packages for performance. Much of the distribution's software is compiled for features available to modern processors, which can help performance. It also tunes the Linux kernel and offers custom patches of Steam Proton, which is used for gaming.

I really like CachyOS. It is highly customizable, fairly stable, and finally makes it easy to play almost any PC game on Linux with minimal issues. (Shoutout to Valve, the maker of Steam, which pushed the development of Proton).

For less technical people, I might recommend Fedora KDE or Kubuntu.

Note: A lot of the below settings apply to any KDE/Linux distro, except for the package management.

Install Options

• KDE Plasma desktop
• ZFS root, though BTRFS is probably better for most people
• Encrypted drives. This secures data when you want to get rid of your computer, and in particular for laptops. A stolen laptop is bad no matter what, but an encrypted drive protects your data.

Software and settings

• Yakuake terminal - persistent terminal that drops down from top of screen. Useful if you're in the terminal often.
  • Configure to start at login.
  • I like to stretch the window to about 80%.
• Fonts: Inter and IBM Plex
  • Inter is a great system-wide font, and gives the OS a bit more polish than the default Noto font.
  • IBM Plex is a favorite of mine too. Particularly for its Monospace font.
  • paru inter-font and paru ttf-ibm-plex to install
  • System Settings > Fonts > Adjust all fonts - Changes all fonts except Monospace, which needs changed separately.
• CachyOS-Hello > “Install gaming packages” installs CachyOS' own Proton version that is optimized.

Installing and Updating Software

Paru is a package manager CLI tool. It is able to install packages from the standard repositories, as well as the Arch User Repository (AUR). The AUR has a ton of software in it, but almost anyone can create and list software in the AUR. Be wary of installing unknown software from it.

• Search for package: paru <search term> and select the software
• Update the system: paru

If you want to use the GUI, the Cachy-Update and CachyOS-Package Installer are available.

CachyOS-Package Installer cannot see AUR packages. Use the “Repo” tab to search all packages in the main repositories.

Useful hotkeys in KDE

• Meta (windows key): Shows the “Start Menu” and you can instantly type an application name to launch.
• Meta + Left,right,up,down: Moves windows around on the screen to tile them. Handy for fitting multiple windows on a screen.
• Ctrl + Meta + Left,right: Move between virtual desktops
• Ctrl + Shift + Meta + Left, right: Move active window between virtual desktops
• Meta + D: Peek at desktop. Temporarily minimizes all windows.
• Meta + PgUp - Maximize Window
• Meta + PgDown - Minimize Window

This could be a separate page, but it sits here for now.

Firefox is my browser of choice, but it needs some tuning out of the box.

This sets my preferred search provider, adjusts the address bar to function how I like, and minimize the number of cookies stored between session.

In particular: The Manage Exceptions feature means that only the sites I want to stay logged-in to maintain cookies between sessions. Almost every site you visit sets some kind of tracking cookie. I don't want that. So on first boot, add your email website, banks, news, socials and shopping. All other random browsing gets cleared.

Settings

• Homepage: Click pencil icon and disable Weather, Shortcuts, Stories
• Search:
  • DuckDuckGo for provider
  • Disable “Show search terms in the address bar”
  • Disable “Show search suggestions before browsing history”
  • Disable “Show search suggestions in private windows”
• Privacy and Security:
  • Strict
  • Fix Major Issues
  • Manage exceptions:
    • Add websites here which you want to stay logged into permanently.
    • Enable “Clear cookies and site data every time” to wipe all other data each time.
  • Disable “Ask to save passwords” if you have another password manager
  • If you use FF password manager, enable “Use a primary password”
  • Optional: Enable HTTPS-Only mode in all windows

Extensions

I recommend these extensions, but they may break some websites. If a website isn't working or looks really weird, try disabling them for that website.

• uBlock Origin
• Privacy Badger