Tux Machines

Review: Crystal Linux 2023-03-16, StartOS (previously embassyOS) 0.3.4.2

Posted by Rianne Schestowitz on Jul 10, 2023

Crystal Linux is a young, rolling release Linux distribution which is based on Arch. The distribution has a focus on desktop usage and features the Onyx desktop, a customized version of GNOME with a Windows-like panel and layout. The other key feature the Crystal Linux website mentions is Timeshift, which is available for making optional filesystem snapshots.

I downloaded the sole edition of Crystal which is 1.7GB in size. The live media was able to boot in both UEFI and Legacy BIOS modes and quickly loads the GNOME (Onyx) desktop. A panel is placed along the bottom of the display which holds the application menu, task switcher, and system tray. The desktop has a dark, purple theme.

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