What is OpenMandriva? Who it is for
OpenMandriva is built independently rather than on another distribution. It uses KDE Plasma as its desktop and dnf for software, and it follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
OpenMandriva at a glance
- Foundation: built independently rather than on another distribution
- Desktop: KDE Plasma
- Software tools: dnf
- Release style: numbered releases on a fixed schedule
- Installer: a graphical installer
Who OpenMandriva suits
OpenMandriva suits people who want a KDE-focused, rpm-based system with current software.
Strengths
- The KDE Plasma desktop, with a great deal of customisation built in.
Things to consider
- As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try OpenMandriva from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the OpenMandriva bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Installing software on OpenMandriva
OpenMandriva uses dnf. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
dnf search name sudo dnf install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is OpenMandriva good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but OpenMandriva is aimed more at people who want a KDE-focused, rpm-based system with current software. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does OpenMandriva use?
OpenMandriva uses KDE Plasma. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does OpenMandriva need?
As a rough guide, about 4 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is OpenMandriva based on another distribution?
OpenMandriva is built independently rather than on another distribution.
How often is OpenMandriva updated?
OpenMandriva follows numbered releases on a fixed schedule.
How can I try OpenMandriva without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.