What is Voyager? Who it is for
Voyager is built on Ubuntu. It uses Xfce as its desktop and apt for software, and it follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
Voyager at a glance
- Foundation: built on Ubuntu
- Desktop: Xfce
- Software tools: apt
- Release style: long-term releases that stay supported for years
- Installer: a graphical installer
Who Voyager suits
Voyager suits people who want a decorated, ready-to-use Xfce desktop on Ubuntu's base.
Strengths
- A gentle learning curve, with everyday tasks handled through graphical tools.
- Low memory and processor use, which helps older or modest computers feel quick.
- The Xfce desktop, which is light, traditional and easy to tweak.
Things to consider
- The lighter design means fewer built-in features and a plainer look than the big desktops.
- As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Voyager from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Voyager 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 Voyager
Voyager uses apt. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
apt search name sudo apt install name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Voyager good for beginners?
Yes. Voyager is one of the more beginner-friendly choices.
What desktop does Voyager use?
Voyager uses Xfce. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Voyager need?
As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Voyager based on another distribution?
Voyager is built on Ubuntu.
How often is Voyager updated?
Voyager follows long-term releases that stay supported for years.
How can I try Voyager 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.