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Linux GNOME Guide

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Mattscreative edited this page Dec 5, 2025 · 2 revisions

Linux GNOME Guide

Complete beginner-friendly guide to GNOME on Linux, covering Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions including installation, configuration, customization, extensions, and GNOME-specific features.

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding GNOME
  2. Installing GNOME
  3. GNOME Configuration
  4. GNOME Extensions
  5. GNOME Customization
  6. CachyOS GNOME Settings
  7. GNOME Applications
  8. Troubleshooting

Understanding GNOME

What is GNOME?

GNOME is a modern, minimalist desktop environment.

Key features:

  • Modern design: Clean, modern interface
  • Simple: Easy to use
  • Touch-friendly: Works well with touch
  • Minimalist: Clean, uncluttered

Why choose GNOME:

  • Simplicity: Easy to use
  • Modern: Modern design
  • Stable: Reliable and stable
  • Touch-friendly: Good for touchscreens

Installing GNOME

Install GNOME

Arch/CachyOS:

# Full GNOME
sudo pacman -S gnome gnome-extra

# Minimal GNOME
sudo pacman -S gnome

Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install gnome

Fedora:

sudo dnf install @gnome-desktop

Enable GNOME

Start GNOME:

# Install GDM
sudo pacman -S gdm

# Enable GDM
sudo systemctl enable --now gdm.service

Starting GNOME

Select at login:

  1. At login screen
  2. Select "GNOME" or "GNOME on Xorg"
  3. Log in

Default: Usually GNOME (Wayland)

GNOME Configuration

GNOME Settings

Configure GNOME:

# Open Settings
gnome-control-center

# Or use gsettings
gsettings list-schemas

gsettings

Configure via CLI:

# Set wallpaper
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.background picture-uri 'file:///path/to/image.jpg'

# Set theme
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface gtk-theme 'Adwaita-dark'

# Set icon theme
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface icon-theme 'Papirus'

GNOME Extensions

Install Extension Manager

Install manager:

# Arch/CachyOS
sudo pacman -S gnome-shell-extension-manager

# Launch
gnome-shell-extension-manager

Browser Extension

Install browser extension:

  1. Visit: https://extensions.gnome.org/
  2. Install browser extension
  3. Browse and install extensions

Popular Extensions

Recommended extensions:

  • Dash to Dock: Dock on desktop
  • User Themes: Custom themes
  • Clipboard Indicator: Clipboard history
  • AppIndicator: System tray icons

GNOME Customization

Themes

Install themes:

# Install themes
sudo pacman -S arc-gtk-theme materia-gtk-theme

# Apply theme
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface gtk-theme 'Arc-Dark'

Icons

Install icons:

# Install icon themes
sudo pacman -S papirus-icon-theme

# Apply icons
gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.interface icon-theme 'Papirus'

CachyOS GNOME Settings

CachyOS Settings Package

Install with CachyOS settings:

sudo pacman -S gnome cachyos-gnome-settings

What this does:

  • Installs GNOME
  • Installs CachyOS GNOME settings
  • Pre-configured for CachyOS
  • Better out-of-box experience

Note: cachyos-gnome-settings may be archived. Check current status.

GNOME Applications

GNOME Apps

Install applications:

# Full suite
sudo pacman -S gnome-extra

# Individual apps
sudo pacman -S nautilus gedit evince

Troubleshooting

Extensions Not Working

Check extensions:

# Check extension status
gnome-extensions list

# Enable extension
gnome-extensions enable extension-name

GNOME Not Starting

Check logs:

# Check GDM logs
journalctl -u gdm

# Check GNOME logs
journalctl --user -u gnome-session

Summary

This guide covered GNOME for Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other distributions, including installation, configuration, customization, extensions, and CachyOS-specific settings.

Next Steps

This guide covers Arch Linux, CachyOS, and other Linux distributions. CachyOS-specific GNOME settings are highlighted where applicable.

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