The new ISO image of cachyOS It is now available It arrives as a monthly update to this Arch Linux-based distribution that focuses on performance and ease of use. This revamped version maintains the philosophy of offering a fast and adaptable system, but incorporates a series of tweaks that affect hardware management, privacy, and the installation experience.
In the European context, where Internet privacy and support for recent hardware These are common concerns, so this release is particularly interesting. CachyOS combines tweaks designed to get the most out of desktops and laptops with limited graphics, along with new options to strengthen security in browsing and packet handling.
New graphical package manager: Shelly replaces Octopi
One of the most visible changes is that Shelly becomes the default graphical package managerTaking over from Octopi, Shelly presents itself as a modern reinterpretation of Arch Linux's package manager, but with a more up-to-date interface focused on simplifying tasks such as installing, updating, and removing software.
This commitment to Shelly seeks to offer a A more intuitive experience for those who prefer graphical tools This is especially useful for users new to Arch-like environments, as it allows you to view package details, manage dependencies, and review changes directly from the application without resorting to complex commands.
By being integrated as the default option, CachyOS makes it easier for both home users in Spain and system administrators in Europe to keep your equipment up to date without having to install additional software management tools.
Privacy improvements: support for DNS-over-HTTPS
Another notable new feature is the addition of DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) as a supported option by defaultThis technology encrypts DNS queries, preventing them from being transmitted in plain text and reducing the possibility that third parties can spy on or manipulate domain name requests.
In a European context where data protection regulations and concerns about digital surveillance are very present, the support for DNS-over-HTTPS in CachyOS offers a additional layer of privacy for browsingUsers can benefit from this feature to limit network-level tracking, which is useful for both home connections and public networks.
This approach fits with the general trend of the Linux ecosystem in Europe, where more and more distributions are integrating encryption and traffic protection mechanisms without relying on complicated manual configurations by the user.
CachyOS improves vRAM management by leveraging Valve optimizations
CachyOS introduces a New vRAM management tweak inspired by Valve's work This vRAM management switch optimizes Linux in scenarios with limited video memory. It aims to improve system performance when using graphics cards with limited resources, a common issue in laptops or older computers.
The distribution specifically leverages optimizations originally applied to the KDE desktop, with the goal of to offer a smoother experience on systems with limited resourcesThis can translate into fewer graphical stutters, better GPU utilization, and a more stable response when using demanding applications or lightweight games on modest machines.
For users in Spain and other European countries who want to extend the lifespan of their devices, this improvement can make all the difference in continuing to use equipment with low-end integrated or dedicated graphics cards without sacrificing a modern desktop environment.
Switching from NVMe I/O scheduler to Kyber for improved responsiveness
Among the more technical internal adjustments, the change to the input/output scheduler for NVMe drives stands out. CachyOS modifies the default configuration and switch from using "none" to using the Kyber planner, a decision aimed at improving the system's responsiveness.
Kyber is designed to better manage read and write operation queuesThis translates into more responsive performance when multitasking. In desktop environments where browsing, document editing, multimedia playback, and background updates are combined, this change can contribute to a greater overall sense of fluidity.
Users running CachyOS on systems with modern NVMe drives, which are now very common in the European market, may notice More consistent loading times and fewer occasional freezes in situations of high workload on the disk.
Adjustments to CachyOS Settings and improvements to the installer
The proprietary configuration tool, CachyOS Settings, also receives significant changes in this release. In addition to reflecting the new Kyber scheduler as default for NVMeIt centralizes some of the settings that help customize system behavior without having to manually edit files.
In parallel, this April ISO incorporates Improvements to the installer and various fixes These changes are aimed at refining the initial installation experience. They can range from more reliable hardware detection to minor adjustments in the wizard steps, with the goal of reducing errors and simplifying setup on the first boot.
For those deploying CachyOS on multiple computers within the same office or home, a more mature installer implies Fewer incidents and a faster processSomething that is always appreciated when preparing a new work environment or personal use space.
Monthly snapshot with refinements and updated hardware support
This CachyOS launch is presented as a monthly snapshot of the distributionThis package bundles the latest improvements, bug fixes, and updates into a ready-to-install ISO image. The goal is to provide the most up-to-date starting point possible for new installations, thus reducing the number of updates required after the initial boot.
In addition to the most visible changes, ISO includes Minor adjustments and general polishing While these features may not always be prominently displayed, they help to reinforce stability and compatibility with recent hardware. This is crucial in an ecosystem as diverse as the European one, where very new equipment coexists with devices that are several years old.
Those who want to try this release can go to the distribution's official website, CachyOS.org, where it is offered Download the new ISO image and additional documentation about the specific features of this edition, as well as instructions for installation and support.
CachyOS establishes itself as an update that prioritizes a combination of good performance, greater privacy, and more convenient system use thanks to changes such as the adoption of Shelly, DNS-over-HTTPS support, new vRAM management based on Valve's work, and the switch to the Kyber scheduler on NVMe. All of this is accompanied by improvements to the installer and minor fixes that round out a proposal designed for the daily use of users in Spain and the rest of Europe.