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**ZDNET’s key insights:**
Voyager Linux stands out as an excellent choice for individuals who are completely new to the Linux ecosystem. Thanks to its polished and simplified GNOME desktop environment, practically anyone can operate it with minimal friction. However, it should be noted that its most recent release remains in the alpha stage, meaning it is still undergoing active development and refinement.
Voyager Linux is one of those distributions that, despite its strengths, often escapes the notice of the broader Linux community. This lack of recognition is unfortunate because the distribution offers a high degree of refinement and polish. To address this oversight, I am taking a closer look at its latest version. I have written about Voyager in the past, specifically back in 2023, when I concluded that it was both highly user-friendly and imbued with a sense of design elegance not always present in Linux distributions. With this newest iteration now on the horizon, I decided to test the available alpha build. Although it may be risky to rely on software at such an early stage, I tend to embrace that type of challenge.
The Voyager Linux 25.10 alpha integrates a subtly customized GNOME desktop, which has been deliberately crafted to resemble the clean, minimalistic sophistication of macOS. Until the anticipated “Glass UI” arrives, this modification helps Voyager achieve visual parity with some of the sleekest desktop environments available. An additional layer of functionality is provided by **Conky**, a lightweight system monitoring utility that places live machine statistics directly onto the desktop background. While new Linux users may not necessarily need this information, its inclusion adds a sense of technical flair. Alongside Conky, Voyager ships with an impressive utility known as **Box Voyager GNOME**, a feature-rich configuration hub designed to consolidate and simplify system customization. From this central location, users can enable Night Mode, update wallpapers, manage GNOME extensions, toggle parental controls, configure backup strategies, fine-tune Conky, experiment with Wine for Windows-program compatibility, or even adjust gaming-related settings. The sheer breadth of options ensures both new and experienced users can adapt their environment as they see fit.
As for the structure of the GNOME desktop itself, Voyager adheres to a dock-and-panel paradigm. The lower dock, designed with a subtle transparency that contributes to a sense of modernity, is populated with application launchers and an app menu. The upper panel enhances productivity by providing workspace navigation, another app menu, and a system tray for notifications and status indicators. The arrangement is deliberately intuitive, making it easy for any user—regardless of technical background—to log in and immediately feel a degree of familiarity. Still, individuals who have previously experimented with GNOME and rejected it for being overly unconventional may appreciate Voyager’s flexibility. Instead of relying exclusively on GNOME’s App Overview, Voyager provides an alternative: by clicking the “U” icon at the upper-left corner, users can launch **ArcMenu**, a more traditional menu interface that closely resembles menus from other operating systems.
Gamers are not neglected in this release either. Voyager’s developers have gone to notable lengths to ensure that the distribution accommodates gaming. By launching the **Wine + Gaming** section within Box Voyager, users can quickly install essential tools such as **Steam, Proton, Lutris, Heroic Games Launcher, PlayOnLinux, Q4wine**, and, of course, Wine itself for running Windows software. For instance, clicking on the Steam option automatically directs users to the software store interface, where installation is as simple as pressing a single button. This automation streamlines what might otherwise be a complex multi-step process.
The inclusion of Box Voyager, however, is not without critique. Although the tool itself is remarkably well-conceived, the naming convention may be a misstep. A less experienced user, upon seeing the utility listed as “Box Voyager GNOME,” might not immediately understand its purpose. A more descriptive title—or perhaps even automatic launching on first login—could make this indispensable feature more discoverable.
Beyond its customization options, Voyager Linux arrives bundled with a comprehensive set of preinstalled applications. Productivity is handled through **LibreOffice**, while browsing is provided through **Firefox**. Entertainment and media needs are addressed with tools such as **FreeTube, VLC Media Player, Rhythmbox, Shortwave, and GNOME Video Player**. For communication, the distribution includes **Thunderbird** for email, whereas security-conscious users will appreciate the presence of **KeePassXC** for password management. There are also tools for mapping, weather updates, and even leisure, such as the inclusion of the nostalgic game **Pacman**. Creative expression is supported by **Pinta**, a lightweight drawing application, and audio filtering can be refined using **Easy Effects**. Overall, the out-of-the-box application roster is well-balanced; most users will find all essentials already installed. For additional requirements, the Software app store integrates **Flathub**, which allows the installation of both open-source favorites and proprietary utilities such as **Spotify** and **Slack**.
When it comes to new user accessibility, Voyager makes a small but meaningful design decision: removing the terminal shortcut from the dock. Since many beginners associate Linux exclusively with the intimidating command line, hiding the terminal by default reduces anxiety. Of course, the application remains accessible through either the App Overview search feature or the ArcMenu, under System Tools. Users can still open **Tilda** or select the Terminal directly, but only after seeking it out consciously. This thoughtful choice reflects the developers’ sensitivity toward lowering the barrier of entry for new adopters.
Another small but impactful feature is Voyager’s decision to preserve **middle mouse click paste** functionality by default. This classic behavior, once common in early Linux environments, allows users to highlight text and then paste it instantly with a middle button click. Although many modern distributions have abandoned this habit, Voyager revives it, making text manipulation faster for those who value efficiency.
During deeper exploration of Voyager’s Tweaks settings, I encountered the option for **window shading**—a nostalgic throwback to window managers such as AfterStep. Shading minimizes a window by “rolling” it up so that only the title bar remains visible, an elegant technique for managing cluttered desktops and multitasking with several applications simultaneously. Unfortunately, in the current alpha state, this feature does not function properly. Its presence in the interface therefore feels misleading: offering hope for advanced multitasking only to disappoint when tested. While minor in the grand scale of the operating system, it nevertheless highlights the unfinished nature of this alpha build.
Taken as a whole, my experience with Voyager Linux’s alpha release has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite minor quirks—such as the underutilized naming convention for Box Voyager or the nonfunctional shading toggle—the distribution shines as both a practical and attractive option. For those still tethered to aging **Windows 10 PCs** facing end-of-support deadlines, Voyager represents an inviting alternative. It has the potential to ease the transition away from Microsoft dependence while offering an elegant, modern, and user-friendly Linux experience. In short, Voyager Linux continues to embody the qualities of a charming hidden gem that deserves significantly more recognition within the open-source landscape.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-beautiful-linux-distro-deserves-to-be-better-known-heres-why/
