Arch Linux 2014.02.01 was very recently released [1], building on top of good tradition of flexibility like Debian's (MATE is now available in Arch Linux [2,3]). Some Ubuntu (and formerly Xandros) users rave about Arch Linux [4] and some longtime users provide a rather objective, balanced analysis [5]. For some [6], including former Microsoft employees [7], Manjaro Linux is a simpler route to embracing Arch Linux [8]. In any event, now that the first 2014 release of Arch Linux is out [9] the distribution might be worth exploring. The userbase is growing rapidly and the reviews are mostly positive. It offers a wide diversity of desktop environments, very much like Gentoo or Debian. It's not run by a large company and development is very much decentralised, as it probably ought to be (favouring development, not management). This is a 'true' community distribution. ⬆
Related/contextual items from the news:
Additionally, Arch Linux 2014.02.01 includes all the updated packages that were released during the past month, January 2014. As usual, existing Arch Linux users don’t need this new ISO image, as it's only intended for those of you who want to install Arch Linux on new machines.
Here in my office, I have two different desktops running Linux. One is running Arch Linux and the other is running Ubuntu. Both distributions are fully up to date, with Ubuntu running the latest release. Each desktop has its assigned tasks throughout my work day, with the Arch box serving as my daily use PC for most work.
[...]
I've relied on Ubuntu for years now. I enjoy the fact that it has a strong support community, access to any Linux software I might want to run, plus it's very simple to setup. And if you need a recent version of a software in Ubuntu, usually you have the option of adding an Ubuntu PPA (Personal Package Archive) so the new software title can be installed. Because of its ease of use and software availability, Ubuntu users won't find themselves wanting for a Linux software title enjoyed on other distributions.
Arch Linux, the popular rolling release Linux distribution, seemingly has a reputation as bleeding edge, elitist and sometimes unstable. Bleeding edge? Most seem to agree it is. Elitist? I'll leave that to you to decide. Unstable? Perhaps, perhaps not, which is what I will now try to give my take on it as a full time Arch Linux user.
The difficulties I encountered installing and running Manjaro would normally have pushed me to part company with this distro -- I must assume that the rather rapid development cycles and the number of different desktop environments in the fray caused some quality control issues. To my pleasure, however, all of the editions that ran on my laptops found the wireless connection without any trouble.
You don't necessarily have to run Manjaro Linux to get the same effect here, but Dobbie03 does note that he's had a great experience with it—it's been rock solid, according to him, so if you're looking for a new distro to try, it might be worth a look.