Speed Up Your Manjaro Updates: Enabling Parallel Downloads

Manjaro Linux, known for its user-friendliness and stability, is a popular choice for both Linux newcomers and experienced users. However, one common question that arises is about download speeds during system updates. Specifically, why doesn't Manjaro enable parallel downloading by default, a feature available in Arch Linux through its package manager, Pacman?

The good news is that you can enable parallel downloads in Manjaro to potentially speed up your update process. Let's dive into how to do it.

What is Parallel Downloading?

Before we proceed, let's quickly understand what parallel downloading means. Normally, when you update your system, Pacman downloads packages one after another sequentially. With parallel downloading, Pacman can download multiple packages simultaneously, which can significantly reduce the overall update time, especially if you have a fast internet connection.

Enabling Parallel Downloads in Manjaro

Here's a step-by-step guide to enabling parallel downloading in your Manjaro system:

1. Open the pacman.conf file: This file contains the configuration settings for Pacman. You'll need to open it with root privileges. Use the following commands in your terminal:

   cd /etc
   sudo nano pacman.conf
   

2. Locate the ParallelDownloads line: Scroll through the file until you find a line that looks like this: #ParallelDownloads. The # symbol at the beginning of the line indicates that this line is commented out and therefore inactive.

3. Uncomment and modify the line: Remove the # symbol to uncomment the line. Then, change the value to the number of parallel downloads you want. A value of 10 is often recommended. The line should now look like this:

   ParallelDownloads = 10
   

   • Note: Setting this value too high might overwhelm your system or network, so it's best to start with a moderate number like 5 or 10 and adjust as needed.

4. Save the changes: Press Ctrl + X to exit Nano. When prompted to save, press Y and then Enter.

5. Update your system: Now you're ready to test the changes. Run a system update using Pacman:

   sudo pacman -Syu
   

You should now see Pacman downloading multiple packages simultaneously.

Why Isn't This Enabled by Default in Manjaro?

While parallel downloading can be beneficial, it's not enabled by default in Manjaro for a few reasons:

• Stability: Downloading multiple packages concurrently can, in some cases, increase the risk of conflicts or errors, especially on systems with less stable internet connections or older hardware. Manjaro prioritizes stability and a smooth user experience for all users, including those with less ideal setups.

• Resource Usage: Parallel downloading consumes more system resources (CPU, memory, and network bandwidth). For users with limited resources, this could lead to a slower overall experience.

• Beginner-Friendliness: Manjaro aims to be accessible to users of all levels. Enabling parallel downloading by default might introduce complexity for beginners who may not understand the implications of the setting.

Conclusion

Enabling parallel downloading in Manjaro is a simple tweak that can potentially speed up your system updates. By following the steps outlined above, you can customize your Pacman configuration to optimize your download speeds. However, remember to consider the potential drawbacks and adjust the ParallelDownloads value accordingly to ensure a stable and efficient update process. Experiment to find what works best for your system and internet connection!