General

RakuOS is a modern, immutable Linux distribution built for stability, reliability, and easy maintenance. The core system is read-only and updated atomically, reducing the risk of system breakage while still allowing flexible application installation.

Unlike traditional Linux systems where applications and updates directly modify the operating system, RakuOS keeps the core system immutable and read-only. System updates are applied atomically and can be rolled back if needed. Instead of installing most software into the base system, RakuOS encourages using Flatpak for desktop apps and tools like Distrobox for development environments. This approach improves stability, reduces breakage, and makes the system easier to maintain over time.

Installing Software

The preferred method is Flatpak

You can install Flatpak apps using the Software Center included with your desktop environment:

  • KDE: Discover
  • GNOME: Software
  • COSMIC: COSMIC App Store


These stores connect to Flathub, which provides a large selection of desktop applications.

Yes:

flatpak install flathub {app-id}

To search:

flatpak search {app}

Flatpak apps are installed system-wide by default and are sandboxed for security. They do not modify the core operating system.

Development & CLI Tools

Use Distrobox.

Distrobox lets you run a full Linux environment (such as Fedora, Ubuntu, or Arch) inside a container, integrated with your home directory and terminal.

Example:

distrobox-create --name dev --image fedora:latest
distrobox-enter dev

This is the recommended way to install:

  • Compilers
  • Language runtimes
  • Development toolchains
  • CLI utilities


  • Keeps the base system clean
  • Avoids dependency conflicts
  • Easy to remove or recreate environments
  • Works well for development workflows

Advanced: Package Layering

Yes, using rpm-ostree package layering, but this should be used only when necessary.

Example:

sudo rpm-ostree install {package-name}

After installation, reboot to apply changes.

Only if:

  • No Flatpak version exists
  • The software must integrate with the system
  • It cannot run inside Distrobox

Examples:

  • Hardware drivers
  • System utilities
  • Low-level tools

Yes:

sudo rpm-ostree uninstall {package-name}

Then reboot.

System Updates

Updates are atomic and safe:

sudo rakuos update

Reboot after the update to switch to the new system version.

If something goes wrong, you can roll back:

sudo rpm-ostree rollback

Use Case Recommended Method
Desktop apps Flatpak via Software Center
Development tools Distrobox
CLI environments Distrobox
System-level software rpm-ostree layering (last resort)

Troubleshooting

An app isn’t available in the Software Center. What should I do?

  1. Search Flathub via terminal:
    flatpak search {app}
  2. If not available:
    Install it inside Distrobox
  3. If it must run on the host system:
    Use rpm-ostree layering

No. Flatpak and Distrobox isolate applications from the base system. The immutable design of RakuOS prevents most system-level breakage.

Security & Stability

Yes:

  • Read-only base system
  • Atomic updates
  • Flatpak sandboxing
  • Easy rollback if needed

Getting Help

  • Official website
  • GitHub project page
  • Community channels (coming soon)