How To Install Fastfetch on Rocky Linux 10

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Fastfetch on Rocky Linux 10. Rocky Linux 10 administrators and enthusiasts seeking a modern, lightning-fast system information tool have found their perfect solution in Fastfetch. This comprehensive guide walks you through every installation method available, from simple package manager installations to advanced source compilation techniques.

Unlike legacy tools such as Neofetch, Fastfetch delivers superior performance through its C-based architecture, making it ideal for enterprise Rocky Linux environments where efficiency matters. Whether you’re managing a single server or deploying across multiple systems, this tutorial provides everything needed to get Fastfetch running smoothly on your Rocky Linux 10 installation.

What is Fastfetch?

Fastfetch represents the next generation of system information display tools, designed specifically for modern Linux environments. Built with performance as its primary focus, this utility provides instant access to comprehensive system details while consuming minimal resources.

The tool’s C-based architecture delivers exceptional speed compared to Python-based alternatives like Neofetch, making it particularly valuable in resource-constrained environments. Fastfetch excels at displaying essential system information including operating system details, kernel version, CPU specifications, memory usage, disk space, and much more in an aesthetically pleasing format.

Key advantages of Fastfetch include lightning-fast execution times, low memory footprint, extensive customization options, and active community development. The tool supports multiple display protocols, custom ASCII art integration, and modular information display, allowing administrators to tailor output to specific requirements.

For Rocky Linux 10 deployments, Fastfetch offers cross-platform compatibility and seamless integration with enterprise monitoring workflows. Its active development ensures continued support for the latest hardware and software configurations commonly found in production environments.

Prerequisites and System Requirements

Before installing Fastfetch on Rocky Linux 10, ensure your system meets the necessary requirements and prerequisites. Proper preparation prevents installation issues and ensures optimal performance.

Your Rocky Linux 10 system requires administrative privileges with sudo access for package installations. Verify sudo permissions by running basic administrative commands or checking user group membership. Network connectivity is essential for downloading packages from repositories or source code from GitHub.

Update your system packages before beginning the installation process:

sudo dnf update -y

This command refreshes package repositories and installs any pending system updates, providing a clean foundation for Fastfetch installation. Essential system packages include development tools for source compilation methods, which we’ll address in the compilation section.

Hardware requirements are minimal due to Fastfetch’s efficient design. The tool runs smoothly on systems with limited resources, making it suitable for both powerful servers and lightweight containers. Network firewall configurations typically don’t require modifications since Fastfetch operates as a local system information tool.

Method 1: Installing via DNF Package Manager

The DNF package manager provides the most straightforward installation approach for Rocky Linux 10 users. This method offers automatic dependency resolution, simplified maintenance, and seamless integration with system package management.

Updating System Repositories

Begin by refreshing your system repositories to ensure access to the latest package information. Repository updates guarantee that DNF can locate and install the most current Fastfetch version available:

sudo dnf update

For Rocky Linux 10 systems, you may need to enable the EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux) repository, which contains additional software packages not included in the base repositories:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y
sudo dnf update

The EPEL repository significantly expands available software options and often includes the latest versions of popular tools like Fastfetch.

Standard DNF Installation

Once repositories are properly configured, install Fastfetch using the standard DNF installation command:

sudo dnf install fastfetch -y

DNF automatically resolves dependencies and handles the complete installation process. The -y flag automatically confirms installation prompts, streamlining the process for automated deployments or script-based installations.

Monitor the installation progress and watch for any error messages that might indicate repository configuration issues or network connectivity problems. Successful installations typically complete within minutes, depending on network speed and system performance.

Post-Installation Verification

Verify the installation completed successfully by checking the Fastfetch version:

fastfetch --version

This command displays the installed version information, confirming proper installation. Test basic functionality by running Fastfetch with default settings:

fastfetch

The output should display your Rocky Linux 10 system information alongside the appropriate ASCII logo, indicating successful installation and configuration.

Method 2: Manual RPM Package Installation

Manual RPM package installation provides access to the latest Fastfetch releases and development versions not yet available in standard repositories. This method offers greater version control and access to bleeding-edge features.

Identifying and Downloading Latest Packages

Navigate to the Fastfetch GitHub releases page to identify the most recent version available. Alternatively, use command-line tools to programmatically determine the latest release:

FASTFETCH_VERSION=$(curl -s https://api.github.com/repos/fastfetch-cli/fastfetch/releases/latest | jq -r '.tag_name')
echo "Latest Fastfetch version: $FASTFETCH_VERSION"

Install the jq JSON processor if not already available:

sudo dnf install jq -y

Download the appropriate RPM package for your system architecture. For x86_64 systems:

wget https://github.com/fastfetch-cli/fastfetch/releases/download/$FASTFETCH_VERSION/fastfetch-$FASTFETCH_VERSION-1.el9.x86_64.rpm

For ARM64 systems, adjust the architecture specification accordingly.

Installation Process

Install the downloaded RPM package using DNF, which provides better dependency resolution than traditional rpm commands:

sudo dnf install ./fastfetch-*.rpm -y

DNF automatically handles dependency resolution and installs any required supporting packages. This approach combines the convenience of package management with access to specific versions not available in repositories.

Monitor the installation output for dependency warnings or conflicts. Address any issues by installing missing dependencies manually or using the --allowerasing flag if package conflicts arise.

Advantages and Considerations

Manual RPM installation offers several benefits including immediate access to latest releases, version control flexibility, and independence from repository update schedules. However, consider that manual installations require manual updates and don’t benefit from automatic security updates provided by repository-managed packages.

Use this method when you need specific Fastfetch versions, testing development releases, or deploying in environments with restricted repository access.

Method 3: Building from Source

Source compilation provides maximum flexibility and access to the absolute latest features, bug fixes, and development improvements. This method appeals to power users and developers who want customization options or hardware-specific optimizations.

Installing Build Dependencies

Install the comprehensive set of development tools and libraries required for Fastfetch compilation:

sudo dnf install git cmake gcc gcc-c++ make pciutils-devel libX11-devel wayland-devel libXrandr-devel libXinerama-devel libXcursor-devel libXi-devel mesa-libGL-devel -y

These packages provide the compiler toolchain, development headers, and system libraries necessary for successful compilation. The installation includes graphics libraries for display detection and hardware information gathering capabilities.

Repository Cloning and Preparation

Clone the official Fastfetch repository from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/fastfetch-cli/fastfetch.git
cd fastfetch

The cloning process downloads the complete source code, including all modules, configuration files, and build scripts. Navigate into the newly created directory to begin the compilation process.

Compilation and Installation

Create a dedicated build directory to keep source and compiled files organized:

mkdir build
cd build

Configure the build system using CMake:

cmake ..

Compile the source code:

make -j$(nproc)

The -j$(nproc) flag utilizes all available CPU cores for faster compilation. Install the compiled binary to your system:

sudo make install

This places the Fastfetch executable in /usr/local/bin/, making it available system-wide.

Benefits and Use Cases

Source compilation provides access to cutting-edge features, custom build configurations, and hardware-specific optimizations. Developers can modify source code for specific requirements or contribute improvements back to the project.

Use this method when you need the absolute latest features, want to contribute to development, or require custom modifications not available in standard packages.

Configuration and Customization

Fastfetch’s extensive customization capabilities allow administrators to tailor system information display to specific requirements and preferences. Understanding configuration options enables optimal tool utilization.

Basic Configuration Options

Fastfetch stores configuration in JSON with comments (JSONC) format at ~/.config/fastfetch/config.jsonc. Generate a default configuration file:

fastfetch --gen-config

The configuration file controls every aspect of Fastfetch behavior, including displayed modules, colors, formatting, and layout options. Edit the configuration file using your preferred text editor:

nano ~/.config/fastfetch/config.jsonc

Advanced Customization

Customize module selection and arrangement by modifying the modules array in your configuration file:

{
    "modules": [
        "title",
        "os",
        "kernel",
        "uptime",
        "packages",
        "shell",
        "cpu",
        "gpu",
        "memory",
        "disk"
    ]
}

Configure color schemes and visual elements:

{
    "display": {
        "color": {
            "keys": "blue",
            "title": "magenta",
            "separator": "white"
        }
    }
}

Enterprise Environment Considerations

Enterprise deployments benefit from standardized configurations distributed across multiple systems. Create centralized configuration templates and deploy them using configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet.

Consider security implications when displaying system information in shared environments. Customize module selection to exclude sensitive information like IP addresses or detailed hardware specifications when appropriate.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even carefully planned installations can encounter issues. Understanding common problems and their solutions ensures smooth Fastfetch deployment and operation.

Installation Problems

Package Not Found Errors: If DNF cannot locate the Fastfetch package, verify repository configuration and ensure EPEL repository installation:

sudo dnf install epel-release -y
sudo dnf update
sudo dnf install fastfetch -y

Dependency Resolution Failures: Use the --allowerasing flag to resolve package conflicts:

sudo dnf install --allowerasing fastfetch -y

Permission and Access Issues: Ensure proper sudo privileges and check file permissions for manual installations. Verify write access to installation directories when building from source.

Runtime Issues

Display Formatting Problems: Terminal compatibility issues can cause display corruption. Test with simpler display options:

fastfetch --logo-type ascii --color-scheme default

Missing Information Modules: Install additional packages for complete hardware detection:

sudo dnf install vulkan-tools pciutils -y

Performance Optimization: Enable caching for improved execution speed:

{
    "display": {
        "caching": {
            "enable": true,
            "timeout": 300
        }
    }
}

Debug and Support Resources

Access community support through GitHub issues, Reddit communities, and Linux forums. Enable debug output for troubleshooting:

fastfetch --verbose

Review system logs for additional error information when installation or runtime problems occur.

Usage Examples and Best Practices

Maximizing Fastfetch utility requires understanding various usage scenarios and implementing best practices for different environments.

Basic Usage Scenarios

Display comprehensive system information:

fastfetch -c all.jsonc

This command shows all available modules and provides complete system details. Integrate Fastfetch into shell startup files for automatic execution:

echo "fastfetch" >> ~/.bashrc

Create conditional execution to prevent errors when Fastfetch isn’t installed:

if command -v fastfetch >/dev/null 2>&1; then
    fastfetch
fi

Advanced Usage

Generate system reports for documentation:

fastfetch --pipe > system_info.txt

Create custom module configurations for specific monitoring requirements:

fastfetch -s cpu,memory,disk --cpu-format '{name} @ {frequency}GHz'

Integrate with monitoring scripts and automated reporting systems by parsing Fastfetch output programmatically.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Fastfetch. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Fastfetch on Rocky Linux 10 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Fastfetch website.