How To Install Fastfetch on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

In the world of Linux system information tools, Fastfetch has emerged as a powerful and efficient alternative to the popular Neofetch utility. As Ubuntu users upgrade to version 24.04, many are looking to enhance their system monitoring capabilities with this cutting-edge tool. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Fastfetch on Ubuntu 24.04, exploring its features, and optimizing its use for your system.

What is Fastfetch?

Fastfetch is a system information tool designed to display essential details about your Linux system quickly and efficiently. It serves as a modern replacement for Neofetch, offering improved performance and expanded functionality. Fastfetch is written in C, which contributes to its speed and low resource usage.

Key features of Fastfetch include:

• Rapid information retrieval
• Customizable output
• Support for various display formats
• Extensive logo options
• Modular design for easy expansion

Unlike its predecessor, Fastfetch leverages multi-threading and caching mechanisms to deliver system information with minimal delay, making it an ideal choice for users who frequently check their system stats or include such information in their terminal startup scripts.

Why Choose Fastfetch for Ubuntu 24.04

Opting for Fastfetch on your Ubuntu 24.04 system brings several advantages:

1. Performance: Fastfetch’s C-based architecture ensures lightning-fast execution, significantly outpacing Python-based alternatives like Neofetch.
2. Customization: With a wide array of configuration options, Fastfetch allows users to tailor the output to their specific needs and preferences.
3. Active Development: The Fastfetch project benefits from regular updates and a growing community, ensuring compatibility with the latest Ubuntu releases and hardware.
4. Resource Efficiency: Its low memory footprint makes Fastfetch an excellent choice for systems with limited resources or for users who prioritize system optimization.

Prerequisites for Installing Fastfetch

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

• Ubuntu 24.04 or a compatible version
• Sudo privileges on your account
• An active internet connection
• Basic familiarity with terminal commands

It’s also recommended to update your system before installation:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Method 1: Installing Fastfetch from PPA

The simplest way to install Fastfetch on Ubuntu 24.04 is through a Personal Package Archive (PPA). This method ensures easy updates and integration with your system’s package manager.

Step 1: Add the Fastfetch PPA

Open a terminal and run the following command to add the official Fastfetch PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:fastfetch/stable

Step 2: Update Package Lists

After adding the PPA, update your package lists:

sudo apt update

Step 3: Install Fastfetch

Now, install Fastfetch using the apt package manager:

sudo apt install fastfetch

Step 4: Verify the Installation

To confirm that Fastfetch has been installed correctly, run:

fastfetch

This command should display your system information with the default Fastfetch configuration.

Method 2: Installing Fastfetch via GitHub

For users who prefer the latest features or need a specific version, installing Fastfetch from the source code is an excellent option.

Step 1: Install Dependencies

First, install the necessary build dependencies:

sudo apt install git cmake build-essential libpci-dev libvulkan-dev libwayland-dev libxrandr-dev libxcb-randr0-dev libdconf-dev

Step 2: Clone the Fastfetch Repository

Clone the Fastfetch GitHub repository:

git clone https://github.com/LinusDierheimer/fastfetch.git
cd fastfetch

Step 3: Compile Fastfetch

Compile the source code using CMake:

mkdir -p build
cd build
cmake ..
cmake --build . --target fastfetch --target flashfetch

Step 4: Install Fastfetch

Install the compiled binary:

sudo cmake --install .

Step 5: Verify the Installation

Run Fastfetch to ensure it’s working correctly:

fastfetch

Configuring Fastfetch

Fastfetch offers extensive customization options to tailor the output to your preferences.

Configuration File Location

The default configuration file is located at:

~/.config/fastfetch/config.conf

If this file doesn’t exist, you can create it manually.

Basic Configuration Options

Here are some common configuration options:

# Set the logo
--logo ubuntu

# Choose displayed information
--structure Title:OS:Kernel:Uptime:Packages:Shell:Resolution:DE:WM:Terminal:CPU:GPU:Memory

# Customize colors
--color-keys magenta
--color-title cyan

# Set a custom separator
--separator "  →  "

Customizing the Output

To further customize Fastfetch, you can create modules or modify existing ones. For example, to add a custom greeting:

--set-keyless Greeting "Welcome, ${USER}!"

Using Fastfetch

Once installed and configured, using Fastfetch is straightforward.

Basic Usage

Simply run the following command in your terminal:

fastfetch

Using Different Logos

Fastfetch comes with a variety of built-in logos. To use a different logo:

fastfetch --logo debian

Customizing Output Format

You can customize the output format on the fly:

fastfetch --structure OS:Kernel:Uptime:Packages

Advanced Fastfetch Features

Using Presets

Fastfetch includes several presets for quick configuration:

fastfetch --preset small

Creating Custom Modules

You can create custom modules by defining shell commands in your configuration file:

--set-keyless CustomInfo "$(date +"%A, %B %d, %Y")"

Integrating with Shell Configurations

To run Fastfetch on terminal startup, add the following line to your shell’s configuration file (e.g., ~/.bashrc for Bash):

fastfetch

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Installation Errors

If you encounter package dependency issues during installation, try:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

Display Problems

For issues with logo display or formatting, ensure your terminal supports Unicode and has a compatible font installed.

Updating Fastfetch

To update Fastfetch installed via PPA:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

For installations from the source, pull the latest changes and recompile:

cd fastfetch
git pull
cd build
cmake ..
cmake --build . --target fastfetch --target flashfetch
sudo cmake --install .

Comparing Fastfetch with Other System Information Tools

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Fastfetch. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Fastfetch on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Fastfetch website.