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 Logo of Artix Linux | |
| Release Status | Maintained |
|---|---|
| Release Model | Bleeding edge |
| Package Manager | Pacman |
| Default Desktops | any |
| Usage Type | Desktop, Server |
| Architectures | x86_64 |
| Website | artixlinux.org |
Artix Linux, also known simply as Artix, is a Linux distribution based on Arch that focuses on providing alternative init systems to systemd . It maintains high compatibility with Arch Linux while offering users the freedom to choose their preferred init system.
History
Artix Linux emerged from the Arch-OpenRC and Manjaro-OpenRC projects, officially launching in 2017 as a response to Arch Linux's adoption of systemd as its only init system. The distribution aims to provide a systemd-free experience while maintaining the principles of simplicity and user-centricity that Arch Linux is known for.
Features
Init System Options
Artix supports multiple init systems:
- OpenRC - A dependency-based init system from Gentoo
- runit - A cross-platform Unix init scheme with service supervision
- s6 - A suite of programs for process supervision
- dinit - A service manager and init system designed to be simple and portable
Package Management
Artix uses Pacman as its package manager and maintains its own repositories alongside converted Arch Linux packages. The distribution provides several package repositories:
- System repositories (specific to each init system)
- Universe repository (containing converted Arch packages)
- Galaxy repository (Artix-specific packages)
Installation
The distribution offers several installation methods:
- Live ISOs with various desktop environments
- Base ISOs for minimal installations
- OpenRC, runit, and s6 variants of each ISO
Philosophy
Artix adheres to the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) inherited from Arch Linux while emphasizing:
- Init system freedom
- System transparency
- User control
- Minimal bloat
- Rolling release model
Package Compatibility
While maintaining high compatibility with Arch Linux packages, some modifications are necessary for systemd-dependent packages. The Artix team maintains:
- Native packages built specifically for Artix
- Converted Arch packages modified to work without systemd
- Scripts and tools to help users convert systemd-dependent packages
Community
Artix Linux maintains its own:
- Forums for user support and discussion
- Wiki documentation
- Package repositories
- Development team
System Requirements
- x86_64 architecture
- Minimum 512 MB RAM (2 GB recommended)
- Minimum 2 GB storage (20 GB recommended)
- Basic knowledge of command line operations
- Understanding of Linux system administration