Arch Linux: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:52, 12 June 2024

Arch Linux
The Arch Linux logo
Release Status	Maintained
Release Model	Rolling Release
Package Manager	Pacman
Default Desktops	Cinnamon, Enlightenment, GNOME, KDE Plasma, LXDE, MATE, Xfce
Usage Type	Desktop
Architectures	x86_64
Website	archlinux.org

Arch Linux is an independent Linux distribution focused on the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)^[1] principle that focuses on being lightweight and flexible^[2]. It was originally founded by Judd Vinet due to his inspiration from CRUX Linux being "simplistic, elegant, and very quick and easy to use" ^[3].

Functionality

One of the distinguishing traits of Arch Linux from other distributions is the presence of its package manager called pacman. Pacman's main goal is to offer binary packages with an "intuitive build system" that is easy to maintain and manage.^[4] This build system is what makes the AUR, Arch's well known user repository, possible.

Arch Installation Script


Mirrors	Select a mirror region that is close to you. This is where pacman is able to fetch package lists.
Locales	Select your keyboard layout.
Disk Configuration and Partitioning	While manual partitioning is slightly more advanced for beginners, archinstall provides a setting for a pre-configured setup that streamlines the process.
Full Disk Encryption	This is directed towards those interested in deeper security and/or privacy. While, security-wise, it does not necessarily guard your system while it is powered on, it will help mitigate data theft on your main drive from an adversary with access to it. [citation]
Bootloader	You are able to pick from GRUB, systemd-boot, EFIstub, and Lumine. The choice is up to you - generally, GRUB is the most popular.
Unified Kernel Images [citation]	(Someone more experienced can fill)
Swap Memory	The memory allocated to your system when it runs out of RAM. Set to as high or as little as you feel you need.
Host Name	The name of your machine.
Root Password	Set a password for the root account.
Profile and Drivers	Here, you can select multiple profiles: minimal - a barebones installation of Arch without any Display Manager. Consider whether you will really need such a minimal system. server - a minimal install aimed towards a headless server. desktop - the most popular choice for archinstall. Offers not only Desktop Environments but also Window Managers. Xorg - offers a minimal install, but with graphics drivers attached. Keep in mind your system composition and remember which Graphics Card or Processor you are using to select the correct driver.
Greeter/Display Manager	Offers a choice between sddm, gdm, ly, and lightdm.
Audio	It is generally recommended to pick pipewire, yet PulseAudio exists as an option. If this is a server, you will likely not need sound.
Kernels	There are four kernels, as of now, that users may choose from: Linux - the latest upstream (?) generic kernel release. Linux-LTS - a staggered release of the generic kernel operating from the latest Long-Term-Support release. Linux-Zen - a version of the kernel designed for average desktop usage. [CITATION] It optimizes the main kernel in favor of being run on a desktop, yet it arguably does not seem to offer much actual performance gain or loss [CITATION] Linux-Hardened - a version of the Linux kernel with extra patches for more security. Consider whether you need this or not - there are potential drawbacks. [CITATION]
Additional Packages	Name any additional packages you may want (e.g. Firefox)
Network Configuration

Trivia

If you add "ILoveCandy" to /etc/pacman.conf instead of a regular progress bar you get a pacman eating dots.
The name "Arch" came from the word "arch-nemesis".^[5]

↑ https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/arch_terminology#KISS
↑ https://archlinux.org/about/
↑ Interview with Judd Vinet[1]
↑ Arch Linux Wiki - About[2]
↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20120914175514/http://osdir.com/ml/linux.arch.general/2005-08/msg00253.html

[1] ttps://wiki.archlinux.org/title/arch_terminology#KISS

[2] ttps://archlinux.org/about/

[3] Interview with Judd Vinet[1]

[4] Arch Linux Wiki - About[2]

[5] ttps://web.archive.org/web/20120914175514/http://osdir.com/ml/linux.arch.general/2005-08/msg00253.html

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 |+
 !Mirrors
-!Select a mirror region that is close to you. This is where pacman is able to fetch package lists.
+|Select a mirror region that is close to you. This is where pacman is able to fetch package lists.
 |-
 !Locales
-!Select your keyboard layout.
+|Select your keyboard layout.
 |-
 !Disk Configuration and Partitioning
-!While manual partitioning is slightly more advanced for beginners, archinstall provides a setting for a pre-configured setup that streamlines the process.
+|While manual partitioning is slightly more advanced for beginners, archinstall provides a setting for a pre-configured setup that streamlines the process.
 |-
 !Full Disk Encryption
-!This is directed towards those interested in deeper security and/or privacy. While, security-wise, it does not necessarily guard your system while it is powered on, it will help mitigate data theft on your main drive from an adversary with access to it. [citation]
+|This is directed towards those interested in deeper security and/or privacy. While, security-wise, it does not necessarily guard your system while it is powered on, it will help mitigate data theft on your main drive from an adversary with access to it. [citation]
 |-
 !Bootloader
-!You are able to pick from GRUB, systemd-boot, EFIstub, and Lumine. The choice is up to you - generally, GRUB is the most popular.
+|You are able to pick from GRUB, systemd-boot, EFIstub, and Lumine. The choice is up to you - generally, GRUB is the most popular.
 |-
 !Unified Kernel Images [citation]
-!(Someone more experienced can fill)
+|(Someone more experienced can fill)
 |-
 !Swap Memory
-!The memory allocated to your system when it runs out of RAM. Set to as high or as little as you feel you need.
+|The memory allocated to your system when it runs out of RAM. Set to as high or as little as you feel you need.
 |-
 !Host Name
-!The name of your machine.
+|The name of your machine.
 |-
 !Root Password
-!Set a password for the root account.
+|Set a password for the root account.
 |-
 !Profile and Drivers
-!Here, you can select multiple profiles:
+|Here, you can select multiple profiles:
 * minimal - a barebones installation of Arch without any Display Manager. Consider whether you will really need such a minimal system.
 * server - a minimal install aimed towards a headless server.
 * desktop - the most popular choice for archinstall. Offers not only Desktop Environments but also Window Managers.
 * Xorg - offers a minimal install, but with graphics drivers attached.
@@ Line 58: / Line 58: @@
 |-
 !Greeter/Display Manager
-!Offers a choice between sddm, gdm, ly, and lightdm.
+|Offers a choice between sddm, gdm, ly, and lightdm.
 |-
 !Audio
-!It is generally recommended to pick pipewire, yet PulseAudio exists as an option. If this is a server, you will likely not need sound.
+|It is generally recommended to pick pipewire, yet PulseAudio exists as an option. If this is a server, you will likely not need sound.
 |-
 !Kernels
-!There are four kernels, as of now, that users may choose from:
+|There are four kernels, as of now, that users may choose from:
 * Linux - the latest upstream (?) generic kernel release.
 * Linux-LTS - a staggered release of the generic kernel operating from the latest Long-Term-Support release.
 * Linux-Zen - a version of the kernel designed for average desktop usage. [CITATION] It optimizes the main kernel in favor of being run on a desktop, yet it arguably does not seem to offer much actual performance gain or loss [CITATION]
 * Linux-Hardened - a version of the Linux kernel with extra patches for more security. Consider whether you need this or not - there are potential drawbacks. [CITATION]
 |-
 !Additional Packages
-!Name any additional packages you may want (e.g. Firefox)
+|Name any additional packages you may want (e.g. Firefox)
 |-
 !Network Configuration
-!
+|
 |}