【 Arch Linux 】What is it? + Uses and Characteristics ▷ 2022

Of the most powerful distros, although less known, is Arch Linuxwhat is a operating system created for “orthodox” users of the original philosophy of Linux. The last big update came out in August 2021.

The way to launch the updates is through the “Rolling Release”consisting of execute the changes and improvements once they are released by the developerswithout the need for user intervention.

We will tell you about the main qualities of this distribution, the best way to install it on a computer and the alternatives that are most similar to those functions offered by this initiative.

What is Linux Arch and what is this version of the operating system for?

Arch Linux works like an operating system, light Y Quick, but it sacrifices a usability to which anyone can have access. Even, there is no graphical interface in the installationso it must be done from a command console.

The advantage, unlike other distros, is that the installation can be done from another Linux operating system, without the need to enter the BIOS of the PC. With this OS you can do office work, surf the internet and view multimedia content. You can install any application that another Linux distro has.

The difference is in the KISS philosophy (Keep It Simple, Stupid) Is it necessary to translate into Spanish? Which means developers don’t think about the end user, they think about other developers who need to maintain maximum control of settings, appearance and functionality. Basic usability is sacrificed for power in the tasks you need to perform. Even an inexperienced user can take up to five attempts to achieve a successful installation from scratch.

What are the main tools and features of Linux Arch that make it a unique OS?

Since it is not an OS for beginners, its repositories are specially designed for developers and advanced users of Linux:

Core: This is the main repository that has the applications necessary for the operation of the operating system, from the kernel to the smallest tools.
Extra: In this environment are the desks and tools that may be required for daily tasks, such as office automation.
Community: packages the programs for AUR, which are the user repositories. It has the conglomeration of packages that are made by the volunteers and supporters of Arch Linux.
Multilib: has applications designed for 32-bit architectures, but running on 64-bit platforms. It has hundreds of libraries necessary for the system.
Pacman: is the name of the program that manages all the applications in this operating system. Allows you to add, update, and remove all running programs.

Uses of Arch Linux For what tasks is this operating system usually used for advanced computing?

The main functions of Arch may not be liked by average users, for this reason it is aimed only at users with medium and advanced knowledge who are looking for specific features:

Light desks: With Arch you can customize almost anything using the commands in your terminal, even the four available desktops (XFCE, LXQT, Budgie and Deepin).
Use little hardware: Maybe you don’t have the resources to have a powerful computer and you need a lightweight system, that’s Arch. This is an option that doesn’t install junk and unnecessary programs.
To learn: in Arch Linux there are no shortcuts or virtual assistants. You must do everything through command lines, so it is a perfect school for engineering students who want to polish their programming skills.
Do you like to be updated? Since changes are made through continuous updates, Arch users can experience first-hand the changes that developers make to the operating system and its kernel.

Learn step by step how to install Arch Linux on any computer correctly and without errors

we told you that an intermediate user is required to achieve a clean install in five attemptsbut we leave you this step by step so that you can do it in one, like this you save headaches with complications from a bad maneuver.

Go for it:

Download Arch Linux ISO

Like any other program, it is required that you have the ISO image of the operating system on hand.

For that, follow these steps:

Go to the official download site archlinux.org/.
press the section Download.
check that he “Current Release” be the version you are looking for.

The advantage with this system is that there are no multiple ISO images to download depending on the version. There is only one and through it the necessary updates are made, regardless of its version.

Create a bootable USB

To make a secure process from start to finish, it is better if the bootable USB is done from Windows 10 and with the official Microsoft tool:

Download the program “Windows USB/DVD Download Tool”.
run the installer and follow the steps to the end.
Place the USB device in the computer.
Open the program of recording.
press “Review” and select the image Arch Linux ISO.
press “Following”.
Select the option “USB device” when it is time to choose the Type of data carrier.
In step three, Verify that the USB device has been perfectly recognized.
press “Begin copying”.
Now, you will see a new window in which you must press “Erase USB device”. This works to do a format.
wait till the process ends at 100%.

Install Arch Linux

Once you have the USB device ready for installation, you must place it on the PC with the equipment turned off and proceeds to turn it on.

first adjustments

press “F8” several times until the BIOS comes out.
Set the boot mode either from your USB device.
press “Save and exit”.
The team it will reboot and start running the boot boot Arch Linux own.
choose and press “Boot Arch Linux”.
The installer will verify that the physical characteristics that are memory exist. 512 Mb RAM and 64-bit based system. In addition, an internet connection is required.
After several seconds, you will see a command console.
Write ifconfig to verify that there is an IP assigned.
Enter the command ping to validate that there is internet.
You need to set the keyboard language, write ls /usr/share/kbd/keymaps/**/*.map.gz.
Change the keyboard setting with command loadkeys.
Subsequently, you must get into loadkeys is.
update the datetime with line timedatectl set-ntp true.

partitions

you must choose where to install arch linuxfor that write the command: fdisk -l.
Enter the partition console with the command fdisk /dev/sda.
with the letter “n” a new partition is created.
Choose this partition as primary with the letter “p”.
Select the first partition with “1”.
Yes you don’t want to adjust the partition sizethe value should not be changed.
Save the changes with “w”.
You must ensure that the partition is with the filesystem “EXT4”. To verify, type mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda1.
Yes the desired file type appearsor, everything is fine.
You must write the command mount /dev/sda1 /mnt to mount the partition.
To place more partitionsmust be mounted with the mount command.

Facility

run the command pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware
You’ll require a text editorso you need enter the line pacstrap /mnt nano
Must create a new file with the command genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab
Now, write cat /mnt/etc/fstab. And you should notice that each unit has been mounted and configured.
So far, we have managed to copy Arch Linux to the partition that we have created

initial setting

We must change where we now want the commands to be executed. Write arch-chroot /mnt.
Adjust again the time zone with line ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Europe/Madrid /etc/localtime.
We create a new file with the command hwclock –systohc.
you should also run nano /etc/hostname.
Change the operating system language with the command locale-gen.
Opens this file with nano /etc/locale.conf and edit the command, it must contain LANG=es_ES.UTF-8.
We modify another file nano /etc/locale.gen.
look for the line “ES.UTF-8” and removes the “#” if there were.
run again the file locale-gen.
open the file nano /etc/vconsole.conf and edit its contents. It should be left only with KEYMAP=es.
press “exit” to continue the installation.

bootloader

We just need create this manager that will allow you to start the computer without problems.
Download the following program pacstrap /mnt grub-bios.
Write arch-chroot /mnt to re-chroot.
When you enter this section write the line grub-install /dev/sda.
At this point in the installation, you already have GRUB for boot.
It must be achieved that Arch Linux appears on bootFor that, execute: grub-mkconfig –o /boot/grub/grub.cfg.
It’s time to put a password with the command passwd.
You should exit chroot with the command exit.
Later, unmount the unit with umount /mnt.
restart the computer when typing reboot.
Remove the USB device before you turn the computer back on.
When you turn it on again, you will see the GRUB and select the option ArchLinux.
The user is root and the key is the one you entered previously.

enable internet

Default, connections are suspended, but this is remedied with the command systemctl enable dhcpcd@eth0.service
Now, create a new user with adduser. You will see that a attendee.
In this attendee, we will have to select basic functions which are required as audio”, “IP”, “optical”, “storage”, “video”, “wheel”, “games”, “power” and “scanner
It’s time to Restart your computer.

List of Best Arch Linux Alternative Linux Distributions You Need to Know Right Now

you will say that all linux distros look alikeHowever, it is correct to mention that they are variants of each other.

This is the case of Arch Linux that has more than 10 variants, however, we show you the best ones that you have access to and that are the most similar:

manjaro.org

It can be said that it has a user base larger than Arch Linux itself., because it breaks a bit with the philosophy of maintaining a clean and light system. It is based on this operating system, but more aimed at users with less experience in programming and Linux.

It is one of the early variants of Arch, which is why it has gained ground among the community of users with low knowledge in the Linux environment. The installation is done from their websitewith a graphical assistant, unlike Arch.

ArcoLinux.com

It is a system that is less well known than Manjaro, but it is also based on the Arch Linux kernel. It was first conceived as ArchMerge, but this idea was unsuccessful and the developers had to change the name. Total, It has three desktop environments: ArcoLinux, ArcoLinuxD, and ArcoLinuxB.

The most acclaimed environment is ArcoLinuxB, with which more variants of this operating system were created. With it you can create more environments of…