Install Arch Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 1)
Getting Started with Arch Linux: A Comprehensive Installation Guide
Throughout my time contributing to MakeUseOf, Arch Linux – which will be referred to as “Arch” going forward – has been referenced on several occasions. However, a dedicated guide to Arch Linux hasn't previously been available here.
This may leave some readers uncertain about the benefits of Arch, and crucially, the process of installing and configuring it on their machines. This guide aims to resolve that, providing a straightforward pathway to a fully functional Arch system with the GNOME desktop environment.
Understanding Arch Linux
Arch Linux is a highly customizable Linux distribution geared towards experienced users. It follows a rolling release model, meaning updates are continuous rather than being grouped into major releases.
This approach ensures users always have access to the latest software. However, it also demands a greater level of technical proficiency for maintenance and troubleshooting.
Preparation for Installation
Before beginning the installation, certain prerequisites must be met. You will need a stable internet connection, as many packages will be downloaded during the process.
A USB drive with at least 2GB of capacity is also required to create a bootable Arch Linux installation medium. Finally, it’s recommended to back up any important data on your system before proceeding.
Downloading and Creating the Installation Medium
The latest Arch Linux ISO image can be downloaded from the official Arch Linux website. Verify the integrity of the downloaded ISO using the provided checksums.
Once verified, use a tool like Rufus, Etcher, or dd to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO image. This will allow you to boot your computer from the Arch Linux installer.
Booting into the Arch Linux Environment
After creating the bootable USB, restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Configure your system to boot from the USB drive.
Upon booting, you will be presented with a command-line interface. This is the Arch Linux installation environment, where all subsequent steps will be performed.
Connecting to the Internet
Establishing an internet connection is crucial for downloading necessary packages. If you are using Ethernet, the connection should be automatically established.
For Wi-Fi, you will need to use the iwctl command-line tool to scan for available networks and connect to your desired network. Ensure you have the correct network name (SSID) and password.
Next Steps in the Installation Process
With the initial setup complete, the next phase involves partitioning the disk, formatting the partitions, mounting them, and installing the base system. These steps require careful attention to detail to ensure a successful installation.
Further guides will detail these processes, leading to a fully functional Arch Linux system with GNOME. Stay tuned for the continuation of this installation series.
About Arch
The Arch distribution is built around the core philosophy of the KISS principle – Keep It Short and Simple. This results in a highly minimalistic system that prioritizes code correctness above all else. Arch intentionally avoids pre-configured defaults.
It's important to note that Arch Linux heavily emphasizes command-line interaction. Upon booting, users will log in via the terminal to initiate the setup process, marking the beginning of their configuration journey.
After the base Arch system is successfully installed on your storage device, the system will boot from it. The installation then proceeds with the configuration of essential components like the graphical and sound servers.
Ultimately, this leads to the selection and installation of a desktop environment. However, users have the flexibility to construct a completely customized system from a minimal foundation, avoiding unnecessary bloat. Alternatively, Arch can be readily deployed as a server without a graphical interface.
Initial Setup
To begin, the foundational ISO image must be downloaded directly from the official website. For the purposes of this demonstration, VirtualBox is being utilized as the virtualization environment. Due to the differences in emulated hardware compared to physical systems, certain steps may require adjustments.
Any such deviations will be clearly indicated, along with guidance for implementation on bare-metal hardware. After the download process is finished, the ISO needs to be written to either a CD or a USB drive.
Following this, boot your computer using the created media. This will initiate the system loading process, ultimately presenting a login screen with detailed instructions. The root and user login credentials are displayed on this screen.
Proceed with logging in as root, as elevated privileges are necessary for a successful installation.
Booting and Login
The system will then present a login prompt, detailing the necessary credentials. It is important to note that the root account is recommended for the installation process. Utilizing the root login grants the required permissions to complete the subsequent steps effectively.
Remember that because VirtualBox emulates hardware, some instructions may differ slightly from a direct installation on physical hardware. These differences will be highlighted as they occur, with alternative instructions provided for those installing on a native system.
Installation
Upon successful login, the subsequent screen will prompt you to execute /arch/setup to initiate the installation process. This will be followed by a welcome message and a continuation of the setup.
The initial task involves selecting a source for the installation. If you haven't utilized a netinstall ISO, installing from the CD is generally recommended. Subsequently, the system clock needs to be configured, a process that should be relatively simple.
A choice must also be made regarding whether the BIOS time should be set to UTC or localtime. Unless a Windows partition exists on your storage drive, utilizing UTC is advisable.
The next stage concerns hard drive partitioning. This can be automated, allowing you to define the sizes for /boot, swap, and /, with /home occupying the remaining space.
You will also be required to choose a file system and confirm the changes before they are implemented.
Package selection follows. The installer will first inquire about installing the base and base-devel packages. Unless base-devel is specifically required, installing only the base package is sufficient.
A list of additional packages will then be presented. The packages initially marked belong to the base group and should be retained. Below these are other optional packages.
Carefully review this list to identify any necessary tools, such as sudo, tzdata, openssh, kernel headers, and potentially WiFi utilities. Use the spacebar to select desired packages, and then press enter to proceed.
Following package selection, the installation process begins.
Within a few minutes, a completion message will appear. Press enter to move past this stage and return to the main menu.
System configuration is the next step. Begin by editing /etc/rc.conf. Select this file and scroll to the hostname entry.
Replace myhost within the quotation marks with a unique identifier for your computer. The remaining default settings are generally adequate. Save your changes by pressing Ctrl + X and then Y.
Next, navigate to /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist. Here, you must select update servers.
Prioritize servers geographically close to your location. To enable a server, remove the # character at the beginning of its line. After selecting your preferred servers, save the file using Ctrl + X and Y. Finally, set the root password, a straightforward process. You can then scroll to the bottom of the menu and select Done.
Completing the Installation
The final step involves installing the GRUB bootloader. Should you have multiple operating systems present on your system, their configurations will need to be incorporated into GRUB.
A confirmation prompt will appear during the installation process. Specify the desired installation location, allow the process to complete, acknowledge with "OK," and then execute the "reboot" command to restart your computer.
With the reboot complete, your Arch Linux installation should be finalized.
Share Your Experience
For those who have followed this guide, how did your Arch Linux installation proceed? Are there any areas where the process could be refined or improved?
If you haven't yet attempted the installation, are you planning to do so? We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
