What is Arch Linux?

Arch Linux is a general-purpose x86_64 GNU/Linux distribution that uses a rolling release model, striving to provide users with the latest stable versions of software. It is known for its principles of “simplicity, modernity, pragmatism, user centrality, and versatility.”

The Arch Wiki clearly states its principles:

Simplicity

Arch Linux defines simplicity as avoiding unnecessary additions, modifications, or complications. It provides software as released by the original developers (upstream) with minimal distribution-specific (downstream) changes.

Modernity

Arch strives to maintain the latest stable versions of software, as long as systemic package breakage can be reasonably avoided. It’s based on a rolling-release system, allowing a one-time installation with continuous upgrades.

Pragmatism

Arch is a pragmatic distribution rather than an ideological one. The principles here are only guidelines. Ultimately, design decisions are made on a case-by-case basis through developer consensus.

User centrality

Many Linux distributions attempt to be more “user-friendly,” but Arch Linux has always been, and will always remain, “user-centric.” The distribution is intended to fulfill the needs of those contributing to it, rather than trying to appeal to as many users as possible.

How to Install

Now we need to know how to install it.

The Arch Wiki already has an installation guide, but it may not be easy to read for Linux newcomers or beginners. Therefore, I’ll write a simple guide here.

System Requirements

Generally speaking, Arch’s hardware requirements are not very high, because the default installation doesn’t include any software (not even vim, wget, or git). However, since users need to install different software, the requirements vary based on actual usage.

Here are some examples based on personal experience:

No GUI:

• CPU: 1.0GHz single-core or better
• RAM: 1GB is sufficient
• GPU: Just needs to display

GUI (LXDE):

• CPU: 2.0GHz single-core or better
• RAM: 2GB or more
• GPU: Just needs to display

GUI (Xfce):

• CPU: 2.0GHz ~ 3.0GHz single-core or better
• RAM: At least 2GB, 4GB comfortable
• GPU: Needs to display + 128MB VRAM

GUI (GNOME):

• CPU: Dual-core 2.0GHz+
• RAM: 4GB sufficient, more recommended
• GPU: Intel integrated with 256MB VRAM is smooth

GUI (KDE):

• CPU: 3.0GHz dual-core preferred, at least 2.6GHz dual-core
• RAM: 4GB sufficient, more recommended
• GPU: Better than GNOME requirements

Emm… In short, as long as it’s a computer, it can run Arch. It’s just that KDE and GNOME might be laggy. As long as it’s not a 486 from the last century, Xfce should be fine.

Preparation

Installation Media

If you’ve installed other Linux distributions before, this part won’t take much time, because creating Arch installation media is similar to other distributions.

If you’ve reinstalled Windows but never tried Linux, you might only need a quick look to understand.

• Step 1: Download the Arch Linux ISO

  • You can download it from the Arch official website or from a mirror site near you.
    • Tsinghua Mirror
    • USTC Mirror

• Step 2: Prepare a USB drive

  • You need a USB drive to burn the ArchISO. Preferably 8GB or larger.

• Step 3: Burn the ArchISO to the USB drive

  • Windows: I recommend rufus
  • Linux: You can use the dd command

Don’t Panic

If you’ve never touched Arch Linux or are a Linux beginner, you’ll inevitably encounter problems during installation. Don’t panic or get anxious. Stay calm and find solutions through various channels. You just need a calm mindset.

Read the Arch Wiki

The Arch team has set up a Wiki for users to consult. When you encounter trouble during installation, the Arch Wiki might help you.

Ready, Set, Go!

Boot the Arch ISO

First, insert your USB drive, then press the specific key during boot to start the ArchISO.

Here are the keys for different brands:

Brand Desktops:

• Lenovo F12 / HP F12 / Acer F12 / Dell ESC / Hasee F12
• ASUS F8 / Founder F12 / Tongfang F12 / Haier F12 / BenQ F8

Brand Laptops:

• Lenovo F12 / Acer F12 / Alienware F12 / Xiaomi F12
• ASUS ESC / HP F9 / Thinkpad F12 / Dell F12 / Hasee F12
• Toshiba F12 / Samsung F12 / IBM F12 / Fujitsu F12
• Haier F12 / Founder F12 / Tongfang F12 / MSI F11
• BenQ F9 / Gigabyte F12 / Gateway F12 / Sony ESC
• Apple: Hold Option key during boot

Motherboards:

• ASUS F8 / Gigabyte F12 / MSI F11 / Biostar F9
• Soyo ESC or F12 / Colorful ESC or F11 / ASRock F11
• Onda F11 / Foxconn ESC or F12 / Intel F12
• And more…

Press the corresponding key, select your USB drive, and boot the Arch ISO.

As shown above, after the Arch ISO boots, select the first option and press Enter.

Check Network Connection

After booting the Arch ISO, you’ll be operating a Live CD on tty. The first thing to do is check if you’re connected to the network.

You can use the ping command to verify:

# ping weepingdogel.github.io

If it returns information like this, your network is working:

PING weepingdogel.github.io (185.199.111.153) 56(84) bytes of data.
64 bytes from 185.199.111.153: icmp_seq=2 ttl=48 time=113 ms
...

If it doesn’t work, you need to check your network interface:

# ip link

Set the network interface up:

# ip link set <interface_name> up

Use dhcpcd to automatically obtain a DHCP address:

# dhcpcd

Synchronize System Time

Make sure the Live CD’s time is accurate:

# timedatectl set-ntp true

Partitioning

This is always a critical part — partitioning.

First, check if your hard disk is recognized:

# fdisk -l

If recognized, it will appear as /dev/sda or /dev/nvme0n1.

Creating Partitions

Scheme 1: BIOS + MBR

Scheme 2: UEFI + GPT

The Live CD has several partitioning tools: fdisk, parted, cfdisk. I recommend cfdisk — it’s simple to use.

Formatting

BIOS + MBR:

# mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1

UEFI + GPT:

# mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX2
# mkfs.vfat -F 32 /dev/sdX1

For swap partition:

# mkswap /dev/sdX2
# swapon /dev/sdX2

Mounting Partitions

Mount the root partition to /mnt:

# mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt

Install the Base System

Choose Mirrors

Arch Linux is installed over the network. It downloads necessary installation files directly to the partition via mirror sources.

Edit the file /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist and put the nearest mirror at the top:

# nano /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

Install Essential Packages

# pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware

I recommend:

# pacstrap /mnt base base-devel linux linux-firmware linux-headers

After a lot of text output, the base system is installed.

Configure the System

Fstab

Generate an fstab file:

# genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab

Chroot

Change root to the installed system:

# arch-chroot /mnt

Timezone

# ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Asia/Shanghai /etc/localtime
# hwclock --systohc

Localization

Edit /etc/locale.gen, uncomment en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8, then:

# locale-gen

Create /etc/locale.conf:

LANG=en_US.UTF-8

Network

Install NetworkManager:

# pacman -S networkmanager
# systemctl enable NetworkManager

Create /etc/hostname:

myhostname

Edit /etc/hosts:

127.0.0.1	localhost
::1		localhost
127.0.1.1	myhostname.localdomain	myhostname

Root Password

Set a root password:

# passwd

Install Bootloader

Install GRUB

Case 1: BIOS + MBR

# pacman -S grub
# grub-install --target=i386-pc /dev/sdX
# grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Case 2: UEFI + GPT

# pacman -S grub efibootmgr
# mount /dev/sdX1 /boot/EFI
# grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/EFI/ --bootloader-id=GRUB
# grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Then reboot:

# exit
# reboot

Post-Installation

Create a Regular User

After installation, it’s not recommended to use root directly. Create a regular user:

# useradd -G wheel -m -s /bin/bash <username>
# passwd <username>

If you didn’t install sudo:

# pacman -S sudo

Edit /etc/sudoers and add your username:

root ALL=(ALL) ALL
<username> ALL=(ALL) ALL

Install a GUI

Install xorg and a desktop environment (xfce4 as example):

$ sudo pacman -S xorg xfce4 lightdm lightdm-greeter-gtk
$ sudo systemctl enable lightdm

Install Graphics Drivers

Intel: xf86-video-intel NVIDIA (open-source): xf86-video-nouveau AMD: xf86-video-amdgpu

Conclusion

Now your system is ready to use! Arch Linux is a great distribution for learning Linux. The installation process teaches you a lot about how Linux works. If you encounter problems, check the Arch Wiki — it’s one of the best resources for Linux information.