Arch Linux Installation: Amber

Date: December 02, 2024

Welcome to the Arch Linux installation guide. Follow these steps carefully for a smooth installation experience.

1. Boot into the Arch Linux Installation Medium

• Insert your Arch Linux USB drive and boot your system.
• Select an option from the boot menu:
  • Arch Linux install medium (x86_64, UEFI): Default option for most installations.
  • Arch Linux install medium (x86_64, UEFI) with speech: For users requiring speech assistance during installation.
  • Memtest86+: Tests your system's memory (RAM) and is useful for troubleshooting hardware issues.
  • EFI Shell: Provides a UEFI command-line interface for advanced troubleshooting and boot configuration.
  • Reboot Into Firmware Interface: Directly access your system's BIOS/UEFI settings.

2. Booting into the Live Environment

Once booting begins, you'll see logs on the screen as Arch Linux loads. When complete, you'll see the prompt: root@archiso ~ #

3. Preparing the Installer

Run the following commands:

• pacman -Sy archinstall Ensures the latest version of the archinstall script is installed.
• archinstall Launches the guided Arch Linux installation script.

4. Guided Installation Steps

1. Archinstall Language: Select your preferred installation language.
2. Locales: Configure your system's locale settings. If using a standard QWERTY keyboard and English, you can leave these as defaults.
3. Mirrors: Choose the mirror region closest to your location for optimal download speeds.
4. Disk Configuration:
   • Partitioning:
     • Use a best-effort default partition layout: Recommended for most users. Choose your target drive and select ext4 as the filesystem.
     • Manual Partitioning: For advanced users who prefer custom configurations.
     • Pre-mounted configuration: For reusing pre-configured partitions (advanced use).
   • Disk Encryption: Recommended for laptops or systems needing high security.
     1. Select LUKS as the encryption type.
     2. Set an encryption password.
     3. Assign the encrypted partition to your main drive.
     4. Optional: Configure HSM devices for additional security.
5. Swap: Leave enabled, especially for gaming or resource-intensive tasks.
6. Bootloader: Choose Systemd-boot (recommended) or GRUB (alternative).
7. Unified Kernel Images: Not recommended unless required for specific use cases.
8. Hostname: Set a name for your device (default: archlinux).
9. Root Password: Leave blank to disable the root account for security (recommended) or set a password for advanced configurations.
10. User Account:
    • Create a user with a lowercase username (no spaces).
    • Set a strong password (entered three times for verification).

    • Grant sudo privileges to this user. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

      • Warning: If you do not set a password for root AND you do not set your account as sudo, you will not be able to update your system or install packages later.
    • Optionally, add additional accounts (this can also be done later).
11. Profile:
    • Desktop: Full desktop experience. Recommended options:
      • KDE Plasma: Similar to Windows.
      • GNOME: Ideal for macOS users.
    • Minimal: Basic setup (for experienced users).
    • Server: Terminal-only configuration.
    • Xorg: For specialized configurations.
12. Graphics Drivers: Select based on your GPU:
    • AMD: Open-source drivers.
    • Intel: Open-source drivers.
    • NVIDIA: Use the open kernel module for modern GPUs or proprietary drivers for older cards.
13. Audio: Choose between:
    • PipeWire: Recommended for modern setups.
    • PulseAudio: Older alternative with potential issues.
14. Kernels: Choose based on your needs:
    • linux: Default general-purpose kernel.
    • linux-lts: Stable long-term support kernel.
    • linux-zen: High-performance kernel, ideal for gaming.
15. Network Configuration:
    • Use NetworkManager: Recommended for graphical environments like KDE Plasma and GNOME.
16. Optional Repositories: Enable multilib for additional packages. Avoid testing unless experienced.
17. Timezone: Set your region's timezone.
18. Automatic Time Sync (NTP): Leave enabled for accurate system time.
19. Save Configuration: Save your installation settings.
20. Install: Start the installation process.

5. Post-Installation Steps

• When prompted, choose whether to chroot into your system. Most users should select "No".
• Type reboot and press enter to restart your system.

6. Booting Into Your System

• At the bootloader, select your kernel (default action or press Enter).
• If disk encryption is enabled, enter your password when prompted.

7. Setting the Display Protocol

Before logging in, change the session type to X11 for better stability, as Wayland may still have compatibility issues.

8. Congratulations!

You've successfully installed Arch Linux! A post-installation guide will be coming soon to help you customize your setup further.

Arch Linux Installation: Obsidian

Date: December 02, 2024

Obsidian Core salutes the incredible effort of the Arch Linux community in creating and maintaining one of the most comprehensive installation guides available. Rather than reinvent the wheel, we proudly direct you to the original source.

Why Use the Official Guide?

The official Arch Linux installation guide is a masterpiece of clarity and precision. It offers step-by-step instructions, ensuring that users understand the process and learn as they go. Following this guide aligns perfectly with Arch Linux's principles of simplicity and user empowerment.

Getting Started

1. Visit the official Arch Linux installation guide: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Installation_guide.
2. Prepare your environment:
   • Download the Arch Linux ISO.
   • We have a supporting guide availble if needed.
   • Create a bootable USB drive using tools like dd or Etcher.
3. Follow the instructions in the guide, step by step.

Why We Recommend This Approach

Arch Linux is more than an operating system—it's an experience. By following the official guide, you gain deeper insight into how Linux works. The installation process is an excellent learning opportunity for users ready to embrace Arch's DIY ethos.