What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

joetemp · 2013-12-16 18:20:27

Hey guys, I'm a Linux user of about 5 years. I started with Ubuntu (of course) and now I run Fedora 18. However, there's some features on Fedora I don't want or need. The idea of customizing sounds awesome. Plus... I'm not two releases behind, as Fedora 20 is in beta right now. I'm tired of updating distros and really want a rolling release.

Ok, I'm aware there are many guides to installing Arch and the wiki looks great. I just want to be as prepared as possible. I earn a living with my laptop and can't afford to mess anything up.

Here's what I want:

Gnome Desktop
A non-root user, i.e. me (I heard this has to be installed later?)
Grub 2
Nautilus

Is there anything I should know going into the install?

I appreciate the help in my journey to become a more experienced Linux user!

czubek · 2013-12-16 18:28:01

1. Beginner's Guide
2. General recommendations
3. List of Applications

2ManyDogs · 2013-12-16 18:30:39

Welcome to Arch. Read the Beginners' Guide. Don't just look at it, read it. Most of your questions are answered there. After you have read the BG, ask more specific questions if you still have any.

joetemp · 2013-12-16 18:31:10

Sounds good!

Proinsias · 2013-12-16 18:37:04

It is mentioned near the start of the beginners guide but I found installing on a virtual machine, a few times, helpful before installing for real.

drcouzelis · 2013-12-16 18:39:25

joetemp wrote:

I earn a living with my laptop and can't afford to mess anything up.

Have a backup plan. I have no doubt that you will be able to install Arch Linux and all of the software you need, and be able to do it in less than a few hours.

But at the very least, keep a disc of your favorite live Linux distribution handy to use temporarily if you need to get work done and haven't finished setting up Arch Linux yet.

Last edited by drcouzelis (2013-12-16 18:39:55)

joetemp · 2013-12-16 18:42:35

@drcouzelis That's good advice.

Also, I love your confidence in me. Ha ha ha. Since I've been using Linux for about 5 years and use the terminal everyday with git... you think I should be ok? I've just heard that Arch is only for the hardest of hardcore power users.

teateawhy · 2013-12-16 18:48:48

Also see
https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=159877

MALsPa · 2013-12-16 19:05:55

2ManyDogs wrote:

Read the Beginners' Guide.

+1

I've used Linux for several years, but only recently installed Arch for the first time. I installed Bridge Linux, Chakra, and later ArchBang, and after getting a feel for pacman (I think it's great!) and, with Bridge and ArchBang, the Arch repos, I was convinced that I wanted to go ahead with an Arch installation. Not sure if this is an option for you or not, but I actually tried two "test" installations on a spare computer first, taking detailed notes, with tabs in my browser (on another computer) opened to the Beginners' Guide and the "official" Installation Guide. I also kept the Bridge and ArchBang installations; kinda nice to be able to take a look at them sometimes to see how things are set up there. I don't know if Arch users would recommend this type of approach, but it has worked out well here.

drcouzelis · 2013-12-16 19:34:53

joetemp wrote:

Since I've been using Linux for about 5 years and use the terminal everyday with git... you think I should be ok?

Five years experience... Zero days experience... Experience means nothing! The only this you need to install Arch Linux is the ability to read the instructions that have already been posted and the desire to learn what they mean.

I've just heard that Arch is only for the hardest of hardcore power users.

If by "hardest of hardcore power users" you mean "people who can read and follow instructions", then sure. Just don't be disappointed when you find out how easy it is to install and use Arch Linux, OK?

Somnus · 2013-12-18 00:23:03

joetemp wrote:

I've just heard that Arch is only for the hardest of hardcore power users.

Not true at all! I would hardly consider myself a power user, as I just use linux because it gives me more freedom than Windows (like driving a manual instead of an automatic, you really feel like YOU are working the machine).

You'll be fine! In addition to the BG I used an article on Lifehacker, believe it or not, to help me install. Just patience, don't be afraid to start over if you absolutely have to and, as some one else suggested, try doing it in virtual box first, so you can have a feel for how it's going to go.

cfr · 2013-12-18 03:16:04

Read the BG through and any linked pages you need *before* you start installing. At least once. Preferably more.

ANOKNUSA · 2013-12-18 05:44:54

Somnus wrote:

I used an article on Lifehacker, believe it or not, to help me install.

That article is outdated, and does more hand-holding than it should. Stick with the Beginners' Guide.

Arch Linux

#1 2013-12-16 18:20:27

What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#2 2013-12-16 18:28:01

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#3 2013-12-16 18:30:39

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#4 2013-12-16 18:31:10

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#5 2013-12-16 18:37:04

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#6 2013-12-16 18:39:25

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#7 2013-12-16 18:42:35

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#8 2013-12-16 18:48:48

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#9 2013-12-16 19:05:55

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#10 2013-12-16 19:34:53

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#11 2013-12-18 00:23:03

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#12 2013-12-18 03:16:04

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

#13 2013-12-18 05:44:54

Re: What all will I need to install in addition to Arch?

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