full arch instalation on ventoy?

HappyYoyo09 · 2024-08-26 19:05:14

is it possible to get a full arch installation running on Ventoy? I know you can get the arch installer running by moving the arch ISO to the Ventoy USB, but I can't find anything anywhere about actually running arch on ventoy, despite knowing it's possible to run it off a USB. any help please?

kermit63 · 2024-08-26 19:33:29

You can create a custom arch ISO using archiso, complete with GUI and all the tools you need, then drop that ISO into ventoy. This is basically what most arch-based distro do.

The process of creating one is quite involved though and requires a bit of learning curve, especially if you plan to incorporate elaborate features into the custom ISO. The ISO itself is immutable, so you have to recreate it every time you need to make changes or update the system.

Since ventoy allows you to reserve a certain portion of the USB for other uses, you can theoretically use that space for your user-centric data.

Last edited by kermit63 (2024-08-26 19:34:25)

HappyYoyo09 · 2024-08-27 06:34:50

Thanks! Do you have any sort of estimate as to how difficult making a very basic arch iso would be? I'm not against putting in the work to make one, but some tips would be appreciated if anyone has any.

kermit63 · 2024-08-27 07:07:12

It depends on how you define "basic arch iso". The biggest hurdle for me was transitioning from a command line interface (as in the default arch iso), to one with a graphical environment. It also depends on your current level of knowledge of how arch works.

There's also a question of practicality. You can easily achieve the same functionality with:

1. Using the ISO of an arch-based distro that already has a GUI and tools that you need. For example the ISO of EndeavourOS. If you want to be able to boot multiple ISOs on the USB, you can just do Multiboot USB Drive.

2. Install a functional/working arch into the USB, then use GRUB's ISO booting facility to boot other ISOs on the USB.

As an aside, USB sticks don't have wear balancing functionality of SSDs, so they don't last very long with perennial large volume writes.

HappyYoyo09 · 2024-08-27 09:19:07

I'm still going to have a go at it, especially given that the eventual plan for this distro is to boot it off low end computers that barely can barely run windows anymore, though using endeavourOS or some other iso seems tempting, as long as they can store their files on the usb through some method

Strike0 · 2024-09-03 18:57:10

There are some branded USB-pen SSD on the market now, I got one which has usb-a/c plugs either end.

Arch Linux

#1 2024-08-26 19:05:14

full arch instalation on ventoy?

#2 2024-08-26 19:33:29

Re: full arch instalation on ventoy?

#3 2024-08-27 06:34:50

Re: full arch instalation on ventoy?

#4 2024-08-27 07:07:12

Re: full arch instalation on ventoy?

#5 2024-08-27 09:19:07

Re: full arch instalation on ventoy?

#6 2024-09-03 18:57:10

Re: full arch instalation on ventoy?

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