Arch Ideology

ninjatux · 2008-07-03 22:13:37

I've been using Unix platforms for the past five years, and I'm no stranger to Linux. Currently, I use Mac OS X on my MacBook Pro and FreeBSD 7-STABLE AMD64 on my desktop-server. One thing that has always bothered me about many of the Linux distributions I've tried is the lack of consistency and the poor feel. If you've used any of the BSDs, then you know they feel very fluid and consistent throughout. A lot of the distributions seem hacked together. Some of the ones I've liked are Slackware and Debian, but Slackware isn't as automated as I'd like it to be, and Debian isn't as flexible as I'd like it to be. So, my question to you is how does Arch feel? Is it developed as a complete operating system, not just a distribution? How is the flexibility?

pogeymanz · 2008-07-03 22:31:21

Some of the ones I've liked are Slackware and Debian, but Slackware isn't as automated as I'd like it to be, and Debian isn't as flexible as I'd like it to be.

Based on that statement alone, I think Arch would probably feel great to you. It is much more flexible than Debian, in my experience and the package manager is incredibly powerful and effortless when compared to Slackware. Even compiling from source is incredibly streamlined compared to other distros. Read the wiki on ABS and AUR if you plan on compiling apps.

The first installation can be very daunting, but I promise it is NOT difficult if you follow the Beginner's Guide word-for-word. It will take the better part of an afternoon, though.

I think if you don't end up liking Arch, then you just don't like Linux. And that's okay, too.

Last edited by pogeymanz (2008-07-03 22:32:34)

moljac024 · 2008-07-03 22:40:05

Exactly. Arch is more flexible than debian and more automated than slackware. If it won't suit your needs I'm afraid no other distribution will...

iBertus · 2008-07-03 23:03:32

If by 'complete operating system' you really mean 'completely integrated and pre-configured' then no. Arch is simple, easy to learn and fast, but not a complete operating system in that sense. You'll need to try it before you'll understand completely what Arch is all about. It'll set you up with a good base system (console only) after install and you have to build it from there by installing packages for the stuff you need. Arch doesn't ship with pre-configured packages, only 'sane' defaults.

I really like using Arch for my workstations and even my laptop, despite the easier configuration of distros like Ubuntu. I can't say the performance is extremely better (as some would claim) but it's much quicker at boot and doesn't push some corporate agenda down your throat.

Stythys · 2008-07-03 23:29:21

you also mentioned you use BSD, and I'd have to say arch is the most BSD-like linux distro out there

ninjatux · 2008-07-03 23:31:02

By "complete operating system", I mean a consistent framework to do whatever you want that doesn't feel hacked together. When you do a barebones FreeBSD install, you install the operating system, optionally the source code and ports collection. You have just a virtual terminal and maybe rc.conf with one daemon started. However, this is enough to do anything. I've seen distributions like Gentoo that try to use source in an innovative way, but the lack of binary packages kills it. I don't want to wait three or four hours to update everything after a fresh installation. I used to use Gentoo for two years. Then, I found FreeBSD. I like Linux for its compatibility, which is why I want a distribution that I really like and feels good to me.

If Arch is a perfect cross between Debian and Slackware, then I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

By the way, how popular is Arch? I know that doesn't matter, but it's making in-roads on Gentoo forums like FreeBSD has, and they're not happy about it.

P.S. The installation in VirtualBox went very well, and this is what I was looking for. Plus, this BSD-likeness is so refreshing!

Last edited by ninjatux (2008-07-03 23:32:33)

Stythys · 2008-07-03 23:39:53

ninjatux wrote:

You have just a virtual terminal and maybe rc.conf with one daemon started. However, this is enough to do anything. I've seen distributions like Gentoo that try to use source in an innovative way, but the lack of binary packages kills it.!

It sounds like arch is exactly what you're looking for. The default install gives you nothing but console, the rc.conf for configuration, and nothing but four default daemons. From there you can do whatever you want. As for popularity, arch is the 19th most popular distro according to distrowatch. We're gaining ground

Last edited by Stythys (2008-07-03 23:41:12)

Inxsible · 2008-07-04 03:40:38

Stythys wrote:

.....[snip] As for popularity, arch is the 19th most popular distro according to distrowatch. We're gaining ground

I don't think the rank at distrowatch matters at all. All they count is the page hits for that particular distro in a 6 month span. If I hit the Arch page 2000 times, I am sure Arch would be number 1 for tomorrow

Last edited by Inxsible (2008-07-04 03:44:08)

Stythys · 2008-07-04 03:45:16

yeah, well that's the only real resource I know of as some sort of ranking, however reliable or not, for distros

Allan · 2008-07-04 04:18:00

Yeah, those statistics mean nothing. We had a release recently so if you look at the ranking for the last 7 days, Arch is currently at 11th!

Hiperi0n · 2008-07-04 08:37:00

I have recently tried archlinux in my home PC and I am liking it a lot. It flies on my old P3 (it is even sometimes faster than my new laptop), and you get the feeling you are learning a lot about installing and customizing an OS. Ubuntu is the right choice for people bored with their proprietary OSes and willing to switch to linux as easiliy as possible. Arch, on the other side, is not meant for newbies, I'd say Arch is for geeks ^^

Acecero · 2008-07-04 15:44:42

I would not say that Arch is for "geeks" and it is there for people who are really interested in learning and understanding the system. Hell, I remembered there was a thread that some guy that got his girlfriend to install Arch by herself with just a little overview of what to do.

Arch Linux

#1 2008-07-03 22:13:37

Arch Ideology

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