What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

Agi93 · 2010-06-26 17:06:42

Why is this distribution called Arch Linux? What does the "Arch" part mean? Surely there must be a reason, for the developers could have easily named this distribution "Bridge Linux" or "Trapezoid Linux" for that matter.

Xyne · 2010-06-26 17:13:55

arch
     adj 1: (of persons) highest in rank or authority or office; "his
            arch rival"; "the boss man"; "the chief executive";
            "head librarian"; "top administrators" [syn: arch,
             boss, chief, head, top]
     2: (used of behavior or attitude) characteristic of those who
        treat others with condescension [syn: condescending, patronizing,
         patronising]
     3: expert in skulduggery; "an arch criminal" [syn: arch]
     n 1: a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
     2: a curved bony structure supporting or enclosing organs
        (especially arches of the feet)
     3: a passageway under an arch [syn: archway]
     4: (architecture) a masonry construction (usually curved) for
        spanning an opening and supporting the weight above it
     v : form an arch [syn: curve, arc]

Please refer to adjective definitions 1-3.

Agi93 · 2010-06-26 17:40:50

So we're the best, we're smug, and we're dishonest? The first one is pretty good, but for the others... is that the image we really want to have?

ssri · 2010-06-26 18:00:08

Agi93 wrote:

So we're the best, we're smug, and we're dishonest? The first one is pretty good, but for the others... is that the image we really want to have?

Who gives a shit about image? ohh, whoops...:o

Anikom15 · 2010-06-26 18:03:40

I think it's a noun. Look at the logo.

Agi93 · 2010-06-26 18:05:56

Anikom15 wrote:

I think it's a noun. Look at the logo.

But then why "arch" in particular? Why not "box" or "octahedron" or something?

jac · 2010-06-26 18:08:08

Agi93 wrote:

But then why "arch" in particular? Why not "box" or "octahedron" or something?

Arch's philosophy is KISS, so why not keep it simple and just assume it's arbitrary like the majority of all other names? Seems like a nice plan to me

Other than that, I'd say because arches are way cooler than those shapes

Last edited by jac (2010-06-26 18:16:41)

toxygen · 2010-06-26 19:24:58

I always took that first definition, highest in rank, as in the best linux distro

rent0n · 2010-06-26 19:30:18

As you probably studied in history of art at your high school, the arch is a very simple architectural structure, but still very solid, resistant and durable. Like Arch Linux. Moreover, you can build several different sort of things upon an arch (or upon Arch Linux).
So, I always thought that this was the main reason for having Arch in the name. But I might be wrong. I would be curious to hear what Arch developers say about this.

toad · 2010-06-26 19:44:13

All bollocks.

It actually dates all the way back to the 11th century to a place near Nottingham, England. In those days there was a certain bloke called Bill Gates of Nottingham and sheriff of this proud city and Lord of its magnificent castle. Alas, his primary objectives were power and money - he wanted to rule the world he knew. Of unscrupulous nature he employed the services of many a shady character to increase his sphere of influence with the result that all and sundry who rivalled his position in any way met an untimely end. Those why stayed obedient and loyal were subject to stricter rules, higher taxes and exploding corruption resulting in ever worsening living conditions.

Enter Robert of Tuxley, a nobleman of the time and an excellent ARCHER.

We all know the rest of the story, methinks...

Well, now you know, time to close this thread.

MkFly · 2010-06-26 20:08:45

http://web.archive.org/web/200206050619 … rg/faq.php

[Q] Why the name Arch Linux?
[A] From dictionary.com:
arch
adj.
1. Chief; principal: their arch foe.
2. Mischievous; roguish: an arch glance.
I came across the well-known term "arch-enemy" in a book and clued in that "arch" means "the primary", "the principal", the one that comes first among others. Far from true with regard to Arch Linux perhaps, but I'm proud of it. Now, the second definition may or may not fit; I guess it depends on how you use your computer.

Xyne · 2010-06-27 03:14:08

MkFly wrote:

http://web.archive.org/web/200206050619 … rg/faq.php
[Q] Why the name Arch Linux?
[A] From dictionary.com:
arch
adj.
1. Chief; principal: their arch foe.
2. Mischievous; roguish: an arch glance.
I came across the well-known term "arch-enemy" in a book and clued in that "arch" means "the primary", "the principal", the one that comes first among others. Far from true with regard to Arch Linux perhaps, but I'm proud of it. Now, the second definition may or may not fit; I guess it depends on how you use your computer.

That covers definitions 1 and 3 above. Definition 2 applies in the case of Arch fanboys. Strangely they turn up more often on other forums than here.

But yeah, I should have added that Judd chose the name with the first adjective definition in mind.

Acecero · 2010-06-27 04:29:18

Hmm, I always thought that the "Arch" in Arch Linux was a verb to mean "to curve and mold something into stable proportion" as any architect would do when designing and building an arch for the first time. Generally any arch design is strong to begin with.

JackH79 · 2010-06-27 07:56:07

To answer the OP's question:

http://web.archive.org/web/200206050619 … rg/faq.php

EDIT: Note to self: read the entire thread, before posting. MkFly posted the exact same thing. Sorry for this.

Last edited by JackH79 (2010-06-27 08:56:40)

droog · 2010-06-27 08:07:16

JackH79 wrote:

To answer the OP's question:
http://web.archive.org/web/200206050619 … rg/faq.php

Arch used to be like a binary crux and was the perfect distro without all the crazy dependency chains back then.
I never considered the name since the original logo had an arch shape
obv. seeing your link I was wrong we were the arch-enemy :

So straight edge around here now, who knows what it means anymore.

Last edited by droog (2010-06-27 08:39:52)

v.blackwood · 2010-06-28 07:12:43

I don't know, but it looks cool. Yes, I just made that post. Also its crazy late and I should be sleeping ...

Ari'osika · 2010-06-28 10:48:47

I personally thinks its a blend of both Xyne's and rent0n's suggestions combined with a little of "that sounds cool."

Or at least thats how I went about and named my XP partition "Xavier Pemdas" and my Arch Linux partition, "Roxanne."

akephalos · 2010-06-30 05:11:49

Xyne wrote:

That covers definitions 1 and 3 above. Definition 2 applies in the case of Arch fanboys. Strangely they turn up more often on other forums than here.
But yeah, I should have added that Judd chose the name with the first adjective definition in mind.

It feels good to be an Arch fanboy, is this evil?

tjwoosta · 2010-06-30 08:13:52

Xyne wrote:

Strangely they turn up more often on other forums than here.

Maybe not so strange. Other forums are where archers take a defensive position against other fanboys.

I.E someone says something like arch linux sucks [insert distro here] is way better, the archer says no way arch is the best [insert distro here] sucks. Now the archer is a fanboy too. Just like wargames, the only winning move is not to play.

JackH79 · 2010-06-30 08:27:16

Ahhh. War Games. Love that movie.

PS: Also agree with you, tjwoosta.

Xyne · 2010-06-30 09:59:11

@tjwoosta
I agree. I don't know why I wrote "strangely".

Still, on the rare occasions that people show up here and criticize Arch in some way, the general response seems to be to kindly suggest alternatives (among workarounds and solutions) and point out that "Arch might not be right for you". I don't perceive the same "I'm 1337 because I use Arch" vibe that I sometimes notice elsewhere, even outside of a defensive position, but that may just be due to the conforming effect of the forum community or the absence of perceived ingroup-outgroup conflicts.

Awebb · 2010-06-30 12:03:12

I like the logo and the name. If you come from other Distros, wich serve stuff out of the box, it's like making a step through a big ancient arch from a long distinct but very advanced civilization to their... wait... it's just the sun on my head

Xyne wrote:

"I'm 1337 because I use Arch"

I use Arch because I'm 1337

rson451 · 2010-06-30 12:46:50

Awebb wrote:

Xyne wrote:
"I'm 1337 because I use Arch"
I use Arch because I'm 1337

Incorrect. Arch is 1337 because I use it.

Acecero · 2010-06-30 13:32:28

rson451 wrote:

Awebb wrote:
Xyne wrote:
"I'm 1337 because I use Arch"
I use Arch because I'm 1337
Incorrect. Arch is 1337 because I use it.

Haha, this is probably the best counter argument and statement that I have read so far in this thread.

Misfit138 · 2010-06-30 14:38:13

tjwoosta wrote:

...someone says something like arch linux sucks [insert distro here] is way better, the archer says no way arch is the best [insert distro here] sucks. Now the archer is a fanboy too. Just like wargames, the only winning move is not to play.

There is much truth to this and I agree.
I may be guilty of 'opening my mouth' on other forums occasionally, in defense of Arch. I always try to remain reasonable and avoid fanboy language, but as you have indicated, anyone defending Arch is most likely perceived as a fanboy regardless of their tact or reasoning anyway.

One thing this has led me to is a higher appreciation for the Arch forums; One of the unique aspects of this place is that fanboyism is frowned upon across the board for the most part. In my observation, Archers are more inclined to give ear to a logical and persuasive argument and tend to value facts and truth above conjecture, FUD, misplaced dogma and credulity.

Arch Linux

#1 2010-06-26 17:06:42

What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#2 2010-06-26 17:13:55

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#3 2010-06-26 17:40:50

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#4 2010-06-26 18:00:08

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#5 2010-06-26 18:03:40

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#6 2010-06-26 18:05:56

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#7 2010-06-26 18:08:08

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#8 2010-06-26 19:24:58

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#9 2010-06-26 19:30:18

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#10 2010-06-26 19:44:13

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#11 2010-06-26 20:08:45

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#12 2010-06-27 03:14:08

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#13 2010-06-27 04:29:18

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#14 2010-06-27 07:56:07

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#15 2010-06-27 08:07:16

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#16 2010-06-28 07:12:43

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#17 2010-06-28 10:48:47

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#18 2010-06-30 05:11:49

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#19 2010-06-30 08:13:52

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#20 2010-06-30 08:27:16

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#21 2010-06-30 09:59:11

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#22 2010-06-30 12:03:12

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#23 2010-06-30 12:46:50

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#24 2010-06-30 13:32:28

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

#25 2010-06-30 14:38:13

Re: What is the significance of the "Arch" in Arch Linux?

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