Arch Linux

bzzzzz

Member

Registered: 2010-03-26

Posts: 8

How to edit a file

Ok I probably realise that I've missed something in the literature on installing arch somewhere along the way, but I've spent the last 3 hours trying to find how get past this stage to no avail.

I've managed to realise I have a dhcp connection.

For DHCP IP

For this option, you need the dhcpcd package (already available on most installations). To make use of it, edit /etc/rc.conf like this:

eth0="dhcp"
INTERFACES=(eth0)
ROUTES=(!gateway)

but when i type "edit /etc/rc.conf" I get a colon

I presume I'm in some kind of editor, but I can't see what I'm supposed to change and what commands to use inside the editor.

Any help gratefully received

skunktrader

Member

From: Brisbane, Australia

Registered: 2010-02-14

Posts: 1,543

Re: How to edit a file

by default edit brings up vi
it may be easier for you to use nano

nano /etc/rc.conf

SS4

Member

From: !Rochford, Essex

Registered: 2010-12-05

Posts: 699

Re: How to edit a file

Silly question but are you changing the file as root or as a user?

If you have a # at the beginning of the line you're root (which is what is needed)

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jasonwryan

Anarchist

From: .nz

Registered: 2009-05-09

Posts: 30,424

Website

Re: How to edit a file

bzzzz Arch is for competent Linux users - not knowing how to edit a file suggests that you do not fall into this category. If you wish to persevere and use Arch as a learning tool, then you need to be aware that you will be required to do most of the work yourself.

See the wiki: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/FA … se_Arch.3F

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loafer

Member

From: the pub

Registered: 2009-04-14

Posts: 1,772

Re: How to edit a file

As skunktrader points out edit brings up vi/ed which is difficult unless you know the commands.  I've been using Unix since 1987 and I avoid it where possible.

nano as suggested above by skunktrader is quite friendly.  Once you get your feet in try learning vim.

Don't be put off by something like this as Arch is very learnable and quite straigtforward when you get the hang of it.   As Jason says the key is the Wiki and the Beginners Guide.

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