Arch Linux is a lightweight distribution of Linux, optimized for Intel i686 and x86-64 processors and designed for use by experienced Linux/Unix users. It is community developed and designed to be easily upgradeable with its package management system. Keep reading for instructions on installing it using the user friendly installation scripts.
1Download Arch installation media. The primary forms are image files for CD or USB Key available on the Arch Linux website. Go to the Arch Linux website and select a version. If you are unsure which form to download, select the Core ISO appropriate to your processor architecture (e.g. i686 or x86).Ad
2Burn the image to CD using your preferred CD recording software or, in Windows XP, by right clicking on the .iso file and selecting “Copy Image to CD”. Alternately, if you downloaded the USB Key version, use the Bash command: dd if=path-to-iso of=/dev/sdX. Alternatively you may use other software to image the USB drive.
3Insert the prepared device into the computer you are installing Arch on and restart the computer. The computer should start up into a menu system similar to the one shown below.
4Select “Boot Arch Live” and wait for the system to auto-detect your devices and start up. When it is finished, you will be running Arch Linux live from the installation media.
5Log in as root by typing root at the login prompt. It does not require a password.
6Run the installation script by entering /arch/setup. The menu based process is designed for ease of use, and will give useful feedback.
7Use the arrow keys to highlight "Select Source" and press enter. If you chose the core installation media select “CD-ROM or OTHER SOURCE”. Select OK at the prompt. You will then be returned to the main menu.
8Select "Set Clock". Choose the appropriate timezone and then select set time and date and choose the appropriate time format. Confirm that the time is correct and select return.
9Select “Prepare Hard Drive” and select the appropriate options. If you are installing Arch on a clean system or do not intend to dual boot with another preexisting operating system, simply select “Auto Prepare.” If you would like to partition the drive manually select the appropriate option. Make sure to check documentation on partitioning and formatting Linux drives.
10Enter “Select Packages” and look through the packages available, pressing space to select the highlighted package and enter to finish selection. The base system will always be installed; for a minimal system, select no packages. For a system with additional basic tools, select the base-devel package category, or go through the packages and select those you want individually.
11Enter “Install Packages” and wait while the script installs your operating system. This may take a while.
12Enter “Configure System” and go through the options. If you do not know which to select, choose the default option. When you reach the screen labelled “Configuration” with files listed, go through each if you wish to check or change the default contents of your config files. Make sure you set a root password that you will remember, you will need it to administer your system. Beginner users can leave the rest of the configuration files alone.
13Select “Install Bootloader” and choose your bootloader. If you are unsure which to select, choose GRUB. At this point, you will be prompted to examine your bootloader configuration file. If you are not dual booting, you will not need to make changes. If you have a Windows operating system installed, ensure the Windows entry in the file is not commented out by removing the "#" signs in front of each line. If you want Windows to be the default, make sure you change the default line. When prompted to select the boot device to install the bootloader, select the entry without a number at the end, such as /dev/sda.
14Exit the installer and type “reboot” to restart your system. Wait for your computer to boot into your new Arch Linux operating system. Login as root with the password you entered and enjoy your new system.Ad
- Once the installation is complete, you will have a minimal system which uses only the command line. There are many desktop managers or other window management programs which can be installed on your system. Check The Arch Beginners Guide for help.
- Be sure to remove your installation media after you reboot.
- If you encounter any problems, check the Arch Install Guide.
- If you wish to dual boot with Windows, it is recommended that you install Windows before Linux.
- If you choose to manually partition your drive, do so with great care. If you are trying to set up a dual booting system, any mistake at this point could damage your existing file system or operating system.
- Ensure that you pick a root password that is both memorable and secure. If you forget it, you will not be able to properly administer your system. Never disclose your root password – it is the key to your system.
Things You'll Need
- A blank CD-ROM or USB Key
- An Arch Linux image
- A computer with unallocated area on a hard drive.
Sources and Citations
Recent edits by: Mykol, TJean, Maluniu
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