I'm planning to transition from Windows to Linux, specifically Arch Linux, and I'm looking for some guidance on the installation options. I'm technically capable but would appreciate insights on making the right choices during the setup. Here are my main questions:
1. For the default profile, should I choose desktop or minimal?
2. Which desktop environment is most popular? I've heard a lot about Cinnamon, but I'm open to suggestions.
3. I'm unsure about which kernel to choose. What should I know?
4. What additional packages should I consider? Is Firefox a must?
5. Can you explain the optional repos more?
Ultimately, I want this to become my go-to system for gaming and home use, with Windows installed separately just for games that aren't compatible with Linux and for Guitar Pro, unless I can find a way to make that work on Linux too.
Also, I have some questions about dual-booting with my current setup. I have three M.2 SSDs:
1. 1TB ADATA SX8200PNP with Windows and personal files.
2. 4TB Crucial P3 Plus primarily for games.
3. 1TB Intel 660p, which I could use for Linux.
Should I reinstall all my games that work on Linux? Is it feasible to keep both Windows and Linux games on the 4TB drive using NTFS3? Would it make sense to migrate personal files to keep them accessible from both OSs? If not, what's an organized solution?
Lastly, I've heard some mention CachyOS instead of Arch. Which would be better for lightweight performance, gaming, customization, and compatibility?
3 Answers
Going straight for Arch is doable if you're ready to dive deep. The Wiki is your best friend; it has everything from installation steps to configuring your desktop environment.
1. For the profile, start with the desktop option—it’s user-friendly.
2. Cinnamon is nice, but KDE and GNOME are also popular choices depending on your aesthetic and performance preferences.
3. Unless you need specific features like ZFS or VFIO, the standard kernel works fine.
4. Install other programs as you need them. GIMP is definitely a common one, just grab any tools you personally like.
5. The official repos are part of what Arch provides out-of-the-box, while optional repos can have additional software not included by default.
About keeping games on NTFS, it’s technically possible, but expect some hiccups. It’s better to install Linux versions separately when you can. For the other file organization questions, consider partitioning your 4TB drive for better management. You could use F2FS or keep it NTFS if you really need to access it from both OSs.
If you’re new to Linux, you might find it easier to start with a derivative like Manjaro before jumping into Arch. It still offers a taste of Arch but simplifies the setup.
Steam has a feature to recognize games on your Windows drive, so you might not need to reinstall everything. Just ensure your Windows partition is mounted before launching Steam in Linux!
For the file organization, keep your personal files on the Windows side until you’re sure Linux is working well for you.
Before installing Linux, disconnect your Windows drive to avoid any accidental overwriting. It’s also a good backup opportunity.
As for uninstalling games that work on Linux, you can transfer your Steam games to the Linux partition without redownloading—just make sure they run smoothly first. Generally, keeping personal files on your Windows drive for the time being is a good strategy.
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