Is Jumping Straight into Arch Linux a Good Idea for a Complete Beginner?

If you're up for reading a ton of wiki pages and really understand what you're doing, then go for it! Arch isn't as tough as some say, but it does require a solid grasp of Linux. On the other hand, if you'd rather have a machine that just works, starting with something simpler might be a better choice.

It's definitely possible to install Arch as a newbie, but you might end up frustrated. If you want to learn effectively, use a more user-friendly distro for a while first. It’s about making sure that the learning process isn't overwhelming and that you can rely on some help when you run into issues.

I think it's better to start with an easier distro, like Fedora or Mint, to get a handle on Linux basics. Arch can be very stripped down and you might miss out on important learning experiences if you jump in too quickly. Plus, it's much easier to troubleshoot issues on a more user-friendly system first.

Sure, you could likely manage it, but be prepared to deal with some frustration. If you’re okay with possibly bricking your system for a bit while you figure things out, jumping in could be fine. However, I recommend trying a more user-friendly distro first like Linux Mint, which would help you build a solid foundation before tackling Arch. Once you have some experience, you'll get more out of Arch's customizability.

If you're determined to go with Arch straight away, just be aware that it requires a lot more effort. You can try an Arch-based distro like EndeavourOS or CachyOS for a more accessible introduction. They let you experience Arch without the complexities of the manual install process.