Can I Install Arch Linux Without a USB Stick Alongside Mint?
Asked by
CoolGamer42
Hey everyone! I'm pretty new to Linux, and I'm trying to set up Arch Linux as a second operating system on my machine, which already has Cinnamon Mint installed. The problem is, I only have one USB stick, and it's currently flashed with Mint, so I can't just wipe it. I also only have one hard drive. Is there a way to have both Mint and Arch at the same time on my system without using a USB? Any tips would be really appreciated!
Answers
Familiarizing yourself with Mint and the basic GNU utilities is definitely a smart move before diving into Arch. It’ll make the process much smoother once you start installing and managing your system.
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It might be a good idea to stick with Mint for now while you get the hang of things. But if you want to give Arch a shot, you can try it in a virtual machine (VM) first. That way, you can play around and learn in a safer environment. Just keep in mind that most tutorials are applicable to a lot of distros, not just Arch!
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You don't need to remove the files from your USB stick! Just flash the Arch ISO directly onto it. I recommend using Balena Etcher; it's straightforward. If you’re looking for more versatility, Ventoy allows you to keep multiple ISOs but might be overkill for your situation. You can just install Balena from the Mint repo with a quick command (`sudo apt install balena-etcher`). After you select your USB and the ISO, you’re good to go! Remember, installing Arch involves some learning curve—especially if you're connecting to the internet after booting from the USB.
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NewbieLearner88: Yeah, take your time with it. If you’re ever confused, searching it up is super helpful! For setting up a VM, I'd suggest VirtualBox. Just be sure to check out recent tutorials on it.