I've been thinking about diving into Linux and a friend suggested I try Arch Linux. He mentioned that with Archinstall, the setup could be a bit simpler, and he also believes it's an effective way to learn Linux thoroughly. I'm curious, though—how many steps does it typically take to get a functional setup running on Arch? Also, is it really a good idea for someone who's just starting out?
4 Answers
I wouldn't recommend Arch for a first distro. It's a bit like throwing someone into the deep end of a pool to teach them to swim. There are other distros that are more beginner-friendly. You might want to start with something like Linux Mint or Debian to get the basics down first before jumping into Arch.
It really depends on your learning style, but I'd suggest starting with a more stable distro. Arch isn't labeled as beginner-friendly for a reason. You need to be comfortable troubleshooting and reading documentation. If that sounds like you, go for it, but be prepared for a challenging experience. Check the Arch wiki—if you can grasp that, you might be ready for it!
I get what you're saying. Thanks for the advice! How much time should I set aside for a decent setup?
If you really want to learn Linux, sure, go for Arch! But if you're new, consider a user-friendly Arch-based distro like Manjaro or Endeavour OS. They’re easier to work with and still give you a taste of Arch’s flexibility.
Sounds good! But does using a more user-friendly version take away from the learning experience?
Honestly, if you have patience and a willingness to learn, Arch can work. Expect to face challenges, but that’s part of the learning process. Depending on your setup, getting a basic desktop environment like GNOME should take a day or so. Just be prepared to read a lot of documentation.
I agree! I'm planning to use GNOME since I find it visually appealing.
Thanks! What do you recommend for getting the basics in before trying Arch?