I'm trying to install Arch Linux on my laptop since I don't use it much anymore and Windows has been really slow. This is my first time installing a Linux distribution, and I've been at it for about an hour and a half. I've managed to set up the Wi-Fi and get through some parts of the installation, but when it comes to disk partitioning, I'm completely lost. Can anyone help me understand how to do it?
4 Answers
You should check out the resources page in our wiki, it has helpful links! And don't forget to take regular backups and experiment in a VM before trying commands. Just make sure you understand what you're doing first!
If you're having trouble with partitioning, Arch might be too complex for your first experience. Many people have success with easier distros like Linux Mint. It's user-friendly and might be a better fit for you, especially if you just want to get things working without the steep learning curve.
You’re right about Mint! It's a solid choice for lower-end laptops like yours. I recommend trying the Cinnamon version since it’s pretty simple and lightweight.
The curiosity to dive into Arch is great, but it can definitely be challenging! Perhaps looking into other Arch-based distros like EndeavourOS or even Manjaro could give you a good balance of learning while being more user-friendly.
Yeah, I realized that might’ve been a bit ambitious for a first-timer! I'll give Mint a try for now.
If you really want to stick with Arch, consider using the archinstall script. It simplifies the setup process and can get you a base system in just 15-20 minutes, though if you hit a snag, you can try again. But if you're new to Linux, consider going for Mint or MX Linux to start easily and switch later if you feel like it.
I know some distros are easier, and I want to give Arch a real shot first. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll definitely check out Mint.