What should I do next after setting up a basic Arch installation?

Arch can be a difficult first Linux distribution because it expects you to understand how several system components fit together. If the setup process is becoming frustrating, trying a more beginner-focused distribution is completely reasonable. If you want to continue with Arch, keep notes about your configuration and include your hardware and exact error messages whenever something goes wrong.

Don’t feel like you need to install a huge list of software immediately. Start with the basics you actually use, then learn one system at a time—networking, updates, package management, backups, and troubleshooting. The Arch Wiki is detailed, but read the relevant sections before changing configuration files or running commands you don’t understand.

NetworkManager is probably the easiest way to manage connections. It supports command-line tools, a text interface, and desktop applets, so you can choose whichever feels most comfortable. You can use it with iwd as the wireless backend if you prefer. For the rest, it depends on what you want to do: install Steam and Proton tools for gaming, a video editor for editing, or simply keep browsing if that’s all you need. The Arch Wiki’s general recommendations are also a great next step.