Should I install Arch Linux?

Arch Linux is one of the most popular Linux operating systems. Arch Linux is even easier to install than Arch-based distributions like Manjaro and Antergos.

Whether you think about installing each component manually or downloading a built-in Arch-based desktop, here are 10 reasons to choose Arch Linux.

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1. With Arch Linux, you can freely build your own PC

Among the popular Linux distributions, Arch Linux is very special. Ubuntu and Fedora, like Windows and macOS, are ready to operate immediately after installation. In contrast, Arch Linux challenges you to build your own PC operating system.

The installation process is not simply click through the installation window. You will need to know many terminal commands and must choose your own components, such as desktop environment, audio server, whether WiFi is needed, etc. This process can take a long time.

The amount of knowledge required makes Arch harder to install than most other distributions. But if you are patient enough, you can succeed.

Finally, you will have a system that does exactly what you want. And even if you install an Arch-based distribution that provides the default experience, you can still replace the parts you want.

2. You only run what you need

Because Arch allows you to choose your own components, that means you won't have to install a series of software you didn't expect. Ubuntu not only comes with a large number of preinstalled desktop applications, but also has a lot of background services.

Although this number is small compared to the number of applications running in the background on Windows, you may not know all of the processes that are going on.

By default, these services not only do not run in Arch Linux, they are not even installed. That means you don't waste resources on additional system processes. You also save Internet bandwidth by not downloading unnecessary updates.

3. Arch Linux helps users find technical information easily

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Many 'ad' distributions are free and easy to use, and are capable of replacing Windows and macOS. These distributions want to attract many different audiences such as students, developers and general users. Therefore, they do not emphasize the information needed to make the system work. They don't hide that information, but you have to know what you want to find and where to look.

Arch does not try to do anything but provide a set of programs that you can combine and create a computer with the desired functions. If you want to know which specific packages are receiving updates or are having problems, look for information on Arch's homepage (link: https://www.archlinux.org/). Each link you click will provide deeper technical information.

4. Wait until you try Pacman on Arch Linux

Pacman is what you use to install packages in Arch, like APT for Ubuntu and DNF for Fedora. However, unlike other distributions, Arch has no other way to provide a graphical alternative to the command line.

One advantage of Pacman is that you don't need to enter too many things. The command to install a specific package is:

 pacman -S package-name 

If you want to download the latest updates for the entire system, enter:

 pacman -Syu 

Which package manager you use will depend on personal preferences. But you may find that pacman is an ideal choice.

5. The Arch Linux user archive is extremely great

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Arch User Archives is a collection of software from community members. Rather than having to download an application source file yourself and try to figure out how to get things working, AUR will do the hard work. If a Linux program you want to run is not included in Arch's repos, it is likely that it is in the AUR.

Using AUR is not immediately intuitive, but there are many ways to make the experience simpler. A tool like Yaourt can help in the command line, and Octopi provides a graphical interface for you.

6. Arch Wiki is also very good

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Even if you don't use the Arch Linux distribution, there are still many reasons to visit the Arch Wiki ( link: https://wiki.archlinux.org/ ). Regardless of which Linux distribution you use, Arch Wiki is still a valuable repository of information.

Because Arch uses the same components as most other Linux distributions, the instructions and fixes available on this site are also useful for other distros. If you are not sure which software to install on your computer, see the descriptions presented here. Follow the instructions, read the recommendations and note the possible errors.

There may be some differences in distributions and Arch packages, but the site will still help you get in the right direction.

7. Say goodbye to system upgrades

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Most Linux distributions regularly release updates. Some distributions are updated twice a year. Other distros take longer. Arch completely ignored this approach. You install Arch once and download indefinite updates without thinking about upgrading to a new version (called the rolling release model). The same is true for most Arch-based distros.

This is a sure way to catch up with the latest Linux software.

But some consider this to be Arch's drawback. If you don't pay attention to the updates that are being released, everything may be broken because no one checks the exact configuration of the software running on the computer.

8. Arch has little attachment to developers

Many people use Linux because they don't want a company to determine what they can do on a computer. No matter which Linux version you use, this operating system will have less commercial impact on how your PC works, compared to Windows or macOS. But in the end, distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora and openSUSE still have a close relationship with developers.

If you use an Ubuntu-based distribution, your desktop experience is still affected by the decisions Canonical makes. With Fedora and openSUSE, this constraint is greatly reduced. But if you expect more, choose a community-only distribution like Arch.

9. Arch creates a great platform

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Do you want to have trouble installing Arch Linux? Consider Manjaro and Antergos. Both of these tools provide a simple installation process and choose the default experience for you. At the same time, you get Arch privileges to be great, like accessing AUR and updating releases.

Some Arch-based distros keep KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid), a meaningless approach. Chakra Linux is the favorite way of many people to use KDE. Initially, Chakra Linux is based on Arch and you still get a lot of non-technical information in Arch's documentation.

10. Now you will know everything about Linux

When installing Arch, you'll know what makes a Linux distribution. Even if you choose an alternative Arch-based distribution, you still have to pay much attention to the updates you download. This is the nature of using a release release in the form of rolling release.

However, the knowledge you gain from installing and managing updates is still useful even when you switch from Arch to another distribution.

Installing Arch is a great way to learn about Linux without having to take any course.

The above is one of the many benefits of Arch. Why don't you choose a distribution or an Arch-based alternative easier and let people know about your experience?