A Simplified Guide to Installing Arch Linux With the `archinstall` Command

Installing Arch Linux has often been seen as a rite of passage in the world of Linux aficionados due to its reputation for being a manual and technical process. However, the introduction of archinstall, a guided script that simplifies the installation of Arch Linux, has made it more approachable for newcomers. This article will walk you through the steps of using archinstall to set up a basic Arch Linux system.

Step 1: Download the Arch Linux ISO

Begin by downloading the latest Arch Linux ISO from the official Arch Linux website. Once you have the ISO file, you need to create a bootable USB drive. You can use tools like Rufus, dd, or Etcher to do this.

Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive

Insert the USB drive into your target system and reboot. You will need to press a key (often F2, F10, F12, or DEL, depending on your motherboard) to access the system’s boot menu. Select the USB drive as your boot device.

Step 3: Connect to the Internet

Before starting the installation, ensure that you are connected to the internet. If you are on a wired connection, you should be connected automatically. For WiFi, use the iwctl utility:

iwctl
station [device] connect [SSID

Replace device with your wireless device interface (e.g., wlan0) and SSID with the name of your WiFi network.

Step 4: Launch archinstall

Once connected to the internet, you can launch the installation script with a simple command:

archinstall

Step 5: Follow the archinstall Script

archinstall is an interactive script. It will guide you through a series of prompts to configure your installation:

1. Select Language and Keyboard Layout: Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.
2. Select Drive: Pick the drive where you want to install Arch Linux.
3. Partitioning: The script can automatically partition your drive or allow for manual partitioning if you prefer a custom layout.
4. Filesystem Selection: Choose the filesystem you wish to use (e.g., ext4, btrfs).
5. Hostname: Set the name for your machine.
6. User Account: Create a new non-root user, including setting up a username and password.
7. Additional packages: You can specify additional packages to install by referring to their names in the Arch package repository.
8. System Configuration: Select your time zone, and if you want, enable the systemd network configuration and set up a network profile.

Step 6: Bootloader Installation

The script will ask whether to install a bootloader. If you are unsure, you can allow archinstall to handle this by installing the recommended GRUB bootloader.

Step 7: Review Configuration and Install

Before proceeding with the installation, archinstall will present a summary of your choices. Review it carefully and if everything looks correct, confirm the installation. The script will then automatically install Arch Linux based on your selections.

Step 8: Reboot into Your New Arch Linux System

After the installation is complete, exit the installer and reboot your computer. Don’t forget to remove the USB drive. If everything went smoothly, you should boot into your newly installed Arch Linux system.

Log in using the username and password you created during the installation process.

Final Thoughts

With archinstall, installing Arch Linux is no longer the daunting task it used to be. This guided approach helps users get through the process with ease, making Arch Linux accessible to a broader range of users. Remember that one of the strengths of Arch Linux is its flexibility and the ability to customize it to your liking after the base installation. Enjoy the simplicity of archinstall and the power and control that comes with your new Arch Linux system.