Arch Linux Installation Guide

Using archinstall

Step 1: Boot from Installation Media

1. Download the Arch Linux ISO from the official website.
   Put it on a Ventoy USB

Step 2: Verify Internet Connection

1. Check network connection:

   ip a
   ping archlinux.org

2. If no connection, configure it using iwctl for Wi-Fi:

   iwctl
   # For a cabled connection, ensure the Ethernet cable is plugged in.
   # Then, use the following command to enable the connection:
   dhcpcd

Step 3: Update System Clock

timedatectl set-ntp true

Step 4: Start archinstall

1. Run the guided installer:

   archinstall

2. Follow the prompts to:
   • Select a language.
   • Choose a disk for installation.
   • Configure partitions (automatic or manual).
   • Set up users, passwords, and hostname.
   • Select a desktop environment or base system.
   • Configure additional options (e.g., bootloader, network).

Step 5: Reboot into Installed System

1. Exit the installer after completion.
2. Reboot the system:

   reboot

3. Remove the installation media.

Step 6: Post-Installation

1. Disable the mouse acceleration.
2. Check your power management settings (it's a bit too conservative by default).
3. Update the system:

   sudo pacman -Syu

Step 7: Set Bash as the Default Shell (optional)

1. Verify that Bash is installed:

   konsole
   echo $0

2. If it's not bash change the default shell:

   chsh -s /bin/bash

3. Log out and log back in to apply the changes.
4. Take care of your sudo

   sudo echo "$USER ALL=(ALL:ALL) NOPASSWD:ALL" | sudo tee /etc/sudoers.d/00_$USER

Step 8: Install Useful Utilities

1. Update the package database:

   sudo pacman -Syu

2. Install other useful utilities:

   sudo pacman -Sy git btop wget curl base-devel

3. Optionally, install AUR helper like yay for additional packages:

   git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay.git
   cd yay
   makepkg -si

4. Install Brave browser:

   yay brave

5. Install zoxide (a smarter cd command):

   yay zoxide
   echo 'eval "$(zoxide init --cmd cd bash)"' >> ~/.bashrc
   . ~/.bashrc

6. Enable sshd:

   sudo systemctl enable sshd --now

7. Install eza:

   yay eza
   echo "alias ll='eza -al --color=always --group-directories-first --icons'" >> ~/.bashrc

8. Install bat:

   yay bat
   echo "alias cat='bat --style=header -Pfs'" >> ~/.bashrc
   . ~/.bashrc

9. Install fd and "replace" find:

   yay fd
   echo "alias find='fd -ual -c always'" >> ~/.bashrc
   . ~/.bashrc

10. Install Neovim (a modern Vim-based text editor):

    sudo pacman -Sy luarocks neovim rustup ripgrep lazygit bottom
    rustup default stable
    cargo install --locked tree-sitter-cli
    cd ~
    git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/AstroNvim/template ~/.config/nvim
    rm -rf ~/.config/nvim/.git
    nvim

11. Configure starship:

    yay starship
    echo "eval \$(starship init bash)" >> ~/.bashrc
    . ~/.bashrc