Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86_64-optimised Linux distribution targeted at competent Linux users. It uses 'pacman', its home-grown package manager, to provide updates to the latest software applications with full dependency tracking. Operating on a rolling release system, Arch can be installed from a CD image or via an FTP server. The default install provides a solid base that enables users to create a custom installation. In addition, the Arch Build System (ABS) provides a way to easily build new packages, modify the configuration of stock packages, and share these packages with other users via the Arch Linux user repository.
To compare the software in this project to the software available in other distributions, please see our Compare Packages page.
Notes: In case where multiple versions of a package are shipped with a distribution, only the default version appears in the table. For indication about the GNOME version, please check the "nautilus" and "gnome-shell" packages. The Apache web server is listed as "httpd" and the Linux kernel is listed as "linux". The KDE desktop is represented by the "plasma-desktop" package and the Xfce desktop by the "xfdesktop" package.
Colour scheme:green text = latest stable version, red text = development or beta version. The function determining beta versions is not 100% reliable due to a wide variety of versioning schemes.
Version: current Rating: 10 Date: 2024-01-27 Votes: 9
Having daily driven Aptitude-based Linux distributions for years, I decided it was time to move onto better things, and found that Arch had exactly what I wanted that Debian lacked: up-to-date packaging, managed by one of the most intuitive package managers (Pacman).
I also like that I can use the AUR if a package isn't available from Arch officially, which, when combined together, towers over Debian. Not to mention the fact that the Arch Wiki can even apply to distros outside of Arch. It is so well-written and constantly updated for accuracy. Only OpenBSD's manpages rival it, and that's saying a lot.
As it is a rolling release, you do have to use some common sense when applying upgrades. Normally, I wait at least a week before doing an update, which accompanies the routine system backups (which are absolutely important to have, regardless of distro or skill level).
Arch really is amazing all-around.
Version: current Rating: 10 Date: 2024-01-26 Votes: 8
I migrated from Fedora / CentOS to ArchLinux in 2019 and haven't looked back since then. I started a test migration with my laptop and then moved my desktop and all other computers in the house to ArchLinux.
Fedora and CentOS take too long to provided major version updates to software packages. This is the biggest benefit that I see with Arch and other rolling linux distributions. Although people argue that Arch trades stability for the latest and greatest software, I've never experienced this except once with an Nvidia graphics driver bug.
I use Arch in all my production PCs at home and am happy I made the switch!
Version: current Rating: 10 Date: 2024-01-22 Votes: 10
I was really terrified by the rumors that Arch Linux way a distro for andvanced users. This Sundey I had plenty of free time so I desided to give it a try.
The ISO:
The ISO is less than a 1G so the download time was really fast.
The installer:
The installer is text-based BUT it has nothing to do with the complex and confusing text-based installers of Debian or Slackware. It is simple and conenient.
It was as easy as calamares.
You can choose the desktop environment you want to use (KDE,Gnome,XFCE,Cinnamon,Sway,I3,etc)
You can choose if you want your system encrypted.
You can choose the sound server (pulseaudio, pipewire)
And of course you can set language, keyboard, partition and user.
The usage:
Arch have the best documentation out there called "Arch Wiki". It is a very educational manual that teaches people how to follow best practices.
Performance:
I used Gnome and I3. Gnome was performing really good. Almost as smooth as SolusOS.
Software:
Literally every Linux app is available in the repositories or the user repository (AUR).
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