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How to install arch Linux

1. Install Arch Linux

Follow the Arch Linux Installation Guide for detailed instructions. Below is a summary of the key steps:

1.1. Boot into the Arch ISO

  • Download the Arch Linux ISO and create a bootable USB.
  • Boot into the USB drive and select “Arch Linux Install” from the menu.

1.2. Set Up the System

  • Connect to the internet:
    iwctl Device list  Device wlan0 show Station wlan0 get-networks Station wlan0 connect <network> <Password> exit
  • Update the system clock:
    timedatectl set-ntp true
  • Partition the disk:
    fdisk /dev/sdX
  • Format and mount partitions:
    mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1
    mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt
  • Install essential packages:
    pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware
  • Generate an fstab file:
    genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab
  • Chroot into the system:
    arch-chroot /mnt
  • Set up timezone, locale, and hostname:
    ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Region/City /etc/localtime
    hwclock --systohc
    echo "en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8" >> /etc/locale.gen
    locale-gen
    echo "myhostname" > /etc/hostname
  • Set root password and install bootloader:
    passwd
    pacman -S grub
    grub-install /dev/sdX
    grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
  • Exit and reboot:
    exit
    reboot

2. Install Applications

2.1. Enable Parallel Downloads

Enable parallel downloads for faster package installation:
sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf
Uncomment ParallelDownloads in the [options] section.

2.2. Install KDE Plasma and Display Manager

Install KDE Plasma, SDDM, and essential packages:
sudo pacman -S xorg plasma sddm kde-applications
Enable the display manager:
sudo systemctl enable sddm.service
sudo systemctl start sddm.service

2.3. Install AUR Helper (e.g., paru)

Install git and clone paru:
sudo pacman -S git base-devel
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/paru.git
cd paru
makepkg -si

2.4. Install Additional Apps

Install commonly used apps:
sudo pacman -S firefox vlc libreoffice gimp neofetch
paru -S google-chrome spotify visual-studio-code-bin

Apps:

  1. Firefox
  2. VLC Media Player
  3. LibreOffice
  4. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
  5. Neofetch
  6. Paru (AUR Helper)
  7. Google Chrome
  8. Spotify
  9. Visual Studio Code

3. Install Browser Extensions

Install browser extensions to enhance your experience:
10. Proton Pass - Encrypted password manager.
11. uBlock Origin - Ad blocker.
12. Proton VPN - Secure VPN for privacy.
13. SponsorBlock - Skips sponsorships and other annoying segments in YouTube videos.
14. YouTube Shorts Block - Blocks YouTube Shorts from appearing.
15. Dark Reader - Dark mode for websites.
16. Improve YouTube - Enhances YouTube with additional customization options.
17. Grammarly - Grammar and spell checker.
18. Honey - Automatically finds and applies coupon codes while shopping online.
19. LastPass - Secure password manager.
20. Tab Session Manager - Saves and restores tab sessions.
21. The Great Suspender - Suspends inactive tabs to free up system resources.
22. Checker Plus for Gmail - Email notifications and management directly in your browser.
23. Nimbus Screenshot & Screen Video Recorder - Capture screenshots and record screen videos.
24. DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials - Improves privacy with tracker blocking and private search.
25. WebTranslate - Quick webpage translations directly in the browser.
26. Wappalyzer - Detect technologies used on websites.
27. Bitwarden - Free and open-source password manager.
28. HTTPS Everywhere - Forces websites to use secure HTTPS connections.
29. Privacy Badger - Stops trackers that monitor your browsing activity.
30. Zoom Scheduler - Quickly schedule Zoom meetings.
31. Trello - Manage tasks and projects in your browser.
32. Pocket - Save articles and webpages to read later.
33. Session Buddy - Manage and organize browser tabs.

4. Configure System Settings

4.1. Set Up Time and Date

Ensure the time is correct:
sudo timedatectl set-ntp true

4.2. Customize KDE Plasma

  • Go to System Settings > Appearance and choose your theme, icons, and fonts.
  • Install additional themes via plasma-settings or store.kde.org.

4.3. Enable Firewall

Install and enable ufw:
sudo pacman -S ufw
sudo systemctl enable ufw.service
sudo systemctl start ufw.service

5. Install Drivers and Firmware

5.1. GPU Drivers

Install GPU drivers based on your hardware:

  • Intel:
    sudo pacman -S xf86-video-intel
  • AMD:
    sudo pacman -S xf86-video-amdgpu
  • NVIDIA:
    sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils

5.2. Additional Firmware

Install the latest firmware:
sudo pacman -S linux-firmware

6. Set Up Development Environment

6.1. Install Programming Languages

Install popular programming tools:
sudo pacman -S python nodejs npm openjdk git

6.2. Configure Git

Set up your Git configuration:
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"

6.3. Install Code Editor

Install Visual Studio Code:
paru -S visual-studio-code-bin

7. Configure Backups

7.1. Install Backup Tools

Install and configure rsync or borg:
sudo pacman -S rsync

7.2. Set Up Cloud Sync

Install a cloud synchronization tool like Syncthing:
sudo pacman -S syncthing

8. Test and Finalize

8.1. Update the System

Run a full system update:
sudo pacman -Syu

8.2. Verify Setup

Test:

  • Audio
  • Display
  • Network

8.3. Install Neofetch for Fun

Display system info on login:
sudo pacman -S neofetch
neofetch

Congratulations! Your Arch Linux system with KDE Plasma is ready to use!