Archcraft | The NEW Arch Linux!

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to Archcraft, a lightweight and customizable Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. It is designed for users who appreciate a minimalist environment without sacrificing power and customization. This guide will walk you through the features, installation process, and customization options available in Archcraft.

Step 1: Understanding Archcraft Features

Before diving into installation, it's important to know what makes Archcraft unique. Here are the key features:

• Minimalist Design: Archcraft offers a clean and attractive desktop interface.
• Lightweight Performance: Ideal for older hardware, it runs efficiently with minimal resource usage.
• Customizable: Users can extensively modify their desktop environments to suit personal preferences.
• Access to AUR: Enjoy the vast selection of software available through the Arch User Repository.
• Regular Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest software and security patches.
• Community Support: Engage with a strong community for help and resources.

Step 2: Downloading Archcraft

To get started with Archcraft, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Archcraft website: archcraft.io.
2. Locate the download section on the homepage.
3. Choose the appropriate ISO file for your system architecture (usually x86_64).
4. Download the file and verify its integrity if necessary.

Step 3: Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Once you have the ISO file, you need to create a bootable USB drive:

1. Insert a USB drive (at least 4GB) into your computer.
2. Use a tool like Rufus (Windows), balenaEtcher (Mac/Linux), or the 'dd' command for Linux.
   • For example, using 'dd':

     sudo dd if=/path/to/archcraft.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress
     

   • Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive identifier.
3. Wait for the process to complete and safely eject the USB drive.

Step 4: Installing Archcraft

With the bootable USB ready, follow these steps to install Archcraft:

1. Boot your computer from the USB drive.
2. Select the Archcraft installation option from the boot menu.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions, which typically include:
   • Setting up your keyboard layout.
   • Connecting to the internet.
   • Partitioning your hard drive (follow the guided options if unsure).
   • Installing the base system and configuring your timezone.
4. Complete the installation by creating a user account and setting up a password.

Step 5: Customizing Archcraft

After installation, you can customize your Archcraft environment:

1. Desktop Environment: Choose between lightweight options like Openbox or other window managers.
2. Theming: Apply themes to enhance aesthetics. You can find themes on sites like GNOME-Look.
3. Installing Applications: Use the terminal to install applications via pacman or AUR:
   • For example, to install a package:

     sudo pacman -S package_name
     

   • For AUR, use an AUR helper like yay:

     yay -S package_name
     

4. Configuration Files: Edit configuration files in your home directory to tweak settings according to your preferences.

Conclusion

Archcraft is a powerful, lightweight Linux distribution that offers a minimalist approach to computing. By following this guide, you've learned about its features, how to download and install it, and ways to customize your experience. Explore the community resources and documentation available to further enhance your Archcraft setup. Happy computing!