this post was submitted on 03 Sep 2024
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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Is it wise to go for arch to try linux for the first time?
First time Linux user you mean?
I wouldn't recommend it, unless you can navigate the terminal well. When you install arch, it installs no desktop environment, only the ability to talk to a terminal.
It's technically possible and very doable with some googling, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Depends what your goals are. With Arch, you will need to closely follow a guide to get it installed, if anything goes wrong you will need to search through the Arch Wiki for answers. Arch has an insane amount of customisation options, you will spend a lot of time in the Arch Wiki learning about them. By installing Arch you will learn a lot about Linux. Is that your goal?
You will spend more time reading and learning, but come out further ahead than someone who first installs Ubuntu or Mint.
However if your goal is to simply install Linux on your PC to try it out, (if you don't even know if you will like it, and don't know if you want to learn it's mechanics) then Arch wouldn't be my first choice.
No
This is what I did. If you generally know what you’re doing around computers it just requires patience and a willingness to “Read the (Friendly) Manual.”
If you’re running intel, nVidia, dual GPU setup, and some other things, your installation will be more involved.
But the great part is that once you’ve set all that up, things just generally work and the Arch wiki is an amazing resource.
I'm using Arch, I love it. What's absolutely bonkers is that the system belongs to you.
However, if you have never used Linux, it's insane to try to install Arch. The online wiki is tailored for people with at least a decent amount of Linux knowledge.
As a noob, it will result in data loss, except if you're already very familiar with terminals or are very fluent in IT.
You might want to try something more user friendly, as Zorin then come back to Arch when you want more power.
The arch wiki is difficult to use for beginners. Each page is single topic. It is not a guide. Using it daily, it takes at least a month to understand it well enough to "build your own guides". If you want to do that kind of deep dive, jump on in. If not, you'll have a better time using just about any distro other than arch.
BTW. If you do decide to take that route. Don't become one of those miscreants who "uses arch btw" It's a red flag for someone who doesn't know wtf they are talking about.