What is Arch Linux? Who it is for
Arch Linux is built independently rather than on another distribution. It uses none by default as its desktop and pacman for software, and it follows a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps.
Arch Linux at a glance
- Foundation: built independently rather than on another distribution
- Desktop: none by default
- Software tools: pacman
- Release style: a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps
- Installer: the archinstall script or a manual install
Who Arch Linux suits
Arch Linux suits experienced users who want to build the system themselves and always run current software.
Strengths
- Fine control over how the system is built and what it contains.
- Software stays close to the newest versions without waiting for a new release.
- Good tooling for programming, with current compilers, languages and containers available.
Things to consider
- It expects you to read documentation and solve problems yourself, so it is not the best first Linux system.
- Updates never stop arriving, so update often and keep a backup in case an update needs fixing.
- As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Try Arch Linux from a USB drive
The easiest way to find out is to start it from a USB drive without changing your computer. See the Arch Linux bootable USB drive, then follow our install guide when you are ready. New to this? Read how to try Linux without installing it and how to boot from a USB drive.
Compare Arch Linux
- Arch Linux vs Manjaro
- Arch Linux vs EndeavourOS
- Arch Linux vs CachyOS
- Arch Linux vs Garuda Linux
- Gentoo vs Arch Linux
- Arch Linux vs Void Linux
Installing software on Arch Linux
Arch Linux uses pacman. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
pacman -Ss name sudo pacman -S name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arch Linux good for beginners?
It can be used by beginners, but Arch Linux is aimed more at experienced users who want to build the system themselves and always run current software. If you are brand new, a beginner-friendly distribution such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu is usually an easier first step.
What desktop does Arch Linux use?
Arch Linux uses none by default. To learn how desktops differ, read what GNOME, KDE, Xfce and Cinnamon are.
How much RAM does Arch Linux need?
As a rough guide, about 2 GB of RAM is a comfortable minimum for a desktop session.
Is Arch Linux based on another distribution?
Arch Linux is built independently rather than on another distribution.
How often is Arch Linux updated?
Arch Linux follows a rolling release, so updates arrive continuously with no big version jumps.
How can I try Arch Linux without installing it?
Write it to a USB drive, restart, choose the drive from the boot menu and pick the live or try option. Nothing on your internal disk changes unless you choose to install.