Arch Linux - does anyone use it?

esuhl

I've been playing around with Linux distributions for a few years now (never getting mych further than dipping my toes in the water, so to speak), but haven't come across a distro that I can properly get my head round and easily configure...

I've just built a new PC and thought it was time to replace my 32-bit Zenwalk Linux installation with a 64-bit OS... which is how I came across Arch Linux.

It's brilliant! Rather than having layers and layers of buggy config scripts, you have to edit the actual text files so you know exactly what changes have been made (and how to change them back if you can't boot into X). You have complete control over everything and the OS is really responsive.

It's really quick to set up too, though if you know as little about Linux as I do, you might spend a lot of time looking up information on the web... But that's part of the attraction - it forces you to learn a bit about Linux.

Anyway, I hadn't heard of it before, so I just wondered if anyone else had come across it?

You can download it here:
http://www.archlinux.org/download/

The official installation guide is here:
http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Official_Arch_Linux_Install_Guide

Although I actually used this guide:
http://www.raiden.net/articles/how_to_install_arch_linux_via_ftp/

deklan99

I've just installed Arch this week, unfortunately having grub issues I think due to 2nd hard drive on its way out.
Have used Arch in the distant past, found it extremely responsive and free of bloat. If I remember rightly I only stopped using it when my ancient speedtouch usb modem refused to work due to some unknown configuration updates.
Only drawback for me is the proprietary package management system, don't really have the time these days to build my own packages for apps that aren't readily available.
Not really for the novice but with time and perseverance it really is worthwhile.