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K.Mandla
January 30th, 2008, 01:00 AM
Welcome to the Arch Linux sub-forum! Please read the following information before posting.

The purpose of this sticky is to give you an overview of Arch, and supply you with some excellent resources that might answer questions that have been asked in past threads. Rather than overwhelm you with information, this note will try to follow The Arch Way (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/The_Arch_Way) and keep it simple.

What is Arch Linux?

To quote the Arch Linux wiki:

Arch Linux is an independent i686-optimized community distribution for intermediate and advanced Linux users, originally based on ideas from CRUX, a great distribution developed by Per Lidén. Arch is fast, lightweight, flexible and simple.

Some features that set Arch apart from other distros:

Arch features precompiled software tuned for i686 (and now x86_64 (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Arch64_FAQ)) computers
Arch is a rolling release (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/FAQ#Q.29_When_will_the_new_release_be_made.3F) distribution
Arch has a great package manager called pacman (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Pacman).
Arch has the Arch Build System (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Arch_Build_System) and the Arch User Repository (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/AUR).

Is Arch Linux for Me?

To cite the wiki once again:

Q) I am a complete Linux beginner. Should I use Arch?
A) This question has had much debate. Arch is targeted at more-advanced Linux users, but some people feel "Arch is a good place to start". If you are a beginner and want to use Arch, just be warned that you MUST be willing to learn. Before asking any question, do your own independent research by googling, searching the Wiki, and searching the forum (and reading past FAQs). If you do that, you should be fine. Also know that many people do not want to answer the same basic questions over and over, so you are exposing yourself to that environment. There is a reason these resources were created/made available to you.
Here are some links to some very useful information; all were taken from the Arch Linux wiki (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Main_Page).:

What is Arch Linux (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/ArchLinux) elaborates on the information above.
The Arch Way (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/The_Arch_Way) explains the general philosophy behind Arch Linux.
The Beginner's Guide (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Beginners_Guide) and installation guide (http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Official_Arch_Linux_Install_Guide) offer detailed instructions for getting your system up and running.
And finally, the Arch Linux Forums (http://bbs.archlinux.org/) are another great resource. Many developers are regular posters in the forums. You'll find friendly, knowledgeable help in the Arch community.

Remember: Arch is what you make of it.

P.S.: A special thanks to Rumor (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=52926) for writing this introduction and collecting the links here. :)