Fresh Install of Arch Linux and KDE

Booting and Initial Setup

• Booting with Ventoy: Boot into the latest version of Arch Linux (March release).
• Using Arch Install Script: Simplifies the installation process.
  • Ensure network connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi) is set up or use a desktop with network.
  • Launch Arch Install script.
  • New features: Info display at the bottom when highlighting options.

Installation Steps

• Mirror Setup: Leave mirrors blank or set to a specific location if preferred.
• Locals: Leave as the default.
• Disk Configuration:
  • Choose the pcie device (e.g., NVMe SSD).
  • Format to ext4.
  • No separate partition for home.
  • No disk encryption.
  • Use system boot for boot loader (if using UEFI).
  • Keep swap for systems with low RAM.
• System Settings:
  • Set hostname (e.g., workbench).
  • Set root password.
  • Add user account and set password.
  • Make user a sudo user.
• Profile, Audio, and Packages:
  • Leave profiles blank.
  • Set audio to pipe wire.
  • Add additional packages (e.g., Nano, net tools).
• Network Configuration: Use network manager (for KDE).
• Timezone: Set timezone (e.g., New York for Eastern Time).
• Optional Repositories: Keep multilib, no need for testing.
• Install Base System: Takes about 2 minutes.

Post-Base Installation

• CH Root Environment: Continue installation in CH root environment.
  • Install Packages:
    • pacman -S needed xorg sddm
    • Select m DB and freefont.
    • Install plasma and KDE applications (pacman -S needed).
    • Choose gstreamer, pyside6, cronie, and GStreamer.
    • Select language (e.g., tessar data EG).

Configuration

• SDDM Configuration:
  • Edit: nano /usr/lib/sddm/sddm.conf.d/default.conf
  • Change current theme to Breeze.
  • Enable login manager: systemctl enable sddm
  • Enable network manager: systemctl enable NetworkManager
• Reboot System: Exit and reboot.

Final Steps

• Initial Boot: Boot into system with login manager.
  • Optional: Install Plymouth for a boot splash screen.
• KDE Setup: Follow initial setup steps.
• Pre-installed Applications: Check installed apps (e.g., education, games).
• System Monitor:
  • Disk space: 34GB.
  • RAM usage: 1.3GB.
• System Information:
  • KDE Plasma 6, QT version 6, Kernel version 6.7, Wayland.
  • Install graphics card drivers and additional applications as needed (using NeoFetch for system info).

Conclusion

• Fresh install of Arch Linux with KDE is complete.
• Ready for additional software installation and customization.
• Encourage viewers to ask questions and subscribe for more content.