Arch Linux Crash Course

Introduction

• Aim: To make your system aesthetically pleasing using Arch Linux.
• Experience: The presenter has been using Arch for over two years with terminal-based applications.

Getting Started

1. Download Arch Linux ISO

   • Go to archlinux.org and click on downloads.
   • Recommended: Use worldwide server for better connectivity.
   • File size may vary (e.g., 848 MB).

2. Creating Bootable USB

   • Use Balena Etcher for beginners to create a bootable USB.
   • Alternatively, you can use the dd command for advanced users.
   • Open BIOS and set USB as the first boot priority.

Installation Process

1. Boot from USB and Enter Arch ISO

   • Use VirtualBox for installation in a virtual environment.
   • Allocate at least 2GB memory and 15GB storage.

2. Install Arch

   • Update packages using:

     pacman -Sy  
     

   • Install Arch install script:

     pacman -S arch-install  
     

   • Run installation script:

     archinstall  
     

3. Follow Installation Prompts

   • Select language, keyboard layout, and drive partition.
   • Set up filesystems (e.g., ext4) and bootloader.
   • Create a hostname and user account (e.g., username/password).
   • Configure Xorg and install audio packages.

4. Complete Installation

   • Reboot system after installation completion.

Setting Up DWM (Dynamic Window Manager)

1. Install Required Packages

   • Install Git:

     sudo pacman -S git  
     

   • Clone repositories for DWM, ST (terminal), and Dmenu:

     git clone <repository-link>  
     

2. Compiling DWM

   • Navigate to the DWM directory and run:

     sudo make clean install  
     

   • If errors related to libraries arise, install necessary libraries (e.g., libxft).

3. Configure Xinit

   • Create .xinitrc in home directory to start DWM.
   • Install fonts for better appearance (e.g., ttf-jetbrains-mono).
   • Adjust display settings using xrandr for resolution.

Enhancing the System

1. Install Additional Tools

   • Install Picom for transparency effects.
   • Use Pywal for generating color schemes based on wallpapers.
     • Command: wal -i <path-to-wallpaper>

2. Zsh Configuration

   • Install Zsh for a better shell experience and syntax highlighting.
   • Use Oh My Zsh for themes and plugins.

3. Automatic Wallpaper and Color Scheme

   • Create a script to change wallpapers and update color schemes on startup.
   • Use commands like find and shuffle to randomly select wallpapers.

4. Status Bar Configuration

   • Install DWM blocks for a simple status bar.
   • Edit config.h to include script outputs (e.g., battery status, clock).

Conclusion

• The session covered the basics of installing and customizing Arch Linux with a focus on DWM and enhancing aesthetics.
• Further exploration into specific packages and personal configurations is encouraged for a more tailored experience.