Documentation

A simple, lightweight distribution following the KISS principle

Module 1: Introduction to Arch Linux
What is Arch Linux?

Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86-64 general-purpose GNU/Linux distribution that strives to provide the latest stable versions of most software by following a rolling-release model. The default installation is a minimal base system, configured by the user to only add what is purposely required.

Arch Linux Philosophy

Arch Linux is built around the following principles:

  • Simplicity: Arch Linux defines simplicity as "without unnecessary additions or modifications". It provides a minimal base environment that users can build upon.
  • Modernity: Arch Linux keeps software packages as up-to-date as possible, following a rolling-release model.
  • Pragmatism: Arch Linux is pragmatic rather than ideological, making decisions based on technical merit.
  • User-centric: Arch Linux is designed for users who are comfortable with the command line and willing to read documentation.
  • Versatility: Arch Linux can be configured for any purpose, from a minimal server to a full-featured desktop.
Key Features
  • Rolling Release: No major releases, continuous updates
  • Pacman Package Manager: Simple, powerful package management
  • Arch User Repository (AUR): Community-driven software repository
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed Arch Wiki
  • CLI-focused: Command-line interface first approach
  • Active Community: Helpful and knowledgeable user base
Arch Linux vs. Other Distributions
Feature Arch Linux Ubuntu Fedora
Release Model Rolling Release Fixed Release (LTS) Semi-Rolling
Package Manager Pacman APT DNF
Installation Manual (CLI) Automated (GUI) Both options
Target Audience Experienced users Beginners Developers
Customization High Moderate High
Who Should Use Arch Linux?

Arch Linux is ideal for users who:

  • Want full control over their system
  • Prefer a minimal, clean installation
  • Enjoy learning and configuring their system manually
  • Want access to the latest software versions
  • Are comfortable with the command line
  • Value documentation and community support
Module 2: Installation and Boot Process
Arch Linux Installation

Arch Linux provides a minimal ISO image that boots directly to a command-line environment. The installation process is manual and requires users to follow the Arch Wiki installation guide.


# Verify boot mode (UEFI or BIOS)
ls /sys/firmware/efi

# Connect to the internet (WiFi)
iwctl
[iwd]# device list
[iwd]# station device scan
[iwd]# station device get-networks
[iwd]# station device connect SSID

# Connect to the internet (Ethernet)
dhcpcd

# Verify internet connection
ping archlinux.org

# Update system clock
timedatectl set-ntp true



# Identify disks
lsblk

# Launch partitioning tool
fdisk /dev/sda

# Create partitions (example for UEFI):
# 1: EFI System Partition (512M)
# 2: Root partition (remaining space)

# Format partitions
mkfs.fat -F32 /dev/sda1
mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda2

# Mount partitions
mount /dev/sda2 /mnt
mkdir /mnt/efi
mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/efi



# Install base system
pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware

# Install essential packages
pacstrap /mnt base-devel networkmanager

# Generate fstab
genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab

# Change root into new system
arch-chroot /mnt



# Set timezone
ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Region/City /etc/localtime

# Set hardware clock
hwclock --systohc

# Set locale
sed -i 's/#en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8/en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8/' /etc/locale.gen
locale-gen
echo "LANG=en_US.UTF-8" > /etc/locale.conf

# Set hostname
echo "myhostname" > /etc/hostname

# Configure hosts file
echo "127.0.0.1 localhost" >> /etc/hosts
echo "::1 localhost" >> /etc/hosts
echo "127.0.1.1 myhostname.localdomain myhostname" >> /etc/hosts

# Set root password
passwd

# Create user
useradd -m username
passwd username
usermod -aG wheel,audio,video,optical,storage username



# Install GRUB (for BIOS)
pacman -S grub
grub-install --target=i386-pc /dev/sda
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

# Install GRUB (for UEFI)
pacman -S grub efibootmgr
grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/efi --bootloader-id=GRUB
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

# Enable NetworkManager
systemctl enable NetworkManager



# Exit chroot
exit

# Unmount partitions
umount -R /mnt

# Reboot
reboot

Tip After reboot, you'll have a minimal Arch Linux system. You can then install additional packages and configure your desktop environment.

Arch Linux Boot Process

Understanding the boot process can help with troubleshooting:

  1. BIOS/UEFI: Initializes hardware and loads the boot loader
  2. Boot Loader (GRUB):strong> Loads the kernel and initramfs
  3. Kernel: Initializes hardware and mounts the root filesystem
  4. Init (systemd):strong> Starts system services
  5. Target: Reaches the default target (multi-user or graphical)
Module 3: Pacman Package Manager
Introduction to Pacman

Pacman is Arch Linux's package manager. It combines a simple binary package format with an easy-to-use build system. Pacman makes it easy to install, update, and remove packages from the system.


# Synchronize package databases
sudo pacman -Sy

# Upgrade all packages
sudo pacman -Syu

# Install package
sudo pacman -S package_name

# Install multiple packages
sudo pacman -S package1 package2 package3

# Remove package
sudo pacman -R package_name

# Remove package and dependencies
sudo pacman -Rs package_name

# Search for packages
pacman -Ss keyword

# Install package from local file
sudo pacman -U /path/to/package.pkg.tar.xz



# List installed packages
pacman -Q

# Search for installed packages
pacman -Qs keyword

# Show package information
pacman -Qi package_name

# List files owned by package
pacman -Ql package_name

# Check which package owns a file
pacman -Qo /path/to/file

# List orphan packages
pacman -Qdt

# List foreign packages (AUR)
pacman -Qm



# Clean package cache
sudo pacman -Scc

# Remove old packages from cache
sudo pacman -Sc

# Refresh package databases
sudo pacman -Sy

# Download packages without installing
sudo pacman -Sw package_name

# Check for package updates
pacman -Qu

# Show sync database information
pacman -Si package_name



# Edit pacman configuration
sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf

# Common configuration options:
# Color output
Color

# Verbose package lists
VerbosePkgLists

# Parallel downloads
ParallelDownloads = 5

# Enable multilib repository (for 32-bit software on 64-bit system)
[multilib]
Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

# Update system after configuration changes
sudo pacman -Syu
Pacman vs. Other Package Managers
Feature Pacman (Arch) APT (Debian/Ubuntu) DNF (Fedora)
Package Format .pkg.tar.xz .deb .rpm
Dependency Resolution Built-in Built-in Built-in
Rolling Release Yes No No
Community Repository AUR PPA COPR
Module 4: AUR and Custom Packages
Arch User Repository (AUR)

The Arch User Repository (AUR) is a community-driven repository for Arch Linux users. It contains package descriptions (PKGBUILDs) that allow users to compile software from source and create installable packages.

AUR Helpers

AUR helpers are tools that simplify the process of installing packages from the AUR. Popular AUR helpers include:

  • yay: Yet Another Yogurt - Simple and popular
  • paru: AUR helper based on yay
  • trizen: AUR helper with additional features
  • pikaur: AUR helper with pacman-like interface


# Install yay
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/yay.git
cd yay
makepkg -si

# Install paru
git clone https://aur.archlinux.org/paru.git
cd paru
makepkg -si



# Search for packages (yay)
yay -Ss keyword

# Install package from AUR (yay)
yay -S package_name

# Update system including AUR packages (yay)
yay -Syu

# Remove package including dependencies (yay)
yay -Rns package_name

# Clean cache (yay)
yay -Sc

# Show package information (yay)
yay -Si package_name



# Example PKGBUILD file
pkgname=example-package
pkgver=1.0.0
pkgrel=1
pkgdesc="An example package"
arch=('x86_64')
url="https://example.com"
license=('MIT')
depends=('gcc' 'make')
source=("https://example.com/source.tar.gz")
md5sums=('abcdef123456')

build() {
  cd "$pkgname-$pkgver"
  ./configure --prefix=/usr
  make
}

package() {
  cd "$pkgname-$pkgver"
  make DESTDIR="$pkgdir" install
}

Tip PKGBUILD files are shell scripts that define how to build and package software.


# Create package directory
mkdir mypackage
cd mypackage

# Create PKGBUILD
nano PKGBUILD

# Download source files
makepkg -g

# Build package
makepkg -s

# Install package
sudo pacman -U mypackage-1.0.0-1-x86_64.pkg.tar.xz
AUR Best Practices
  • Always review PKGBUILD files before installing
  • Check comments and votes on AUR packages
  • Be cautious with packages that haven't been updated recently
  • Consider the security implications of AUR packages
  • Keep your system updated before installing AUR packages
Module 5: System Configuration
System Configuration in Arch Linux

Arch Linux provides a minimal base system that users configure according to their needs. This module covers essential system configuration tasks.


# Enable NetworkManager
sudo systemctl enable NetworkManager
sudo systemctl start NetworkManager

# Configure network with NetworkManager CLI
nmcli device wifi list
nmcli device wifi connect SSID password password

# Configure static IP
nmcli connection modify connection-name ipv4.addresses 192.168.1.100/24
nmcli connection modify connection-name ipv4.gateway 192.168.1.1
nmcli connection modify connection-name ipv4.dns "8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4"
nmcli connection up connection-name

# Configure network with systemd-networkd
sudo nano /etc/systemd/network/20-wired.network

# Content for 20-wired.network:
[Match]
Name=enp3s0

[Network]
Address=192.168.1.100/24
Gateway=192.168.1.1
DNS=8.8.8.8

# Enable systemd-networkd
sudo systemctl enable systemd-networkd
sudo systemctl start systemd-networkd



# Install Xorg (display server)
sudo pacman -S xorg-server xorg-xinit

# Install video driver (example for Intel)
sudo pacman -S xf86-video-intel

# Install display manager (example for SDDM)
sudo pacman -S sddm
sudo systemctl enable sddm

# Install desktop environment (example for KDE Plasma)
sudo pacman -S plasma

# Install window manager (example for i3)
sudo pacman -S i3-wm i3status i3lock dmenu

# Configure .xinitrc for window manager
echo "exec i3" > ~/.xinitrc

# Start Xorg with startx
startx



# Install PulseAudio
sudo pacman -S pulseaudio pulseaudio-alsa

# Install ALSA (alternative to PulseAudio)
sudo pacman -S alsa-utils

# Configure audio with ALSA
amixer sset Master unmute
amixer sset Master 100%

# Test audio
speaker-test -c 2

# Install audio equalizer
sudo pacman -S pulseaudio-equalizer-ladspa

# Configure audio with Pipewire (modern alternative)
sudo pacman -S pipewire pipewire-pulse pipewire-alsa
systemctl --user enable pipewire pipewire-pulse
systemctl --user start pipewire pipewire-pulse



# Configure locale
sudo nano /etc/locale.gen

# Uncomment desired locales
# en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8

# Generate locales
sudo locale-gen

# Set system locale
sudo localectl set-locale LANG=en_US.UTF-8

# Configure timezone
sudo timedatectl set-timezone America/New_York

# Configure hardware clock
sudo timedatectl set-local-rtc 0

# Configure NTP
sudo timedatectl set-ntp true

# View time and date status
timedatectl status



# View available services
systemctl list-unit-files --type=service

# Enable service
sudo systemctl enable service_name

# Start service
sudo systemctl start service_name

# Check service status
systemctl status service_name

# View service logs
journalctl -u service_name

# Create custom service
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/myservice.service

# Content for myservice.service:
[Unit]
Description=My Custom Service
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
ExecStart=/usr/bin/mycommand
Restart=on-failure

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

# Reload systemd configuration
sudo systemctl daemon-reload

# Enable and start custom service
sudo systemctl enable myservice
sudo systemctl start myservice
Module 6: Kernel Management
Linux Kernel in Arch Linux

Arch Linux provides the latest stable Linux kernel by default. Users can choose from different kernel variants and customize kernel parameters.


# Install mainline kernel
sudo pacman -S linux

# Install LTS kernel
sudo pacman -S linux-lts

# Install hardened kernel
sudo pacman -S linux-hardened

# Install zen kernel
sudo pacman -S linux-zen

# Install headers (required for building modules)
sudo pacman -S linux-headers

# View installed kernels
pacman -Q | grep linux

# Remove old kernel
sudo pacman -R linux-old-version

Tip You can have multiple kernels installed and select which one to boot from the GRUB menu.


# List loaded modules
lsmod

# List all available modules
modinfo -l

# Show module information
modinfo module_name

# Load module
sudo modprobe module_name

# Unload module
sudo modprobe -r module_name

# Load module at boot
echo "module_name" | sudo tee /etc/modules-load.d/module.conf

# Blacklist module
echo "blacklist module_name" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

# View module parameters
modinfo -p module_name

# Set module parameter
sudo modprobe module_name parameter=value



# View current kernel parameters
sysctl -a

# View specific parameter
sysctl parameter.name

# Set parameter temporarily
sudo sysctl parameter.name=value

# Set parameter permanently
echo "parameter.name=value" | sudo tee /etc/sysctl.d/99-custom.conf

# Apply sysctl configuration
sudo sysctl --system

# Common kernel parameters:
# Enable IPv6 forwarding
echo "net.ipv6.conf.all.forwarding=1" | sudo tee /etc/sysctl.d/99-forwarding.conf

# Increase file descriptor limit
echo "fs.file-max=100000" | sudo tee /etc/sysctl.d/99-filelimit.conf

# Optimize network performance
echo "net.core.rmem_max=16777216" | sudo tee /etc/sysctl.d/99-network.conf
echo "net.core.wmem_max=16777216" | sudo tee /etc/sysctl.d/99-network.conf



# Install required packages
sudo pacman -S base-devel bc kmod libelf pahole

# Download kernel source
wget https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/linux-5.15.12.tar.xz
tar -xf linux-5.15.12.tar.xz
cd linux-5.15.12

# Copy current kernel config
cp /boot/config-$(uname -r) .config

# Configure kernel
make menuconfig

# Build kernel
make -j$(nproc)

# Install modules
sudo make modules_install

# Install kernel
sudo make install

# Update GRUB
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Note Custom kernel compilation is advanced and should only be done if you have specific requirements not met by the default kernels.

Module 7: Advanced Package Management
Advanced Package Management in Arch Linux

This module covers advanced package management techniques, including handling dependencies, managing repositories, and troubleshooting package issues.


# Check package dependencies
pactree package_name

# Check reverse dependencies
pacman -Qi package_name | grep "Required By"

# Find packages that depend on a specific package
pacman -Qii package_name | grep "Depends On"

# Install package without dependencies
sudo pacman -Sdd package_name

# Remove package and all its dependencies
sudo pacman -Rsc package_name

# Check for broken dependencies
sudo pacman -Dk

# Fix broken dependencies
sudo pacman -Syyu



# View configured repositories
cat /etc/pacman.conf

# View mirror list
cat /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

# Rank mirrors by speed
sudo pacman -S pacman-contrib
sudo cp /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist.backup
sudo rankmirrors -n 6 /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist.backup > /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

# Add custom repository
sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf

# Add to pacman.conf:
[customrepo]
Server = https://example.com/customrepo/$arch

# Update package databases
sudo pacman -Sy

# Install package from specific repository
sudo pacman -S repo/package_name



# View package history
sudo pacman -Si package_name

# Install downgrade tool
sudo pacman -S downgrade

# Downgrade package
sudo downgrade package_name

# Downgrade package manually
sudo pacman -U /var/cache/pacman/pkg/package_name-old-version.pkg.tar.xz

# Clear cache to prevent re-upgrade
sudo pacman -Scc



# View cache directory
ls /var/cache/pacman/pkg/

# Clean cache (keep last 3 versions)
sudo paccache -r

# Clean cache (keep last version)
sudo paccache -rk 1

# Clean all uninstalled packages
sudo paccache -ruk0

# Clean all packages
sudo paccache -r -k 0

# View cache size
du -sh /var/cache/pacman/pkg/

# Configure cache cleaning in pacman.conf
sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf

# Add to pacman.conf:
[options]
CleanMethod = KeepInstalled



# Check for file conflicts
sudo pacman -Qo /path/to/file

# Check for package conflicts
sudo pacman -Dkk

# Fix database lock
sudo rm /var/lib/pacman/db.lck

# Rebuild local database
sudo pacman -Sy

# Refresh package databases
sudo pacman -Syy

# Check for orphan packages
sudo pacman -Qtd

# Remove orphan packages
sudo pacman -Rns $(pacman -Qtdq)

# Check for package signature issues
sudo pacman -Syy --noconfirm
sudo pacman-key --init
sudo pacman-key --populate archlinux
Module 8: System Maintenance
System Maintenance in Arch Linux

Regular system maintenance is essential for keeping your Arch Linux system running smoothly. This module covers maintenance tasks and best practices.


# Update system packages
sudo pacman -Syu

# Update AUR packages (with yay)
yay -Syu

# Check for news before updating
pacman -Syu --ignore linux
curl https://www.archlinux.org/news/

# Check for orphan packages
sudo pacman -Qtd

# Remove orphan packages
sudo pacman -Rns $(pacman -Qtdq)

# Clean package cache
sudo pacman -Scc

# Update GRUB configuration
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Tip Always check the Arch Linux news before updating, especially for major updates like kernel or systemd changes.


# View system logs
journalctl

# View logs for specific service
journalctl -u service_name

# View logs from current boot
journalctl -b

# View logs from previous boot
journalctl -b -1

# Follow logs in real-time
journalctl -f

# Clean old logs
sudo journalctl --vacuum-size=100M

# Configure log retention
sudo nano /etc/systemd/journald.conf

# Add to journald.conf:
[Journal]
Storage=persistent
Compress=yes
SystemMaxUse=100M



# Check disk usage
df -h

# Check directory sizes
du -sh /path/to/directory

# Find large files
find / -type f -size +100M 2>/dev/null | head -n 20

# Clean old package cache
sudo paccache -r

# Clean temporary files
sudo rm -rf /tmp/*

# Clean journal logs
sudo journalctl --vacuum-time=7d

# Check for broken symlinks
find / -type l -exec test ! -e {} \; -print

# Check filesystem health
sudo fsck -f /dev/sdaX



# Create backup script
nano backup.sh

# Content for backup.sh:
#!/bin/bash
rsync -aAXv --exclude={"/dev/*","/proc/*","/sys/*","/tmp/*","/run/*","/mnt/*","/media/*","/lost+found"} / /path/to/backup

# Make script executable
chmod +x backup.sh

# Schedule backup with cron
crontab -e

# Add to crontab:
0 2 * * * /path/to/backup.sh

# Create system snapshot with timeshift
sudo pacman -S timeshift

# Create backup with rsync
rsync -aAXv / /path/to/backup

# Restore from backup
rsync -aAXv /path/to/backup /



# View system resource usage
top
htop

# View memory usage
free -h

# View disk I/O
iotop

# Optimize system performance
sudo pacman -S preload
sudo systemctl enable preload

# Clean system
sudo pacman -Scc
sudo journalctl --vacuum-size=100M

# Optimize database
sudo pacman-optimize

# Update GRUB configuration
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

# Rebuild initramfs
sudo mkinitcpio -P
Module 9: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Arch Linux

Even with careful maintenance, issues can arise. This module covers common problems and their solutions in Arch Linux.


# Boot into live environment
# Mount root partition
mount /dev/sdaX /mnt

# Check journal logs
journalctl -b -1

# Check fstab
cat /mnt/etc/fstab

# Reinstall GRUB
arch-chroot /mnt
pacman -S grub
grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/efi --bootloader-id=GRUB
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

# Rebuild initramfs
mkinitcpio -P

# Check for missing hooks
cat /etc/mkinitcpio.conf



# Check network interface
ip addr show

# Check network status
systemctl status NetworkManager

# Restart NetworkManager
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

# Check DNS
nslookup archlinux.org

# Check routing
ip route show

# Check firewall
sudo ufw status

# Check network logs
journalctl -u NetworkManager



# Fix database lock
sudo rm /var/lib/pacman/db.lck

# Rebuild local database
sudo pacman -Sy

# Fix broken dependencies
sudo pacman -Syyu

# Check for file conflicts
sudo pacman -Qo /path/to/file

# Remove problematic package
sudo pacman -Rdd package_name

# Reinstall package
sudo pacman -S package_name

# Reset all packages
sudo pacman -Syyu --ignore linux
sudo pacman -Suu



# Check Xorg log
cat /var/log/Xorg.0.log

# Check video driver
lspci -k | grep -A 2 -i VGA

# Reinstall video driver
sudo pacman -S xf86-video-intel

# Check display manager status
systemctl status sddm

# Restart display manager
sudo systemctl restart sddm

# Check .xinitrc
cat ~/.xinitrc

# Test Xorg
startx



# Check system resource usage
top
htop

# Check disk usage
df -h
du -sh /path/to/directory

# Check memory usage
free -h

# Check for high CPU usage
ps aux --sort=-%cpu | head

# Check for high memory usage
ps aux --sort=-%mem | head

# Check I/O usage
iotop

# Optimize system
sudo pacman -S preload
sudo systemctl enable preload
Module 10: Rolling Release Philosophy
Understanding Rolling Release

Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, which means there are no major releases. Instead, packages are continuously updated as soon as new versions are released upstream.

Advantages of Rolling Release
  • Latest Software: Always have access to the latest versions of software
  • Continuous Updates: No need to wait for major releases
  • Quick Fixes: Security updates and bug fixes are available immediately
  • No Reinstallation: No need to reinstall the system for new versions
Challenges of Rolling Release
  • Potential Instability: Updates can sometimes break the system
  • More Maintenance: Requires more frequent updates and maintenance
  • Need for Documentation: Must keep up with changes in the system


# Check for news before updating
curl https://www.archlinux.org/news/

# Update system regularly
sudo pacman -Syu

# Update AUR packages
yay -Syu

# Check for orphan packages
sudo pacman -Qtd

# Remove orphan packages
sudo pacman -Rns $(pacman -Qtdq)

# Clean package cache
sudo pacman -Scc

# Update GRUB after kernel updates
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

Tip Update your system regularly to avoid large, potentially problematic updates.


# Create system snapshot before major updates
sudo pacman -S timeshift

# Create backup with rsync
rsync -aAXv / /path/to/backup

# Create backup script
nano backup.sh

# Content for backup.sh:
#!/bin/bash
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d)
rsync -aAXv --exclude={"/dev/*","/proc/*","/sys/*","/tmp/*","/run/*","/mnt/*","/media/*","/lost+found"} / /path/to/backup/backup_$DATE

# Make script executable
chmod +x backup.sh

# Schedule backup with cron
crontab -e

# Add to crontab:
0 2 * * * /path/to/backup.sh



# Use testing repository
sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf

# Add to pacman.conf:
[testing]
Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

# Update with testing packages
sudo pacman -Syu

# Use unstable packages
sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf

# Add to pacman.conf:
[community-testing]
Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist

# Test AUR packages
yay -S --aur package_name

# Check package information before installing
pacman -Si package_name

# Read package comments
pacman -Qi package_name



# Boot into live environment
# Mount root partition
mount /dev/sdaX /mnt

# Restore from backup
rsync -aAXv /path/to/backup /mnt

# Restore from timeshift
sudo timeshift --restore

# Downgrade problematic package
sudo downgrade package_name

# Remove problematic package
sudo pacman -Rdd package_name

# Reinstall system
pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware
Best Practices for Rolling Release
  • Update your system regularly
  • Check the Arch Linux news before updating
  • Keep backups of important data
  • Test updates in a virtual machine first
  • Read package comments before installing
  • Be prepared to troubleshoot issues
  • Join the Arch Linux community for support
Take Practice Test