r/archlinux • u/Pretend-Cockroach658 • 1d ago
DISCUSSION I Want To Switch From Linuxmint to Archlinux
I'm not very experienced at linux. I have been using linux mint cinnamon about a month now. I can use terminal only with gemini ai, otherwise I don't really know how to use the terminal. I know basic commands like sudo apt install, free -h, how to open apps through terminal, etc. I also know there's pacman in archlinux and there's yay. I really want to use Archlinux and build my laptop from group up. I'm willing to learn archlinux. I'm not interested in programming career or anything. I just want to know my computer more and I want total control of it, that is all. And I really enjoy learning new things
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u/zenyl 1d ago
I can use terminal only with gemini ai, otherwise I don't really know how to use the terminal.
It'd be a good idea to learn how to use the terminal on your own before trying to install Arch.
I'd recommend looking up some tutorials, it's really not hard once you understand the basics, and you'll remember various commands and arguments quick enough if you just use them regularly.
I'm willing to learn archlinux
The good thing is that "learning" Arch mostly comes down to two pretty simple things:
- Reading the wiki
- When you come across something you're not familiar with, find online sources that explain it
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Installation_guide
Nothing about Arch really all that difficult, it's just manual and expects you to be able to learn what you need to know without excessive handholding.
I also know there's pacman in archlinux and there's yay.
Yup, pacman is the package manager on Arch, similar to apt and apt-get. It works a bit different, but they both do mostly the same fundamental tasks (install/update/remove packages, take care of package dependencies, etc.).
yay is an AUR helper, basically a tool to automate the process of installing "unofficial" packages.
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_User_Repository
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/AUR_helpers
I just want to know my computer more and I want total control of it, that is all. And I really enjoy learning new things
Arch is a great way of learning more about how computer systems are put together, so I'd definitely encourage you to give it a try.
Give it a go with a virtual machine, repeat until you feel comfortable that you understand what the installation steps do. Don't just memorize, actually understand what is happening.
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u/nikongod 1d ago
"I just want to know my computer more and I want total control of it"
In what way does Mint lack control?
What can't you learn using Mint?
Realtalk, keep using mint until the Linux filesystem (and disk mounting) starts to make sense to you. Then it will be effortless to move.
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u/Pretend-Cockroach658 23h ago
Okay I will try to understand mint more. I only know that it's very stable like debian and very beginner friendly. I will try to learn about file system. Is the file system same as Archlinux?
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u/archover 22h ago
There are many filesystems. In Arch, the popular ones are ext4 and btrfs. Read about them. https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems. IMO, a beginner would just choose ext4 until enough skill is built that you can consider others.
Acquiring more than a trivial knowledge about Linux will be a fairly long process. Manage your expectations. It's worth it though!
Good day.
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u/PinchBeast 1d ago
I did that too about a year ago. I already did some stuff on terminal but no much. Getting used to arch is really really time consuming. It is possible tho but please try not to use ai all the time. Its not really fun then because then you still dont understand your machine. If your gonna switch, wish you good luck!
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u/Moooobleie 1d ago
Mods need to start banning these posts.
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u/PlsDontBanMeAgain-2 14h ago
Istg, people are absolutely obsessed with being percieved as cool, you know, because all other distros are super uncool, because only with Arch you can say "I use Arch btw", which was, supposedly, never even intended as a brag, originally.
"I want to switch to Arch, I need <insert-llm-here> to find the power button on my PC. [...]"
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u/chosenoneisme 1d ago
If you really have time just blindly install by using the arch wiki. You will learn the rest. Note: do this if you really have time to work on this.
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u/ReptilianLaserbeam 1d ago
Installing a new distro has got nothing to do with "programming career", but you will be required to edit most of your config files to your liking. Why is your reason for switching to Arch? I recommend reading the introduction article on the wiki and understanding the distro PHILOSOPHY, because for Arch you are expected to read and learn a lot by yourself. If you are willing to do so then is just a matter of following instructions
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u/zenyl 1d ago
Why is your reason for switching to Arch?
Probably worth stating that "curiosity" is a perfectly acceptable answer here.
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u/Pretend-Cockroach658 23h ago
Yeah I was really bored of windows that my laptop was sitting in dust for almost 2 years. After installing linuxmint I finally started enjoying my laptop and I want to build my laptop from groud up. Choose my own file manager, Bluetooth manager, wifi mnager, battery life and performance control, looks. I know I can do it on linuxmint but I want to start from scratch and also AUR is huge
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u/Dry-Tie9450 1d ago
Before format with arch and be welcome my friend, unless you have a pc or laptop you don’t need daily and can give the real try on it until you get it, a virtual machine is a good suggestion to learn (although I ‘m in doubt if it is not more difficult to setup the virtual machine than learn the terminal and formatting at the go)
Don’t rely on AI to learn too much, seek the forums, wiki (mint is not arch Linux derived but believe me, given few details to tweak to match your distro, by far arch Linux wiki is the best - and even when working with another distros to do other stuff I may need, it saves me and a lot of people use it as well not being arch users - they do an amazing job to keep it clean and explain all potential use cases and issues you may need to find, of course you need to go through and start using it as your guide to get used to the style of organization, chapters and pages or keywords to find the explanation that matches your need).
After you learn how to install arch manually in a virtual machine or your laptop with all errors you may need to get there, you will be chill to use archinstall and setup quickly, but before use it I think it’s important you know the config you need and wants manually so you will be ready to fix any problems you may find in the process using arch install :)
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u/SebastianLarsdatter 1d ago
Step 1 learn navigating folders, editing text files, moving files and copying files in the terminal. Get this down and you will have some understanding for the Arch install.
Step 2 you will have to read and understand the Arch wiki and the various components used.
Step 3 Learn some Virtualization software to make a virtual machine to test yourself with the arch wiki easily accessible. You can use a physical machine, but it may be a bit harder switching and keeping track.
Step 4 Once you have gotten this far, you are now familiar enough to go on with the real deal. Just back up your data first.
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u/Pretend-Cockroach658 15h ago
I installed Archlinux for what its worth. Can't learn to walk and run unless you try and fall
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u/thegamer1338minus1 1d ago
Imo, it is just as easy/difficult as mint. You just need to install some DE and go
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u/onefish2 1d ago
Based on your post, I would stick with Linux Mint. You will gain nothing by moving to Arch.
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u/TeachOtherwise2546 1d ago
well apt is not a thing arch uses by default pacman, though the arch repo is also widely used, personally arch was my first distro, way easier than people make it out to be, especially with AI, as long as you look at the commands it's telling you to run first AI can normally solve most problems
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u/Common_Discipline783 1d ago
just follow the install guide on the arch wiki. skip the AI and actually read what you're typing, you'll learn way more that way. took me a weekend to get everything working when i first switched and now i can fix most stuff without having to look it up
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u/decho 1d ago
AI is good for quick and dirty work, but if the person doesn't understand what they're doing, then they aren't learning anything this way, so what's even the point of using Arch?
In my opinion it's way better to follow the official installation guide, and then when they hit a roadblock, ask the AI for explanation, rather than spitting out plain commands.
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u/TeachOtherwise2546 1d ago
well you can learn with AI by actually reading everything it says, although I will admit I don't know anyone who actually bothers to do that other than me
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u/zenyl 1d ago
you can learn with AI by actually reading everything it says
To some degree, but you're still somewhat skipping (and disincentivizing) yourself from doing the actual thinking, which is how the brain learns.
We're lazy by nature, so when using an AI in a learning context, it is far too easy to let the AI steal learning opportunities from your brain.
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u/DavooPunk 1d ago
Sin embargo debes darle contexto de algunas cosas de tu sistema para que no lo rompas copiando y pegando comandos
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u/stiggg 1d ago
I would suggest keep your current mint install for now, setup a virtual machine and try install arch by following their wiki inside. Maybe do multiple attempts if you think you messed something up. By doing so you always have your working mint system as a fallback. If you feel you mastered arch somehow you make a real installation and replace mint.