Deepseek+sonnet-3.5 Arch install tutorial

tutorial.deeznuts

# Complete Arch Linux Installation Guide

## Introduction

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing Arch Linux. The installation process requires careful attention to detail and basic familiarity with command-line interfaces. Plan for approximately 1-2 hours for the complete installation.

## Prerequisites

- A 64-bit (x86_64) compatible computer
- Minimum 2GB RAM (4GB+ recommended)
- Minimum 20GB storage space
- Internet connection
- USB drive (8GB or larger)
- Basic knowledge of Linux commands
- Patience and attention to detail

## Pre-Installation Steps

### 1. Back Up Your Data
Before proceeding, back up ALL data from the target installation drive. The installation process will erase existing data.

### 2. Download and Verify the ISO

1. Download the latest ISO from https://archlinux.org/download/
2. Verify the ISO's integrity using the provided SHA256 checksum:
   ```bash
   sha256sum path/to/archlinux.iso
   ```

### 3. Create Installation Media

Using Rufus (Windows):
1. Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie
2. Insert your USB drive
3. Select the Arch Linux ISO
4. Choose these specific settings:
   - Partition scheme: GPT
   - Target system: UEFI
   - File system: FAT32
5. Click Start and wait for completion

## Installation Process

### 1. Boot Preparation

1. Disable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI settings
2. Set boot priority to USB
3. Save changes and restart
4. When the Arch boot menu appears, select "Arch Linux install medium"

### 2. Verify Boot Mode
```bash
ls /sys/firmware/efi/efivars
```
If this directory exists, you're in UEFI mode (correct). If not, you need to boot in UEFI mode.

### 3. Connect to the Internet

For wired connections:
```bash
ip link
dhcpcd
```

For wireless:
```bash
iwctl
device list
station wlan0 scan
station wlan0 get-networks
station wlan0 connect SSID
# Enter password when prompted
exit
```

Verify connection:
```bash
ping -c 3 archlinux.org
```

### 4. Update System Clock
```bash
timedatectl set-ntp true
timedatectl status
```

### 5. Partition the Disk

First, identify your target disk:
```bash
lsblk
```

For a modern UEFI system with a single disk, create these partitions using gdisk:
```bash
gdisk /dev/nvme0n1  # or /dev/sda for SATA drives
```

Create the following partition layout:
1. EFI System Partition (ESP):
   - Size: 550MB
   - Type code: ef00
   - Command sequence: n, 1, default, +550M, ef00

2. Root partition:
   - Size: Remaining space
   - Type code: 8300
   - Command sequence: n, 2, default, default, 8300

Write changes: w

### 6. Format Partitions

Format the EFI partition:
```bash
mkfs.fat -F 32 /dev/nvme0n1p1
```

Format the root partition:
```bash
mkfs.ext4 /dev/nvme0n1p2
```

### 7. Mount Partitions

Mount root first:
```bash
mount /dev/nvme0n1p2 /mnt
```

Create and mount EFI directory:
```bash
mkdir -p /mnt/boot/efi
mount /dev/nvme0n1p1 /mnt/boot/efi
```

### 8. Install Essential Packages

Install base system:
```bash
pacstrap /mnt base base-devel linux linux-firmware intel-ucode \
    vim networkmanager grub efibootmgr
```
Note: Use `amd-ucode` instead of `intel-ucode` for AMD processors

### 9. Generate fstab
```bash
genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab
```

### 10. Configure Base System

Change root into the new system:
```bash
arch-chroot /mnt
```

Set timezone:
```bash
ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Region/City /etc/localtime
hwclock --systohc
```

Configure locale:
```bash
vim /etc/locale.gen
# Uncomment en_US.UTF-8 UTF-8
locale-gen
echo "LANG=en_US.UTF-8" > /etc/locale.conf
```

Set hostname:
```bash
echo "myhostname" > /etc/hostname
```

Configure hosts file:
```bash
vim /etc/hosts
```
Add:
```
127.0.0.1   localhost
::1         localhost
127.0.1.1   myhostname.localdomain myhostname
```

### 11. User Configuration

Set root password:
```bash
passwd
```

Create user account:
```bash
useradd -m -G wheel,audio,video,optical,storage username
passwd username
```

Configure sudo:
```bash
EDITOR=vim visudo
# Uncomment %wheel ALL=(ALL:ALL) ALL
```

### 12. Configure Boot Loader

Install GRUB:
```bash
grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi \
    --bootloader-id=GRUB
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
```

### 13. Enable Essential Services
```bash
systemctl enable NetworkManager
systemctl enable fstrim.timer
```

### 14. Exit and Reboot

Exit the chroot environment:
```bash
exit
```

Unmount all partitions:
```bash
umount -R /mnt
```

Reboot:
```bash
reboot
```

## Post-Installation

After rebooting and logging in:

1. Connect to network:
```bash
nmtui
```

2. Update system:
```bash
sudo pacman -Syu
```

3. Install basic desktop environment (optional):
```bash
sudo pacman -S xorg-server xorg-xinit
# Then install your preferred desktop environment
```

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues:

1. No bootloader entry:
   - Verify EFI partition is mounted correctly
   - Ensure GRUB installation path is correct
   - Check if Secure Boot is disabled

2. No network after reboot:
   - Start NetworkManager: `sudo systemctl start NetworkManager`
   - Connect using: `nmtui`

3. Black screen after install:
   - Boot with kernel parameter: `nomodeset`
   - Install appropriate graphics drivers after booting

## Maintaining Your Installation

1. Regular system updates:
```bash
sudo pacman -Syu
```

2. Clean package cache periodically:
```bash
sudo pacman -Sc
```

3. Check system logs for issues:
```bash
journalctl -p 3 -xb
```

Remember to consult the Arch Wiki (https://wiki.archlinux.org) for detailed information about any specific issues or additional configuration needs.