Arch Linux: Linux for Advanced Users

Feb 18, 2009

Aimed at experienced users, the new version 2009.02 of Arch Linux comes with the new Ext4 data system and a re-worked installer.

Installation media for Arch Linux 2009.02 was made available yesterday. With experienced Linux fans in mind, the new version comes without GUIs, and after initial installation the user is immediately confronted with a command line. The package manager Pacman is an in-house development orientated on Debian's Apt and the Arch Build System (ABS), a Gentoo-like Build System, serves for building packages from source codes.

The new version has a 2.6.28 kernel and supports the Ext4 data system. Repair tools for Ext4 are included on the live media with images for 32 and 64 Bit systems available. According to the Arch Project, bugs in the installer have been fixed and basic documentation updated. Arch packages are also available for KDE 4.2 and Gnome 2.24.

Because of problems caused by Grub on some PCs, the new Arch comes with the bootloader Isolinux on the installation media. Users who prefer the core version can install Arch Linux 2009.02 without internet access, with all necessary packages (apart from a desktop) being stored within the installations media. A complete list of download options can be found here.

Related content

  • Arch Installers

    Arch's manual installation maximizes flexibility and teaches you about your system, but if you're in a hurry, you might want to try a Live installer like Architect Linux or Arch Anywhere.

    more »
  • Sidux 2009-02: New Kernel and KDE 4.2

    The Sidux Linux distro now appears in version 2009-02 as based on Debian and with Kernel 2.6.30, KDE 4.2.4 and free sofware as usual.

    more »
  • Understanding Arch

    Arch is one of those Linux distributions that everyone knows about but few know well. Now is the time for a closer look.

    more »
  • Comparing Arch Derivatives

    Several projects have used Arch as a starting point and shaped it in different ways. We describe some leading Arch derivatives.

    more »
  • Simple, Lightweight: Arch Linux 2009.08

    The new Arch Linux distro is available in version 2009.08 with updated software. A new installer is included.

    more »

Comments

  • Spell check?

    "Orientated." Blech.
comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News

Tag Cloud

Administration Community Desktop Events Hardware Linux Mobile Programming Security Software Ubuntu Web Development Windows free software open source