Arch Linux is a rolling-release distribution that you build from the command line up. There is no GUI installer — you partition, format, mount, and configure everything manually. The reward is a perfectly tailored system with zero bloat, access to the massive AUR (Arch User Repository), and the legendary ArchWiki — the best Linux documentation resource on the internet.
Desktop Environment & Package Management
The default desktop is None (user choice). Package management is handled via Pacman + AUR. Proprietary multimedia codecs are not included by default but can be easily added post-install.
Performance & Use Cases
Minimum RAM: 512 MB, Disk: 2 GB (base). Arch Linux has solid gaming support — Steam and Proton work well out of the box. Arch Linux is suitable for server deployment and production workloads.
Who Should Use Arch Linux?
Experienced Linux users, developers who want full control, enthusiasts. Built on Independent with a rolling release release model.