Arch Linux

Reader supplied reviews for Arch Linux Average rating 9.1 from 287 review(s) Please select a rating in the range of 1-10. Please write at least a few sentences about the distribution while limiting your review to 4080 characters. What are your thoughts on Arch Linux? Please include a few pros and a few cons, along with your overall impression of the operating system. Our FAQ page has tips on writing a good mini-review. Version: -- current2011.08.192010.052009.082009.022008.062007.080.80.70.60.50.40.30.20.1 Rating:    -- 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 out of 10 Your review (minimum 250 words): Past reviews - sort by: DateVotes Version: current Rating: 10 Date: 2026-01-08 Votes: 7 SHOCKINGLY reliable I've been ping-ponging between Windows and Ubuntu and Ubuntu-derivatives for many years, Ubuntu always gave me trouble in the most peculiar ways and I have always assumed it was just the way Linux is. About a year ago I decided to give Arch a try to see what all the fuss was about, with everyone talking about it being bleeding-edge and customizable. Frankly, it just works, I've encountered exactly one system breaking problem and fixing it was as easy as reverting with timeshift, checking the Arch homepage and following the steps they described. The fact that you need to install everything manually is not difficult, but it is a hassle, it's just a matter of following the excellent wiki and getting it out of the way (or just using archinstall, but the Arch enthusiast crowd hates when you do that, owing to all the people asking questions in their forums going "I don't know what my configs are or what software I'm using, whatever archinstall put there") The only reason I wouldn't recommend it to someone new to Linux is that the initial setup is daunting, for anyone else it's brilliant. Was this review helpful? Yes No Version: current Rating: 9 Date: 2025-12-19 Votes: 5 After trying a lot of Linux’s distro’s I stayed with Archlinux. I justed began using Linux fully this year due better support of Steam on Linux. So far I have the best experience and performance with Archlinux on older systems and new. I have tried Kubuntu and Ubuntu in the past, also a great stable (OS) Operating Systems. If you want easymode, stability and everything prepared for you, then I can advise Fedora, Ubuntu or Manjaro/EndeavourOS/CachyOS. With guides on the internet and youtube, you are able to get a great Linux installation! If you’re curious, don’t let fear or other comments get to you installing Archlinux. Experience it yourself. Using network cable and enter Archinstall in the command line is the easyway. Why Archlinux? - I have tried many other distro’s but I don’t like man in the middle updates and I always want the latest stable security updates/kernel, software, etc.. (Archlinux has a stable release channel, just like other linux distro's); - The other Linux distro’s are somehow using more resources, then Archlinux, also the other Linux distro's needed a few adjustments or KDE Plasma and Gnome sometimes reacted differently. - So far i don't see any bloatware, you can fully decide yourself which user interfaces or applications are installed - Updating Archlinux is quite easy. Sudo Pacman -Syuu or Arch-update (AUR package) is working great for me; I have even used Pamac (Manjaro); but I prefer Arch-update (AUR package) - With every linux distro you need Rufus or Linux distro provider USB installer; similar like Windows or MacOSX, there are enough guides for this. I don’t think this is a reason for excuses anymore - I’m running steam with default settings from the Archlinux repository; as Flatpak wasn’t stable for me on linux distro's and I needed to use commandline stuff for each game - As you are reading, yes i'm using AUR, but I keep this to the minimum (Arch-update, Postmaster, secureboot, AppAnvil, Grub Customizer, Brave (Browser)). Yay or Paru was easy to use, similar as Pacman. With other applications i use Archlinux repository and Flatpak. For virtualization i can advise Qemu with VirtManager, or Incus. Good luck! Was this review helpful? Yes No Version: current Rating: 2 Date: 2025-12-11 Votes: 0 Arch Linux is well-known for its flexibility and minimalistic approach to Linux. However, for anyone who is not already familiar with Linux or advanced system management, the process of getting Arch up and running can be an exercise in frustration. While it offers unparalleled customization, it’s not the most user-friendly option—especially for beginners or those who are new to the Linux world. Installation Process: Tedious and Confusing One of the most significant hurdles with Arch Linux is the installation process. To start with, the instructions provided for creating a bootable USB drive are neither clear nor intuitive. You’re expected to download a 700 MB image, flash it to a USB drive, and configure the system from a terminal, all without much guidance. For those unfamiliar with Linux, this can be a daunting and confusing task. What makes this worse is the official Arch Linux website. While it has a wealth of information, the design and structure leave much to be desired. The layout is overcrowded with links and information, and finding specific instructions can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The official Arch Wiki, although detailed, is not written in the most approachable language, which further alienates newcomers. For instance, when you try to download the ISO file, the website doesn’t make it immediately obvious where the latest release is, and even after you download it, there’s a maze of terminal commands and configuration files to navigate. It’s not a beginner-friendly process by any means, and it would be helpful if there were a more guided, graphical installation option or clearer step-by-step instructions for those who aren’t advanced users. Website Design: Needs Improvement As mentioned, the website could really use a redesign. The Arch Linux homepage, while functional, has a cluttered, somewhat outdated look. Key information is buried beneath layers of technical jargon, and there’s very little to guide users through the initial steps. The project’s focus seems to be on offering detailed, specific information for experienced users, but that leaves a large gap for those trying to get started. The community documentation, though extensive, is not the most accessible for new users. A more intuitive FAQ section, streamlined for beginners, could go a long way toward helping first-time installers feel more confident. Communication: A Course in User-Friendly Content Arch Linux could greatly benefit from a course in effective communications. The lack of clear and concise instructions often leaves users feeling lost, especially those who are not seasoned Linux veterans. The installation guide is comprehensive but expects a level of prior knowledge that many users simply don’t have. A friendlier tone, along with beginner-focused guides, could significantly improve the overall experience. Conclusion Arch Linux has a dedicated user base for a reason: it offers complete control over your system. For power users, it’s a dream, offering maximum flexibility and customization. However, for anyone unfamiliar with Linux or new to the operating system, it’s a frustrating experience fraught with confusing instructions and poor website design. If you’re a beginner, be prepared for a steep learning curve, and consider trying a more user-friendly distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint before diving into Arch. For experienced users, Arch is likely to be a rewarding challenge, but the website and installation process could use a serious overhaul to make the experience more approachable for everyone. Was this review helpful? Yes No See all 287 reader reviews of Arch Linux...