Arch Linux continued: In previous posts we described step by step how you can install the Arch Core system, as well as the settings required after installing a full Arch Linux system.
What is missing in between, however, is the installation of a Desktop Environment and a Display manager.
Today we will deal with this. After Arch Linux is installed, you can only access a screen that allows terminal commands, since the X server and Desktop Environment are not installed.
X server installation:
To get a first GUI on your system you need to install the X server with the following command (although you are not required to install all the packages):
sudo pacman -S xorg
Installing Desktop Environment:
After installing the X server you will need a Desktop Environment or a Windows manager to be able to work. Installing Extra packages is optional.
Choose a command from the following
Gnome:
sudo pacman -S gnome gnome-extra
Cinnamon:
sudo pacman -S cinnamon
XFCE:
sudo pacman -S xfce4 xfce4-goodies
KDE:
sudo pacman -S plasma
I3wm:
sudo pacman -S i3
Openbox:
sudo pacman -S openbox obconf
Mate:
sudo pacman -S mate mate-extra
Display manager installation:
There are many Display managers but one of the fastest and most compatible is LightDM.
Note: Some desktops like Gnome have their own Display Manager and you don't need LightDM.
To install a Display manager, use the following commands:
sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter
You can also install the following package to edit LightDM in a graphical environment.
sudo pacman -S lightdm-gtk-greeter-settings
That's it, now you have a desktop on Arch Linux, and you can continue with installing programs.
Linux is a popular operating system for many reasons. One of its biggest advantages is the fact that it allows you to make many modifications to it to suit your needs. Distributions like Ubuntu or Mint will allow you to get to know Linux. However, if you have passed this stage and want to try something new, consider Arch Linux.
You may regret it, you may even curse me! But one thing is certain, as long as you don't give up: the whole process will teach you the structure and operation of Linux.
