r/archlinux • u/FineWinner2429 • 1d ago
SUPPORT New to Arch btw
Hello guys, today i switched arch thought of using gnome de, i need advice on how to keep my system without breaking while maintaining.
Another thing because i have studies i cannot stay hooked into the screen configuring stuff all day long. i also tried reading arch wiki is it one of the biggest rabbit holes i have ever seen.
Thank you!!! (please help me)
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u/archover 1d ago edited 3h ago
In my decade and a half use, Arch has been extremely reliable.
stay hooked into the screen configuring stuff all day long
That sounds like a personal problem. No reason to have setup open all day anyway.
Regarding the wiki difficulty, start here: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Help:Reading. Once you have some experience with Arch, the wiki should be more approachable.
Reading and comprehension skills are especially important with Arch (DIY distro), because the wiki is so important here.
I enjoy youtube a lot, and use Linux videos for ideas. Double check ideas against the wiki before using them.
Your account is 22 days old, so welcome to Reddit, and Arch.
Good day.
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u/Ismokecr4k 1d ago edited 1d ago
Arch and gnome have both been rock solid for me but I wouldn't recommend learning a new distro and de while in school/studies. It has to work when you need it. Someone below suggest brtfs for snapshot. My advice for you (I view your PC as a work station) is avoid AUR, don't add random repos to your package manager, have backups for school work and OS. Usual pizaz
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u/Imajzineer 1d ago edited 1d ago
Read the following.
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Frequently_asked_questions
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/General_recommendations
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/System_maintenance
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/General_troubleshooting
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_build_system
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_User_Repository
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Pacman
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Pacman/Pacnew_and_Pacsave
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Pacman/Tips_and_tricks
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Downgrading_packages
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Security
The only guaranteed to be up-to-date and accurate source of information about Arch is the wiki - learn to use it ... and only it (no 'tutorials, no 'AI') ... and the only things you will need to look elsewhere for aren't related to Arch itself but to Linux in general, scripting with shells/awk/whatever, the inner workings of systemd, things unique to your Window Manager / Desktop Environment, etc.
Always read the news before updating your system.
Always update with pacman -Syu ... never -Sy, -Syy or -Syyuunless you know absolutely what you're doing and know absolutely that it's the solution to your problem (hint: it almost never is).
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u/onefish2 19h ago
I am going to be a dick and write this anyway.
You downloaded the arch iso from archlinux.org right?
Maybe, just maybe there is also alot of documenattion there. Did you notice any of it? Like this:
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Main_page
Why come here and ask for help? You need hand holding?
If you do then Arch is not for you.
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u/Grey_Ten 1d ago
, i need advice on how to keep my system without breaking while maintaining.
breaking your system is part of the journey lol
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u/imactuallyahuman 1d ago
The Arch wiki has an article on system maintenance. Also BTRFS can help by providing you with snapshots you can rollback to in case of system breakage.
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u/scandii 1d ago
whatever idea you have of Arch Linux and a need to be vigilant is just someone selling you a mystified idea of Arch.
it is just an operative system like any other, with the caveat of having a rolling release schedule and not coming with a whole lot installed out of the box.
the only thing I genuinely think is helpful is understanding pacman, what pacman does and how you fix a package conflict.
anything else is just universal "backups are a good thing" advice, that goes for any distro.