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Arch description
Arch Linux is a free, open-source operating system primarily designed for experienced computer users. It emphasizes user customization and control, offering a highly flexible and minimal system. Unlike operating systems with pre-installed software, Arch Linux users build their system from scratch, choosing only the components they need. While not as user-friendly as other operating systems, Arch Linux offers greater flexibility and control for users comfortable managing their own system.
Who is Arch best for
Arch Linux is a customizable and minimalist operating system ideal for experienced users seeking full control. Loved for its flexibility and extensive package management, some find the installation challenging. If you're comfortable with the command line and enjoy tailoring your system, Arch is a powerful choice.
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Ideal for tech-savvy individuals and small teams seeking a highly customizable OS.
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Best for IT professionals, developers, and software enthusiasts.
Arch features
| Supported Arch Linux uses pacman and several GUI package managers. |
| Supported Arch Linux uses pacman for package management via the command line. |
| Supported Arch Linux has extensive community support through forums, documentation, and user contributions. |
| Supported Arch Linux uses pacman to automatically resolve software dependencies. |
| Supported Arch Linux is a freely available and modifiable open-source operating system. |
| Supported Arch Linux provides access to official and community software repositories. |
| Supported Arch Linux allows extensive UI customization via various desktop environments and window managers. |
Arch reviews
We've summarised 37 Arch reviews (Arch TrustPilot reviews and Arch G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- Highly customizable and allows for a personalized system
- Minimalist approach with no bloatware
- Excellent package management with Pacman and AUR
- Access to cutting-edge software and latest updates
- Active and helpful community support (despite some reports of unfriendliness)
- Difficult installation process for beginners
- Potential system instability due to rolling releases and AUR packages
- Steep learning curve and requires advanced Linux knowledge
- Occasional driver issues, especially with graphics cards
- Limited official support and reliance on community forums
Arch alternatives
arch vs FedoraBetter suited for users new to Linux. Wider industry applicability including Healthcare, Wellness & Pharma, E-commerce, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Education, and Professional Services. Has more momentum in its community.Read more
arch vs DebianBetter suited for less technical users. Wider industry applicability and broader user base with more momentum. Simpler installation, but software may be less up-to-date. A strong Debian alternative for beginners.Read more
arch vs SlackwareSimpler setup process, although less customizable. Has a faster growing website traffic, suggesting more momentum. Users find it lightweight and stable.Read more
arch vs UbuntuEasier to install and use, better for beginners. Wider industry applicability and has more momentum. More suitable for enterprise and business use cases. Arch alternative.Read more
Red Hat Enterprise LinuxBetter suited for enterprise customers. More widely used across multiple industries. Has a larger community with readily available support and documentation. A Red Hat Enterprise Linux alternative.Read more
Arch FAQ
What is Arch and what does Arch do?
Arch Linux is a customizable and minimalist operating system ideal for experienced users. It offers extensive control, allowing users to build their system from the ground up using the pacman package manager and AUR. While powerful, Arch Linux presents a steep learning curve for beginners.
How does Arch integrate with other tools?
Arch Linux integrates seamlessly with various desktop environments (like GNOME, KDE) and window managers. Its package manager, pacman, allows easy installation and management of software from official and community repositories (AUR).
What the main competitors of Arch?
Top Arch Linux alternatives include Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, and Slackware. These distributions offer similar levels of customization and control, catering to experienced Linux users. Ubuntu, while more user-friendly, is also an option.
Is Arch legit?
Arch Linux is a safe and legitimate open-source operating system. It's known for its customization and minimal design, appealing to experienced users comfortable with system administration. However, it's not beginner-friendly due to its complex installation and steep learning curve.
How much does Arch cost?
There is no pricing information available for Arch. Therefore, it is difficult to determine if Arch is worth the investment without more product details.
Is Arch customer service good?
Arch Linux users report mixed experiences with community support. While some find the community helpful and active, others have found it unfriendly, especially to new users. It's recommended to research and rely on the extensive documentation available.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.