Linux – Which Arch Linux file do I download

arch linuxsystem-installation

Which link do I need to click on to download Arch Linux?

On http://mirror.rackspace.com/archlinux/iso/2015.08.01/ , there are two options: Dual and Bootstrap x64.

I have a 64bit PC, but I don't know if the dual one is 64bit compatible, and I have no idea what the bootstrap one is even for. I found an "explanation" on some website, but it didn't really explain it very well.

I don't plan to dual boot. I just want Arch as primary OS. But I may choose to dual boot in the future.

So, given that I have a 64bit PC, which link should I download? What's the difference between Dual and Bootstrap?

Best Answer

You should download the archlinux-2015.08.01-dual.iso, or better yet, the archlinux-2015.08.01-dual.iso.torrent file and download Arch Linux via a P2P application.

The 'dual' says that the ISO file is compatible for both x86_64 and i686 architecture computers.

The bootstrap image in the mirror is used for installing Arch Linux on an existing Linux installation.

Choose the ISO that you need. It's also a good practice to download the archlinux-2015.08.01-dual.iso.sig file and verify that ISO file you have is the one you wanted.

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The problem here is that by default Arch boots up with kernel modesetting for the display (and console), using the open source nouveau driver. It seems that the driver included in this kernel doesn't support your graphics chipset, and rather than fallback, it simply gives you no console display.

To disable kernel modesetting you can edit the boot options in the boot menu and add the following

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You're using variable block names (/dev/sdX) and when you attach the second drive, your original drive's name changes. The solution is simple, just use persistent block names (by UUID) in your kernel boot parameters and in /etc/fstab.

PS. Welcome to Arch, you won't switch back... I recommend checking out Yaourt for the full community experience. Honestly, the community repository and the incredible wiki have made Arch the most user-friendly distro for me, despite its reputation.

Best Answer

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