How to Install a Live Arch Linux in Linux
Are you looking to try out Arch Linux without making any permanent changes to your existing Linux system? Installing a live Arch Linux environment can be a great way to experience the Arch Linux distribution without the hassle of a full installation. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing a live Arch Linux in Linux. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Linux user, follow these steps to get started.
1. Download the Arch Linux ISO
The first step is to download the Arch Linux ISO file from the official website. Visit the Arch Linux download page and select the appropriate version for your Linux distribution. Make sure to choose the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for your system.
2. Create a Bootable USB Drive
Once you have downloaded the ISO file, you will need to create a bootable USB drive. You can use tools like Rufus or balenaEtcher to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO file. Simply select the ISO file and choose the USB drive as the target device. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
3. Boot from the USB Drive
Insert the bootable USB drive into your Linux system and restart the computer. During the boot process, you may need to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order. Set the USB drive as the first boot device and save the changes. Restart the computer and boot from the USB drive.
4. Start the Installation Process
After booting from the USB drive, you will see the Arch Linux installation menu. Select the “Arch Linux Live” option and press Enter. This will start the live Arch Linux environment.
5. Set Up Your Internet Connection
To download the necessary packages and updates, you will need to set up your internet connection. Open the terminal and run the following command to check your internet connection:
“`
ping archlinux.org
“`
If the connection is successful, you can proceed to the next step. If not, make sure your USB drive is connected to a stable internet source.
6. Update Your System
Before installing any packages, it is important to update your system to ensure you have the latest packages and updates. Run the following commands in the terminal:
“`
sudo pacman -Syu
“`
7. Install the Base System
Now, it’s time to install the base system. Open the terminal and run the following command:
“`
sudo pacstrap /mnt base base-devel
“`
This command will install the base system and necessary development tools on your USB drive.
8. Generate the System FSTAB
After the base system is installed, you need to generate the filesystem table (FSTAB) for your system. Run the following command:
“`
genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab
“`
9. Mount the Necessary Partitions
Next, you need to mount the necessary partitions. Run the following commands in the terminal:
“`
sudo mount -o rw,usr,journaled /dev/sdX1 /mnt
sudo mount -o ro /dev/sdX2 /mnt/boot
sudo mount -o rw /dev/sdX3 /mnt/home
“`
Replace `/dev/sdX1`, `/dev/sdX2`, and `/dev/sdX3` with the actual device names of your partitions.
10. Chroot into the New System
Now, you need to chroot into the new system to continue the installation process. Run the following command:
“`
sudo arch-chroot /mnt
“`
11. Install the GRUB Bootloader
To enable booting from the USB drive, you need to install the GRUB bootloader. Run the following commands:
“`
pacman -S grub
grub-install /dev/sdX
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
“`
Replace `/dev/sdX` with the actual device name of your USB drive.
12. Set Up User Accounts and Passwords
Create a new user account and set a password for it. Run the following commands:
“`
useradd -m -g users -G wheel your_username
passwd your_username
“`
Replace `your_username` with your desired username.
13. Install Additional Packages (Optional)
If you want to install additional packages or software, you can do so now. Use the `pacman` package manager to install the desired packages. For example:
“`
pacman -S package_name
“`
Replace `package_name` with the actual name of the package you want to install.
14. Reboot the System
Now that the installation is complete, you can reboot your system. Remove the USB drive and restart the computer. Your system should boot into the newly installed live Arch Linux environment.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed a live Arch Linux in Linux. Feel free to explore the Arch Linux distribution and enjoy its features and customization options.
