ArcoLinux 25.02

EMPTTY

Emptty: A Minimalistic TTY Login Manager

Emptty is a lightweight, minimalistic login manager designed for use with terminal-based environments. Unlike traditional graphical login managers, which rely on a graphical user interface (GUI), Emptty operates in a text-based mode, providing a simple and efficient way to log into a system directly from the TTY (teletypewriter) console.

Key Features

1. Text-based Interface: Emptty uses a terminal-only interface, making it ideal for users who prefer a command-line environment or want to save system resources by avoiding a full-fledged graphical interface.
2. Minimal Footprint: It is designed to have a small resource footprint, perfect for users running lightweight Linux distributions or those working in environments where efficiency and simplicity are paramount.
3. Simple Authentication: Emptty handles user authentication via standard UNIX login methods, such as verifying user credentials and ensuring secure access to the system.
4. Customizable: Users can configure the login prompt and other settings to suit their personal preferences, adding flexibility for those who need specific customization options.
5. Ideal for Headless Systems: Emptty is well-suited for headless setups or systems that don’t require a GUI, such as servers or embedded systems, where minimal system overhead is critical.

Use Cases

• Servers: Emptty provides a quick, no-nonsense way to log into servers where a GUI is unnecessary and unwanted.
• Minimalistic Desktop Environments: For users building ultra-lightweight desktop environments or window managers, Emptty offers an ideal login solution.
• Embedded Systems: Emptty can be useful for embedded Linux systems, where system resources are limited, and a graphical login manager would be too heavy.

Conclusion

Emptty is an excellent choice for users who value simplicity, performance, and efficiency in terminal-based login management. Its minimalistic design ensures that the system remains lean while providing the core functionality needed for secure user authentication. Whether for servers, headless systems, or minimal desktops, Emptty is an effective and unobtrusive login solution.

https://github.com/tvrzna/emptty

More info in our article : https://arcolinux.com/learning-about-emptty-login-manager-or-display-manager/

How to autologin

ALCI – NEW ISOS

We are excited to announce the release of new ISOs for the ALCI project! These updated versions bring improved performance, enhanced features, and bug fixes. With these ISOs, users can now experience a more streamlined installation process and a better overall experience. We encourage everyone to download and test the new builds!

https://alci.online/

AREA – THE EDUCATIONAL PROJECT OF THE ARISER ISO

The Area project has recently been updated, drawing inspiration from the Ariser ISO framework. This update builds on the simplicity and flexibility of the Ariser tool, enabling users to create personalized Arch Linux ISOs in under an hour. The process focuses on maintaining the minimalism and philosophy of Arch Linux, offering users complete control over their system’s configurations.

By utilizing ALIS (Ariser Linux Installer Scripts), users can customize their installation by adjusting system variables, keyboard layouts, drivers, and more. The customization can be repeated easily, making it ideal for those familiar with Arch Linux. The Area project also includes tools like ArcoLinux Nemesis, which allow users to fine-tune the system even after installation, adding or removing packages as needed.

https://ariser.eu/make-your-own-personal-iso-under-60-minutes/

ARCOINSTALL ISO

Arcoinstall: Simplifying Arch Linux Installation with Custom Configurations

Arcoinstall is an advanced tool designed for users who want a tailored installation of Arch Linux with specific configurations and packages. Unlike the standard Arch installation process, which can be daunting for beginners, Arcoinstall automates the setup while integrating custom elements such as various desktop environments and window managers (WMs). This project is built on the archinstall script, which is part of the official Arch Linux project.

Key Features of Arcoinstall

Arcoinstall offers several compelling features that make it a valuable tool for users who prefer command-line-based installations:

• Custom ISOs: Arcoinstall allows you to build your own Arch Linux ISO, which includes pre-configured scripts and packages specific to ArcoLinux.
• Wide Selection of Window Managers and Desktops: Unlike the default Arch installation, Arcoinstall supports over 27 desktop environments and tiling window managers (TWM), including popular options like GNOME, KDE Plasma, i3wm, DWM, Sway, and many others.
• No Need for Calamares: Arcoinstall works without relying on Calamares, which is the installer used by many other Linux distributions. Instead, it boots just like the original Arch Linux ISO and uses archinstall for a streamlined, text-based installation experience.
• Advanced User Focused: Arcoinstall is tailored for users who are comfortable with the command line and prefer configuring their system manually, while still benefiting from the convenience of automation.

New Code Update: Archinstall 3.0.2

The recent update to archinstall (version 3.0.2) brings important improvements to the installer. While Arcoinstall is built on archinstall, the update introduces better handling of partitions, enhanced error messages, and more flexibility when selecting packages during the installation process. This aligns well with the goal of Arcoinstall, which is to provide a smoother and more customizable installation of Arch Linux.

https://arcolinuxb.com/arcoinstall/

Carli 13 – Budgie is now our default desktop

The video walks through the process of transitioning from Carli 12 to Carli 13, specifically focusing on changing the desktop environment from Cinnamon to Budgie. The presenter details the entire process of creating, building, and testing an Arch-based ISO, covering everything from updating code and configurations to troubleshooting and optimizing the system.

Key steps discussed include:

1. Website and Tutorials: The Carli project has tutorials and resources dating back to 2019, though older ones no longer work due to updates in dependencies and processes.
2. Changes to Carli 13: The transition to Budgie is explored, including adjustments to GitHub repositories, package configurations, and the need to update the display manager for compatibility with Budgie.
3. Installing Budgie: The presenter installs Budgie via Pacman, making necessary modifications to the ISO build script and configuration files.
4. Testing: The build process includes several testing phases, with repeated adjustments to ensure the new desktop environment works properly. The presenter also tests elements like auto-login and file managers, resolving issues like missing default apps.
5. Final Thoughts: The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of trial and error in system development. The Carli 13 ISO, featuring the Budgie desktop, is completed, and the new ISO is pushed online for public use.

The detailed process highlights key components such as package management, configuration files, and essential troubleshooting, making it a comprehensive guide for users looking to create their own Arch-based ISOs.

https://www.arcolinuxiso.com/switching-from-cinnamon-to-budgie/

Advanced installation was no longer available

We have released version v25.01.05 to address issues related to the ‘probe‘ command. By running this specific command in the terminal, users can generate a URL containing detailed information about their hardware and software. The update was necessary due to changes in hw-probe, which Pacman could not update automatically without user intervention. This issue caused the advanced installation feature in Calamares to stop working, as Pacman was unable to handle the required update.

AKM or ArchLinux Kernel Manager

AKM: Expanded Kernel Options with Chaotic-AUR

AKM (Arch Kernel Manager) now supports installing additional kernels from the Chaotic-AUR repository, offering Arch Linux users a broader selection of kernel options. This integration simplifies the process of managing multiple kernels, including specialized, experimental, and niche versions not available in the official Arch repositories.

Activating Chaotic-AUR

To use the expanded kernel selection, users must activate the Chaotic-AUR repository. This can be done via:

1. Arch Linux Tweak Tool: A graphical interface for easily enabling the repository.
2. Script: A command-line method to automatically configure the repository.

How AKM Works with Chaotic-AUR

Once Chaotic-AUR is enabled, AKM allows users to browse and install kernels from the expanded list directly. Installation is handled automatically via pacman, and AKM updates the bootloader to make the new kernels available at boot.

Benefits

• More Kernel Choices: Access additional kernels optimized for various tasks, including gaming, multimedia, and hardware support.
• Ease of Use: AKM simplifies installation, switching, and removal of kernels, even from Chaotic-AUR.
• Automatic Updates: Kernel updates are handled with regular system updates via pacman.

virtualbox

The ArcoLinux team created an extra script for VirtualBox called add-virtualbox-guest-utils to simplify the setup process. This script is included in the system configuration for the Arcoplasma, Arcopro, Arconet and the new Arcoinstall ISOs. It automates the process of enabling and starting VirtualBox guest utilities, which previously had to be done manually.

Once the script is run, the system automatically adjusts to full screen (1920×1080), matching the size of the virtual machine. The only action required from the user is to log out to complete the setup. The update now includes this new script for easier VirtualBox integration.

In January, we noticed that our GRUB menu had changed after an update, adding an extra entry for Memtest. To prevent this from happening again, we allowed Calamares to remove the packages memtest86+ and memtest86+-efi.

In January, we had a significant Python update and also rebuilt Calamares using the latest available code.

Things you can do with Arcoinstall ISO and not with Calamares

With Archinstall scripts, you have the flexibility to use Limine and EFISTUB, features not supported by Calamares.

Limine is a lightweight bootloader that offers a simple yet efficient booting process. It allows for quick installation and setup, providing a minimalistic and fast boot process, which is ideal for users who prefer a streamlined bootloader without unnecessary complexity.

EFISTUB is a method of directly booting the Linux kernel from the EFI firmware without the need for a separate bootloader. By using EFISTUB, the kernel is loaded directly into memory, bypassing the traditional bootloader process, which can result in faster boot times and a simpler setup, especially for systems using UEFI.

These features can be implemented via Archinstall scripts, providing more control and customization over the boot process. Calamares, on the other hand, does not currently support these methods, as it primarily focuses on more traditional bootloader configurations like GRUB, SYSTEMD-BOOT and REFIND

To iterate: If you encounter complications during the advanced installation because of Pacman errors, it’s advisable to switch to the easy installation method.

It’s important to note that these issues stem from Pacman, not the Calamares installer.

The easy installation process is dependable and will ensure a successful setup.

After restarting your system, you’ll find three options for managing your software:

– Sofirem: Provides an easy-to-use interface for installing or uninstalling software, mirroring the capabilities found in the advanced mode of Calamares.
– Custom Scripts: For those seeking a tailored setup, you can adapt the Arcolinux-Nemesis scripts to customize your system further.
– Pamac or Octopi: These tools offer a straightforward way to search, install, or remove software with just a few clicks.