V24.04.03
Introduction:
ArcoLinux is taking significant strides towards enhancing the flexibility and user control over its bootloader configurations. In a recent update, the ArcoLinux team announced a series of changes aimed at improving the installation and booting process. These adjustments come with a focus on providing users with the ability to choose and switch between different bootloader options, specifically GRUB, systemd-boot, and the soon-to-be-available Refind. This article aims to dissect these updates, explaining their implications and how users can navigate through them.
Key Changes and Their Implications:
- Install Refind Button NOT in April ISOs: The upcoming April release of ArcoLinux ISOs will NOT have the ‘Install Refind’ button. The Mays will have this bootloader option. We need to set the stage for the broader bootloader customization options to be introduced in May.
- Splitting Pacman Hooks: A critical component of this transition involves the moving of Pacman hooks into three separate entities. This division allows for a more targeted application of these hooks based on the bootloader choice—GRUB, systemd-boot, or Refind. Each set of hooks is designed to ensure the smooth operation and reliability of its corresponding bootloader.
- Enhanced Bootloader Flexibility: Starting May, users will have the option to switch between GRUB, systemd-boot, and Refind seamlessly. This flexibility, however, comes with a cautionary note. The ArcoLinux team emphasizes the importance of understanding your system’s setup before making any changes. Switching bootloaders without a clear understanding of your system’s configuration could lead to complications.
- The Importance of Pacman Hooks: Pacman hooks play a pivotal role in maintaining system stability, especially during updates that affect the bootloader. By automating critical processes such as rebuilding the GRUB configuration, these hooks prevent potential boot issues. The upcoming changes aim to retain this safety mechanism while allowing for greater customization.
How to Navigate the Changes:
- Understanding Your Current Bootloader: Before considering any changes, users should determine their current bootloader configuration. Knowing whether your system uses GRUB or systemd-boot is crucial for a smooth transition.
- Preparing for the Transition: Users are encouraged to stay informed through ArcoLinux’s communication channels for updates and detailed instructions on how to adopt the new bootloader configurations. The phased implementation ensures users have ample time to understand and prepare for the changes.
- Safety and Precautions: While the flexibility to switch between bootloaders is a significant advancement, it comes with responsibilities. Users must acknowledge the disclaimer regarding potential system risks and ensure they have a clear understanding of their system’s architecture before making any changes.
Conclusion:
The forthcoming changes to ArcoLinux’s bootloader configuration represent a significant step towards giving users more control over their systems. By introducing the ability to choose and switch between different bootloaders, ArcoLinux is not only enhancing its system’s flexibility but also ensuring that safety mechanisms like Pacman hooks continue to protect users. As we approach these changes, it’s crucial for users to stay informed, understand their system’s configuration, and proceed with caution to make the most of these new options.
This is also for the ArcoLinuxD users who have the arcolinuxd-system-config-git package.
CHOICE ON THE 1st OF MAY ISOS
Timeline – mid April we remove the hooks from the arcolinux(d)-system-config package leaving you exposed to possible bootloader issues IF you did not install the correct new package
DISCORD has a channel with the latest fixes
The centralization of critical fixes and solutions on Discord enables ArcoLinux users to easily find the information needed to troubleshoot any issues.
Youtube has some interesting playlists as well. We recommend you to bookmark these.
There is the playlist for the fixes on ArcoLinux.
There is the playlist for the news.
There is the playlist what is new.
Arch-chroot into BTRFS system
– The video highlights the importance of having an Arch Linux ISO and knowledge of the Arch-chroot method to fix issues in Arch Linux-based systems.
– The process involves mounting the root partition and other necessary sub-volumes, such as home, var, log, and cache, to access and fix the system.
– The video emphasizes the need to carefully choose which sub-volumes to mount based on the specific issue and requirements.
– The tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to install the missing kernel package (vmlinuz-linux) and its headers to resolve the “vmlinuz-linux not found issue“.
– The video demonstrates the importance of backing up data before attempting any fixes to avoid potential data loss.
– The video showcases the usefulness of the Arch-chroot method in troubleshooting and fixing issues in Arch Linux-based systems.
– The tutorial provides practical exercises and guidelines to help users understand and apply the Arch-chroot method effectively.
microcode
ArcoLinux has released a new script focusing on microcode management
add-microcode
This script is significant for users who need to ensure their system’s microcode is correctly positioned for optimal performance. The key aspect of this update is the script addition that automatically places the microcode in the correct order in the boot process, specifically behind the autodetect step. This adjustment ensures that the system correctly identifies and applies the appropriate Intel or AMD microcode during boot, depending on the processor type.
Users are encouraged to pay attention to this update and check that the microcode is correctly placed behind the autodetect function.
Arch linux and efistub
This video serves as an extensive guide on installing Arch Linux, emphasizing the Arch Linux way and introducing a fourth bootloader option, EFI STUB, alongside GRUB, systemd-boot, and Refind.
The presenter details the process of setting up a system with the new bootloader option, discussing the importance of proper microcode placement and configuring various system settings, including partitioning, file system creation, and time settings.
The tutorial covers the installation of necessary packages, including the Linux kernel and firmware, and explains how to configure the system for internet access, set up a root password, and manage user accounts. Additionally, the video touches on graphical environment setup, specifically installing the Plasma desktop environment, and concludes with the successful reboot of the system using EFI STUB, showcasing a minimal Plasma setup.
This tutorial is a valuable resource for users looking to install Arch Linux with a focus on learning the process and exploring different bootloader options.
FIXES
What to do when you are confronted with an issue
Pamac-aur
In mid-March, the application experienced update issues. Given our policy against retaining software that causes frustration on the ISO, it will not be installed by default moving forward. Users may choose to install it post-reboot using Pamac or Octopi, if desired.
CALAMARES
Following packages were removed from Calamares and Sofirem
- midori
- min
PLASMA
We created an extra script in Arcolinux-nemesis scripts just for Plasma6.
Learn how to script and recreate your own look and feel after a clean installation of any distro.
PLASMA
Plasma got a lot of attention with the new Plasma 6 release.
We covered many topics in these 34 videos just on Plasma 6.
Do you build a lot of packages with yay or paru
Here is a video how to remove the ‘debug’ code from the makepkg.conf so you only build the package and not the package-debug variant.
NEW ICON THEME
We have created a new icon theme just for Plasma.
Surfn-plasma-dark-breeze – you will see that the folders can change according to the colors of the wallpaper if you change the settings in Plasma.
GRUB TUTORIAL
A tutorial to clean up Grub entries is now written. Find out where the files are that matter and how to change them.
https://arcolinux.com/grub/
V24.04.02
ArcoLinuxB Plasma Development
We have created a few packages for Plasma. You can decide to keep the vanilla Arch Linux look and feel or you can choose to add these packages to the installation inside Calamares or later with Sofirem.
There is also a meta package to install all of them with one package.
sudo pacman -S arcolinux-meta-plasma-design
V24.04.01
ArcoLinuxB Plasma
The default setup is completely vanilla, lacking any ArcoLinux Plasma customizations. Please download it from AAG and provide your feedback.
There are packages on board to do at least some ricing.
ArcoLinuxB Xtended – nimdow added
In the article we explain how easy it is to add a TWM to another ISO. With meld we compare both package lists, make our decisions,burn the iso and test it.
GIT TUTORIAL FOR USERS AND ISOBUILDERS
- Git Basics: Introduces Git as a tool for tracking code changes and facilitating developer collaboration, emphasizing its role in managing project history.
- Git Workflow: Describes the standard process of using Git, from creating local repositories and making changes to pushing updates to a remote repository. Essential commands include `git clone`, `git add`, `git commit`, and `git push`.
We keep it simple and basic in regards to the git knowledge required. We are also assuming there is no collaboration.
We just want to keep our dotfiles safe.
Halfway through the article we write for the isobuilders or distrobuilders.
- How to create PKGBUILDS?
- How to create a repo to host the packages you created with the PKGBUILDS?
- How to add your personal repo to the ArcoLinux iso and build your personal iso?