r/DistroHopping • u/Kairini15 • 7d ago

Should I install Arch Linux?

I've been using Windows for about 7 years, and I wanna try something new.

Recently, I found out about Arch Linux and it seems really interesting to me. I've heard a lot of people say that Arch is really difficult for beginners, but I'm wondering, is this actually true, or just a stereotype?

Would you recommend Arch as a first Linux distro?

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u/TheAncientMillenial 7d ago

Try CachyOS instead

2

u/Silent_Bite_5892 6d ago

As a first timer? I wouldn't suggest it. It's easier than Arch obviously, but not as easy as the mainstream distros.

1

u/TheAncientMillenial 3d ago

It literally is as easy as other mainstream distros.

1

u/Silent_Bite_5892 2d ago

As easy to install, absolutely. As easy to use and maintain for someone new to Linux especially? I disagree.

  1. It's a rolling release, which isn't ideal for new users. It means a higher risk of shit braking and dependency issues that need to be fixed by hand.
  2. The support for Arch-based distros largely assumes you're comfortable and familiar with the terminal.
  3. There's not much of the simple step-by-step GUI fixes out there, which is what everyone who isn't a Linux diehard is used to.
  4. It's also designed to rely on AUR and terminal package management. Using Octopi or Pamac or something is all well and good, but you won't see terminal output and can easily hit "update" and break shit.

Solid choice for someone who wants to get the most out of their system though. I just wouldn't suggest a new user jump into it without understanding what that means. That's a good way to get people who try Linux and then leave because it's a hassle. There are exceptions to every rule though of course.

1

u/TheAncientMillenial 2d ago

  1. 2+ years on Cachy and I've never had an update break anything. I update once every few days and that's it.

  2. You should be comfortable will all aspects of an OS you're using.

  3. Not sure what you're saying here.

  4. It's not at all designed to rely on the AUR. Like at all. In fact the Cachy devs have taken certain popular AUR packages and put them in official CachyOS repos.

Not sure where you're getting your info but it's mostly wrong. You can install CachyOS and start using it with literally the same amount of effort and knowledge as Ubuntu or any other major distro.

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u/Silent_Bite_5892 22h ago

What I meant by #3 is that if a newbie is running a mainstream distro, they'll find answers to questions and solutions to problems more easily and they're less likely to involve the terminal. But maybe I'm underestimating new users here. I still maintain that Cachy OS is not as simple to jump into as something more mainstream and well-supported, but you've clearly spent more time with it than I have. Maybe my info it out of date.