If you’re into customizing your Linux setup, Arch Linux is one of the best choices. Recently, I decided to install Arch Linux on my machine, but this time, I took it a step further by using Hyprland as my window manager and ml4w to configure a work machine.
This blog post will walk you through my experience, based on the ml4w Arch Installation Cheat Sheet, and offer some tips for getting started.
Why Choose Arch Linux?
Arch Linux is well-known for being a flexible and minimalist Linux distribution. It gives you full control over your system, allowing you to build it up from the ground up. This makes Arch ideal for users who want a custom setup without any bloatware.
What is Hyprland?
Hyprland is a dynamic Wayland compositor designed for power users. Unlike other window managers, it is highly customizable and offers modern features. It supports tiling, stacking, and tabbing window modes, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to optimize their workflow.
What is ml4w?
ml4w is a set of tools and configurations designed to make it easier to set up a work machine on Arch Linux. It helps automate some of the more tedious tasks and ensures your machine is optimized for professional use, from development to general office work.
The Installation Process
1. Preparing the System
First, I followed the instructions from the ml4w cheat sheet to prepare my system. The process begins by creating a bootable USB drive with the Arch installation image. Once the bootable media was ready, I booted into the Arch installer and started the installation process.
2. Installing Arch Linux
The Installation Process
For this installation, I used the built-in archinstall script, which simplifies the process of installing Arch Linux. Here’s how I did it:
- After booting into the Arch Linux live environment, I launched the
archinstallscript by typing the following command:archinstall - The script guided me through the essential steps:
- Selecting my language and keyboard layout.
- Choosing the disk to partition and install Arch Linux on.
- Picking a desktop environment and additional packages. I chose Hyprland as my Wayland compositor.
- Setting up the root and user passwords.
- The script automated many tasks, including partitioning, formatting, and installing base packages, making the process faster and less error-prone.
3. Installing ml4w
Next, I followed the ml4w installation script to install ml4w and configure the system for my work-related needs. The script provided by ml4w installed essential software.
bash <(curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/mylinuxforwork/dotfiles/main/setup-arch.sh)This process automatically configured a lot of the software I needed, saving me time and ensuring everything was set up according to professional standards.
5. Configuring Essential Software
- Networking: I set up NetworkManager to easily manage network connections. I also installed firewalld to handle system security.
- Development Tools: I installed Zed, Python, Node.js, and other essential programming tools to ensure my work environment was complete.
- Backup Tools: Using rsync, I configured backup solutions for my important files.
- Other Apps: Like Discord, VLC, LibreOffice,…
The Result
After completing the installation and configuration, I now have a highly efficient and personalized Arch Linux machine using Hyprland. The combination of a lightweight window manager and the tools provided by ml4w makes it an ideal setup for work.
Hyprland’s dynamic tiling window management allows me to quickly switch between different applications, increasing my productivity. Additionally, the ml4w setup ensured that all necessary software was installed and configured properly, without the usual hassle of manual setup.
Why Arch Linux + Hyprland + ml4w is a Great Choice
- Flexibility: Arch Linux lets you build the system you want, from the ground up. This is perfect for power users and those who like to customize every detail.
- Efficiency: Hyprland provides efficient window management, which makes multitasking easier. It’s especially helpful for developers who need to manage multiple applications at once.
- Automated Setup: With ml4w, setting up a work machine becomes much easier. It handles many configurations automatically, saving you time and effort.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to get a customized, efficient, and professional Arch Linux setup, I highly recommend trying out Hyprland along with ml4w. The process might take a bit of time, but the result is definitely worth it.
