Learn how to install Artix Linux in VirtualBox with this step-by-step guide, covering disk partitioning, system configuration, and setting up KDE Plasma for a complete installation. #centlinux #linux #artixlinux
Artix Linux is a versatile and user-friendly Linux distribution that emphasizes simplicity and efficiency. Unlike its counterparts, Artix uses OpenRC, runit, or s6 as its init systems instead of systemd, providing users with more control over their system’s initialization processes. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing Artix Linux in VirtualBox, complete with detailed explanations for each command and configuration step.
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
Recommended Online Training: Learn Bash Shell in Linux for Beginners
Configure the Virtual Machine:
Start the Virtual Machine:
Once the VM boots into the Artix Linux environment, you can begin the installation process after login with default credentials as artix user and artix password.
su
The su
command switches the current user to the superuser (root), providing the necessary permissions to perform system-wide changes.
loadkeys en
This command sets the keyboard layout to English. Adjust accordingly if you’re using a different layout.
fdisk /dev/sda
fdisk
is a disk partitioning utility. Here, /dev/sda
represents the primary virtual hard disk. Within fdisk
, you’ll perform the following steps:
/
).Detailed Steps Inside fdisk
:
n
to create a new partition.p
for primary.w
to write the changes.mkfs.ext4 -L ROOT /dev/sda1
Formats the first partition (/dev/sda1
) with the ext4 filesystem and labels it as ROOT
.
mkswap -L SWAP /dev/sda2
Initializes the second partition (/dev/sda2
) as swap space and labels it as SWAP
.
mount /dev/disk/by-label/ROOT /mnt
Mounts the root partition to the /mnt
directory, preparing it for the installation of the base system.
swapon /dev/disk/by-label/SWAP
Activates the swap space, allowing the system to use it for memory management.
ping artixlinux.org
Checks if the system can reach the Artix Linux website, ensuring that internet connectivity is active. Press Ctrl+C
to stop the ping.
rc-service ntpd start
Starts the Network Time Protocol daemon to synchronize the system clock with internet time servers.
With the basic system mounted and network active, proceed to install the base system packages.
basestrap /mnt base base-devel openrc elogind-openrc
basestrap
installs the essential base packages into the mounted filesystem (/mnt
). The packages include:
base
: Core system utilities.base-devel
: Development tools necessary for compiling software.openrc
: The init system for managing services.elogind-openrc
: Provides logind support without using systemd.basestrap /mnt linux linux-firmware
Installs the Linux kernel and firmware necessary for hardware compatibility.
fstabgen -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab
Generates an /etc/fstab
file based on the current mount points, ensuring that filesystems are mounted correctly on boot.
artix-chroot /mnt
Changes the root directory to /mnt
, effectively entering the newly installed system environment for further configuration.
Within the chroot environment, perform system configurations such as timezone, localization, and bootloader setup.
ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/America/Chicago /etc/localtime
Creates a symbolic link to the desired timezone file (America/Chicago
). Adjust the timezone as per your geographic location.
hwclock --systohc
Synchronizes the hardware clock with the system clock, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
pacman -S grub os-prober efibootmgr
Installs the GRUB bootloader, os-prober
for detecting other operating systems, and efibootmgr
for managing EFI boot entries.
grub-install --recheck /dev/sda
Installs GRUB to the primary disk (/dev/sda
) and rechecks for existing configurations.
grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
Generates the GRUB configuration file based on the current system setup.
pacman -S nano
Installs nano
, a user-friendly text editor, for editing configuration files.
passwd
Prompts you to set a password for the root user, enhancing system security.
useradd -m alaric
passwd alaric
Explanation:
useradd -m alaric
: Creates a new user named alaric
and automatically creates a home directory.passwd alaric
: Sets a password for the new user.vi /etc/hostname
Opens the /etc/hostname
file in the vi
editor to set the system’s hostname.
Add the Following Line:
artix-01.centlinux.com
Sets the hostname to artix-01.centlinux.com
. You can choose a name that suits your preferences.
vi /etc/hosts
Opens the /etc/hosts
file for editing.
Add the Following Lines:
127.0.0.1 localhost
::1 localhost
127.0.1.1 artix-01.centlinux.com artix-01
Explanation:
localhost
to both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.artix-01.centlinux.com
and a shorthand artix-01
with the local IP 127.0.1.1
.vi /etc/conf.d/hostname
Opens the hostname configuration file for OpenRC.
Add the Following Line:
hostname='artix-01.centlinux.com'
Above directive, explicitly sets the system’s hostname within the OpenRC configuration.
To ensure network connectivity after boot, install and configure network management services.
pacman -S dhcpcd
Above command installs dhcpcd
, a DHCP client daemon that automatically obtains IP addresses and network configurations.
pacman -S connman-openrc connman-gtk
Explanation:
connman-openrc
: Integrates ConnMan with OpenRC for managing network connections.connman-gtk
: Provides a graphical interface for ConnMan, useful if you plan to use a GUI later.rc-update add connmand
Adds the connmand
service to the default runlevel, ensuring it starts on boot.
ln -s /etc/init.d/net.lo /etc/init.d/net.eth0
rc-update add net.eth0 default
Explanation:
eth0
network interface.net.eth0
service to the default runlevel, enabling network management on boot.With system configurations in place, complete the installation process.
exit
umount -R /mnt
Explanation:
exit
: Leaves the chroot environment, returning to the original installation shell.umount -R /mnt
: Recursively unmounts all filesystems mounted under /mnt
.reboot
Restarts the virtual machine, booting into the newly installed Artix Linux system.
After rebooting, log in with the newly created user credentials (alaric
) and proceed with further system setup.
pacman -S xorg
Installs the X.Org server, which provides the foundational graphical system for Linux desktops.
pacman -S plasma kde-applications
Explanation:
plasma
: Installs the KDE Plasma desktop environment, known for its flexibility and rich features.kde-applications
: Installs a suite of KDE applications, enhancing the desktop experience with tools like Dolphin (file manager), Konsole (terminal), and more.Optional: Depending on your preferences, you can install additional packages or customize the desktop environment further.
If you are new to Linux and facing difficulty in working at Linux Bash prompt. We recommend that, you should read The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition: A Complete Introduction by William Shotts.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Artix Linux in VirtualBox. This installation process provided a hands-on approach to setting up a Linux system from the ground up, offering valuable insights into system configuration and package management. Artix Linux, with its OpenRC init system and robust package repositories, offers a stable and efficient environment for both beginners and experienced users.
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pacman -Syu
to ensure you have the latest security patches and software updates.Feel free to explore the rich ecosystem that Artix Linux offers, and enjoy your journey into a customizable and efficient Linux environment!
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