Arch Linux Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Arch Linux

Company / developer	Levente Polyak and others
OS family	Unix-like
Working state	Current
Source model	Open source
Initial release	March 11, 2002; 23 years ago (2002-03-11)
Latest stable release	(Rolling release) / Installation medium 2020.07.01
Marketing target	Power-users
Update method	Pacman
Package manager	Pacman
Supported platforms	i686, x86-64
Kernel type	Monolithic (Linux)
Userland	GNU
Default user interface	Bash
License	Free software licenses (mainly GPL)

Arch Linux (often called Arch) is a type of computer operating system. It's built on Linux and works on 64-bit computers. Most of its software is free to use and change. Many people from a large online community help make Arch Linux better.

Arch Linux is known for being simple, clean, and correct in its code. To use it, you need to be ready to learn how it works. It has a special tool called "pacman" that helps you easily add, remove, or update programs on your computer.

How Arch Linux Started
Getting Arch Linux on Your Computer
Managing Software with Pacman
- Arch Build System (ABS)
- Arch User Repository (AUR)
Images for kids
See also

How Arch Linux Started

Arch Linux was inspired by another simple Linux system called CRUX. It was first made for older 32-bit computers. In April 2006, it also started working on 64-bit computers. By January 2017, Arch Linux stopped supporting 32-bit systems. However, a community group created "Arch Linux 32" to keep it running for those older computers.

Getting Arch Linux on Your Computer

Installing Arch Linux is different from other Linux systems like Ubuntu. You need to type commands yourself to set it up. This might seem a bit hard for new users. But, the Arch Linux website says that if you spend time and effort, even beginners can install it successfully.

Managing Software with Pacman

Pacman is the main tool for managing software on Arch Linux. Judd Vinet created it using the C programming language. Pacman helps you install, remove, and update all the programs on your system.

Arch Linux is a "rolling release" system. This means its software libraries are always being updated. You get the newest versions of programs as soon as they are ready.

Arch Build System (ABS)

The Arch Build System, or ABS, helps create software packages automatically. It uses special files called PKGBUILD files. A tool called makepkg can turn these files into packages that Pacman understands. It downloads the source code and then builds the program for you.

Arch User Repository (AUR)

The Arch User Repository, or AUR, is a collection of PKGBUILD scripts. These scripts are made by users, not by the official Arch Linux team. The AUR lets users install many more programs that are not found in the official Arch Linux libraries.