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| − | == Introduction to Arch Linux ==
| + | The '''Linux and Unix Users Group at Virginia Tech''' ('''VTLUUG''' or "the LUUG") is a special interest [[registered student organization]] dedicated to improving the computing skills of its members and supporting Linux and Unix use amongst the broader community. |
| − | Linux users tend to become fan boys of their favorite flavor of Linux. [[Ubuntu]], [[OpenSUSE]] and [[Fedora]] tend to lead the distributions lists ([http://www.distrowatch.com/ Distro Watch]), because of their ease of installation and use. The other type of distribution targets users who desire a highly customized and fine-tuned system, an example of which would be [[Gentoo]]. While both extremes have their pros and cons in terms of customizability and ease of use, neither group targets users who desire easily customized systems that expose the lower-level workings of Linux. Arch Linux fills this void with a distribution that uses the bare-bones approach of Gentoo, but without requiring every package be compiled from source. It also shies away from GUI-based configuration tools in favor of directly editing text files, although GUI-based configuration tools do exist. This makes Arch an excellent distribution for older or low-end hardware. Although the installation lacks the glitz of Ubuntu or OpenSUSE, it still detects nearly all modern hardware and automatically installs drivers. [[Mirrors|Virginia Tech's mirroring]] of the Arch repositories also benefits VT Arch users, because it ensures fast installs and updates. | |
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| − | == When to Use Arch Linux == | + | =Events= |
| − | Arch Linux targets enthusiasts who want to better understand the
| + | ==InstallFests== |
| − | Linux Operating System. It maintains a level of abstraction above
| + | [[w:Linux_User_Group#Installfests|InstallFests]] have been the main event of the VTLUUG for many years. Generally, one a semester is hosted. Turnout in 2009 averaged around 15 participants. The only necessary preparation for attendees is to back their data up and bring their computer and power cord. Volunteers generally bring power strips, external CD drives for netbooks, and sometimes other equipment such as monitors. |
| − | Gentoo and Linux From Scratch by reducing the amount of manual
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| − | configuration. Also, the distribution excels on lower-end machines,
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| − | because it installs only the packages required to boot and install
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| − | additional software. It does contain excellent package management
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| − | software in the form of ''pacman'' archives, which are officially
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| − | supported packages and works similar to Debian's apt-get program.
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| − | Community maintained packages for more esoteric software can be found
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| − | in Arch's AUR repository. | |
| − | The distributions command-line installation limits its appeal | |
| − | for first-time Linux users, so this is not a distribution to use when | |
| − | trying Linux. Also, there is a slightly steeper learning curve in
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| − | understanding the package management, which could deter users used to
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| − | Ubuntu's GUI-based package management. That stated, Arch Linux is
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| − | overall an excellent, easy-to-use distribution, and could be
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| − | recommended to any Linux user who understands the command line.
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| − | <br />
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| − | == Getting Started with Arch Linux == | + | ==Introductory Linux Courses== |
| − | You can find documentation and mirrors of Arch Linux on their homepage at [http://www.archlinux.org/ http://www.archlinux.org], although using their local mirror at [http://mirror.cs.vt.edu/pub/ArchLinux/iso Virginia Tech]
| + | The LUUG has held introductory Linux courses off and on. Generally there are two distinct approaches, sometimes held on different days, one focusing on the ease of graphical user interfaces and the other concentrating on the power of the *nix commandline. |
| − | would be much faster. The ftp-based installation is recommended as it
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| − | installs the most up-to-date version of Arch with all the updates. Be
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| − | sure to remove the default mirror if you choose to install Arch Linux,
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| − | as it caps upload speeds.
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| − | Following their [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Beginners_Guide "Beginners Guide"]
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| − | painlessly walks you through the process of setting up your system and
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| − | getting into X. There are also more targeted installation guides that
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| − | can be found through Google for specialized hardware, such as the Eee
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| − | PC. Because Arch Linux uses a command-line based installation, it is
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| − | highly recommended to either have another computer nearby or print out
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| − | a copy of the [http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Beginners_Guide "Beginners Guide"].
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| − | <br />
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| | + | ==Open Street Map== |
| | + | In November of 2009, the LUUG co-hosted with [[FC@VT]] an [[Open Street Map]] mapping day for the first time. Prizes were donated by Qualcomm and O'Reilly and the event was made possible in part by the advice and support of [[Peter Sforza]] from the [[Center for Geospatial Information Technology]]. Around 15 people showed up. Footpaths on campus, businesses in the [[University Mall]] and roads and parking lots around [[The Village]] and [[Terrace View]] were added to the map. |
| | | | |
| − | == Arch Linux at Virginia Tech == | + | =Infrastructure= |
| − | [[Arch Tablet Functionality]] - Configuring your tablet PC [http://www.eng.vt.edu/academics/comp_require.php required] by the Engineering Department. | + | The VTLUUG maintains [[VTLUUG Wiki|this wiki]] and a [[VTLUUG:Mailing list|mailing list]]. Previous infrastructure included a forum and blog. |
| | | | |
| − | == Criticism ==
| + | [[Category:Special interest student organizations]] |
| − | Arch does not currently support package signing.[https://bugs.archlinux.org/task/5331] As a result of this, an insecure mirror (including any mirrors upstream of the one you are synching from) or a untrusted connection (such as a man in the middle attack between you and the mirror, or any hops between mirrors) could result in your system's security being compromised. There has been some work towards adding package signing functionality to Arch[http://projects.archlinux.org/users/allan/pacman.git/log/?h=gpg], however there have been claims that the developers are not concerned with the security implications and are reluctant to accept improvements from outside of the core team[http://igurublog.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/archs-dirty-little-notso-secret/].
| + | [[Category:Engineering]] |
| − | | |
| − | [[Category:Linux distributions]] | |
| − | [[Category:Round 2 migration]] | |
The Linux and Unix Users Group at Virginia Tech (VTLUUG or "the LUUG") is a special interest registered student organization dedicated to improving the computing skills of its members and supporting Linux and Unix use amongst the broader community.
Events
InstallFests
InstallFests have been the main event of the VTLUUG for many years. Generally, one a semester is hosted. Turnout in 2009 averaged around 15 participants. The only necessary preparation for attendees is to back their data up and bring their computer and power cord. Volunteers generally bring power strips, external CD drives for netbooks, and sometimes other equipment such as monitors.
Introductory Linux Courses
The LUUG has held introductory Linux courses off and on. Generally there are two distinct approaches, sometimes held on different days, one focusing on the ease of graphical user interfaces and the other concentrating on the power of the *nix commandline.
Open Street Map
In November of 2009, the LUUG co-hosted with FC@VT an Open Street Map mapping day for the first time. Prizes were donated by Qualcomm and O'Reilly and the event was made possible in part by the advice and support of Peter Sforza from the Center for Geospatial Information Technology. Around 15 people showed up. Footpaths on campus, businesses in the University Mall and roads and parking lots around The Village and Terrace View were added to the map.
Infrastructure
The VTLUUG maintains this wiki and a mailing list. Previous infrastructure included a forum and blog.
