About Arch Linux

Arch Linux is an independently developed, i686/x86-64 general purpose GNU/Linux
distribution versatile enough to be molded to fit any role. Development focuses
on simplicity, minimalism, and code elegance. Arch is installed as a
minimal base system, configured by the user and upon which their own ideal
environment is assembled by installing only exactly what is required or desired
for their own unique purposes. GUI configuration utilities are not officially provided, and
most system configuration is performed from the shell by editing simple text files.
Arch strives to stay fairly bleeding edge, and typically offers the latest
stable versions of software.

Arch Linux uses its own Pacman package manager, which couples a simple binary
package format with an easy-to-use package build system, allowing users to
easily manage and customize their packages, whether they be official Arch
software, or the user's own personal packages from 3rd party sources. The
repository system also allows users to build and maintain their own custom build
scripts, packages, and repositories, which encourages community growth and
contribution. 

The minimal Arch base package set resides in the streamlined [core] repo.
In addition, the official [extra], [community], and [testing] repos
provide many thousands of high-quality, vanilla packages to meet your software
demands. Arch also offers an [unsupported] section in the ArchLinux User Repository,
which contains over 9,000 build scripts, for compiling from source and
subsequently easily creating installable packages with the Arch Build System's
makepkg tool.

Arch Linux uses a "rolling release" system which allows one-time installation
and perpetual software upgrades. Neither reinstallation nor upgrading from one
"version" to the next is ever necessary. By issuing one command, an Arch system
is kept up-to-date and on the bleeding edge.  

Arch does not patch its software except in very rare cases and only to avoid
severe breakage due to upstream version mismatches which may infrequently occur
within the rolling release model. 

So, to sum up: Arch Linux is a workhorse distribution designed to fit the needs
of the competent linux user. We strive to make it both powerful and easy to
manage, making it an ideal distro for servers and workstations. Take it in any
direction you like. If you share this vision of what a GNU/Linux distribution should be, then you
are welcomed and encouraged to use it freely, get involved, and contribute to
the community. Welcome to Arch!