Build your own Arch Linux iso and install Plasma 6 on Qemu

Several goals in this tutorial:

  1. Arch Linux ISO 24 03 01 does not allow installing Kde – missing package
  2. Using the nvidia driver from Frogging Family from this tutorial
  3. Using Plasma 6 on Wayland – recording with Obs-studio
  4. First update archinstall before installing is the TIP
  5. Use AAG or ArcoLinux Application Glade to create the very last Arch Linux ISO with latest kernel
  6. Use Qemu to install Plasma 6 defaulting to Wayland

Tip: use parallel downloads (20) to install under 5 minutes.

The speaker discusses a challenge faced when attempting to install Plasma on Arch Linux using an ISO from ArchLinux.org, particularly due to an outdated package. They explain that the issue arises from attempting to install Plasma 6 with an ISO that doesn’t include the latest updates, leading to a missing package error for “plasma-wayland-session.” This problem is due to the dynamic nature of the Arch repository, where packages are continuously updated, potentially leading to incompatibilities with older ISO versions.

To address this issue, the speaker recommends using the “archinstall” tool from GitHub, highlighting the importance of staying updated with the latest Arch install scripts. They suggest downloading the most recent Arch Linux ISO, updating it to get the latest “archinstall” version, and checking GitHub for any reported issues or fixes related to installation problems. The key advice is to always use the most current tools and information to avoid installation issues caused by package updates or dependencies.

The speaker concludes by stressing the importance of community engagement on GitHub for reporting and resolving issues with Arch Linux installations, ensuring a smoother setup process for new and updated environments.

In this follow-up video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of updating the “archinstall” tool on an Arch Linux ISO to address the issue of a missing package, making the installation process smoother. They highlight the dynamic nature of Arch Linux, where an ISO represents a snapshot in time, and how updates can lead to changes in package availability. The speaker demonstrates creating a personal Arch Linux ISO with the latest kernel and packages, bypassing the need to download an existing ISO.

The video also explores learning Python and GTK 3 through the development of a GUI application with Glade, a project that expanded into an 80-video series. This educational journey showcases the speaker’s commitment to sharing knowledge and helping others learn software development, particularly within the Arch Linux and broader Linux communities.

The speaker discusses the significance of learning and sharing knowledge in the Arch Linux community, likening it to a university where one progresses from basic to advanced levels. They touch upon the practical aspects of Linux installation, including BIOS settings and choosing compatible hardware. Additionally, the speaker suggests consulting Linux-hardware.org before purchasing hardware to ensure Linux compatibility.

Towards the end, the speaker successfully builds an Arch Linux ISO updated with the latest packages, ready for installation. They hint at experimenting with plasma installation on this new ISO in future videos, possibly exploring different virtualization tools like QEMU for testing.

This video encapsulates the speaker’s approach to tackling technical challenges, continuous learning, and contributing back to the community, all while navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Arch Linux and its ecosystem.

The speaker discusses their process of creating a custom Arch Linux ISO with the latest kernel and packages, intending to test it with QEMU for a Plasma 6 environment on Wayland. They detail the steps involved in setting up QEMU, highlighting the necessity of scripting to simplify repeated tasks and overcome installation hurdles, especially regarding system configurations like UEFI and avoiding certain settings that may cause issues.

Further, the speaker emphasizes the importance of updating the system’s package manager configuration to allow parallel downloads, aiming to expedite the installation process based on their high-speed internet connection in Belgium. This step underscores the impact of local network conditions on the efficiency of system updates and installations.

The installation process is guided by the Arch install tool, with the speaker choosing Sweden as the mirror for the fastest download speeds, and opting for the Plasma desktop environment to test its installation. They note the significance of selecting appropriate locales, keyboard layouts, and other system configurations to ensure a smooth setup. The speaker also mentions the convenience of Arch install’s interface for customizing the installation, including package selection and system settings.

Throughout the process, the speaker provides insights into the Arch Linux ecosystem, such as the relevance of the Arch Wiki for post-installation customization and the importance of community contributions to solving common issues, like keyring updates.

The video concludes with the successful installation of Plasma 6 on Wayland within a QEMU virtual machine, showcasing the speaker’s technical proficiency and commitment to sharing knowledge about Arch Linux’s versatility and configurability. This accomplishment serves as a practical demonstration of the Arch Linux philosophy of user-centric customization and learning.