In today’s article from the series Distro vs. Distro, I decided to compare two Linux distributions: Arch Linux and the Arch-based EndeavorOS.
Arch Linux is a free, open-source distribution known for its simplicity and flexibility. First released in 2002, it has gained a large following in the Linux community. Arch Linux operates on a rolling release model, meaning users don’t have to reinstall the entire system to stay up-to-date. Once installed, regular updates keep the system up to date.
EndeavourOS is a rolling Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. The project aims to be the spiritual successor to Antergos – providing easy setup and a pre-configured Arch-based desktop environment. EndeavourOS uses the Xfce desktop by default and is installed using the graphical Calamares installer.
What’s the difference between the two? Is the unmodified Arch Linux base better, or a clone with additional enhancements?
1. Distribution Development
Arch Linux: Arch Linux is a rolling system; Arch doesn’t have any “releases” every few months. The system is updated with a single command, and all new packages are downloaded and installed.
EndeavourOS: This is probably the closest distribution to Arch. The biggest reason to use EndeavourOS is because it uses Arch repositories, so it’s based on vanilla Arch packages. Rolling distribution.
2. System Installation
Arch Linux: Features a text-mode installer. The installation process is command-line-based and requires manual partitioning, formatting, and system configuration. This approach provides full control over the system but can be daunting for beginners.
EndeavourOS: Uses Calamares to install the system on a disk, which offers two installation modes: online and offline. Offline mode, without an active internet connection, installs the system with the default Xfce desktop. Online mode allows for the selection of several desktops during installation, such as XFCE4, KDE Plasma, GNOME, i3, Mate, Cinnamon, Budgie, LXQT, and LXDE, as well as the LTS kernel, as well as your favorite packages.
3. System Configuration
Arch Linux: Emphasizes simplicity and full user control. Users must manually configure the system after installation, including configuring the desktop environment, network tools, and additional software. This approach allows for extensive customization but requires a significant investment of time and a solid understanding of Linux.
EndeavourOS: Offers a more user-friendly approach to system configuration. It ships with the default desktop environment (XFCE), but users can choose other desktop environments during installation. Additionally, EndeavourOS offers a welcome app that guides users through system updates, installing additional software, and configuring hardware drivers.
4. Software
Arch Linux: Arch Linux repositories are updated quickly and contain the latest package versions. While this is an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage, as the latest versions are not always fully stable and can cause issues. Support for AUR community repositories can also be added.
EndeavourOS: Packages depend on the main Arch Linux repositories, providing you with “vanilla” Arch Linux packages. Almost everything except the desktop environment or Window Manager and/or their themes and installation method should remain the same in EndeavourOS as in Arch Linux. If new package versions are released in the Arch Linux repositories, EndeavourOS users receive them at the same time. Additionally, the system uses external AUR repositories to provide additional software from users.
5. Hardware Requirements
Arch Linux: A 1 GHz or faster processor is recommended. For example, an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 series processor will work well. A minimum installation requires at least 512MB of RAM. However, for a more comfortable experience on a desktop computer with a graphical desktop, 2GB or more is recommended. A minimum of 2GB of free disk space is required for the basic installation. If you plan to install a desktop environment and additional software, 10-20GB or more is recommended. An internet connection is required.
EndeavourOS: At least 20GB of disk space for the root partition, at least 4GB of RAM, an Intel i3 or newer processor or similar processor family, and an internet connection.
Summary
While Arch Linux and EndeavourOS share a common heritage and philosophy, they cater to different user preferences. Arch Linux is ideal for users who desire complete control over their system and are willing to invest time in learning and managing it. EndeavourOS, on the other hand, simplifies the installation and management processes, making it a more accessible choice for those new to the Arch ecosystem or those looking for a more streamlined user experience.
EndeavourOS is essentially just Arch. It has a graphical installer, some pre-configured settings, and adds its own repository, but otherwise, you get a fully-fledged Arch Linux environment.
Arch Linux has a robust community and an extensive wiki, which is widely considered one of the best resources for Linux users. However, users are expected to do their own research and troubleshoot, which can be difficult for beginners.
EndeavourOS maintains a friendly and supportive community, making it more user-friendly for new users. It doesn’t have the extensive wiki of Arch, but its forum is active and helpful, providing another resource for troubleshooting and learning.
If you have some experience with other Linux distributions, including Arch Linux forks, Arch Linux is a good option for configuring every aspect of your system. EndeavourOS is an interesting option, providing a fully configured “vanilla” Arch experience via a graphical installer.
Ten post jest również dostępny w języku polskim: https://linuxiarze.pl/arch-linux-vs-endeavouros/
