Install Gnome on Arch Linux
Arch Linux is a lightweight Linux distribution that focuses on simplicity from a developmental standpoint. A default Arch Linux installation consists of very basic command line tools. This article will describe how to install the GNOME desktop environment on an Arch Linux system.
Steps
- Ensure that X Window is working by typing the startx command. This should bring up a very basic GUI as pictured. If you experience an error visit the Arch Linux wiki for troubleshooting. Type exit to exit the GUI environment.
- Install the packages ttf-dejavu and ttf-ms-fonts. These are font packages and are recommended in order to achieve a visually pleasing experience. These can be installed with the pacman -S ttf-dejavu ttf-ms-fonts command.
- Install the gnome package. Optionally you can also install gnome-extra and gnome-system-tools. Run pacman -S gnome gnome-extra gnome-system-tools to achieve this.
- Install gdm. This is only necessary if you did not install gnome-extra. Use pacman -S gdm to install it.
- Run xinit gnome-session to test GNOME. Refer to the Arch Beginners Guide for troubleshooting.
- Log out of the GNOME session by clicking System>Log Out.
- Type systemctl enable gdm.service. This command ensures that the GNOME Display Manager (GDM) is starting automatically on every boot providing the graphical login manager for your session.
- Reboot by typing reboot. When your computer boots back into Arch you should be greeted with the GDM login screen.
- Login to GNOME with your login information and enjoy GNOME.
Tips
- If you encounter errors installing packages check /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist to ensure that your mirrors are selected.
- Visit the Arch Beginners Guide for alternative instructions as well as troubleshooting and instructions for installing X Window.
Things You'll Need
- An Arch Linux install with the X Window System and an internet connection.
- Basic knowledge of the command line interface.
