7 The actual installation of Arch Linux Phase 3

let us get graphical
All this time we have been in this terminal environment. We want to be able to install some kind of desktop environment now : xfce, openbox, i3, deepin, cinnamon,… anything…
These are the steps we need to take now.
install display server
XORG

We investigate the matter on the Arch Wiki.

We need to install the xorg packages. 

sudo pacman -S xorg-server xorg-apps xorg-xinit

Xterm is optional.

graphics driver

The linux kernel can handle many
graphical cards
So try first without
any extra installation

Ati – intel – nvidia
There is no need to install a driver in virtual box.

Start on the xorg wiki page find out what driver you need for your hardware.

Most common hardware vendors are:

  • nvidia
  • intel
  • amd/ati

With lspci you can find out what hardware you have in your computer. Then you need to investigate further to find out what driver you want to install.

lspci | grep -e VGA -e 3D

Then you need to continue your investigation or install with trial and error.

install display manager
lightdm
We need to install a display manager or a login manager.
There are a lot of choices out there. Each with their advantages and disadvantages.

We choose to install lightdm.

We will install the desktop environment Deepin later on. We do not need to install line 2 now. Deepin has its own lightdm greeter.
sudo pacman -S lightdm
sudo pacman -S lightdm-gtk-greeter lightdm-gtk-greeter-settings
sudo systemctl enable lightdm.service
Do not FORGET TO ENABLE Lightdm
Do not reboot until
you have a desktop
environment

Or install SDDM instead of Lightdm

sudo pacman -S sddm
sudo systemctl enable sddm.service

CHOOSE
YOUR
DESKTOP
is
Phase 4

It helps to see your
operating system as layers upon layers.

NEXT STEP