In this video we’ll dive into ALCI (Arch Linux Calamares Installer), one of our exciting projects, alongside others like Ariser, Carli, ArcoLinux, and Sierra. ALCI provides a straightforward path to Arch Linux using the versatile Calamares installer, known in the Linux world as a “Swiss Army knife” for setting up Linux on hardware. The goal is to simplify the installation process compared to manually installing Arch or using scripts.
In this session, we’re covering the Alci Xanmod ISO—one of many options for installing Arch with different Linux kernels, such as Zen, LTS, and Hardened. This approach offers flexibility for ISO builders, allowing control over selecting kernels and configurations, whether for a minimal setup or a complete desktop environment. Kernel names and configurations need to be precise, as any typo will prevent successful building, so attention to detail is key.
We’ll explore differences among various Linux kernels, how to integrate them into your ISO, and steps for customizing packages and desktop environments. You’ll see how we adapt to changes from Arch ISO updates, handling package updates, filesystem choices, and even adding optional repositories like Chaotic-AUR.
The process highlights ALCI’s flexibility: you can build an ISO tailored to your specific needs, using any kernel or desktop environment you prefer. All required configurations, commands, and tips are shared in our posts, so you can replicate the process and create your own unique Arch-based ISO.
We hope this video inspires you to experiment with ALCI, as all resources, including videos and 48+ articles, guide you through each step. Whether for personal use or sharing with others, the ALCI project enables you to master ISO building with Arch Linux. Stay tuned as we walk through the ALCI setup in this video.
In this follow-up video to number 4.322, we’ll address something I realized I missed—an important detail for recreating the Alci Xanmod ISO. In the last video, we discussed the differences between ISOs and how straightforward it is to create custom ISOs, like a Xanmod LTS version using kernels from Chaotic-AUR. However, I forgot to show you how to get the necessary Calamares configuration files to make this happen.
If you’re keen on building instead of just downloading, head online to our Arch Linux Calamares Installer github repository. This directory, updated recently, has all the essentials for recreating the Alci Xanmod Calamares configuration. You can clone the repository and see exactly what needs updating for the Alci Xanmod ISO.
Due to recent changes in kernel naming conventions, you’ll notice updates to accommodate versioning, like “Linux Xanmod Edge x64 version 3.” These changes are applied in critical areas, such as makeinitcpio, boot, EFI, and grub settings, to ensure the correct kernel version is loaded. Every instance of the old kernel name is replaced with the new one, maintaining accuracy since even minor typos can disrupt the build.
To see the exact distinctions between an Alci Calamares configuration for Xanmod and one for LTS, try a comparison of the two setups side by side. This way, you can pinpoint differences, such as kernel and desktop environments (like MATE versus XFCE), and observe how these variations impact the ISO configuration. This video, along with the previous one, covers the full process to get your Alci Xanmod ISO correctly set up and working.
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