Arch Linux 2012.07.15 drops AIF

Arch Linux developer Pierre Schmitz has announced the availability of a new installation image for the project's flexible Linux distribution, the first updated install media since August of last year. Arch Linux 2012.07.15 is a snapshot of the rolling-release operating system for new installations that includes several changes and the 3.4.4 Linux kernel.

One of the most notable changes in the release is the removal of the Arch Linux Installation Framework (AIF), which was used to perform installations; this means that the menu-driven installer is no longer available. According to Schmitz, AIF was dropped "due to lack of maintenance and contributions". Instead, users are now provided with Arch Install Scripts in order to try to simplify the installation process. As new users will need to "rely more on documentation", Schmitz is asking community members to help update the project's wiki to "fill in the remaining gaps".

The developers also note that, from Arch Linux 2012.07.15, regular monthly ISO snapshots are being planned. Like the current release, these install images will be signed; users are advised to verify these before using the files.

Further information about the new install media can be found in the official release announcement. Arch Linux 2012.07.15 is available as a "netinstall" ISO image from the project's Downloads page; media with the [core] repository is no longer provided. The developers remind users that the release is intended for new installations; existing users will have already received the updates through the built-in update mechanism.

Arch Linux is targeted at advanced Linux users, emphasising simplicity for developers over ease of use for end users; it and its components are released under a variety of licences.

See also:

• Arch Linux turns ten years old, a report from The H.
• Arch Linux – "It is what you make it", a feature from The H.

(crve)