Arch Linux switches to systemd

A new installation image for Arch Linux is now available that sees the distribution's default boot process switch from the previous System V implementation to systemd for booting the live system. Because of the change, initscripts are no longer available on the live system. However, the developers note that they are still installed by default, but this "is likely to change in the near future".

The move to the systemd init system was first proposed by the Linux distribution's developers in mid-August; users have been able to install systemd alongside Arch's own initscripts for some time now. Other distributions that have switched to systemd include Fedora, openSUSE and Mandriva.

Based on the 3.5.5 Linux kernel, Arch Linux 2012.10.06 is a regular monthly snapshot of the rolling-release operating system for new installations. Among the changes since the last snapshot are a simplified EFI boot and setup process, and the use of the gummiboot boot manager to display a menu on EFI systems. Additionally, new packages including ethtool, the FSArchiver tool, the Partimage and Partclone partition utilities, rfkill and the TestDisk data recovery tool are now available on the live system.

Further information about the new installation media, including a full list of new packages, can be found in the release announcement. Arch Linux 2012.10.06 is available from the project's Downloads page. The ISO images are intended for new installs or for use as a rescue system; 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:

• Control Centre: The systemd Linux init system, a feature from The H.
• Booting up: Tools and tips for systemd, a feature from The H.
• Arch Linux – "It is what you make it", a feature from The H.

(crve)