What is Arch Linux?

Is it an operating system? What's better about that? Is it complicated? Is it also good on the laptop?

It is an operating system. It is based on Linux, it is quite flexible and, above all, relatively resource-saving usable. Complicated - it takes a lot of initial work and you should definitely know a bit about Linux and basic commands - so if you do not even know if it's an operating system - I'd advise against it. But it works well on a laptop - as long as you can handle it.

What is Arch Linux?

Arch Linux is a flexible and lightweight GNU / Linux distribution for advanced users. The special feature is that after the installation, only a basic system is available, which can be optimally designed according to the needs of the user.

In addition, it is a so-called rolling release system, which means that there are no operating system versions in which a large amount of software is updated at once and new functionality is incorporated. Instead, the individual packages are continuously updated so that the system is up-to-the-minute. Reinstallations are never required.

Is it an operating system?

Yes, it is a GNU / Linux operating system. So it uses the Linux kernel and uses a large amount of

https://de.wikipedia.org/...g/wiki/GNU tools. The system is https://de.wikipedia.org/...des_System.

What's better about that?

In comparison to what? For Windows I have already made and a very detailed comparison. For a detailed comparison to other distributions, see https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php / arch_compared_to_other_distributions.

What does Arch look like?

Adaptability: Arch can be extremely adapted to your own needs. The system contains only what you really need and no redundant bells and whistles. You do not just take the system as it is, but you actively shape it to your liking. That's why an Arch system will probably look completely different for each user. The disadvantage is, of course, that at the beginning not everything is ready and directly usable, but you first have to set up a lot before you can start.

Software: There are many software packages for Arch. In addition to the package manager pacman, Arch also offers the so-called AUR, which is maintained by users. There are supposed to be more packages for Debian / Ubuntu, but I have just the opposite experience ;-)

Software directly from the developer: While other distributions, for example, easily modify desktop surfaces, Arch directly gives you the product the developer has released.

Timeliness: Arch is always up to date with the rolling release model, so arch users are often the first to get the latest versions of programs and access to new features. However, as a result, updates do not always run smoothly and may affect certain features. You have to expect to have to occasionally hand in order to eliminate errors. Therefore, you should be well versed in working with log files in order to solve the problems independently.

Arch-Wiki: The https://wiki.archlinux.org/ is the best Linux wiki I know.

Is it complicated?

It's complicated if you do not have enough GNU / Linux experience so far. Arch is really only aimed at experienced users, because you have to expect that you can't click all the settings together, but also have to work a lot with the CLI. Therefore, you must master the basic commands and also have a good knowledge of individual backgrounds.

For beginners, however, the arch-based https://manjaro.org/ system is highly recommended. Of course, this does not give you all the benefits of Arch - Manjaro always emphasizes that it's not Arch - but it's also a pretty good system for beginners, see also: https://wiki.manjaro.org/index.php?title=Manjaro:_A_Different_Kind_of_Beast

Is it also good on the laptop?

Naturally! It does not matter whether it's a PC or a laptop: as long as the necessary drivers for the hardware are available, everything should work fine.

Arch Linux and Manjaro are my favorite Linux distributions. In order to install Arch-Linux, you should already have Linux experience, because it is set up step by step on the console by the user.

Arch-Linux installs only what you install yourself, so it's pretty lightweight. Arch Linux also goes on laptops, unless they are driver-exotics.

The Manjaro installation is as comfortable as any other Linux or Windows installation.

I would rather advise you to Manjaro, Manjaro is based on Arch Linux and is easy to install. So you have the Arch-Linux elements included and a fully populated distribution, which is not as slim as an actual Arch-Linux installation.

All distributions based on Arch Linux are "Rolling Releases", there are no more version updates, it is constantly updated.

Of course Manjaro can also be tested with the installation DVD without being installed. All you have to do is download the Manjaro iso file and burn it as an Iso DVD - of course you can also do that as a bootable USB stick.

If I install that, is Windows gone then?

You can decide that during the installation. You can overwrite the Windows partition or create an arch partition parallel to the Windows partition. By the latter you can use both systems. The installation process is described in detail in the Arch wiki.

If you want to keep one you have to create a second partition