This article was last updated on Monday, March 30th.
Changes
Originally, I set out to document the installation process of ArcoLinux B which is a slimmer version of the full distribution which, by default, includes Openbox and the i3 tiling window manager in addition to XFCE which is the one I am actually using.
If you have never heard of ArcoLinux then you are in for a treat. For freelance web and graphics designers, ArcoLinux is by far the best operating system you can get your hands on.
ArcoLinux website link: https://arcolinux.com/
Disclaimer
Although I test and double check the eBook contents constantly, I do not take any responsibility if you experience data loss by following my instructions. Please evaluate the steps before you perform them.
About me
I am the creative director at the Little Composers School of Music and Composition which is located in Vancouver Canada. I specialize in web and graphics design which is extremely demanding because we constantly develop new software which needs documentation and explainer videos. In short, it’s a huge job but manageable with the help of opensource software running on the best Linux distribution available in 2020.
Arco Linux B – Because Less is More
PLEASE note that the index listed below is a work in progress. The list points which are linked contain the actual instructions. I will illustrate all of the steps and once others have tested and provided feedback, present the final result in a FREE downloadable eBook.
Introduction
Chapter I : Install
- Download and verify the ISO
- How to create an Arco Linux B bootable USB stick
When done, you have a ready-to-use USB stick - Boot Arco Linux B
Explains all the steps to boot ArcoLinux B - Partition the hard drive
Covers preparing the hard drive - Install Arco Linux B
Actual install of ArcoLinux B
Chapter II : Configure
- Firewall
Installation and configuration - Update (x2)
Everything you need to know about updating - Wallpaper
Personalize ArcoLinux B - Firefox
Preferences, uBlock Origin and bookmarks - Reboot
- Check firewall status
Make sure that the ufw is running after rebooting - Package management (optional)
Remove Wallapapers arcolinux-wallpapers-git 20.2-1 arcolinux_repo
variety (wallpaper changer), sardi, breeze icons and arcolinux-arc-themes (over 200 Meg)
Install: firejail (sandbox), pwgen - Configure Libre Office Fresh
Fix spell checking and icons
Chapter III : Settings Manager
- SAMBA Local Network Setup (optional)
Connect all of your computers to see each other - Configure Plank
Settings > Session and Startup > Application Autostart
+ Add Dock – command = plank (trigger “on login”) > OK - Configure panel
Move to top, add items: CPU Graph and Network Monitor - Install a new theme
To get the polished OS X look, I download and insteall the best XFCE theme I know of - Install matching icons
Timeshift
After I am finished with all of the tweaks and configurations, it is time to back up the system with Timeshift. For working professionals, backups are more important than the actual work because losing content is extremely costly.
Grsync
While Timeshift protects the integrity of the operating system, Grsync handles the task of copying everything I create to an external drive. Without Grsync, data backups would be a full-time job. Last but not least, unlike me, Grsync does not forget anything.
The image below illustrates the external backup drives. Everything that is important is stored on those drives. In rare cases, Timeshift can not restore the system. If that happens, then I reinstall and import all of my backups and configuration settings which takes about 20 minutes tops.
Bonus chapter
There are a ton of software out there but I only install what I need for my work. Here is what I use on a daily basis for CAD, graphics and web design. Please note that web design required audio and video creation and much more.
My graphics workstation is loaded with the following apps:
- Thunar
File browser and much more - Terminal
The heart of my operation
*xfce4-terminal –drop-down shortcut F12 > Pause - USB Writer
Reliably writes iso files to USB sticks - Timeshift
Automated system back ups - Grsync
Backs up data to external drives - Reaper
Full-blown DAW plus Audacity for fast edits - Blender > FreeCAD
The best free 3D suite
*Change drop-down terminal shortcut to Pause - FreeCAD > 3D Printer
Precision drafting and exporting to CURA - Screenshot
Documenting software would be hard without this utility - Gimp
The best of the best for web and gfx design - LibreOffice Writer
The best office suite for Linux - Calibre
Custom install via terminal
sudo -v && wget -nv -O- https://download.calibre-ebook.com/linux-installer.sh | sudo sh /dev/stdin - Firefox
I don’t want to feed the trackers and Firefox assists me nicely in this task
On a different machine, I run:
- Thunderbird handles all of my email needs
- Shotcut is a very capable video editor for editing YouTube content
- OBS Studio or SimpleScreenRecorder are amazing choices for making explainer videos
- SublimeText3 which is my to-to text editor.
Besides the software already listed, I make heavy use of the terminal.
Here are a few must-know goodies:
- python
- youtube-dl
- pwgen
- firejail
- shred
- touch
There are many more utilities that run in the terminal. In time, I will augment the list with the ones I use like shh and many many more.
If you have read this far then please know that right now, I am working on the individual chapters which I am planning on publishing as a free eBook. This will take some time but I’ll update on a daily basis and link entries as they become available.
If you have questions, suggestions and recommendations of what else to include please post below. I will evaluate each comment and implement everything as best I can.
