🐧 Arch Linux Installation Simulator

Learn Arch Linux Installation Step-by-Step | Free Interactive Terminal Simulator | Practice UEFI & BIOS Setup Safely

🚀 Live Demo • Features • Getting Started • Documentation

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🎯 Master Arch Linux Installation Without Risk

Practice installing Arch Linux in your browser with our free, interactive simulator. Perfect for beginners learning Linux, system administrators preparing for real installations, and enthusiasts mastering UEFI/GPT and BIOS/MBR setups. No virtual machine required—start learning immediately!

📖 Overview

The Arch Linux Installation Simulator is a comprehensive, browser-based learning platform that teaches you how to install Arch Linux from scratch in a safe, simulated terminal environment. Master disk partitioning, bootloader configuration, WiFi setup, and package management through hands-on practice with real commands and instant feedback. Perfect for beginners who want to understand the installation process before attempting it on real hardware, and for enthusiasts looking to review the steps.

🎯 Why This Project?

Installing Arch Linux is often considered challenging for newcomers due to its manual, hands-on approach. This simulator provides:

• Zero Risk: Practice without fear of breaking your system
• Step-by-Step Guidance: Detailed explanations for each installation phase
• Real-World Scenarios: Supports WiFi setup, UEFI/GPT, and Legacy BIOS/MBR installations
• Interactive Learning: Type commands, make choices, and see realistic terminal output
• Educational Focus: Deep-dive explanations of WHY each step matters

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✨ Features

🖥️ Comprehensive Installation Coverage

• ✅ Network Configuration

  • Ethernet (automatic)
  • WiFi setup with iwctl
  • Internet connectivity testing

• ✅ Boot Mode Selection

  • UEFI/GPT (modern systems)
  • Legacy BIOS/MBR (older systems)
  • Automatic verification

• ✅ Disk Partitioning

  • GPT partitioning with gdisk (UEFI)
  • MBR partitioning with fdisk (BIOS)
  • EFI System Partition setup
  • Swap and root partition creation

• ✅ System Installation

  • Base system installation with pacstrap
  • Filesystem formatting (FAT32, ext4, swap)
  • Partition mounting and fstab generation
  • System configuration (timezone, locale, hostname)
  • User account creation and sudo setup

• ✅ Bootloader Installation

  • GRUB for UEFI systems
  • GRUB for Legacy BIOS systems
  • Boot configuration generation

🎨 User Experience

• Authentic Terminal Interface: Realistic Arch Linux terminal with syntax highlighting
• Responsive Design: Works perfectly on mobile, tablet, and desktop
• Dark Theme: Professional Arch Linux-inspired color scheme
• Interactive Commands: Type commands yourself or use auto-fill
• Visual Progress: Step-by-step progress tracking with indicators
• Educational Explanations: Each step includes detailed technical explanations

🛠️ Technical Features

• Pure HTML5, CSS3, and Vanilla JavaScript
• No backend required - runs entirely in browser
• Tailwind CSS for modern, responsive design
• JetBrains Mono font for authentic terminal feel
• Path-based navigation (adapts based on user choices)
• Local storage for progress tracking (optional)

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🚀 Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• No installation required!

Quick Start

1. Clone the repository

   git clone https://github.com/frashasantoYT/Arch-Linux-Install-Simulator.git
   cd arch-linux-simulator

2. Open the simulator

   # Simply open the HTML file in your browser
   open index.html
   # or on Windows
   start index.html
   # or on Linux
   xdg-open index.html

3. Start learning!

   • Click "🚀 Start Installation"
   • Follow the step-by-step instructions
   • Type commands or use auto-fill
   • Read the detailed explanations

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📚 Documentation

Installation Steps Covered

Step	Description	Type
1️⃣	Verify Boot Mode (UEFI/BIOS)	Command
2️⃣	Check Network Interfaces	Command
3️⃣	Choose Connection Type	Choice
4️⃣	Connect to WiFi (if selected)	Command
5️⃣	Test Internet Connection	Command
6️⃣	Update System Clock	Command
7️⃣	Choose Boot Mode (UEFI/BIOS)	Choice
8️⃣	Disk Partitioning (GPT/MBR)	Command
9️⃣	Format Partitions	Command
🔟	Mount Partitions	Command
1️⃣1️⃣	Install Base System	Command
1️⃣2️⃣	Generate Fstab	Command
1️⃣3️⃣	Configure System	Command
1️⃣4️⃣	Install Bootloader	Command

How It Works

The simulator uses a state-machine approach to guide users through the installation:

// Path-based navigation
User Choice → Network (Ethernet/WiFi)
            → Boot Mode (UEFI/BIOS)
            → Adaptive steps based on selections

Each step includes:

• Description: What you're about to do
• Explanation: Why it matters and how it works
• Command: The exact command to type
• Output: Realistic terminal output
• Hints: Quick tips for understanding

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🎓 Educational Value

What You'll Learn

• Linux Fundamentals: Understanding boot processes, filesystems, and partitioning
• Command Line Skills: Practice with real Linux commands
• System Architecture: UEFI vs BIOS, GPT vs MBR, boot chains
• Network Configuration: WiFi setup, DNS resolution, network interfaces
• Security Basics: User accounts, sudo privileges, password management
• Best Practices: Why each step is necessary in the installation process

Target Audience

• 🎓 Beginners: New to Linux or Arch Linux
• 💻 Students: Learning system administration
• 🔧 Enthusiasts: Want to understand Arch installation deeply
• 👨‍🏫 Educators: Teaching Linux concepts
• 🔄 Returners: Refreshing knowledge before a real installation

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🛣️ Roadmap

Current Version (v1.0)

• ✅ Complete installation simulation
• ✅ WiFi and Ethernet support
• ✅ UEFI and BIOS paths
• ✅ Detailed explanations
• ✅ Responsive design

Planned Features (v2.0)

• Desktop Environment selection (GNOME, KDE, XFCE, i3)
• Package manager tutorial
• AUR helper setup
• Post-installation configuration
• Save/load progress
• Multiple language support
• Accessibility improvements
• Dark/Light theme toggle

Future Ideas

• LVM setup
• LUKS encryption
• RAID configuration
• Advanced networking (VPN, bridges)
• Troubleshooting scenarios
• Quiz mode to test knowledge

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🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Here's how you can help:

1. Report Bugs: Open an issue describing the problem
2. Suggest Features: Share your ideas for improvements
3. Submit Pull Requests: Fix bugs or add features
4. Improve Documentation: Help make the guide clearer
5. Spread the Word: Share with others learning Arch Linux

Development Setup

# Fork the repository
git clone https://github.com/frashasantoYT/Arch-Linux-Install-Simulator.git


git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature

git commit -m "Add amazing feature"

git push origin feature/amazing-feature

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📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Attribution

• Arch Linux logo and branding are trademarks of Arch Linux
• This project is not affiliated with the official Arch Linux project
• Created for educational purposes only

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🔗 Resources

Official Arch Linux Resources

• Arch Linux Official Website
• Arch Wiki - Installation Guide
• Download Arch Linux ISO
• Arch Linux Forums
• Arch Linux Subreddit

Related Projects

• archinstall - Official Arch installer
• ArchLabs - Arch-based distribution
• EndeavourOS - User-friendly Arch-based distro

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🌟 Acknowledgments

Special thanks to:

• The Arch Linux community for comprehensive documentation
• Tailwind CSS for the beautiful utility framework
• JetBrains for the JetBrains Mono font
• All contributors and users providing feedback

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📬 Contact

• Creator: [King Santo]
• Portfolio: [https://santoiservices.com]
• GitHub: @frashasantoYT
• Email: frashasanto111@gmail.com

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Made with ❤️ for the Arch Linux community

"I use Arch, btw" - Now you can too! 😎

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