14 DAY TRIAL // Arch Linux 2007.08-2, codenamed "Don't Panic" has been released yesterday. This is the first release that will use the new repository layout from Arch Linux. This version will be available in two ISOs, ftp and core.
Arch Linux uses the Pacman package manager, which combines a simple binary package format with an easy-to-use build system that allows the users to easily manage and customize their packages, be they official or the user's home-made packages. Arch is a good distribution for the Linux professionals, best suited for servers and workstations.
The kernel used on Arch Linux 2007.08-2 is 2.6.22.9 and the RAM usage has increased. The new memory recommendation for FTP-ISO, CORE-ISO arch boot image is 256 MB of RAM while the CORE-ISO lowmem boot image is less memory-hungry, needing only 96 MB of RAM.
New items were added to this new version of Arch. Here are some of them:
- pptpclient, sdparm and all free wireless drivers are now a part of the install environment - the intel wireless drivers will be activated by intel-wireless boot parameter - added hosts.deny and hosts.allow to config editing dialog - licenses are included from this moment in the install environment - new lowmem boot image to core iso
Everything that wasn't necessary for the installation was removed. Also, the Arch Linux development team fixed some bugs, like the /dev mount bug or the /dev/ttyS0 errors if no serial port is installed on the system. The repositories from the install environment were modified to fit both architectures (i686 and x86-64). Km will not show from now on broken chars after exiting. The official package sets are complemented with a community-operated package repository that grows in size and quality every day.
You should know that Arch Linux does not provide any official support. You can only get help from their IRC channel and forums... of course, from other users.
You can download Arch Linux 2007.08.2 right now from Softpedia.