Arch Linux Post-Installation: From Zero to Pro

Installing Arch Linux is often seen as a “rite of passage” for Linux users. However, the real work begins after the initial reboot. This guide provides a deep dive into configuring your Arch system for a professional development environment in 2026.

1. User and Security Hardening

First, ensure your system is not running as root for daily tasks.

useradd -m -G wheel,storage,power yourusername
passwd yourusername
# Edit sudoers to allow wheel group
EDITOR=nano visudo

Pro Tip: Enable SSH key-only authentication and disable password logins to prevent brute-force attacks on your workstation.