| Package
|
Category
|
Summary
|
Why
|
Alternatives
|
Tags
|
Wikilink
|
Package link
|
| brltty
|
Accessibility
|
Braille display driver for Linux/Unix
|
We need this to provide a braille terminal for the blind and sight-impaired.
|
n/a
|
accessibility, CLI
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Install_Arch_Linux_with_accessibility_options
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/brltty/
|
| espeakup
|
Accessibility
|
A light weight connector for espeak-ng and speakup
|
We need this for text-to-speech functionality. This is essential for accessibility.
|
n/a
|
audio
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Install_Arch_Linux_with_accessibility_options
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/espeakup/
|
| alsa-utils
|
Audio
|
Advanced Linux Sound Architecture - Utilities: This contains (among other utilities) the alsamixer and amixer utilities. amixer is a shell command to change audio settings, while alsamixer provides a more intuitive ncurses based interface for audio device configuration.
|
We need these to make it easy to manage sound. Sound is an accessibility concern.
|
n/a
|
accessibility, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Advanced_Linux_Sound_Architecture#ALSA_utilities
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/alsa-utils/
|
| livecd-sounds
|
Audio
|
Sound files for accessibility features in a boot medium
|
These are the accessibility sounds.
|
n/a
|
accessibility
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/livecd-sounds/
|
| sof-firmware
|
Audio
|
Sound Open Firmware
|
To get soundcards working, also more generally for DSP signal processing.
|
n/a
|
drivers, sound
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Installation_guide#Install_essential_packages
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/sof-firmware/
|
| edk2-shell
|
Boot
|
EDK2 UEFI Shell
|
Tools to work with the UEFI boot system (contemporary replacement for BIOS).
|
n/a
|
boot, BIOS, UEFI, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Unified_Extensible_Firmware_Interface#UEFI_Shell
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/edk2-shell/
|
| efibootmgr
|
Boot
|
Linux user-space application to modify the EFI Boot Manager
|
For UEFI systems, we need this to create and destroy boot entries, change the boot order, change the next running boot option, and more.
|
n/a
|
boot, BIOS, UEFI, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Unified_Extensible_Firmware_Interface#efibootmgr
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/efibootmgr/
|
| mkinitcpio
|
Boot
|
Modular initramfs image creation utility
|
This is the tool that creates the file which gets loaded into memory and acts as the boot-time root filesystem.
|
n/a
|
boot, RAM, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Mkinitcpio
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/any/mkinitcpio/
|
| mkinitcpio-archiso
|
Boot
|
Initcpio scripts used by archiso
|
These are to help setup the initrd of the live media.
|
n/a
|
boot, RAM, utils
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/mkinitcpio-archiso/
|
| mkinitcpio-nfs-utils
|
Boot
|
ipconfig and nfsmount tools for NFS root support in mkinitcpio
|
For if you want to boot from NFS (network storage)
|
n/a
|
boot, networking, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Mkinitcpio#Using_net
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/mkinitcpio-nfs-utils/
|
| syslinux
|
Boot
|
Collection of boot loaders that boot from FAT, ext2/3/4 and btrfs filesystems, from CDs and via PXE
|
Allows boot from drives, CDs, over network with PXE. (GRUB is a more robust alternative)
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_boot_process#Boot_loader
|
boot, networking, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Syslinux
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/syslinux/
|
| cloud-init
|
Cloud
|
The standard for customising cloud instances
|
It is needed in Arch Linux images that are built with the intention of being launched in cloud environments like OpenStack, AWS etc.
|
n/a
|
image, cloud-config
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Cloud-init
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/cloud-init/
|
| gnu-netcat
|
Communications
|
GNU rewrite of netcat, the network piping application
|
netcat is a CLI swiss army knife for networking, so here it is.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_tools#Netcat
|
network-client, network-server, LAN, WAN, sockets, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_tools#Netcat
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/gnu-netcat/
|
| irssi
|
Communications
|
Modular text mode IRC client with Perl scripting
|
A chat client. Why not chat to us from the live environment?
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications/Internet#IRC_clients
|
chat, IRC
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Irssi
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/irssi/
|
| lftp
|
Communications
|
Sophisticated command line based FTP client
|
We include this for any HTTP, FTP, SFTP, FISH, and BitTorrent client operations you may need to perform.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications/Internet#FTP
|
network-client, LAN, WAN, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications/Internet#FTP
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/lftp/
|
| lynx
|
Communications
|
A text browser for the World Wide Web
|
Lets you browse the web, e.g. to read the Arch Wiki Installation Guide
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications#Web_browsers
|
CLI, browser
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications#Web_browsers
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/lynx/
|
| nmap
|
Communications
|
Utility for network discovery and security auditing
|
Included for, e.g., polling for open ports on your network (many uses)
|
n/a
|
network-client, LAN, WAN, CLI, utils, security
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Nmap
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/nmap/
|
| openssh
|
Communications
|
Premier connectivity tool for remote login with the SSH protoco
|
We include this to allow any remote logins you might need to do from the live environment.
|
n/a
|
network-client, network-server, WAN, CLI, utils, networking, encryption
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/OpenSSH
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/openssh/
|
| pv
|
Communications
|
A terminal-based tool for monitoring the progress of data through a pipeline
|
"Pipe Viewer" lets you see visually how far along a data transfer is in the terminal (similar to how pacman eats data when pulling packages)
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, networking
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/pv/
|
| base
|
Core-system
|
Metapackage: Minimal package set to define a basic Arch Linux installation
|
This is the heart of the system. The packages we believe are essential for a very minimal install.
|
n/a
|
system
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Meta_package_and_package_group#Meta_packages
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/any/base/
|
| linux
|
Core-system
|
The Linux kernel and modules
|
What makes the system run.
|
n/a
|
system
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kernel
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/linux/
|
| linux-firmware
|
Core-system
|
Firmware files for Linux
|
These are the most essential proprietary device firmware binary blobs.
|
n/a
|
system
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/any/linux-firmware/
|
| amd-ucode
|
CPU
|
Microcode update image for AMD CPUs: Stability updates for the processor.
|
Makes machines with AMD processors more reliable and secure.
|
n/a
|
reliability, security
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Microcode#Installation
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/any/amd-ucode/
|
| intel-ucode
|
CPU
|
Microcode update files for Intel CPUs
|
Makes machines with Intel processors more reliable and secure.
|
n/a
|
reliability, security
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Microcode
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/intel-ucode/
|
| btrfs-progs
|
Filesystem
|
Btrfs filesystem utilities
|
We need this to make it possible to manage the btrfs fileystem (the next most common choice from ext4)
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems#Types_of_file_systems
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Btrfs#Preparation
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/btrfs-progs/
|
| clonezilla
|
Filesystem
|
ncurses partition and disk imaging/cloning program
|
We include this to allow convenient disk backup and partitioning operations.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Disk_cloning#Disk_cloning_software
|
backup, clone, partition, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Disk_cloning#Disk_cloning_software
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/clonezilla/
|
| cryptsetup
|
Filesystem
|
Userspace setup tool for transparent encryption of block devices using dm-crypt
|
We include this to allow you to encrypt your filesystems.
|
n/a
|
encryption, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Dm-crypt/Device_encryption#Cryptsetup_usage
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/cryptsetup/
|
| ddrescue
|
Filesystem
|
GNU data recovery tool
|
We include this to allow for robust data copy/recovery from the live environment.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Disk_cloning#Disk_cloning_software
|
backup, clone, data-recovery
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Disk_cloning#Using_ddrescue
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/ddrescue/
|
| dmraid
|
Filesystem
|
Device mapper RAID interface
|
We include this so that you can, e.g., setup dual-boot with Arch and another OS (there are other uses too).
|
n/a
|
RAID, boot
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Install_Arch_Linux_with_Fake_RAID
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/dmraid/
|
| dosfstools
|
Filesystem
|
DOS filesystem utilities
|
For working with FAT filesystems (e.g., floppies or small USB disks)
|
n/a
|
windows, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Floppy_disks#Installation
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/dosfstools/
|
| e2fsprogs
|
Filesystem
|
Ext2/3/4 filesystem utilities
|
Tools to work with the most common Linux filesystems.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Ext4#Create_a_new_ext4_filesystem
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/e2fsprogs/
|
| exfatprogs
|
Filesystem
|
exFAT filesystem userspace utilities for the Linux Kernel exfat drive
|
Useful for managing devices using exFAT filesystem (e.g. large USB drives).
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems#Types_of_file_systems
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/exfatprogs/
|
| f2fs-tools
|
Filesystem
|
Tools for Flash-Friendly File System (F2FS)
|
Useful for managing devices using F2FS filesystem (e.g. eMMC and SD cards)
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/F2FS
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/f2fs-tools/
|
| fatresize
|
Filesystem
|
A utility to resize FAT filesystems using libparted
|
Useful to resize FAT disk partitions.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, partition, disk
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/fatresize/
|
| fsarchiver
|
Filesystem
|
Safe and flexible file-system backup and deployment tool
|
Another option for backup and copy operations.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Disk_cloning#Disk_cloning_software
|
CLI, backup, clone, partition, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Disk_cloning#Disk_cloning_software
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/fsarchiver/
|
| gpart
|
Filesystem
|
Partition table rescue/guessing tool
|
This can guess the contents of a destroyed MBR partition table.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Partitioning#Recovery
|
CLI, partition, recovery
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Partitioning#Recovery
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/gpart/
|
| gptfdisk
|
Filesystem
|
A text-mode partitioning tool that works on GUID Partition Table (GPT) disks
|
Allows you to manage partitions for the newer style GUID GPT disks (vs older MBR)
|
n/a
|
CLI, disk, partition
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/GPT_fdisk
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/gptfdisk/
|
| hdparm
|
Filesystem
|
A shell utility for manipulating Linux IDE drive/driver parameters
|
Helps with managing physical disk drives (e.g. put a drive to sleep).
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Hdparm
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/hdparm/
|
| jfsutils
|
Filesystem
|
JFS filesystem utilities
|
CLI tools to work with Journaled File System
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems#Types_of_file_systems
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/JFS
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/jfsutils/
|
| lsscsi
|
Filesystem
|
A tool that lists devices connected via SCSI and its transports
|
CLI tool to see info about SCSI devices, e.g. disk drives
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/lsscsi/
|
| lvm2
|
Filesystem
|
Logical Volume Manager 2 utilities
|
Allows you to setup logical volumes (partitioning independent of physical disks)
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk, partition
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/LVM
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/lvm2/
|
| mc
|
Filesystem
|
A file manager that emulates Norton Commander
|
Lets you interactively manage your files in the terminal.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications/Utilities#File_managers
|
CLI, utils, curses
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Midnight_Commander
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/mc/
|
| mdadm
|
Filesystem
|
A tool for managing/monitoring Linux md device arrays, also known as Software RAID
|
Software RAID management. We include this so that you can, e.g., setup dual-boot with Arch and another OS (there are other uses too).
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/RAID
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/mdadm/
|
| mtools
|
Filesystem
|
A collection of utilities to access MS-DOS disks
|
For working with FAT filesystems (e.g., floppies or small USB disks)
|
n/a
|
disk, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/FAT#Detecting_FAT_type
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/mtools/
|
| nbd
|
Filesystem
|
tools for network block devices, allowing you to use remote block devices over TCP/IP
|
For if you want to boot from NBD (network storage)
|
n/a
|
networking, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Diskless_system
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/nbd/
|
| nfs-utils
|
Filesystem
|
Support programs for Network File Systems
|
For if you're working with NFS (network storage)
|
n/a
|
networking, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/NFS
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/nfs-utils/
|
| nilfs-utils
|
Filesystem
|
A log-structured file system supporting continuous snapshotting (userspace utils)
|
For working with NILFS2 filesystems.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems#Types_of_file_systems
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/nilfs-utils/
|
| ntfs-3g
|
Filesystem
|
NTFS filesystem driver and utilities
|
To allow read/write access to NTFS (Windows) filesystems
|
n/a
|
disk, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/NTFS-3G
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/ntfs-3g/
|
| nvme-cli
|
Filesystem
|
NVM-Express user space tooling for Linux
|
Tools for working with fast, new SSDs over PCI-e (NVMe)
|
n/a
|
disk, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Solid_state_drive/NVMe
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/nvme-cli/
|
| partclone
|
Filesystem
|
Utilities to save and restore used blocks on a partition
|
Allows you to back up and restore partitions in a used-blocks-only manner.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Disk_cloning#Disk_cloning_software
|
CLI, backup, clone, partition, disk, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Partclone
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/partclone/
|
| parted
|
Filesystem
|
A program for creating, destroying, resizing, checking and copying partitions
|
A commonly used option for partitioning disks.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Partitioning#Partitioning_tools
|
CLI, partition, disk, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Parted
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/parted/
|
| partimage
|
Filesystem
|
Partition Image saves partitions in many formats to an image file.
|
Allows you to back up and restore partitions in an imaging-based manner.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Disk_cloning#Disk_cloning_software
|
CLI, partition, disk, backup, image, utils
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/partimage/
|
| reiserfsprogs
|
Filesystem
|
Reiserfs utilities
|
Useful for managing devices using ReiserFS filesystem
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems#Types_of_file_systems
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems#Types_of_file_systems
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/reiserfsprogs/
|
| rsync
|
Filesystem
|
A fast and versatile file copying tool for remote and local files
|
One of the most robust and versatile tools for all sorts of file copy activity, particularly keeping things syncronized.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Synchronization_and_backup_programs#Data_synchronization
|
disk, networking, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Rsync
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/rsync/
|
| sdparm
|
Filesystem
|
An utility similar to hdparm but for SCSI devices
|
Helps with managing SCSI disk drives (e.g. put a drive to sleep).
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Hdparm
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/sdparm/
|
| sg3_utils
|
Filesystem
|
Generic SCSI utilities
|
A general toolset to send low level commands to SCSI devices (e.g. SAS, CD/DVD, Fibre Channel).
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
n/a, see: http://sg.danny.cz/sg/sg3_utils.html
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/sg3_utils/
|
| smartmontools
|
Filesystem
|
Control and monitor S.M.A.R.T. enabled ATA and SCSI Hard Drives
|
CLI tools to help you check on the health of your disks.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/S.M.A.R.T.
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/smartmontools/
|
| squashfs-tools
|
Filesystem
|
Tools for squashfs, a highly compressed read-only filesystem for Linux.
|
For working with SquashFS filesystems; used, e.g., for archives.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems#Read-only_file_systems
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/squashfs-tools/
|
| testdisk
|
Filesystem
|
Checks and undeletes partitions + PhotoRec, signature based recovery tool
|
Helps recover lost partitions and/or make non-booting disks bootable again when these symptoms are caused by faulty software, certain types of viruses, or human error, such as the accidental deletion of partition tables.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_recovery
|
CLI, backup, data-recovery, partition, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_recovery#TestDisk_and_PhotoRec
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/testdisk/
|
| udftools
|
Filesystem
|
Linux tools for UDF filesystems and DVD/CD-R(W) drives
|
For working with UDF filesystems (e.g., on CD/DVDs)
|
n/a
|
disk, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/File_systems#Types_of_file_systems
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/udftools/
|
| xfsprogs
|
Filesystem
|
XFS filesystem utilities
|
Tools to work with XFS filesystems.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, disk
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/XFS
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/xfsprogs/
|
| man-db
|
Help
|
A utility for reading man pages
|
So that you can get help on commands in the terminal.
|
n/a
|
documentation
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Man_page
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/man-db/
|
| man-pages
|
Help
|
Linux man pages
|
So that you can get help on commands in the terminal.
|
n/a
|
documentation
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Man_page
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/any/man-pages/
|
| gpm
|
Input
|
A mouse server for the console and xterm
|
Included to allow you to use mouse in the terminal for, e.g., curses applications.
|
n/a
|
mouse, CLI
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/General_purpose_mouse
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/gpm/
|
| arch-install-scripts
|
Install
|
Scripts to aid in installing Arch Linux: (e.g., arch-chroot, genfstab, pacstrap)
|
We write these to make it easier to get the system running.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/DeveloperWiki:Projects
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/arch-install-scripts/
|
| archinstall
|
Install
|
The official guided installer.
|
We wrote this to streamline the install process for the most common uses.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Installation_process
|
CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Archinstall
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/archinstall/
|
| memtest86+
|
Memory
|
Advanced memory diagnostic too
|
So that you can ensure your RAM is stable / error free.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, RAM
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Stress_testing#Stressing_memory
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/memtest86+/
|
| b43-fwcutter
|
Networking
|
firmware extractor for the b43 kernel module
|
We included this to enable Wi-Fi support for very common Broadcom chipset devices.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#Device_driver
|
Drivers, Wi-Fi, Kernel-module
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Broadcom_wireless#b43
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/b43-fwcutter/
|
| bind-tools (this has been replaced by bind and not updated yet)
|
Networking
|
A complete, highly portable implementation of the DNS protocol
|
We included this to allow resolving domain names, e.g. archlinux.org
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils, server
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/BIND
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/bind/
|
| broadcom-wl
|
Networking
|
Broadcom 802.11 Linux STA wireless driver
|
We included this to enable Wi-Fi support for very common Broadcom chipset devices.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#Device_driver
|
Drivers, Wi-Fi
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Broadcom_wireless#broadcom-wl
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/broadcom-wl/
|
| crda
|
Networking
|
Central Regulatory Domain Agent for wireless networks
|
We need this to tell your Wi-Fi card which frequencies it's legal to use in your country (deprecated alternative to wireless-regdb)
|
wireless-regdb
|
Wi-Fi
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#Respecting_the_regulatory_domain
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/crda/
|
| dhclient
|
Networking
|
A standalone DHCP client from the dhcp package
|
We include this so that your computer can receive an IP from, e.g., your home router.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration#DHCP
|
network-client
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration#DHCP
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/dhclient/
|
| dhcpcd
|
Networking
|
RFC2131 compliant DHCP client daemon
|
Alternative to dhclient above.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration#DHCP
|
network-client
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Dhcpcd
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/dhcpcd/
|
| dnsmasq
|
Networking
|
Lightweight, easy to configure DNS forwarder and DHCP server
|
Serves as a DNS cache and provides a DHCP server if you need to use the live environment as a router.
|
n/a
|
network-server
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Dnsmasq
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/dnsmasq/
|
| ethtool
|
Networking
|
Utility for controlling network drivers and hardware
|
Useful for managing your wired NIC.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Wake-on-LAN#Enable_WoL_on_the_network_adapter
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/ethtool/
|
| ipw2100-fw
|
Networking
|
Intel Centrino Drivers firmware for IPW2100
|
Wi-Fi drivers for common Intel chipset
|
n/a
|
Wi-Fi, LAN, Drivers
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#ipw2100_and_ipw2200
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/any/ipw2100-fw/
|
| ipw2200-fw
|
Networking
|
Firmware for the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG
|
Wi-Fi drivers for common Intel chipset
|
n/a
|
Wi-Fi, LAN, Drivers
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#ipw2100_and_ipw2200
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/any/ipw2200-fw/
|
| iw
|
Networking
|
nl80211 based CLI configuration utility for wireless devices
|
Allows you to configure your Wi-Fi networking.
|
n/a
|
Wi-Fi, LAN, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#iw
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/iw/
|
| iwd
|
Networking
|
Internet Wireless Daemon
|
Provides iwctl tool. Use to connect to wi-fi networks.
|
wpa_supplicant
|
Wi-Fi, LAN, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Iwd
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/iwd/
|
| linux-atm
|
Networking
|
Drivers and tools to support ATM networking under Linux.
|
Why do we include this? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asynchronous_Transfer_Mode
|
n/a
|
WAN, obsolete
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/linux-atm/
|
| modemmanager
|
Networking
|
Mobile broadband modem management service
|
To control 3G/4G modems (e.g. USB devices or bluetooth-paired phones)
|
n/a
|
cellular-data, WAN, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Mobile_broadband_modem#ModemManager
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/modemmanager/
|
| ndisc6
|
Networking
|
Collection of IPv6 networking utilities
|
For if you need to use IPv6
|
n/a
|
networking, utils
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/ndisc6/
|
| openconnect
|
Networking
|
Open client for Cisco AnyConnect VPN
|
Allows you to connect to a Cisco VPN
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Virtual_Private_Network
|
network-client, encryption, WAN, VPN
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/OpenConnect
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/openconnect/
|
| openvpn
|
Networking
|
An easy-to-use, robust and highly configurable VPN (Virtual Private Network)
|
Allows you to connect to an OpenVPN network
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Virtual_Private_Network
|
network-client, encryption, WAN, VPN
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/OpenVPN
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/openvpn/
|
| ppp
|
Networking
|
A daemon which implements the Point-to-Point Protocol for dial-up networking
|
Allows use of, e.g., 3G, L2TP, and PPPoE for networking.
|
n/a
|
radio, 3G, dial-up, WAN
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Ppp
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/ppp/
|
| pptpclient
|
Networking
|
Client for the proprietary Microsoft Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, PPTP
|
Allow connection to PPTP VPNs, (e.g. Microsoft-based)
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Virtual_Private_Network
|
network-client, encryption, VPN
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/PPTP_Client
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/pptpclient/
|
| rp-pppoe
|
Networking
|
Roaring Penguin's Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet client
|
Allows you to connect to, e.g., a DSL internet provider
|
n/a
|
network-client, WAN, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Ppp
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/rp-pppoe/
|
| systemd-resolvconf
|
Networking
|
systemd resolvconf replacement (for use with systemd-resolved)
|
It's a DNS middleware to help manage /etc/resolv.conf (since lots of software might want to dynamically manage it)
|
n/a
|
network-client, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Systemd-resolved#Automatically
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/systemd-resolvconf/
|
| tcpdump
|
Networking
|
Powerful command-line packet analyzer
|
Lets you see what TCP/IP packets are coming and going from your system.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Wireshark
|
network-debug
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_Debugging#Tcpdump
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/tcpdump/
|
| vpnc
|
Networking
|
VPN client for cisco3000 VPN Concentrators
|
Allows you to connect to a Cisco hardware VPN
|
n/a
|
network-client, encryption, WAN, VPN
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Vpnc
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/vpnc/
|
| wireless-regdb
|
Networking
|
Central Regulatory Domain Database
|
We need this to tell your Wi-Fi card which frequencies it's legal to use in your country
|
crda
|
Wi-Fi
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#Respecting_the_regulatory_domain
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/any/wireless-regdb/
|
| wireless_tools
|
Networking
|
Tools allowing to manipulate the Wireless Extensions
|
Tools like iwconfig and iwlist to help configure your Wi-Fi NICs.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#Utilities
|
Wi-Fi, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Network_configuration/Wireless#iw_and_wireless_tools_comparison
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/wireless_tools/
|
| wpa_supplicant
|
Networking
|
A utility providing key negotiation for WPA wireless networks
|
A tool for connecting to Wi-Fi networks.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Iwd
|
Wi-Fi, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Wpa_supplicant
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/wpa_supplicant/
|
| wvdial
|
Networking
|
A dialer program to connect to the Internet
|
A tool to connect to PPP networks, for internet access (e.g. over a 3G modem).
|
n/a
|
radio, 3G, dial-up, WAN
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Wvdial
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/wvdial/
|
| xl2tpd
|
Networking
|
an open source implementation of the L2TP
|
Mostly to allow PPP-based internet connections.
|
n/a
|
radio, 3G, dial-up, WAN
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Ppp
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/xl2tpd/
|
| reflector
|
Package-management
|
A Python 3 module and script to retrieve and filter the latest Pacman mirror list
|
Allows you to get the latest mirror list from the Arch Linux Mirror Status page, filter the most up-to-date mirrors, sort them by speed and overwrite the file /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist
|
n/a
|
pacman, CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Reflector
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/reflector/
|
| pcsclite
|
Radio
|
PC/SC Architecture smartcard middleware library
|
Allows interaction with smartcard and NFC devices.
|
n/a
|
nfc
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/NFC
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/pcsclite/
|
| libfido2
|
Security
|
Library functionality for FIDO 2.0, including communication with a device over USB
|
Allows use of a 2nd factor hardware authenticator, e.g. for SSH connections.
|
n/a
|
auth
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/SSH_keys#FIDO/U2F
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/libfido2/
|
| sudo
|
Security
|
Give certain users the ability to run some commands as root
|
A tool to, e.g., help avoid doing too much with the most privileged root user.
|
n/a
|
auth
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Sudo
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/sudo/
|
| tpm2-tss
|
Security
|
Implementation of the TCG Trusted Platform Module 2.0 Software Stack (TSS2)
|
Libraries to work with a TPM and enable, e.g., secure-boot, key storage, and RNG
|
n/a
|
encryption, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Trusted_Platform_Module#Other_good_examples_of_TPM_2.0_usage
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/tpm2-tss/
|
| darkhttpd
|
Server
|
A small and secure static webserver
|
We include this for instances you might need a simple web server, e.g. to use the live environment as a PXE boot server.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Web_server
|
web-server, http
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Preboot_Execution_Environment#Transferring_archiso_root_filesystem
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/darkhttpd/
|
| grml-zsh-config
|
Shell
|
grml's zsh setup
|
Some zsh shell configs oriented towards sysadmins and live installer use (from the GRML project). See: https://grml.org/zsh/grml-zsh-refcard.pdf
|
n/a
|
config
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Zsh#Sample_.zshrc_files
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/grml-zsh-config/
|
| zsh
|
Shell
|
A very advanced and programmable command interpreter (shell) for UNIX
|
The shell and terminal interpreter used for the live environment. (bash is a common alternative)
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Command-line_shell
|
CLI, terminal
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Zsh
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/zsh/
|
| kitty-terminfo
|
Terminal
|
Terminfo for kitty, an OpenGL-based terminal emulator
|
Why do we include this? I don't see kitty itself included.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications/Utilities#Terminal_emulators
|
config, CLI
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kitty
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/kitty-terminfo/
|
| rxvt-unicode-terminfo
|
Terminal
|
Terminfo files for urxvt
|
Why do we include this? I don't see rxvt itself included.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications/Utilities#Terminal_emulators
|
config, CLI
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Rxvt-unicode
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/rxvt-unicode-terminfo/
|
| screen
|
Terminal
|
GNU Screen: Full-screen window manager that multiplexes a physical terminal
|
Allows you to, e.g., setup a persistent terminal you can detach from and come back to later.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Terminal_multiplexers
|
persistence, CLI
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/GNU_Screen
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/screen/
|
| terminus-font
|
Terminal
|
Monospace bitmap font (for X11 and console)
|
We like this console font.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Fonts
|
fonts
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Linux_console#Fonts
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/any/terminus-font/
|
| tmux
|
Terminal
|
A terminal multiplexer
|
Allows you to, e.g., setup a persistent terminal you can detach from and come back to later (a more modern alterantive to screen)
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Terminal_multiplexers
|
persistence, CLI
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Tmux
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/tmux/
|
| libusb-compat
|
USB
|
Library to enable user space application programs to communicate with USB devices
|
We include this to simplify USB device interaction.
|
n/a
|
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/libusb-compat/
|
| usb_modeswitch
|
USB
|
Activating switchable USB devices on Linux.
|
For changing the running mode of USB devices (e.g., mass-storage or controllable for a digicam)
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Mobile_broadband_modem#Mode_switching
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/usb_modeswitch/
|
| usbmuxd
|
USB
|
USB Multiplex Daemon
|
For connecting to iOS (Apple mobile) devices
|
n/a
|
iOS
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/IOS#Usbmux_daemon
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/IOS#Usbmux_daemon
|
| usbutils
|
USB
|
A collection of USB tools to query connected USB devices
|
Useful to, e.g., list attached USB devices (lsusb).
|
graphical: usbview
|
CLI, utils
|
n/a (there probably ought to be a wiki page about this…)
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/usbutils/
|
| diffutils
|
Utilities
|
Utility programs used for creating patch files
|
Very important for comparing files and applying patches.
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Core_utilities#Essentials
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/diffutils/
|
| less
|
Utilities
|
A terminal based program for viewing text files
|
Provides pagination for, e.g., viewing large text files in a terminal
|
n/a
|
CLI, utils
|
n/a
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/less/
|
| nano
|
Utilities
|
Pico editor clone with enhancements
|
A simple text editor, e.g. for changing config files
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Category:Text_editors
|
utils, text
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Nano
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/nano/
|
| vim
|
Utilities
|
Vi Improved, a highly configurable, improved version of the vi text editor
|
The go-to configurable, quick-loading text editor of many sysadmins. Steep learning curve.
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/List_of_applications/Documents#Text_editors
|
utils, text
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Vim
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/vim/
|
| qemu-guest-agent
|
Virtualization
|
QEMU Guest Agent
|
Allows you to send QMP commands to a guest virtual machine within the live environment.
|
n/a
|
VM, CLI, utils
|
n/a, see: https://wiki.qemu.org/Features/GuestAgent
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/qemu-guest-agent/
|
| virtualbox-guest-utils-nox
|
Virtualization
|
VirtualBox Guest userspace utilities without X support
|
For if you are running the live environment as a Virtualbox Guest VM
|
n/a
|
VM, utils
|
https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/VirtualBox#Installation_steps_for_Arch_Linux_guests
|
https://archlinux.org/packages/extra/x86_64/virtualbox-guest-utils-nox/
|