ArchLabs Linux is a free and open-source GNU/Linux distribution based on the acclaimed Arch Linux operating system and built around the lightweight Openbox window manager. It’s inspired by the look and feel of the BunsenLabs distro formerly known as CrunchBang Linux.
In fact, the developers of ArchLabs Linux call it a clone of BunsenLabs, but a clone of its own. Also, it should be noted the fact that BunsenLabs is currently based on Debian GNU/Linux and not Arch Linux, which offers users more flexibility over installed applications and overall system configuration. Similar to BunsenLabs, ArchLabs Linux wants to be a lightweight distro.
Available for 64-bit computers
ArchLabs Linux is distributed as a single live and installable ISO image that supports only 64-bit (x86_64/amd64) computers. The difference between this distro and Arch Linux is that ArchLabs Linux lets users try the operating system with a desktop environment before they decide to install it on their personal computers.
Boot options
The bootloader is quite the same as that of Arch Linux, letting the user to boot the live environment, boot an existing operating system installed on the host computer, run a memory test using Memtest86+, view if their hardware is supported with HDT (Hardware Detection Tool), as well as to reboot and power off the computer.
A fast distro with a minimal package base
Once you boot ArchLabs Linux for the first time on your personal computer, you’ll see how fast it is. That’s because of the super lightweight Openbox window manager, which isn’t a desktop environment per se. Also, ArchLabs Linux has a minimal package base pre-installed so it won’t be classified as bloatware.
Default applications include the Thunar file manager, Termite terminal emulator, Geany email client, Mozilla Firefox web browser, Audacious audio player, MPV video player, and Skippy-XD window management tool. A bunch of various ArchLabs Applications and scripts are included as well in the default install.
Supports multiple window managers, offers easy disk installation
In addition to the Openbox window manager, users will find a selection of other similar lightweight window managers, including the popular i3, Awesome, Bspwm, and Xfce4. A set of minimal themes is provided with these window managers for diversity, with ArchLabs Dark theme being the default one for Openbox in both GTK+ 2 and GTK+ 3 flavors, and ArchLabs Iconset as default icon set.
The Conky system monitoring tool and Tint2 panel are used by default, and there’s a Welcome screen included that lets users easily install additional apps, window manager, and desktop environments. Users can easily switch between panels and docks, as well as to easily install the operating system on their personal computers with the ABIF (Arch Base Installation Framework) installer.
Keyboard-driven navigation, rolling distro
One important thing should be noted here about ArchLabs Linux, namely the fact that the distribution is mainly designed for power users as it uses keyboard-driven navigation by default. Of course, if you install another desktop environment or window manager instead of Openbox, then it’s a totally different thing and you’ll also be able to use your mouse all the time.
But that’s not the point of ArchLabs Linux, which is targeted at advanced Linux users who like simplicity over ease of use. Being based on Arch Linux, ArchLabs Linux is a rolling distro where you install once and receive updates forever or until you reinstall. It’s the perfect BunsenLabs/CrunchBang Linux clone if you’re an Arch Linux fan.
