Hope this is the right place to post this, if not, my apologies.

I have decided to TRY to install Arch Linux to my computer. I have deleted everything but Windows 10 off a 2 TB drive and so have a 1.3 GB partition which is completely blank. I have downloaded the install files to my Windows download folder, but to not know what I need to do to them before I burn them to a dvd. I need an Arch install for dummies so I will know where to go and what to do. Here's what I've downloaded, not what do I do with it, if anything before I burn it to a DVD? Thanks.
tlcmd

../
arch/ 01-Oct-2018 18:04 -
archlinux-2018.10.01-x86_64.iso 01-Oct-2018 18:05 605028352
archlinux-2018.10.01-x86_64.iso.sig 01-Oct-2018 18:06 310
archlinux-2018.10.01-x86_64.iso.torrent 01-Oct-2018 18:06 38223
archlinux-bootstrap-2018.10.01-x86_64.tar.gz 01-Oct-2018 18:06 147294586
archlinux-bootstrap-2018.10.01-x86_64.tar.gz.sig 01-Oct-2018 18:06 310
md5sums.txt 01-Oct-2018 18:06 145
sha1sums.txt 01-Oct-2018 18:06 161

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/installation_guide are the official instructions, they're actually quite well done. Print them out to follow.

If you want an EASY installation of ARch, then I'd suggest downloading Anarchy Linux instead, as that's a scripted Arch install and makes it much less time consuming and cumbersome.

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I don't want to put you off your journey of exploration, but the installation and use of Arch is usually suitable for people who are more experienced with Linux and thus wouldn't have to ask such questions, or look for a "Guide for Dummies", in the first place.

In saying that, I hope you get the help that you are looking for, but would advise that your journey with Arch may not be entirely to your satisfaction, at this point anyway, if you don't have more knowledge about the fundamentals. It might be better waiting and trying it a bit further down the line.

for what little bit I've played with it, it looks like you need a dead-e-cated hard wire network to get it downloaded, the rest looks pretty straight forward. as I use public got to sign in first to get out i do not have a means to get any network from a dead start black terminal even.

like @Timothy Miller said, you best have that how to do this, handy to follow along with it step by step.

Try this, worked for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfC5hgdtbWY

^ no, plese do NOT follow a youtube video, however well it is made, and even if it did work for someone.

the thing with archlinux, there isn't much point in using it if you don't install it the way it is intended to be installed:
unfortunately printing out won't be enough because you need to click on links, the return to the installer etc.

imnsho, you really need a second device with the wiki opened.
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all that said, nowadays a lot of arch-based distros exist, so you don't really need to install arch as such.

Thanks to all y'all,
But I am looking for this to be a learning experience. At age 78, I know I have less than 5 years of brain power left before my neurons deteriorate to the point of living with my install, but I also know that "straining the brain" will delay that deterioration. I just need to know the basics. I just do not want to lose my Windows 10.

tlcmd

The official documentation is required reading if you want a successful Arch experience.

This page describes dual-booting with Windows: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php...t_with_Windows

Of course you should fully back up your Windows partition before installing Arch, just to be safe.

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All opinions aside*, Arch has had some of the best documentation...

my signature has in the link under roots a good search link ta learn by. Have fun!

How did Windows 10 get installed, did you install it? That's easy but pricey.

Is the computer new, is there a backup already on disc or more than likely a hidden partition on your hard drive?

[Edit:]I've been texting on my brakes and now I'm off for the night but come to think of it if you have a Windows key already in your system you can download an ISO and burn that and have a backup of Windows to reinstall; I think?[End-edit]

PC make, model:

Yeah! I use arch docs loads of times, for other than arch, and it's always been helpful.

1 members found this post helpful.

Jamison 2000e, My current 3 1/2 year computer came with Windows 8 and I took advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10 when it was offered. But the "restore" on this computer is for Windows 8. However, I have installed to other computers from discs Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, and 7 previously. Also Ubuntu, several distros of Linux Mint, and tried a few others which I did not like. These were "out of the box" installs, not as complex as Arch. I can get that Windows 10 info from jellybean, but without the disc, how can I install it. Right now, my plans are to boot up my old computer which still has LMDE2 on it and lots of space and use that to learn or try to learn how to download and install Arch.

tlcmd

With Windows 10, once it has successfully activated itself on the internet, you can simply download the Windows media creator and use a totally normal Windows 10 install from that to reinstall Windows 10. Upon connecting to the internet, it will show "Windows is activated with a digital entitlement". No OEM media required.

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I mentioned this in your other thread, but it bears repeating: If you are concerned about deteriorating mental faculties, then in my opinion, you do NOT want a rolling release distro like Arch. Rolling release distros are in a state of constant and disorienting change, meaning that any software package can update at any time, for any reason. For example, you might log in one day and realize that the menus have changed, or the icons look different, or your favorite application is no longer supported. Are you sure that is that what you want?

Rather, I recommend a stable, long-term support distro. For example, if you install Linux Mint 19 MATE edition, you'll have a stable, consistent, and reliable operating system through the year 2023, requiring very little maintenance or system administration on your part. Every day, you will log in, and your system will be exactly the same as it was the day before, no changes other than minor bug fixes and security patches.

But in the end, it is your choice. Arch is a wonderful distro, and if your mind is made up, I don't want to sound negative.

OP::

I have the same, win7 to free win10, and have just as late obtained a USB Stick install of the most current Windows 10. It operates like USB Install of Linux. just plug it in and boot into it, then that comfy blue screen for installing shows up. I skip the enter the key number, then it installs. you can if one knows how still go into "expert"mode to create partitions and set that up too. Windows has the OS on the server for your key so you'll not have to worry about adding it, or losing it, it just knows. I've already had to use it twice and never had an issue with it saying it is not a valid install. so hopefully that is words of comfort if you're worried about losing windows 10 on that system.

you just need USB Stick and the web pages to go to in order to have it create you one.