archlinux

28 - Graphical environment

Previous: Network configuration

References:


Let us replace the console terminal by a nice graphical terminal.

Install a desktop environment:

For example, install KDE (minimal):

sudo pacman -S plasma-desktop

In the installation dialog, select option 2) for pipewire-jack:

resolving dependencies...
:: There are 2 providers available for jack:
:: Repository extra
   1) jack2  2) pipewire-jack

Enter a number (default=1): 2

:: There are 2 providers available for qt6-multimedia-backend:
:: Repository extra
   1) qt6-multimedia-ffmpeg  2) qt6-multimedia-gstreamer

Enter a number (default=1): 1

The pipewire sound server will be automatically installed as a dependency.

Install discover for managing applications and plasma addons:

sudo pacman -S discover

Install the plasma applet for audio volume management using pulseaudio:

sudo pacman -S plasma-pa

Install KDE screenshot capture utility:

sudo pacman -S spectacle

Install kscreen for multi monitor support:

sudo pacman -S kscreen

Enter the number 30 to select the english language (or choose another language):

Enter a number (default=1): 30

(With NetworkManager only) Install the plasma applet for managing network connections:

sudo pacman -S plasma-nm

Install a display manager:

For example, install plasma login manager:

sudo pacman -S plasma-login-manager

Enable

sudo systemctl enable plasmalogin.service

Install a graphical terminal:

For example, install konsole:

sudo pacman -S konsole

Reboot the system. A graphical login screen will appear. Enter your username and password. Hit the super key and type konsole. Now you have a nice graphical terminal.


Next: Install firefox