Learning Objectives:
- Install and configure display servers (Xorg and Wayland) for graphics support
- Set up appropriate graphics drivers for optimal hardware performance
- Compare and install popular desktop environments and window managers
- Configure display managers and customize desktop environments
The display server is the foundation of your graphical environment, managing communication between applications and your graphics hardware. Arch Linux supports both traditional Xorg and modern Wayland display servers.
Understanding Display Server Architecture: Display servers handle window management, input devices, and graphics rendering. Your choice affects compatibility, performance, and available features:
Xorg (X11): The mature, widely-compatible option:
- Advantages: Universal application support, extensive customization, stable
- Disadvantages: Older architecture, security limitations, performance overhead
- Best for: Maximum compatibility, older hardware, specialized applications
Wayland: The modern, security-focused protocol:
- Advantages: Better security model, improved performance, native multi-monitor support
- Disadvantages: Limited application compatibility, fewer customization options
- Best for: Modern hardware, security-conscious users, laptop users
Installing Xorg: Install the complete Xorg server and essential utilities:
# Install Xorg server and utilities
sudo pacman -S xorg-server xorg-xinit xorg-xrandr xorg-xsetroot
# Install Xorg applications (optional but useful)
sudo pacman -S xorg-apps
# Test Xorg installation
startx
Graphics Driver Installation: Proper graphics drivers are crucial for performance and stability. Identify your graphics hardware first:
# Identify graphics hardware
lspci | grep -E "VGA|3D"
lshw -c display
Intel Graphics (integrated graphics in Intel CPUs):
# Install Intel graphics drivers
sudo pacman -S mesa lib32-mesa vulkan-intel lib32-vulkan-intel
# For older Intel graphics (pre-2007)
sudo pacman -S xf86-video-intel
AMD Graphics (both integrated and discrete):
# Install AMD open-source drivers (recommended)
sudo pacman -S mesa lib32-mesa vulkan-radeon lib32-vulkan-radeon
# For older AMD cards
sudo pacman -S xf86-video-ati
# For AMDGPU (newer cards)
sudo pacman -S xf86-video-amdgpu
NVIDIA Graphics (discrete graphics cards):
# For current NVIDIA cards (proprietary driver)
sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils lib32-nvidia-utils
# For older NVIDIA cards
sudo pacman -S nvidia-390xx nvidia-390xx-utils
# Open-source alternative (limited performance)
sudo pacman -S xf86-video-nouveau
Driver Configuration and Testing: After installing drivers, configure and test your graphics setup:
# Generate Xorg configuration (if needed)
sudo Xorg :0 -configure
sudo cp /root/xorg.conf.new /etc/X11/xorg.conf
# Test graphics performance
sudo pacman -S mesa-demos
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"
glxgears # Simple performance test
Desktop environments provide the complete graphical user interface, including window management, panels, file managers, and system settings. Each offers different philosophies and user experiences.
GNOME Desktop Environment: Modern, touch-friendly interface with strong integration:
# Install GNOME desktop
sudo pacman -S gnome gnome-extra
# Install GDM display manager
sudo pacman -S gdm
sudo systemctl enable gdm
# Start GNOME session
sudo systemctl start gdm
GNOME Characteristics:
- Philosophy: Simplicity and elegance over customization
- Resource Usage: Moderate to high (1-2GB RAM)
- Customization: Limited but consistent experience
- Best for: Users who prefer polished, integrated experience
KDE Plasma Desktop: Highly customizable, feature-rich environment:
# Install KDE Plasma
sudo pacman -S plasma kde-applications
# Install SDDM display manager
sudo pacman -S sddm
sudo systemctl enable sddm
# Configure SDDM theme
sudo sddm --example-config > /etc/sddm.conf
KDE Plasma Characteristics:
- Philosophy: Maximum customization and features
- Resource Usage: Moderate (800MB-1.5GB RAM)
- Customization: Extensive theming and configuration options
- Best for: Power users who want control over their environment
XFCE Desktop Environment: Lightweight, traditional desktop experience:
# Install XFCE desktop
sudo pacman -S xfce4 xfce4-goodies
# Install LightDM display manager
sudo pacman -S lightdm lightdm-gtk-greeter
sudo systemctl enable lightdm
# Configure LightDM
sudo nano /etc/lightdm/lightdm.conf
XFCE Characteristics:
- Philosophy: Lightweight efficiency with familiar interface
- Resource Usage: Low (400-600MB RAM)
- Customization: Good balance of options and simplicity
- Best for: Older hardware, users preferring traditional desktop metaphors
Window Managers: For advanced users seeking minimal, highly customizable environments:
i3 Tiling Window Manager:
# Install i3 window manager
sudo pacman -S i3-wm i3status i3lock dmenu
# Install terminal and basic applications
sudo pacman -S alacritty firefox thunar
# Start i3 from .xinitrc
echo "exec i3" > ~/.xinitrc
startx
i3 Characteristics:
- Philosophy: Keyboard-driven, tiling window management
- Resource Usage: Very low (200-400MB RAM)
- Learning Curve: Steep but rewarding
- Best for: Developers, keyboard enthusiasts, minimal resource usage
Modern Linux audio systems provide professional-grade audio handling with low latency and advanced routing capabilities.
PulseAudio vs PipeWire: Choose your audio system based on needs and preferences:
PulseAudio (traditional, stable):
# Install PulseAudio
sudo pacman -S pulseaudio pulseaudio-alsa pavucontrol
# Start PulseAudio
pulseaudio --start
# Install audio codecs
sudo pacman -S gst-plugins-good gst-plugins-bad gst-plugins-ugly
PipeWire (modern, low-latency):
# Install PipeWire (replaces PulseAudio)
sudo pacman -S pipewire pipewire-alsa pipewire-pulse pipewire-jack pavucontrol
# Enable PipeWire services
systemctl --user enable pipewire pipewire-pulse
systemctl --user start pipewire pipewire-pulse
Multimedia Codecs and Applications: Install essential multimedia support:
# Install multimedia codecs
sudo pacman -S ffmpeg gst-libav gst-plugins-base gst-plugins-good
# Install media players
sudo pacman -S vlc mpv
# Install image viewers and editors
sudo pacman -S feh gimp
# Install office suite
sudo pacman -S libreoffice-fresh
Font Installation: Improve text rendering with quality fonts:
# Install essential fonts
sudo pacman -S ttf-dejavu ttf-liberation noto-fonts
# Install Windows fonts (AUR)
yay -S ttf-ms-fonts
# Install programming fonts
sudo pacman -S ttf-fira-code ttf-hack
Hardware Assessment: Research your specific graphics hardware and determine the optimal driver configuration. Test different driver options if you experience issues.
Desktop Environment Trial: Install and test at least two different desktop environments in virtual machines to understand their differences and choose your preference.
Display Configuration: Set up multi-monitor configurations if applicable, and learn to use xrandr or your desktop environment's display settings.
Audio Testing: Configure your chosen audio system and test with various applications to ensure proper functionality.
Customization Practice: Spend time customizing your chosen desktop environment's appearance, shortcuts, and workflow to match your preferences.
You've successfully transformed your minimal Arch Linux installation into a fully functional desktop system. Understanding the relationship between display servers, graphics drivers, and desktop environments gives you the foundation to troubleshoot graphics issues and customize your environment.
The choice between Xorg and Wayland, along with your desktop environment selection, significantly impacts your daily computing experience. Each option represents different trade-offs between compatibility, performance, and features.
Your graphics and multimedia setup now provides the foundation for productivity and entertainment. In the next module, we'll dive into system administration and services, learning to manage the underlying systems that keep your desktop environment running smoothly.