Arch Linux Post-Install Setup Script

This repository contains a comprehensive post-installation script (arch-setup.sh) for Arch Linux. While originally tailored for a Huawei Matebook X Pro, it has been refactored to be modular and useful for a wide range of laptops, especially those with Intel CPUs and optional NVIDIA GPUs.

The script automates the setup of a full-featured, optimized, and power-efficient GNOME desktop environment.

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Usage

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/Aatricks/Arch-Matebook-X-Pro.git
   cd Arch-Matebook-X-Pro

2. Review the script (Recommended): Open arch-setup.sh in a text editor to see what it does. You can easily comment out functions in the main() section at the bottom of the script to skip steps you don't want.

3. Make the script executable and run it:

   chmod +x arch-setup.sh
   ./arch-setup.sh

   The script will prompt for your password when it needs to perform administrative tasks. Some steps are interactive and will ask for your confirmation (e.g., installing undervolting tools).

Features

The script is broken down into logical functions for clarity and customization.

1. System Preparation

• Tidy Environment: Removes default user directories like ~/Music, ~/Videos, etc.
• Pacman Optimization:
  • Enables color output, parallel downloads.
  • Enables the multilib repository for 32-bit software support (essential for Steam).
• System Update: Fully updates the system.
• Mirror Refresh: Installs reflector to find and configure the fastest, most up-to-date package mirrors.
• Base Tools: Installs essential packages like base-devel, git, curl, and htop.

2. AUR Helper

• Paru: Automatically installs the paru AUR helper to seamlessly install packages from the Arch User Repository.

3. GNOME Desktop

• Xorg & GNOME: Installs the Xorg display server and a curated set of GNOME packages for a clean, functional desktop.
• GDM: Enables the GNOME Display Manager to start automatically.

4. Power Management & Performance

• TLP: Installs and configures TLP with a detailed custom configuration (/etc/tlp.d/99-custom.conf) to significantly improve battery life and manage performance profiles for AC vs. Battery states.
• CPU Tools: Installs intel-ucode (CPU microcode updates) and other power management tools.
• Undervolting (Optional): Prompts the user to install and configure intel-undervolt from the AUR, applying safe undervolts to the CPU and GPU to reduce heat and power consumption.

5. Graphics Drivers & Configuration

• Intel & NVIDIA: Installs drivers for Intel integrated graphics. It also detects if an NVIDIA GPU is present and installs the appropriate nvidia-dkms drivers.
• Hardware Acceleration: Configures environment variables (/etc/environment) for VA-API video acceleration.
• GPU Switching (Optional): On laptops with NVIDIA Optimus, it prompts the user to install envycontrol and set the GPU to integrated mode to maximize battery life.

6. Applications & Shell

• Essential Apps: Installs a wide range of applications from the official repositories, AUR, and Flatpak:
  • Dev: visual-studio-code-insiders-bin, otf-monaspace (font).
  • Web: brave-bin.
  • Communication: dev.vencord.Vesktop (Discord client via Flatpak).
  • System: fish (and sets it as the default shell), gnome-tweaks, dconf-editor, papirus-icon-theme.
  • Gaming: steam, gamemode, proton-ge-custom-bin.
  • Media: vlc, com.spotify.Client (Flatpak).
• Python Tooling (Optional): Prompts to install uv, a fast Python package manager from Astral.

7. GNOME Customization

• Settings Restore: Applies custom GNOME settings by loading the included gnome-settings.dconf file. This configures the dock, theme, and other preferences.
• Extensions: Installs a set of useful GNOME Shell extensions using gnome-extensions-cli, including:
  • Dash to Dock
  • Caffeine (disable screensaver)
  • Blur My Shell
  • AppIndicator Support

8. System Services

• Bluetooth: Installs the necessary packages and enables the Bluetooth service.
• Laptop Tweaks: Detects if the machine is a laptop to apply specific configurations like enabling TLP.
• NVIDIA Containers (Optional): Prompts to set up the NVIDIA Container Toolkit for using the GPU within Podman/Docker containers.

Post-Installation

After the script completes, it will ask if you want to reboot. A reboot is recommended to ensure all changes, services, and the new default shell take effect.

Tip

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