ArchServer

As its name suggests, ArchServer is an open source distribution of Linux based off of Arch Linux and designed from the ground up to be widely used as a server system. It is stable, reliable and uses a rolling-release model, keeping things simple and up-to-date.

It is distributed as installable-only CDs, in multiple editions

There are two editions available for download, Core and NetInstall. Both are available from the download section above and come with three different ISO images, one for the 32-bit architecture, another one for the 64-bit hardware platforms and the third one is dual-arch supporting both 32-bit and 64-bit instruction set architectures.

While the NetInstall edition is dedicated to those of you want to install ArchServer from network, the Core edition is perfect for those who want to have the complete distribution at their fingerprints.

Except for the dual-arch Core ISO image, which exceeds the size of a normal CD disc, the rest of the ISO images have will fit perfectly on CD discs or USB thumb drives of 1GB or higher capacity.

Boot menu à la Arch Linux

All the ISO images of the ArchServer operating system use Arch Linux’s default boot menu, which allow users to start the operating system with the default kernel or with serial console, boot an existing OS from the local drive, perform a system memory diagnostic test, as well as to view detailed information about the hardware components of their computers.

The entire installation process is text based

A few seconds after booting the live system using the first or second option on the boot menu, you will be dropped to a shell prompt where you must login using the root username. To start the installation process, which takes place entirely in text-mode, you must run the /arch/setup command.

What is new in this release:

• This version features the latest long term support (LTS) kernel, 2.6.32.28.
• It was updated to the latest pacman version (3.4.2).
• DHCP or Static IP (fallback) is now used during remote installation.
• Dual architecture ISO images were provided.
• Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) packages such as redmine, sonar, and hudson are now available.
• Ruby 1.8 is now available in testing.
• Arch Installation Framework (AIF) was updated.
• Installation over Serial Support was added.