2017-07-24 9:36 GMT+02:00 Junayeed Ahnaf via arch-general <arch-general@archlinux.org>:
All fine and good but I don't see arch being installed on something other than desktop/laptop. Of course there are niche cases as arch server I do not doubt but how much of arch install base is traditional desktop? I think it's rather high. I currently have 8 Arch machines, 5 of which are pure servers and 2 are server/desktop hybrids, one is an aging laptop which barely runs anything with a GUI. None have NM installed, most use Connman , the others 'just work' and need nothing more than the basics already there. I'm obviously not alone in finding Arch suitable for many purposes other than a desktop machine, as indicated by other replies.
On 07/24/2017 01:30 PM, ITwrx.org wrote:
On 07/24/2017 12:30 AM, Junayeed Ahnaf via arch-general wrote:
Why is there no NetworkManager in ArchISO? Arch Linux is not like desktop focused distributions. Therefore, it's ISO does not come with "everything but the kitchen sink" where you have a turn-key desktop after running a GUI installer or install script. It has the base set of software you need to assemble what you need for your given install target.
Isn't it widely accepted as the go to method of connecting to internet in Linux? No, not in general like that. Network manager is primarily used for network management with desktop environments, most commonly Gnome, as the other respondent noted. Arch Linux is used in many different ways, not only for the desktop.
Is there any reason for it not to be default? The defaults for the ISO would generally be the simpler options, and less likely to be something large with a lot of dependencies. Also, minimalist ISOs were the norm rather than the exception in years past and for Reasons. They still are in some cases or with some distros. Also, there are not always application defaults with Arch Linux like you might have with a desktop distro. Arch is "DIY/build your own and choose your own defaults (for the most part)" type of distro.