Archlinux VM -- Part the First -- Smoke Test

Assuming you have a VM set up to run Archlinux, as in Part Zero ...

#1 -- Initial Set-up

We need the latest Archlinux ISO.

Download it from the main Arch site. Pick a mirror to get it via HTTP -- or, be a champ and help torrent it (refer to the same page for details).

Here, I'll be getting it from some random mirror in les Etas Unis.

The resulting view might be intimidating, but you're a pro. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death, etc. etc. etc.

Select the .ISO and download it.

Oh, right. 574 MB. On my piddling DSL line.

Coffee break!

...

So you finally have a copy of the Archlinux distribution ISO.

You'll want to boot up the VM using the ISO.

So: open the VM's Settings, and view its "Storage" options.

You'll want to attach the ISO you downloaded as an CD Device underneath the IDE Controller.

(Under "Controller: IDE", select the little CD icon with the green +)

Behold!

Now it's time for the smoke-test -- start the VM.

After a few seconds, you should see the Arch CD boot menu:

Select which architecture is appropriate -- e.g., if you're running a 32-bit machine, start the "i686" version of Arch.

Colored text will flash by as various modules are loaded off of the CD. After a few seconds, you'll be automatically logged into the new (temporary) Arch system.

Of course, this system isn't installed anywhere except on the CD. You'll need to set up the hard disk, initialize the boot-loader, and install the operating system's files. But that'll come in Part the Second ...