initialize a pc

2026-02-25

Once again an attempt at a simple, personal "guide" on what i need to use an actual computer from a fresh install.

Install OS until ssh access

• install arch (encrypt root) following the wiki guide + personal notes
• ensure networking can connect (wired, or wifi, in 2026 systemd-networkd seems okay?)
• ensure ssh access INTO new pc works (copy authorized_keys file from live iso, enable sshd)

Setup User (don't use 1000)

• create group with the wanted ID
• create user with the wanted ID, specify the previously created group
• set a password on it so we can login for the next steps
• ideally copy the authorized_keys file as well, just for convenienc# Setup User (don't use 1000)
• create group with the wanted ID
• create user with the wanted ID, specify the previously created group
• set a password on it so we can login for the next steps
• ideally copy the authorized_keys file as well, just for convenience

Enable Access to Homelab for sync

• either copy existing ssh private key OR generate new and allow it on target hosts
• ideally have ~/.ssh/config available too
• having ssh access first makes initial setup easier as we don't need a graphical environment to access password manager + forge

TODO: don't use syncthing - the setup is annoying - try unison again (compiled fine on mobile/termux)

Once synced: copy or symlink relevant files

• symlink ssh config to keep it consistent
• ensure synced "scripts" dir is in $PATH
• symlink gitconfig + global gitignore
• app configs: nvim (init.lua), paru (bottomup)
• wayland stuff: sway, waybar, foot? (unsure on foot, terminfo SUX)

Ensure apps are installed:

• sway, waybar, $term, $launcher, paru (+ rustup install stable)
• browser (firefox? librewolf? others? +chromium for testing/ms)
• password manager, remotedesktop software
• git, neovim, possibly LSPs, possibly Go
• wireguard (symlink config too?)
• Steam if needed
• mpv, feh, $musicplayer