Edit

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)

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

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
consider a minimal config with root@shiny.space and the port and IdentityFile

syncthing is cool but if you already have ssh, it's a lot of overhead
ensure unison is installed and ssh root@shiny.space works
run unison once to generate the .unison dir
copy profile: scp root@shiny.space:/root/Sync/dotfiles/unison/dot-unison/default.prf ~/.unison
unison -batch