Recently re-installed Arch on a workstation where I installed a new SSD. For some reason, I really enjoy going through the Arch install process – I’d almost call it fun. I’ve also put together a little playbook for how I set up Arch. Although the process may not be quite as quick as the Ubuntu installer, I think it is getting close – especially when you consider the long term benefits of Arch – in the end I feel I save time over fighting Ubuntu, slogging through the periodic updates, etc.
Maybe it is the feeling of being a little more in control over what happens on a computer – knowing exactly what got installed, only enabling services I really need, etc. Perhaps this is an example of taking care of yourself. It always helps to understand how things work.