PixelArch OS

pixelarch-logo pixelarch-logo

PixelArch OS: A Docker-Optimized Arch Linux Distribution

PixelArch OS is a lightweight and efficient Arch Linux distribution designed for containerized environments. It provides a streamlined platform for developing, deploying, and managing Docker-based workflows.

Key Features:

  • Arch-Based: Built on the foundation of Arch Linux, known for its flexibility and extensive package selection.
  • Docker-Optimized: Tailored for efficient Docker usage, allowing for seamless integration with your containerized workflows.
  • Frequent Updates: Regularly receives security and performance updates, ensuring a secure and up-to-date environment.
  • Package Management: Utilizes the powerful yay package manager alongside the traditional pacman, providing a flexible and efficient way to manage software packages.
  • Minimal Footprint: Designed to be lightweight and resource-efficient, ideal for running in Docker containers.

PixelArch Flavors: A Tiered Approach

PixelArch is offered in a tiered structure, with each level building upon the previous, providing increasing functionality and customization options:

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Level 1: Quartz

Image Size - 1.4GB

The foundation: a minimal base system providing a clean slate for your specific needs.

Level 2: Amethyst

Image Size - 1.99GB

Core utilities and quality-of-life tools. Common packages include curl, wget, and docker.

Level 3: Topaz

Image Size - 3.73GB

Development-focused. Pre-configured with key languages and tools such as python, nodejs, and rust.

Level 4: Emerald

Image Size - 5.33GB

Remote access, Agents, and developer tooling, presented for clarity:

  • Remote access: openssh, tmate
  • Tor utilities: tor, torsocks, torbrowser-launcher
  • Developer CLIs:
    • gh (GitHub CLI)
  • LRM Agent Systems:
    • claude-code
    • openai-codex-bin
    • github-copilot-cli
  • Text browser: lynx

This flavor is optimized for secure remote workflows and developer interactions.

Getting Started

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  • Step 1. Setup the OS (distrobox create -i lunamidori5/pixelarch:quartz -n PixelArch --root)
  • Step 2. Enter the OS (distrobox enter PixelArch --root)
  • Step 1. Setup the OS (distrobox create -i lunamidori5/pixelarch:amethyst -n PixelArch --root)
  • Step 2. Enter the OS (distrobox enter PixelArch --root)
  • Step 1. Setup the OS (distrobox create -i lunamidori5/pixelarch:topaz -n PixelArch --root)
  • Step 2. Enter the OS (distrobox enter PixelArch --root)
  • Step 1. Setup the OS (distrobox create -i lunamidori5/pixelarch:emerald -n PixelArch --root)
  • Step 2. Enter the OS (distrobox enter PixelArch --root)

1. Create a docker-compose.yaml

Pick a flavor and create a docker-compose.yaml with the matching config:

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services:
  pixelarch-os:
    image: lunamidori5/pixelarch:quartz
    tty: true
    restart: always
    privileged: false
    command: ["sleep", "infinity"]
services:
  pixelarch-os:
    image: lunamidori5/pixelarch:amethyst
    tty: true
    restart: always
    privileged: true
    command: ["sleep", "infinity"]
    volumes:
      - /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock
services:
  pixelarch-os:
    image: lunamidori5/pixelarch:topaz
    tty: true
    restart: always
    privileged: true
    command: ["sleep", "infinity"]
    volumes:
      - /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock
services:
  pixelarch-os:
    image: lunamidori5/pixelarch:emerald
    tty: true
    restart: always
    privileged: true
    command: ["sleep", "infinity"]
    volumes:
      - /var/run/docker.sock:/var/run/docker.sock

2. Start the container in detached mode

docker compose up -d

3. Access the container shell

docker compose exec pixelarch-os /bin/bash

Midori AI recommends switching to Linux instead of Windows. If you still want to use PixelArch in WSL2, follow the steps below. No Windows-specific support is provided.

1. Setup the docker image

docker run -t --name wsl_export lunamidori5/pixelarch:quartz ls /

2. Export the PixelArch filesystem from docker

docker export wsl_export > /mnt/c/temp/pixelarch.tar

3. Clean up the docker image

docker rm wsl_export

4. Import PixelArch into WSL

cd C:\\temp
mkdir E:\\wslDistroStorage\\pixelarch
wsl --import Pixelarch E:\\wslDistroStorage\\pixelarch .\\pixelarch.tar

1. Use PixelArch shell

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docker run -it --rm lunamidori5/pixelarch:quartz /bin/bash
docker run -it --rm lunamidori5/pixelarch:amethyst /bin/bash
docker run -it --rm lunamidori5/pixelarch:topaz /bin/bash
docker run -it --rm lunamidori5/pixelarch:emerald /bin/bash

Package Management

Use the yay package manager to install and update software:

yay -Syu <package_name>

Example:

yay -Syu vim

This will install or update the vim text editor.

Note:

  • Replace <package_name> with the actual name of the package you want to install or update.
  • The -Syu flag performs a full system update, including package updates and dependencies.

Support and Assistance

If you encounter any issues or require further assistance, please feel free to reach out through the following channels: