ArchBang Linux, also briefly known as GreenBANG, is a simple lightweight rolling release Linux distribution based on a minimal Arch Linux operating system with the i3 tiling window manager, previously using the Openbox stacking window manager. ArchBang is especially suitable for high performance on old or low-end hardware with limited resources. ArchBang's aim is to provide a simple out-of-the-box Arch-based Linux distribution with a pre-configured i3 desktop suite, adhering to Arch principles.
ArchBang has also been recommended as a fast installation method for people who have experience installing Arch Linux but want to avoid the more demanding default installation of Arch Linux when reinstalling it on another PC.ArchBang Brings Arch Linux’s Greatest Features to Your PC Without the Stressful Installation
History Inspired by CrunchBang Linux (which was derived from Debian), ArchBang was originally conceived and founded in a forum thread posted on the CrunchBang ForumsCrunchbang Forums by Willensky Aristide (a.k.a. Will X TrEmE). Aristide wanted a rolling release with the Openbox setup that CrunchBang came with. Arch Linux provided the light configurable rolling release system that was needed as a base for the Openbox desktop. With the encouragement and help of many in the CrunchBang community, and the addition of developer Pritam Dasgupta (a.k.a. sHyLoCk), the project began to take form. The goal was to make Arch Linux look like CrunchBang.ArchBang thread on CrunchBang
As of April 16, 2012, the new project leader is Stan McLaren.ArchBang new project leader
In July 2025, McLaren announced that ArchBang would be renamed to GreenBANG due to concerns about potential legal action from Arch Linux over trademark laws.However, the name has been since reverted to ArchBang in November 2025.
Installation ArchBang is available as an x86-64 ISO file for live CD installation or installed on a USB flash drive. The live CD is designed to allow the user to test the operating system prior to installation.
ArchBang comes with a modified Arch Linux graphical installation script for installation and also provides a simple, easy to follow, step-by-step installation guide. Reception Jesse Smith reviewed the ArchBang 2011 for DistroWatch Weekly:DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 395, 7 March 2011
Smith also reviewed ArchBang 2013.09.01.DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 526, 23 September 2013
Whitson Gordon from Lifehacker wrote review about ArchBang in 2011:ArchBang Brings Arch Linux's Greatest Features to Your PC Without the Stressful Installation
References
External links
ArchBang on DistroWatch