ArchBang

Inspired by CrunchBang Linux (which was derived from Debian), ArchBang was originally conceived and founded in a forum thread posted on the CrunchBang 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.

As of April 16, 2012, the new project leader is Stan McLaren.

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.

Jesse Smith reviewed the ArchBang 2011 for DistroWatch Weekly:

The ISO for ArchBang's live disc weighs in at approximately 530 MB and, after showing us a boot menu, it boots into an Openbox environment in under a minute. The default desktop is dark, the background mostly black. A task switcher sits at the bottom of the screen and a Conky panel displays resource usage information to the right-hand side of the display. Right-clicking on the desktop brings up a menu that allows us to launch applications (including the installer), change settings or logout/shutdown.