Parch Linux Whitepaper

Parch Linux is a community-driven Arch-based distribution created specifically for Persian-speaking users who want the full power of Arch Linux without the steep initial learning curve that has historically discouraged many from using it.

The project stays as close as possible to upstream Arch Linux. All official repositories are used directly and without modification. The only addition is a minimal overlay repository that contains a small number of targeted patches and packages. These changes focus almost entirely on delivering an excellent out-of-the-box Persian experience: optimal font rendering and hinting for Persian text, seamless right-to-left interface support from the first boot, a functional Jalali calendar in desktop panels, correct locale behaviour in Firefox and Thunderbird, immediate printer and scanner detection, and a handful of similar refinements that make the system feel truly native in Persian the moment installation finishes.

Installation is handled by the proven Calamares graphical installer. Official editions include a flagship KDE Plasma variant that receives extra visual and gaming-oriented polish, along with GNOME, XFCE, and a minimal ISO intended for advanced users who prefer to build their own environment. The live session and the installed system are designed to be immediately usable; no post-install configuration is required to obtain a complete, beautiful, and fully functional Persian desktop.

Performance, update cadence, and stability are identical to upstream Arch Linux. There is no additional bloat, no rebuilt packages, and no divergence that would delay updates or introduce compatibility issues. Parch simply eliminates the friction of the first few days that new Arch users, particularly Persian speakers, have traditionally faced.

Security follows the standard Arch approach of rapid updates and user responsibility. AppArmor profiles are enabled by default, a sensible firewall ruleset is provided, and optional unattended security upgrades are available for those who prefer them.

A few lightweight in-house utilities are shipped with the distribution: a one-click Waydroid installation script for running Android applications, the Dorood welcome application that offers useful first-run guidance in Persian, and minor gaming optimisations in the Plasma edition.

All development is carried out by volunteers in full public view on the official forum, Matrix channels, and Git repositories. There is no company, no funding, no telemetry, and no commercial agenda. New editions and features are added only when contributors are willing and able to maintain them properly.

In the future the project intends to keep the installer and live environment up to date, expand the range of official editions as contributor capacity permits, improve the existing helper tools, and eventually deliver a simple graphical software manager that integrates cleanly with each supported desktop environment. The long-term goal is to remain the reference Arch-based distribution for Persian-speaking users worldwide while continuing to give back meaningful improvements to the broader Arch and open-source communities.

Parch Linux delivers the complete speed, freshness, and freedom of Arch Linux combined with an installation process and default configuration that fully respect the linguistic and cultural needs of Persian users. It allows newcomers to start enjoying Arch from day one and gives experienced users a polished, ready-to-use base without any compromise on the principles they value.