DistroWatch.com: ArcoLinux (original) (raw)

Version 24.06

Arco has simplified their offerings down to 3:
* ArcoPlasma (if you want KDE Plasma),
* ArcoNet (beginner to intermediate - most previous desktops supported),
* ArcoPro (for people who know Arch well - start basic or can configure most things).

The info website has changed a little - for the better, I think. It's a slightly different logic, but a good layout and the embedded videos will help people who want to move to Linux.

I played with ArcoNet using both the Calamares default install and, later, chose an Advanced install, specifying Cinnamon. These worked well and the desktops both behaved well, providing trouble-free access to the Internet, updates and more.

The installer works for nVidia cards, but users will need to research drivers for older hardware. This is explained in a video in the "Calamares - NVIDIA" section of the Arcolinux.Info front page.

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Being a somewhat advanced Linux user, I tried to focus on what one might need to learn to install a Linux desktop. I think the main issue was that you can get bombarded with options in the Advanced installation mode and that might leave Windows users a little dazed and confused.

Perhaps an "Intermediate Mode" where a Desktop Name is chosen and the installer configures itself to do that. This could stop potential confusion.

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Arco has many customisation tools that can be used to configure your Linux the way you want. Because there's so much freedom on Linux, there are many choices. Again, some users may find this overwhelming, but if time is available, almost anything is possible. Arco is a great offering.

I rate it 10/10 and I recommend it.