ArcoLinux is an open-source and free GNU/Linux distribution based on the Arch Linux operating system and designed for those who want to learn to use Arch Linux but don’t dare to install and configure it from scratch.
ArcoLinux promises to gradually take users through the beautiful world of Arch Linux and teach them how to use the operating system with over 300 video tutorials while allowing them the freedom to change the distribution in any way they want. ArcoLinux’s motto is “Learn, enjoy and have fun.”
An Arch Linux clone with style and a live session and installer
One of the best things about ArcoLinux is that it features a live graphical session with a nicely customized desktop environment and all the apps you need to get started learning Linux and learning using Arch Linux. This means you don’t have to install ArcoLinux on your PC to use it, but there’s also an installer if you want to keep it.
The graphical installer used by ArcoLinux is the famous Calamares, which lets you easily install the operating system on your personal computer and even gives you powerful features like full-disk encryption. However, ArcoLinux is only supported on 64-bit (x86_64) hardware, just like Arch Linux.
Xfce is the default desktop environment, powered by AUR
The default desktop environment of ArcoLinux is the lightweight Xfce, which is known to work very well on slower computers. By default, ArcoLinux offers a highly customized Xfce desktop session that uses various components from Arch Linux’s AUR (Arch User Repository), including apps from GitHub, Debian, Red Hat, etc.
The Xfce desktop environment of ArcoLinux also uses in-house built components like themes, icons, Conky configurations, tweaks, and other configs. Besides Xfce, users can choose between using the Openbox or i3 window managers, which are installed by default, as well as any other popular desktop environment for Linux distros.
ArcoLinuxD and ArcoLinuxB
ArcoLinux even comes in a couple of other flavors like ArcoLinuxD and ArcoLinuxB. While the ArcoLinuxD edition lets users install the operating system with a minimal set of applications, as well as to edit and run scripts to set up the system, the ArcoLinuxB edition give them the power to build their own ArcoLinux flavor.
Bottom line
If you ever wanted to use Arch Linux on your personal computer but you find it cumbersome, you need to try ArcoLinux. We recommend starting with the main edition, which features the Xfce, Openbox, and i3 desktop sessions. On the other hand, ArcoLinuxD and ArcoLinuxB editions are available for advanced users who want to build their own Arch Linux-based OS.
