In a heartfelt farewell message shared last week, Erik Dubois, the lead developer of ArcoLinux, announced his decision to step away from the project that he has dedicated himself to for the past eight years. In a video accompanying his post, Dubois reflected on his journey, stating, "The time has come for me to step away. After eight years of dedication to the ArcoLinux project and the broader Linux community, I feel it is time to pass the baton." He emphasized the joy he experienced during his tenure, encapsulated in the motto that guided their efforts: "Learn, have fun, and enjoy." Dubois expressed pride in the collaborative spirit and accomplishments of the ArcoLinux community.

During its remarkable eight-year trajectory, ArcoLinux has achieved several significant milestones that have made a lasting impact on the Linux ecosystem. As reported by Linux Magazine, these milestones include the creation of over 5,000 educational videos aimed at making Linux more accessible to users at all levels. Dubois and his team were also instrumental in developing various projects, such as ArcoInstall, a user-friendly installation tool that simplifies the process for newcomers to the Arch Linux distribution. Furthermore, the Carli education project was launched to promote the understanding and usage of Linux among students and educators.

In addition to these projects, the team worked on the Arch Linux Calamares Installer (ALCI), which has facilitated easier installations of Arch-based distributions, and various ArcoLinux variants, including ArcoPlasma, ArcoNet, ArcroPro, and Ariser, each tailored to meet different user needs. Its FOSS News describes ArcoLinux as a user-friendly, Arch-based distro that provides a cutting-edge experience, attracting users who seek flexibility and power in their operating system.

Diving deeper into the ethos behind ArcoLinux, Dubois stated, "I want to leave ArcoLinux, and while I can look back with pride at everything we've accomplished together, I also believe its time for me to pursue new adventures." His departure signifies a transition for the project, which has grown substantially under his guidance, contributing to a vibrant and engaged community of Linux users. As Dubois closes this chapter, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation and education, inspiring many to explore the expansive world of Linux.