Erik Dubois is ending the ArcoLinux University project due to burnout and a desire to focus on other ArcoLinux aspects, like the ArcoLinux ISO. While grateful for the community contributions and positive impact the University had, maintaining it became too demanding. He emphasizes that all the University content will remain available and free on GitHub and YouTube, allowing users to continue learning at their own pace. Dubois encourages the community to collaborate and potentially fork the project if they wish to continue its development actively. He looks forward to simplifying his workload and dedicating more time to other passions within the ArcoLinux ecosystem.
Reports suggest Microsoft is planning to shut down Skype for Business Server in 2025, although the consumer Skype app will seemingly remain. After acquiring Skype in 2011, Microsoft gradually shifted focus to its Teams platform, integrating many of Skype's features and positioning Teams as the preferred communication tool for both business and personal use. This has led to a perceived neglect of Skype, with limited updates and dwindling user engagement, ultimately paving the way for its eventual demise in the enterprise space.
Hacker News users generally agree that Skype's decline is attributable to Microsoft's mismanagement. Several commenters point to missed opportunities, like failing to capitalize on mobile messaging and neglecting the platform's UI/UX, leading to a clunky and less desirable experience compared to competitors. Some users reminisced about Skype's early dominance in video calling, while others criticized the integration of Lync/SfB, arguing it made Skype more complex and less appealing for personal use. The forced migration of Skype users to Teams is also a common complaint, with many expressing frustration over the loss of features and a perceived degradation in call quality. A few commenters suggest the downfall began with the eBay acquisition and subsequent sale to Microsoft, highlighting a series of poor decisions that ultimately led to Skype's demise. There's a sense of disappointment in what Skype could have been, coupled with resignation to its inevitable fate.
Amazon is shutting down its Appstore for Android devices on August 20, 2025. Users will no longer be able to download or update apps from the Appstore after this date, and some services associated with existing apps may also cease functioning. Amazon will refund any remaining Amazon Coins balance. Developers will continue to be paid royalties for existing apps until the shutdown date. While Amazon states they're shifting focus to Fire tablets and Fire TV, the actual Android Appstore listing has been pulled from the Google Play Store, and development of new Android apps for submission is now discouraged.
Hacker News users react to the Amazon Appstore shutdown with a mixture of apathy and mild surprise. Many point out the store's general irrelevance, citing its limited selection and lack of discoverability compared to the Google Play Store. Some speculate about Amazon's motivations, suggesting they're refocusing resources on more profitable ventures or admitting defeat in the mobile app market. A few users express disappointment, having used the store for specific apps unavailable elsewhere or to take advantage of Amazon Coins promotions. The overall sentiment suggests the closure won't significantly impact the Android ecosystem.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43669990
Hacker News users reacted with general understanding and support for Erik Dubois' decision to shut down the ArcoLinux University portion of his project. Several commenters praised his significant contribution to the Linux community through his extensive documentation, tutorials, and ISO releases. Some expressed disappointment at the closure but acknowledged the immense effort required to maintain such a resource. Others discussed the challenges of maintaining open-source projects and the burnout that can result, sympathizing with Dubois' situation. A few commenters inquired about the future of the existing University content, with suggestions for archiving or community-led continuation of the project. The overall sentiment reflected appreciation for Dubois' work and a recognition of the difficulties in sustaining complex, free educational resources.
The Hacker News post "A Farewell to the ArcoLinux University" has generated several comments discussing the announcement of the discontinuation of the ArcoLinux University project.
Several commenters expressed sadness at the project's closure, acknowledging the valuable resource it provided for learning about Arch Linux and related topics. One commenter specifically mentioned benefiting from the clear and concise explanations provided by the University's materials. Another expressed disappointment, stating that they were just beginning to explore the resources and had found them helpful.
A few commenters speculated about the reasons behind the closure, with some suggesting burnout or the extensive maintenance required for such a project. The maintainability of a project like ArcoLinux University, which involved keeping documentation and scripts up-to-date with the rapidly changing Arch Linux ecosystem, was highlighted as a significant challenge.
One commenter drew parallels between the ArcoLinux University and other community-driven projects that eventually fade away due to the sustained effort required to keep them running. This commenter emphasized the difficulty of maintaining enthusiasm and dedication over the long term for these types of endeavors.
There was discussion about the nature of free, user-generated content and the inherent risk of its disappearance. Commenters acknowledged that while such resources are incredibly valuable, their continued existence is never guaranteed. This led to a brief conversation about the importance of appreciating and supporting such projects while they are active.
Some commenters mentioned alternative resources for learning Arch Linux, including the official Arch Wiki and other community forums. This suggests that while the ArcoLinux University will be missed, the community continues to have access to a wealth of information and support.
Finally, some commenters expressed gratitude towards the creator of ArcoLinux University for their work and dedication over the years. They recognized the significant effort involved in creating and maintaining such a comprehensive resource.