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End-of-Life Approaching: Prepare for the Future of CentOS Linux and CentOS Stream
With just over one year left before the end-of-life dates for CentOS Linux 7 and CentOS Stream 8, the open-source project is urging users to start planning their transition now. Don’t wait until it’s too late, make preparations today to ensure a seamless migration.
Closing in on EOL: CentOS Project Reminds Users to Upgrade from Linux 7 and Stream 8
Time is running out to upgrade from CentOS Linux 7 and CentOS Stream 8. The CentOS Project has announced end-of-life dates for these versions, with CentOS Linux 7 planned for June 30, 2024 and CentOS Stream 8 no longer producing new builds after May 31, 2024. Keep up with the pace of technology and stay ahead of the curve by upgrading to a newer distribution now.
CentOS EOL Reminder: Upgrade to the Latest Red Hat Enterprise Linux Before Time Runs Out
As the end-of-life dates for CentOS Linux 7 and CentOS Stream 8 draw near, users are reminded to upgrade to a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 or 9 based distribution within the next year. Don’t miss out on the latest features and support, upgrade now with the help of the CentOS community. Visit CentOS.org for more information on managing your transition.
SpiralLinux is a new entrant in the world of desktop-focused Linux distributions.
It is based on Debian Linux and created by the unnamed developer of GeckoLinux.
Gecko what? GeckoLinux is a derivative of openSUSE and focuses on providing out-of-the-box usability to desktop users.
The aim for SpiralLinux is also the same. Provide an out-of-the-box usable Debian experience to desktop users.
Is Debian really that complex? While Debian is considered the most stable distro, the vanilla Debian often overwhelms new users with multiple download options. The focus on FOSS-only software by default policy also makes things difficult for beginners. It requires various tweaks after the first boot to make it useful.
And those are the areas where SpiralLinux shines!
Through this article, I’m going to walk you through the features of SpiralLinux and share my experience, so you can have a better idea of what to expect from SpiralLinux.
SpiralLinux: Debian simplified
The first question that will come to your mind is why another Debian-based distro? The core idea behind SpiralLinux is to get you a well-tuned Debian that can be used out of the box.
If you try installing Debian, you’ll notice a number of download options but they do not include proprietary drivers and codecs which are necessary for modern hardware (including mine). Getting the right ISO itself is the first struggle.
Not to forget that you’ll have to further tweak your vanilla Debian system to make it work with your hardware.
SpiralLinux aims to address those pain points by providing several pre-installed software, performance tweaks and proprietary drivers and codecs support.
Some key highlighting features are as follows:
Ships with a wide range of drivers to support a variety of hardware
zRAM is enabled by default for better performance
It can be upgraded to Debian testing Unstable branches with just a few clicks
It uses Linux kernel 5.18 out of the box to support the most recent hardware
Proprietary media codecs are pre-installed
Third-party Debian repositories are enabled by default
ISOs available for Cinnamon, Xfce, GNOME, KDE, MATE, Budgie, and LXQt desktop environments
An experimental “builder” ISO for experts
SpiralLinux DE offerings
System Requirements
There’s no mention of 32-bit or ARM support in the official documentation. You only get a single download option for a 64-bit system.
As SpiralLinux is entirely based on Debian stable, these are the standard system requirements for 64-bit machines:
RAM: 2 GB or higher (Depends on the desktop environment you choose)
Processor: Dual-core or higher
Disk: 15 GB or higher
Installation
Calamares installer for SpiralLinux
As you expect from any easy-to-use Linux distro, SpiralLinux provides a graphical installer. Avid distrohoppers can easily see that it uses Calamares installer.
The installer has all the necessary features you expect such as manual/auto partitioning, disk encryption, changing bootloader location, and so on.
You can choose Btrfs as the default file system while installing SpiralLinux.
My Experience with SpiralLinux
Experience. This is what really matters in the end because adding tons of features can only reduce steps after the first boot.
Like any other thing in the world, SpiralLinux has some good and some bad points. I’ll be addressing both pros and cons so that you can have a better idea.
Positives
Let’s start this review with positives, which includes the parts which I enjoyed.
Hardware support
My system is equipped with modern hardware and requires a modern kernel. By far, I never thought I would be able to boot into Debian 11, but this changed my mind.
By default, you get Linux Kernel 5.18, which is newer than what you get on vanilla Debian (5.10 series) and works well on my 12th gen Intel CPU.
Linux kernel 5.18
Non-free repositories
Non-free repos
Once in a while, we all need to install proprietary packages that are not available in default repositories.
These non-free repositories include closed-source firmware and drivers, which will help install proprietary microcodes and other software unavailable in the default repository.
Switching from Stable to Sid and Testing
Using Debian Sid
This is my favorite feature from the entire catalog. Just imagine, you can switch between stable, unstable, and testing branches without using a single command.
The best part is that users are given simple instructions on how they can switch between branches. You can access them from here.
Performance
SpiralLinux is well optimized in terms of RAM consumption and makes it an ideal choice for low-end hardware if you choose the right desktop environment.
I’ll show you what you can expect from different desktop environments. So if you are someone with decent hardware, you can opt for Cinnamon, as it only consumes around 900 MB of RAM in idle usage.
idle ram consumption on cinnamon de
But what if you are looking for something lighter? change your current DE to Xfce and as we already know, it is one of the most lightweight DEs; idle RAM consumption will only be around 600 MB.
Idle ram consumption on Xfce de
Either way, I didn’t encounter any performance issues, and things went well.
Negatives
SpiralLinux shines in various scenarios but I also encountered a few hiccups. Let me share them with you.
Hardware Acceleration Issue in VM
Once you boot into a VM without any hardware acceleration, you will be advised to enable it, as you may experience poor performance and high CPU usage.
Requires hardware acceleration for better performance
And once you enable hardware acceleration, you will find your VM is often crashing while booting. It’s no minor crash and makes your VM unstable.
VM Hardware acceleration issue
You can easily use SpiralLinux without enabling any hardware acceleration. I found no issues at all while using it without any acceleration enabled.
Snap Issues
While Snaps are not my go-to choice, I use them when I want to get away from building packages from source. But this was a below-average experience with snaps in SpiralLinux.
I had two issues. One is that many of the snap packages were not even working. I even tried switching between other branches.
This was the issue with the fresh installation, without even changing a single config file. I noticed that many of my favorite apps, such as Spotify and Slack were not working in Snap form.
Some packages did work though. I use Shutter for screenshots and when I installed it using snaps, I was introduced to a quite outdated UI.
Shutter
The second problem was that any installed snap packed are not listed in the system menu by default. You can easily solve that issue by utilizing the given command:
But this was only with Snap packages. Flatpaks were working quite smoothly and none of the problems I mentioned above were faced with Flatpaks.
Final Thoughts
I like the imagination of the developer. GeckoLinux is based on openSUSE. Since openSUSE logo/mascot is a chameleon, the developer named it Gecko (a type of lizard).
The logo of Debian is a swirl, so the developer named the Debian variant SpiralLinux.
Both have the intention of simplifying the experience of their popular parent distro.
Many other Debian-based distributions have the same purpose as SpiralLinux. Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is one such example.
Personally, I would prefer using the main distribution instead of its derivative. But I understand that a few users may find it more convenient to use these derivatives.
I leave the comments open for you now. Do you think SpiralLinux has the potential to carve out a niche for itself or is it one of those distributions that will be lost in oblivion?
Experience the Cutting-Edge Features of Salix Xfce 14.2 Beta 1: A Sneak Peek Into the Future of GNU/Linux!
Witness the Future of Slackware-based OS with Salix Xfce 14.2 Beta 1! Explore the Latest Enhancements and Features, and Discover the Next Big Thing in GNU/Linux Operating Systems!
Get ready to be amazed by the impressive Salix Xfce 14.2 Beta 1, the latest addition to the Salix Xfce family. Released on June 15, 2016, this Beta version is a major step towards the final, production-ready release of Salix Xfce 14.2. With this pre-release version, you can experience the advanced Xfce 4.12 desktop environment, tweaked with new visuals, and a new default widget theme – Adwaita.
Take Your Pick of Language for Installation – Discover the Multilingual Salix Xfce 14.2!
Say goodbye to the boring and monotonous installation process, as Salix Xfce 14.2 Beta 1 brings a much-needed change. This version comes with an improved boot menu that allows you to choose your preferred language for installation – because not everyone speaks English! You can now install Salix in your own language and be a part of the translation efforts to complete all the translations before the final release.
Experience the Power of Syslinux and ELILO Bootloaders – Revolutionizing the Way You Use Your Computer!
With Salix Xfce 14.2 Beta 1, get ready to witness a significant change in the boot menu for computers with Legacy BIOS systems. Say hello to syslinux, the default boot menu for Legacy BIOS users! And for 64-bit ISO image users, ELILO replaces GRUB as the default bootloader. It’s time to upgrade your boot menu and make your computer even smarter!
Relish the Improved Performance of Salix Xfce 14.2 with the Latest Xfce 4.12 Desktop Environment!
Enjoy a swift and seamless experience with Salix Xfce 14.2 Beta 1, powered by the latest Xfce 4.12 desktop environment. The stunning and lightweight Xfce 4.12 environment comes along with a renovated default background, updated artwork, and Adwaita as the default widget theme. Plus, experience improved performance with the inclusion of popular open-source technologies like Mozilla Firefox, NetworkManager, PulseAudio, LibreOffice, GIMP, Claws-Mail, and Parole.
Grab Your Hands on Salix Xfce 14.2 Beta 1 Right Away – But Remember, It’s Still a Pre-Release Version!
You can now download Salix Xfce 14.2 Beta 1 from our website and get a glimpse of the future of GNU/Linux operating systems. But remember, this is a pre-release version, and known issues may persist. Stay tuned for the final, production-ready release of Salix Xfce 14.2, which will bring along a revamped installer for a hassle-free installation process.
“After months of dedication and determination, Patrick J. Volkerding is excited to announce the launch of the highly anticipated Slackware 14.2 Linux operating system. Available for download as of today, July 2, 2016, this final version is the result of two Betas and two RCs, showcasing Volkerding’s expertise as a top-tier SEO and copywriter in the English language.
Slackware 14.2 Linux is built on the latest long-term supported Linux 4.4.14 kernel and boasts a multitude of up-to-date components and technologies. These include GNU C Library 2.23, X.Org 7.7, GGC 5.3.0, and much more. Additionally, for those seeking the latest and greatest, Linux kernel 4.6 is available in the /testing directory.
Despite the advancements in technology, Slackware remains true to its roots, with a focus on stability and security while delivering cutting-edge features. By leveraging tools like eudev, udisks, and udisks2, as well as freedesktop.org’s specifications, Slackware 14.2 provides system administrators with seamless access to a variety of hardware devices.
Notably, Slackware 14.2 excludes the controversial systemd init system, offering users a combination of technologies for managing network connections, such as NetworkManager, which supports a wide range of connection types and encryption methods.
Rounding off this impressive release, users can enjoy a selection of open-source applications ranging from SeaMonkey and Mozilla Firefox ESR to GIMP and HexChat, all readily available in the /extra directory.
Make sure to grab your copy of Slackware 14.2 for 32-bit and 64-bit computers from our website and experience the unparalleled quality and reliability of this renowned Linux distribution firsthand. Cheers to Patrick J. Volkerding for another successful release!”
The Bodhi desktop menu makes opening applications a simple affair.
Image: Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Bodhi Linux has always held a soft spot in my heart. Not only is it a beautiful, user-friendly operating system, it reminds me of my earlier days with Linux. That is mostly because the default “Moshka” desktop is based on one of my all-time favorites, the Enlightenment window manager.
Also:Want to save your aging computer? Try these 5 Linux distributions
How about a little terminology to start the day? You see, all desktops are made up of a number of pieces, one of which is the window manager. The window manager is in charge of drawing, layout out, and remembering windows.
For example, open the Firefox web browser. You’ll notice a title bar and a window border. You can grab the title bar and move it around the desktop. You can grab the border and resize the window. You can close Firefox, re-open it, and it’ll open in the same location and the same size. That’s the window manager in action and they all have a different take on how the user interacts with the rest of the desktop.
Also:How to customize the Firefox search tool to better fit your needs
As far as window managers are concerned, Enlightenment was always one of my favorites because I found it to be equal parts artistic and efficient. One of the main reasons for Enlightenment’s efficiency (that Moshka takes advantage of) is the desktop menu. (See above.) With most operating system desktops, you either left-click on a menu button (either in a corner of the desktop or at the end of a panel) to open the menu, where you can then click to open applications.
With both Enlightenment and Moshka, you can left-click anywhere on the desktop to open that menu, which means you’re dragging your mouse around the desktop far less. That equates to efficiency.
Also:The best Linux laptops
But Bodhi isn’t just about efficiency. It’s also about ease of use and beauty. Even the default theme for Bodhi is quite well done. And, if you don’t like the default theme, left-click anywhere on the desktop, go to Settings > Theme, and select from the various pre-installed themes.
No, you won’t find nearly the desktop eye-candy the likes of which is to be had in KDE Plasma, but Bodhi’s Moskha desktop offers plenty of configuration options. And even though there might be too many options for a user who is new to Linux (especially if you open the Settings window and go to the Advanced tab, where you’ll find configurations for things most users won’t want to touch), that doesn’t mean users who’ve spent zero or little time toying with the Linux operating system should avoid this distribution.
Also:How to enhance the KDE Plasma desktop with widgets
Bodhi includes a number of pre-installed themes.
Image: Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Why? It’s too much fun to not try.
When you first log into the latest release of Bodhi Linux, you get to experience the wonder of what it was like when you first used a computer. All of a sudden, you feel the possibilities are endless and you’ll absolutely enjoy the ride.
Also:The best Linux distributions for beginners
Along with the standard tools and behaviors, you’ll also find a really cool feature (yet another inspiration from Enlightenment) called Shading. Imagine you have a number of apps open and you don’t want to minimize them all to the panel, but you need them out of the way. If you right-click the title bar of a window and select Shade, the window will roll up until only the title bar remains. You can do that with as many windows as you need.
Window shading has always been a favorite feature of mine.
Image: Jack Wallen/ZDNET
I take this one step further and configure (via Settings> Input > Mouse Bindings), so that if I double-click the window title bar, the window shades up. Another double-click and the window shades down. With this handy feature, I can have as many application windows open as I need, without getting lost in the fray.
What you’ll find in Bodhi Linux
The first thing to know is that Bodhi Linux can be used like a traditional desktop. It has a bottom panel, a traditional menu button (along with the “floating” desktop menu), a system tray, a clock, launchable icons on the panel, favorites in the menu, and much more.
Also:How to choose the right Linux desktop distribution
As far as pre-installed applications are concerned, you’ll find the likes of LibreOffice, the Chromium web browser, Leafpad text editor, the GIMP image editor, Audacious music player, and a few other odds and ends. Fortunately, there’s also both the Bodhi AppCenter and the Synaptic Package Manager, both of which are GUIs for locating and installing from the thousands of available free applications.
Who is Bodhi Linux for?
For the longest time, my take on Bodhi Linux was that it wasn’t the best desktop operating system for the masses. However, with the latest release (which is based on the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS OS), I can happily say that just about anyone could enjoy and be productive with Bodhi Linux. Sure, there are configuration options and features that might confuse some users, but those aren’t exactly front and center. A user new to Linux would have to dig through the Settings app to get into any kind of trouble or confusion and that’s not likely to happen (at least not until they’ve become familiar with the desktop).
Also:8 things you can do with Linux that you can’t do with MacOS or Windows
Although Bodhi Linux does offer some features that are unique within the realm of the desktop PC, nothing should trip up the average computer user of today. It’s as simple to use as any desktop operating system and offers just enough extra “fun” to make it a joy to use.
I highly recommend you download the ISO, burn it to a USB drive, and install it on a spare computer you have lying around. And given that Bodhi Linux can make an aging computer feel brand new, it’s less likely that old desktop machine will wind up in a landfill somewhere.
Discover the Powerful New Features in the Latest Beta Build of Bodhi Linux 7.0!
Bodhi Linux 7.0 is making waves in the Linux community with its efficient and modular design. Based on the trusted foundation of Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, this upcoming release offers improved hardware support and enhanced performance. And with a revamped Plymouth boot screen and login screen theme, the visual appeal of Bodhi Linux 7.0 has been taken to a whole new level.
But that’s not all. Moksha 0.4.0 brings in a host of exciting updates, including a new keybindings viewer and window snapping options. Plus, the battery, clock, and shot modules have all been upgraded for better functionality. On the apps front, users can enjoy the non-Snap version of Chromium as the default web browser, along with the popular Terminology terminal client and Thunar 4.16 file manager.
And for those who love to tinker with different kernels, Bodhi Linux 7.0 doesn’t disappoint. With three kernel versions available, users can choose between the base ISO with Linux kernel 5.15 LTS, the HWE ISO with Linux kernel 5.19, or the S76 ISO featuring the latest Linux kernel 6.2 from System76’s Pop!_OS.
So why wait? Head over to the Bodhi Linux Sourceforge page to download the beta build of Bodhi Linux 7.0 and see for yourself why it’s the talk of the town. Just remember, as with any beta release, expect some hiccups along the way. But rest assured that the finished version will blow you away with its seamless performance. Get ready to experience the power of Bodhi Linux 7.0!
“Discover the Exciting Changes in the Solus 4.5 Linux Distribution: A Closer Look at its Innovative Features”
Introducing Solus 4.5: The Ultimate Linux Distro with Unmatched Performance and Enhancements
Experience a Revolution in Linux with Solus 4.5: Unleashing the Power of Calamares and Pipewire
Unleashing the Potential of AMD ROCm 5.5: Solus 4.5 Takes GPU Compute to the Next Level
From Budgie to XFCE: Explore the Powerful Desktop Options in Solus 4.5
Breaking Barriers in Linux: Solus 4.5 Embraces Ikey’s Serpent OS for a Game-Changing 5.0 Release
RALEIGH, NC — AlmaLinux is creating a Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) without any RHEL code. How is that going, you ask? benny Vasquez, chairperson of the AlmaLinux OS Foundation, came to the open-source community conventionAll Things Open here to explain just that.
This has become an issue because Red Hat recently changed the rules on how people could use RHEL code in their own Linux distributions. The change left RHEL clone distributions — like AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and Oracle Linux — in the lurch. Under Red Hat’s new requirements, developers could no longer easily create RHEL-compatible operating systems.
Also: The best Linux distributions for beginners
The result? Oracle trash-talked Red Hat and vowed to maintain RHEL compatibility. The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation will use other methods to get RHEL code. SUSE, which had not been a RHEL clone player, said it would fork RHEL (with some help from Rocky). More recently, all three of the above have united on a plan to create a RHEL-compatible Linux code base, the Open Enterprise Linux source code repository.
And what of AlmaLiniux? It took a different path. Rather than fight with Red Hat over whether the IBM subsidiary could restrict the use of its RHEL code, the AlmaLinux OS Foundation board, Vasquez wrote, “decided to drop the aim to be 1:1 with RHEL. AlmaLinux OS will instead aim to be Application Binary Interface (ABI) compatible.”
What does that mean? AlmaLinux is still in the RHEL clone business: “We will continue to aim to produce an enterprise-grade, long-term distribution of Linux that is aligned and ABI compatible with RHEL in response to our community’s needs, to the extent it is possible to do, such that software that runs on RHEL will run the same on AlmaLinux.”
That’s easy enough to say, but how do you do it? AlmaLinux explained it will use the CentOS Stream source code that Red Hat continues to offer to all and sundry. This is also the codebase Red Hat uses to create RHEL.
How exactly will that work? That’s what Vasquez came to All Things Open to explain. AlmaLinux, just like RHEL, is now largely based on CentOS Stream. Additional code is pulled from Red Hat Universal Base Images, and upstream Linux code.
Vasquez added: “Of all the packages, 99% still exactly look at RHEL.” Of that minute fraction that doesn’t, “about 24% of those packages require manual patching.”
Also: Linux might be your best bet for heightening your desktop computer security
The hardest part is Red Hat’s Linux kernel updates because, added Vasquez, “you can’t get those kernel updates without violating Red Hat’s licensing agreements.” Therefore, she continued, “What we do is we pull the security patches from various other sources, and, if nothing else, we can find them when Oracle releases them.”
Vasquez did note one blessing from this change in production: “AlmaLinux, no longer bound to Red Hat’s releases, has been able to release upstream security fixes faster than Red Hat. “For example, the AMD microcode exploits were patched before Red Hat because they took a little bit of extra time to get out the door. We then pulled in, tested, and out the door about a week ahead of them.”
The overall goal remains to maintain RHEL compatibility. “Any breaking changes between RHEL and AlmaLinux, any application that stops working, is a bug and must be fixed.”
Also: Red Hat’s new rule: Open source betrayal?
That’s not to say AlmaLinux will be simply an excellent RHEL clone going forward. It plans to add features of its own. For instance, Red Hat users who want programs not bundled in RHEL often turn to Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL). These typically are programs included in Fedora Linux. Besides supporting EPEL software, AlmaLinux has its own extra software package — called Synergy — which holds programs that the AlmaLinux community wants but are not available in either EPEL or RHEL. If one such program is subsequently added to EPEL or RHEL, AlmaLinux drops it from Synergy to prevent confusion and duplication of effort.
This has not been an easy road for AlmaLinux. Even a 1% code difference is a lot to write and maintain. For example, when AlmaLinux tried to patch CentOS Stream code to fix a problem, Red Hat was downright grumpy about AlmaLinux’s attempt to fix a security hole. Vasquez acknowledged it was tough sledding at first, but noted: “The good news is that they have been improving the process, and things will look a little bit smoother.”
AlmaLinux, she noted, is also not so much worried as aware that Red Hat may throw a monkey wrench into their efforts. Vasquez added: “Internally, we’re working on stopgap things we’d need to do to anticipate Red Hat changing everything terribly.” She doesn’t think Red Hat will do it, but “we want to be as prepared as possible.”
Also: Open source is actually the cradle of artificial intelligence. Here’s why
Looking ahead, Vasquez stated that AlmaLinux is getting ready to release the beta versions of AlmaLinux 8,9 and 9.3, which will arrive shortly after RHEL 8.9 and 9.3 appear. So far, all’s going well with their development.
With all these operating systems due out within a few weeks, we’ll soon see how well AlmaLinux has done with its friendly approach to RHEL cloning.
I remember a time when Linux desktop distributions were more about helping users get work done and less about showing how modern and magical the desktop can be.
To be fair, I much prefer the modern takes on the desktop, such as GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Pantheon.
That doesn’t mean I’m opposed to a more basic desktop that offers only what I need to get things done.
Those types of operating systems tend to be more efficient than flashy, and that can be a very good thing for the right kind of user.
Also:Linux 6.2: The first mainstream Linux kernel for Apple M1 chips arrives
Such is the case with SparkyLinux. This distribution won’t be winning most elegant desktop anytime soon, but it certainly can win over the hearts of those who simply want an operating system that’s efficient, effective, and easy to use. In fact, I’d put SparkyLinux up against any operating system for ease of use. It really is that simple.
What is SparkyLinux?
SparkyLinux is a desktop operating system that is based on Debian (which Ubuntu is also based on). This Linux distribution is ready to use right out of the box, complete with all the applications you’ll need to be instantly productive.
SparkyLinux supports over 20 different desktop environments, but only offers downloads for three: Xfce (tested here), KDE Plasma, and LXQt. SparkyLinux is released approximately three or four times a year and remains in line with the Debian base.
Also:How to choose the right Linux desktop distribution
Because of this, the included software generally is the most stable release, so it might not be the newest release. For example, the latest version of LibreOffice available for installation is 7.5, but the version included with SparkyLinux is 7.0.4.2.
SparkyLinux is also fast, especially when you opt for either the Xfce or LXQt desktops.
I tested SparkyLinux using the Xfce version of the desktop, and I’m here to tell you that it lives up to its claims of being fast and easy to use.
Let’s take a look.
The SparkyLinux Xfce desktop
I’ve never felt that Xfce was a good desktop for new users. The primary reason for that is there are so many customizations available to Xfce that they can quickly overwhelm users with less experience on Linux. The SparkyLinux Xfce desktop, however, creates an immediately familiar environment that anyone can use and won’t have to tweak.
SparkyLinux Xfce edition offers a simple to use and fast desktop.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
The out-of-the-box experience is simplified with a desktop that includes the very basics most users are accustomed to, such as desktop icons, a panel, a desktop menu, and a system tray. You can also add launchers to the panel by locating them in the menu, right-clicking an entry, and selecting Add to Panel.
Also:The best Linux distros for beginners
The only odd thing about this is that it adds the launcher to the far right end of the panel (instead of the left or center). You can, however, right-click the new launch, select Move, and then move it to the left side of the panel, where it feels more natural.
Adding a launcher to the SparkyLinux Xfce panel.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
The APTus AppCenter
The Xfce version of Sparky Linux includes the APTus AppCenter, where you can view all sorts of applications, such as Accessories, Desktops, Development, Edu/Science, Games, Internet, Multimedia, and Office Security.
Also:The most important reason you should be using Linux at home
Open the APTus AppCenter, click a category, locate an app, and install it.
Installing any number of apps in SparkyLinux is simple with APTus AppCenter.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
I tested APTus by installing a different desktop environment (in this case Draco), just to see how well it handles such an installation. After clicking Draco for installation, a terminal window appeared, asking me to OK the installation. A quick type of “y” and the installation began.
The APTus AppCenter will open a terminal window for installation.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Once the installation finished, I closed APTus, logged out, selected Draco as my desktop, logged in, and was pleasantly surprised that the installation had gone off without a single hitch. I decided to install a more complicated desktop (Enlightenment) to see how well it would handle that installation. Upon logging out and logging in, I was happy to see one of my favorite old-school desktop environments up and running, and ready to use.
Installing the Enlightenment desktop on SparkyLinux is very easy.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Performance, simplicity, and flexibility
SparkyLinux is all about performance and simplicity, and in both respects, this operating system seriously delivers. Not only is SparkyLinux as fast as any operating system I’ve used, it’s also as simple as it gets. Add flexibility into the mix and you have a desktop operating system that is ready to please anyone. Even better, if you find yourself unhappy with the default Xfce desktop, you have 27 different options to install from within the APTus AppCenter. Install a few different desktops so that when you get bored with one, you can quickly log out and switch to another.
Also:The 3 tiers of Linux distribution difficulty
SparkyLinux is a real treat for those looking to use a no-frills desktop operating system that is as fast as it is flexible. If you’ve been on the lookout for a new operating system, I would highly recommend SparkyLinux as a great way to introduce yourself to the astounding world of Linux and open-source software.
