SolusOS is a beginner-friendly desktop Linux distribution based on the latest stable release of Debian GNU/Linux, distributed as hybrid image files that can be run from DVD or USB and installed onto a hard disk drive.
History [edit]
SolusOS (codename "Eveline") was released as version 1.0 on May 9, 2012.[2] It features the GNOME 2 desktop[3] and an extended selection of default applications for everyday tasks. Software applications are updated from Debian "backports" and delivered through the project's own repositories. SolusOS comes with a complete set of multimedia plugins by default. The GNOME menu is replaced by the Cardapio menu.[4] Many elements of the system are own developments like the graphical installer and the First Run Wizard. Version 1.1 was released on June 1, 2012 and brought an updated custom kernel as well as newer software versions for the applications.[5] August 17, 2012 saw the point release of version 1.2 and introduced a non-PAE edition for older computers with less random-access memory.[6][7]
Features and applications [edit]
SolusOS comes installed with a wide range of software that includes the latest LibreOffice Suite, Firefox, Thunderbird, XChat, OpenShot Video Editor, Transmission and VLC. Additional software that is not installed by default can be downloaded using the package manager. PlayOnLinux is preinstalled and aims to simplify the installation of Windows-based applications and especially games on Linux. SolusOS' FirstRunWizard helps installing non-free drivers for NVidia and ATI graphics cards. Wireless chips and modems are supported through non-free firmware packages. Browser plugins such as Java and Flash are preinstalled and ready to use.
Beta and future releases [edit]
The next release, SolusOS 2, is build from scratch Standing On (SolusOS) Two Legs and use Consort as his default Desktop Environment, which is based on a forked and patched version of GNOME 3 Fallback Mode, that behaves like GNOME 2, and enables existing users a smooth transition to the new desktop.[8] The desktop environment of SolusOS 2 consumes less hardware resources than the default GNOME 3 desktop (GNOME Shell) or its fork Cinnamon and offers full GTK3 support. [9] SolusOS 2 is developed as Long Term Release, so several alpha releases have been issued and tested for stability and usability. Testers are encouraged to request applets and utilities.[8]
The developer announced on September 2012 that SolusOS 2 will use the PiSi package manager, as implemented in Pardus.[10]
Popularity [edit]
As of 26 October 2012 (2012-10-26)[update] SolusOS is 14th in the 3-month page hit rankings of Distrowatch. There are over 2000 registered members on the SolusOS forums and in October 2012 subforums in Spanish and German were added.[11]
See also [edit]
External links [edit]
References [edit]
