CrunchBang Linux (often referred to simply as "#!" because of its logo) is a lightweight Ubuntu based Linux distribution created by Philip Newborough. It uses the Openbox window manager and is especially suitable for low-end hardware with limited resources[1] (e.g. the ASUS Eee PC).[2] It is provided as an installable Live CD.[1]
Features
CrunchBang Linux is designed to offer a good balance of speed and functionality. It has been reported to boot faster than Ubuntu by Softpedia,[3] but also includes a larger number of applications by default than a standard Ubuntu installation. It operates better under low resources than Ubuntu and is faster than a normal Ubuntu distribution.[1] CrunchBang Linux has been developed completely from Ubuntu sources with the exception of few packages.[1]
Unlike Ubuntu, CrunchBang includes several non-free or patent encumbered applications and libraries such as out-of-the-box support for several multimedia formats including MP3, Adobe Flash as well as DVD playback. CrunchBang also replaces some applications that are included with default Ubuntu, such as:[1]
Openbox Window Manager instead of the GNOME Desktop Environment
CrunchBang also uses a different GTK theme, icon set and default wallpapers.
Editions
CrunchBang Linux provides two editions, as follows:
CrunchBang Desktop Edition
CrunchBang Desktop Lite Edition – identical to Desktop Edition, but with fewer applications preinstalled
The CrunchEee Edition – a modified version for the ASUS Eee PC - is no longer provided, as the lite version now includes full support for EeePCs (though a few tweaks are needed for the newest models such as the 1005HA).
