1.0r0 TEST-3 release (codename 'Ramon') is the third test release of a brand new version of Parsix GNU/Linux and contains several new features, fixes and improvements.
This version is synchronized with Parsix and Debian testing repositories as of January 10, 2008. Several bugs have been solved, replaced rhythmbox with Exaile, re-added iptraf, redesktop and vncviewer, added bug-buddy, AptOnCD, QemuLauncher, QemuCTL and XawTV due to community requests.
Highlights: GNOME 2.20.3, Linux kernel 2.6.23.9 with CK, TuxOnIce, CFS v24, iwlwifi with led support and mactel patches, OpenOffice 2.2.1 and GNU Iceweasel 2.0.0.11.
Parsix GNU/Linux is a GNU/Linux distribution designed for desktop and laptop computers. It can be used as a live CD too. Parsix GNU/Linux is based Debian and derived from KANOTIX. Parsix GNU/Linux contains the most common and needed applications for desktop/laptop users.
You can get this new release at here.
Release Candidate 7 of KANOTIX 2007 has been available today. KANOTIX is a Linux distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux. It usually contains the latest packages and kernels, carefully patched with fixes and drivers for most modern hardware.
Although it can be used as a live CD, it also includes a simple graphical installer for easy hard disk installation. The user-friendly nature of the distribution is further enhanced by a custom-built Control Center and specialist scripts.
New updates and changes of this release are: Kernel 2.6.24 (Ubuntu Kernel with Modifikations and some patches), ACPI and DMA enabled by default (can be disabled with acpi=off and nodma respectively), i586 optimization - not for use with older CPUs!
Memory 192 MB required, 256 MB RAM recommended, Acritox Installer - install program with many new functions from Andreas Loibl, Actual Kanotix Theme from Cathbard, Xorg 7.1.1, Beryl 0.2.0, VDR 1.5.2, ALSA 1.0.14, ndiswrapper 1.50
aufs/ unionfs support (with aufs/unionfs cheat), GParted 0.3.3 with ntfs resize, NTFS-3g used by default, KDE 3.5.5a, Openoffice 2.0.4, Amarok 1.4.8, K3b 0.1.4, Iceweasel 2.0.0.10, IceDove Mail/News Client 1.5.0.13, GIMP 2.2.13
Automatic installation of graphic-drivers with nvidia and fglrx options parameters are allowed for the known scripts, example: nvidia=ar or fglrx=v:7-11
If the RC7 is not starting on your PC take the RC6C release its in the same path, the difference is the Kernel!
You can get the ISO of this release at here.
The first testing release of Parsix GNU/Linux 1.0r0 code name `Ramon` has been released. This version brings lots of improvements and new features integrated with the latest open source technologies right to your laptop and desktop computers.
Parsix GNU/Linux is a GNU/Linux distribution designed for desktop and laptop computers. It can be used as a live CD too. Parsix GNU/Linux is based Debian and derived from KANOTIX. Parsix GNU/Linux contains the most common and needed applications for desktop/laptop users.
The main highlights are: Improved live system with new startup and shutdown scripts, new live structure, new SquashFS+LZMA compression system, brand new 2.6.23.1 kernel with CFS, CK, TuxOnIce, Iwlwifi and more patches, Parsix specific GNOME 2.20.2, lots of updated packages including OpenOffice.org 2.2.1, GNU Iceweasel 2.0.0.8, GIMP 2.4.1, glibc 2.7, Pidgin 2.2.2, Exaile 0.2.10 and more, all packages have been synchronized with Debian testing repository as December 12, 2007, new GUI X.Org configuration tool ported from Ubuntu, new attractive blackish look and feel and more.
This is a well tested system and there is not any critical breakage, but we need the community help to test sections like kernel, hardware detection, GNOME desktop, other OSes detection system on the installer and included software packages.
Now, you can download Parsix at here for 32bit and here for 64bit versions.
Of course, many distros are created for special needs. One example is SME Server, designed as a plug-and-play file server and network gateway. Another is Smoothwall, created to be a network router. But the majority of distributions that don't receive much attention aren't that different in structure or purpose than those that get the notice and popularity.
To understand why these distributions have a following, let's look at the example of Kanotix, a variant of the well-known Knoppix live CD. It was created by Jörg Schirottke, who is known by the nickname of Kano -- hence the distro's name.
Kano took the Knoppix version of Linux, optimized it for modern hardware, and added a number of scripts that assist in hardware detection, configuration, and speed. In other words, he improved upon Knoppix. Some might say that Kanotix is what Knoppix should be, while others say it's the only distro they have ever installed where everything worked right out of the box.
Since the major distros are all fast and stable, small distros have to provide more than just speed and stability. Why do so many small distros have such a loyal entourage? The answer lies in the word "community."
Popular distributions have large communities that provide support via Web boards, Usenet newsgroups, and IRC chat. Unfortunately, the popular distributions often attract a huge number of newbies who don't know what they don't know -- but they post it anyway! Thus, when you ask a question you may get five answers, some of them wrong and some of them right, and you have to guess which is which.
In a distro community like Kanotix, while there are many newcomers to Linux, they are usually not first-time newbies. They are folks who have a few months of Linux experience under their belt. They have cut their teeth on another distro, didn't like it, and ended up with Kanotix, usually by word-of-mouth recommendations. The smaller distros tend to attract a higher number of experienced users.
If you've ever visited some of the major distros' IRC channels, you know that it can be an experience, to say the least. Flame-wars, insults, vulgar language, and a general lack of decorum are often the norm. Things are different in the world of small distros. You won't find such lack of restraint in a channel like #kanotix (on Freenode). The regulars who hang out in small distro chat channels tend to enjoy helping others and like learning about Linux themselves. For the most part, the channel stays on-topic instead of vectoring off into loud, extraneous discussions.
Because the community is small and the same folks frequent the chat channels and Web boards, using a small distro is like being a member of a fraternity or sorority. These are your brothers and sisters, and everyone gets along.
A big attraction of small distros is the easy access you have to the developers. For instance, Kano, the developer of Kanotix, is on the IRC channel at least once a day, and often for hours at a time. He answers some of the more difficult questions on his kanotix.com board. This is invaluable, especially for someone who has only a bit of Linux experience but wants to learn more. What are the chances of you talking directly with the lead developer of Novell's SUSE or Patrick Volkerding of Slackware? I can chat with Kano every day of the week if I need to.
Don't get me wrong -- none of this is meant to knock the large and well-known Linux distributions. They are large and well-known for good reason: They give thousands of users what they need. But for others who are unhappy with the performance, support, packaging, or the overall spirit of their current platform, it could be well worth the time and effort to try a smaller distro.
By Alan N. Canton
