BOSS is a Linux distribution developed specifically for the Indian environment to enhance the use of Free/Open Source Software in the country. BOSS Linux consists of an easy to use desktop environment, English/Indian language support and other packages that are most relevant for the use in the government domain.


Future versions of BOSS will support the educational domain as well. BOSS Linux is developed by C-DAC team and their ultimate goal is to localize it into all 22 official Indian languages so that Information Technology can reach even the non-English speaking masses that are denied its benefits today.


Features of BOSS Linux

� Graphical mode installer;
� Faster system startup and login;
� Simplified menu organization;
� Easy access to power management settings;
� Improved support for video playback;
� 3D Desktop;
� BharatheeyaaOO (Localised OpenOffice.org 2.0.1 � currently in Tamil and Hindi);
� Enhanced Removable Media support;
� Plug & Play support for devices;
� Multimedia support;
� TV Tuner support;
� Bluetooth support;
� Optional Network Manager for convenient roaming between different wireless and wired networks;
� Migration Tool - Bulk Document converter;
� Input Method - SCIM with Remington Keyboard Layout for Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi,and Marati;
� Dual Boot Facility;
� Automount of existing Hard Disk partitions.

Popular applications inside BOSS Linux:

� GNOME Desktop
� Liferea - RSS/RDF Reader
� Totem
� XMMS
� GNOME Power Manager
� Bonfire
� Evolution Mail Client
� Firefox
� Gaim
� Xchat
� Alacarte
� KeyJnote

Under the hood:

� kernel 2.6.17-2
� gcc 4.1.1
� g++ 4.1.2
� glibc 2.3.6

The latest version of BOSS Linux comes in three different CDs: a Live CD that can be used to try BOSS Linux with no hassle; an Install CD so you can install BOSS into your system if you like it and the third one is an Add On CD with utilities.

You can download BOSS Linux now from Softpedia.