Kiwi is a Linux operating system based on the latest version of the popular Ubuntu Linux, Feisty Fawn. This distribution was created especially for the Romanian and Hungarian people, but it can also be used by all the English speakers out there. Probably you're wondering what else is special about this Linux distribution; well, let me tell you that in this OS you will find proprietary software and non-free codecs and the Adobe Flash plugin, because the developers think it's better for their users to run a combination of free operating system and proprietary codecs than only proprietary operating systems (like Windows) with free software.

The CD includes all the standard Ubuntu applications for your daily usage, like Firefox (with Romanian translation), Evolution, OpenOffice.org suite, but it also includes some cool packages like the Microsoft TrueType fonts, Compiz and the Audacious music player. On the other hand, they have removed the Spanish, German and French translations and the xmoto package, because of lack of space. The Romanian language is set by default when the CD boots, but you can easily change it to English or Hungarian just by pressing the F2 key.

Highlights:

￭ Localization and spell-checkers for Romanian and Hungarian
￭ Support for proprietary audio and video codecs
￭ Support for DVD playback using totem-xine (including encrypted DVDs)
￭ Better support to connect to local ADSL providers (via Speedtouch USB modem)
￭ NTFS write support via ntfs-3g on both the liveCD and on the installed system
￭ Adobe Flash 9 web-plugin
￭ Customized artwork based on the original Ubuntu one
￭ Windows applications and language packs for languages not mentioned above were removed to make space
￭ Miscellaneous apps (Inkscape for vector drawing, mc, vim)

In conclusion, if you are a Romanian or Hungarian Linux user, then this CD is perfect for your needs, as it's based on Ubuntu and ships with proprietary software and codecs.

Please enjoy some screenshots of Kiwi Linux:




You can download Kiwi Linux now from Softpedia.