It includes features from the upcoming HandyLinux 2.0

Apr 11, 2015 05:23 GMT  ·  By

arpinux, the creator of the HandyLinux operating system informed Softpedia about the immediate availability for download of the HandyLinux 1.9 release, the last version based on the upstream Debian 7 Wheezy distribution, before the switch to Debian 8 Jessie.

HandyLinux 1.9 is based on Debian 7 Wheezy, but it is powered by a newer Linux kernel version, which is currently used in the development version of the forthcoming HandyLinux 2.0 operating system, which is based on the upstream Debian 8 Jessie distro.

This release is designed for customers who don't want to switch to the Beta channel of HandyLinux 2.0 or do not need a newer base from Debian 8. Best of all, HandyLinux 1.9 will be maintained for as long as Debian 7 Wheezy will, which means at least one more year.

"The last Wheezy based release, for those who doesn't want/need to switch to Jessie," says arpinux in an email to Softpedia. "HandyLinux 1.9 includes some features from v2 (coming soon) like the kernel version, fusion: only one ISO, no more question about kernel version."

Here's what is new in HandyLinux 1.9

HandyLinux 1.9 includes some new features that were implemented in the upcoming HandyLinux 2.0 release, such as the merge of the 486 and 686-pae branches into a single, bootable ISO image. Skype gateway has been added with an optional, simplified installer.

The "HandyLinux" hostname has been set by default, the HandyLinux 2.0 look and feel have been partially integrated while still using the default user interface that was present in the HandyLinux 1.8 operating system, and all the packages have been updated from the upstream Debian 7 Wheezy software repositories.

Of course, HandyLinux 1.9 does not require users of HandyLinux 1.8 to download the new ISO image and reinstall it. Simply apply all the updates from your update manager. Customers who want to install a fresh copy of the operating system can download HandyLinux 1.9 right now from Softpedia.