14 DAY TRIAL // Robolinux, a Linux distribution based on Debian featuring various flavors that let users run any Windows application, has been upgraded to version 7.9.2 and is now available for download.
The developers of Robolinux have implemented a technology called Stealth VM that basically lets users emulate an entire Windows OS inside the Linux one, which makes running Windows apps much easier. It also takes a toll on performance, but that can't be helped. In a way, this is more effective than Wine because any app should work, without exceptions.
Another focus point for this distribution is Privacy & Security, and the devs have implemented some apps in this regard, along with the latest security patches. Also, the current iteration of the system is an LTS release, which stands for Long Term Support, and the 7.9.x branch will be supported until 2018, which means the system will be around in its current form for another two years, at least.
All the Robolinux flavors are new
There are now four different Robolinux flavors available, each with a different desktop environment. The main one seems to remain GNOME, but there is also KDE, LXDE, and Xfce. Besides the desktop environment, everything else should be pretty much the same.
"After releasing 'Apex X12 Privacy & Security' in version 7.9.1 May 1st, 2015, We asked our Users what enhancements and new apps would you like added to Robolinux? They said: 'We would like the Robolinux 7 series to have LTS - Long Term Support' and we want 1. A Download Manager 2. A better text editor and 3. A better screen capture program.' The result is Version 7.9.2 will now be supported through 2018 and we added the following applications: Uget Downloader Manager, Shutter Screen capture & Medit. All existing users & ROSSF Premium Members can upgrade right now by simply clicking on our 'Robolinux Auto Upgrade' System Menu Option," reads the official announcement.
The only problem that has been mentioned by the devs is the fact that Robolinux doesn't have support for the Intel Haswell chipset, which is odd for an LTS release. On the other hand, the Robolinux 8.x branch should bring this much-needed support.
More details about the Stealth VM Software and Robolinux can be found in the official changelog. Moreover, you can download Robolinux GNOME 7.9.2 right now from Softpedia for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, along with the KDE, LXDE, and Xfce flavors.