GNOME 2.24, Mandriva Mini, Pingus review, Ohio LinuxFest 2008, X.Org 7.4, gOS 3.0 Gadgets and much more!

Sep 29, 2008 05:39 GMT  ·  By

Welcome to our 13th issue of Softpedia Linux Weekly!

Here’s what you can read about in this edition: Mandriva introduces Mandriva Mini, a netbook OS; the OpenSuSE team releases the first Beta release of openSUSE 11.1; a preview of Ohio LinuxFest 2008; Elive 1.9.02 brings a handful of improvements; Helix 2.0 is based on Ubuntu; sidux 2008-03 comes in several flavors; X.Org 7.4 and X Server 1.5.1 are finally released; the first maintenance release of VectorLinux 5.9 SOHO is here; GNOME 2.24 brings you one of the fastest and powerful desktop environments for Linux-based operating systems; ThinkGOS introduces the third version of their popular Linux distribution, gOS Gadgets; the latest release of Absolute Linux introduces a new kernel; the second release candidate of Mandriva 2009 introduces GNOME 2.24; Canonical wants to know how the Ubuntu Server edition is used; the first Beta of KOffice 2.0 is ready for testing; Fedora celebrates its fifth anniversary. Moreover, you can read a short overview of what you should expect from GNOME 2.26 in March 2009. You can also read an interesting review of the Pingus game, and don't forget to check out the Linux distributions released/updated last week at the end of the article!

Summary:

Europe's leading Linux developer, Mandriva, announced last week its latest OS, one that is designed particularly for netbooks, and is best suited for the needs of OEMs and ODMs. Called Mandriva Mini, this new Linux product offers multiple benefits, like efficient power management, fast boot, flash memory optimizations and more. Below are some of the highlights of Mandriva Mini, a Linux distribution that promises to be the OS of choice for the OEMs on the netbook market:

· Efficient power management; · Fast boot; · VGU (very graphical user) - interface adapted for small screens; · Comprehensive connectivity support (3G cellular data, Wi-Fi and Widgets); · Multimedia (major codecs are included); · Small size; · Optimized for flash memory management; · Well adapted to netbook hardware (mainly key platforms, like the Intel Atom CPU).

Read more about it here.

On September 19th, the openSUSE team announced openSUSE 11.1 Beta 1, a release that includes many new additions over the previous Alpha releases, such as new GNOME, KDE and kernel versions, as well as numerous improvements and bug fixes. A delay in the release of this version occurred partly because the ISOs have been created using KIWI and RPMs within the openSUSE Build Service, which is now undergoing a transition in terms of shifting all development within it. It comes with:

· GNOME 2.24 · KDE 4.1.1 · New YaST Modules · Linux kernel 2.6.27 RC5 · GCC 4.3.2 · Samba 3.2.3 · OpenOffice.org 3.0 RC1 · Python 2.6 Beta 3 and 3.0 Beta 3 · Xen 3.3.1 RC · PackageKit 0.3.2 · X.org 7.4

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openSUSE 11.1 Beta 1 with KDE 4.1.1

Download openSUSE 11.1 Beta 1 right now from Softpedia. Remember that this is a beta release and should NOT be installed on production machines. It is intended to be used for testing purposes only.

The Greater Columbus Convention Center will host this year's annual Ohio LinuxFest, which will take place on October 10-11. Now at its sixth edition, the Ohio LinuxFest will include a large expo and popular speakers, while welcoming free software developers, open source enthusiasts and virtually anyone who is interested in taking part in this event.

Next to the conference rooms, there will be an expo area featuring both exhibits from the sponsors and a section especially reserved for Open Source/Free Software projects. Besides many speakers, this year's event will also feature the speeches of two important figures, who promise to reach a wide audience among the participants: openSUSE Community Manager Joe Brockmeier and Ubuntu Community Manager Jono Bacon.

Read more about it here.

On September 21st, the development team from Elive proudly announced a new unstable version of their Debian-based Live CD, Elive 1.9.02, which comes with an improved installer and a handful of bug fixes. As we've mentioned above, the Elive installer received some interesting features, such as an Upgrade Mode and a Migration Mode, the former allowing existing Elive users to upgrade their system to a newer version, while the latter is designed for users of other Linux-based operating systems, allowing them to migrate to Elive. The installer also includes a Verification function that will verify the integrity of the installed files during the system installation process. Moreover, the "double entry" bug in GRUB was fixed in this version.

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Elive Linux

Download Elive 1.9.02 right now from Softpedia. Remember that this is a beta release and should NOT be installed on production machines. It is intended to be used for testing purposes only.

On September 22nd, the Helix team announced the release and immediate availability of the latest version of their Linux Distribution, called Helix 2008R1, but which is actually Helix 2.0. This version comes with a lot of changes over the previous release, both new additions and updated packages. Highlights of Helix 2008R1:

· No longer based on Knoppix; · aimage 3.1.0 - Advanced disk imager; · chkrootkit 0.47-1 - find out if the system has a rootkit infection; · clamav 0.92.1 - GPL antivirus scanner; · md5deep 3.1 - Calculate MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, Tiger, Whirlpool message digests; · Wireshark 1.0.2-1 - Network protocol analyzer; · Based on Ubuntu.

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Helix 2008R1

Download Helix 2008R1 right now from Softpedia.

The Sidux team announced on September 22nd the much anticipated release of their Linux distro sidux 2008-03 (codename Ουρέα), which focuses on the integration of the modifications brought by the 2.6.26 Linux kernel, while providing support for the latest hardware, such as the most recently launched netbooks and chipsets.

Although launched after some delay (because of a hidden bug in VirtualBox-ose), the wait for sidux 2008-03 was well worth it, as we now have quite a few customized desktop managers from which to choose the adequate one for our system:

· KDE-lite (amd64); · KDE-lite (i686); · KDE-full (amd64+i686); · XFCE (amd64); · XFCE (i686).

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sidux 2008-03

Download sidux 2008-03 right now from Softpedia.

The most awaited Linux technology of this year, X.Org 7.4, was finally released on Tuesday, after months and months of hard work. The X Server 1.5.1 is also included in this new version of the X.Org package, and it resolves a few issues, such as: conditionalize Composite-based backing store on pScreen->backingStoreSupport, the RELEASE_DATE was moved below AC_INIT, shared pixmaps for EXA were disabled, and reply swapping & panoramiX request were fixed.

Read more about it here.

On September 23rd, the VectorLinux team announced the release of VectorLinux 5.9.1 SOHO, which comes in two flavors, a DELUXE version that is accompanied by a second multimedia CD, and a downloadable, free standard version. Totalizing 52 core system updates, this release features the 2.6.25.7 Linux kernel and also Pidgin 2.5.1, Firefox 3.0.1, sane 1.0.19, Opera 9.52 and more.

VectorLinux 5.9.1 comes with a complete set of applications that can prove to be useful to a very large user base. Non-technical users will enjoy KDE's eye-pleasing appearance, and will easily find their way around an abundance of graphical tools, while more advanced users can choose the fast Fluxbox. Office tools are also provided, so office tasks aren't a problem at all.

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VectorLinux

Download VectorLinux 5.9.1 SOHO right now from Softpedia.

On September 24th, the GNOME developers announced a brand new release of the GNOME desktop environment, GNOME 2.24. It brings a lot of hot extra features, new translations and updated documentation. The upcoming Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex) Beta Linux distribution, which is scheduled for release on October 2nd (next Thursday), will include a fully functional version of GNOME 2.24. Below are some of the major features introduced in GNOME 2.24:

· Empathy instant messenger; · Time tracker applet; · Ekiga 3.0; · Nautilus with tabs; · Smarter Deskbar; · New Screen Resolution Controls; · New Sound Theme Support; · Totem supports Digital TV; · New artwork.

Read more about it here.

On September 24th, ThinkGOS proudly announced the immediate availability of the final version of gOS Gadgets 3.0. The OS is built in such a way that you can easily have access to over 100,000 iGoogle and Google gadgets, all with the help of a pre-installed version of the popular Google Gadgets application. Based on the newly released Ubuntu 8.04.1 LTS, and especially designed for NetTops and NetBooks, the gOS Gadgets operating system is the best edition of a Linux distribution to have debuted at Wal-Mart stores less than one year ago. gOS Gadgets 3.0 features some interesting tools, such as:

· Wine · Google Gadgets · Mozilla Prism · Firefox 3.0 · Skype

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gOS Gadgets 3.0 with the Google Gadgets

Download gOS Gadgets 3.0 right now from Softpedia.

On September 25th, Paul Sherman, developer of Absolute Linux, announced the immediate availability of the Absolute Linux 12.1.07, which is now package compatible with Slackware current, and not Slackware 2.1. This version brings numerous changes, including an ungraded kernel (2.6.24.7), new GCC (4.2.4) and XULRunner (1.9.0.1).

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Absolute Linux 12.1.07

Download Absolute Linux 12.1.07 right now from Softpedia.

Delayed 2 days, the last development version of Mandriva Linux 2009 was announced on September 25th. Mandriva 2009 RC2 is the first Linux distribution to deliver the just released GNOME 2.24 desktop environment. Another breathtaking feature introduced with this version is the implementation of the LUKS encryption system into the diskdrake tool and the installer, which means that Mandriva Linux will allow everyone to encrypt their partitions from the installer. Moreover, Mandriva 2009 RC2 brings support for the Intel G41 graphics chipset, netbook hardware, new artwork and improved boot speed. The development cycle of Mandriva 2009 will conclude with the final release in early October. With the 2009 edition, Mandriva Linux will try to compete with the upcoming Ubuntu 8.10 (Intrepid Ibex), and even to "steal" some of their devoted users. The following features will be part of Mandriva 2009:

· Linux kernel 2.6.27 · X.Org 7.4 · GNOME 2.24 · KDE 4.1.1 · Firefox 3.0 · The GIMP 2.5 · OpenOffice.org 3.0 · Support for encrypted partition in the installer · Improved boot speed · Improved DKMS (Dynamic Kernel Module Support) management · Improved language selection · Implementation of the PolicyKit and PackageKit technologies · Improvements to the Mandriva Windows Migration and Parental Control utilities · Live Upgrade (same as Ubuntu's update-manager tool) · initscript improvements · Splashy · Support for Netbooks hardware · Support for the Intel G41 graphics chipset · and also lots of desktop improvements and new artwork!

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Mandriva 2009 RC2 with GNOME 2.24

Download Mandriva 2009 RC2 right now from Softpedia. Remember that this is a beta release and should NOT be installed on production machines. It is intended to be used for testing purposes only.

Also on September 25th, Ubuntu's commercial sponsor, Canonical Ltd., initiated a survey with the purpose of finding out in what way exactly Ubuntu Server Edition is being used. Jointly sponsored by Canonical and Red Monk, the study is carried out to learn more about the community organization types within which Ubuntu Server Edition is made useful.

Through this survey, a large number of users will be asked by the Ubuntu Server community to share the experience they've had so far with it. This is the first time that the Ubuntu Server team is making such a large scale attempt to get some info on how their product is being used, although, not long ago, a similar action was taken by Canonical, aimed at those requesting cost-free server CDs.

Read more about it here.

After almost a month since the previous Alpha 10 release, the KDE Project announced the availability of the first Beta stage of the KOffice 2.0. This is a most important moment as, from now on, the developers' efforts will shift from adding new features to bug fixing, until the final launch of KOffice 2.0.

The KDE team's objectives during the past few years have been to create a new and improved interface allowing the user to better manipulate the newly introduced features. Also, new capabilities were designed in such a way as to try and diminish redundant functionality, and to make them easier to maintain, thus facilitating the development of new components. KOffice 2.0 Beta 1 comes with the usual applications, like:

· KWord Word processor; · KSpread Spreadsheet calculator; · KPresenter Presentation manager; · KPlato Project management software; · Karbon Vector graphics editor; · Krita Raster graphics editor.

Read more about it here. Download and test KOffice 2.0 Beta 1 right now from Softpedia.

On September 24th, Fedora celebrated its fifth anniversary. Absolutely free to download, use, distribute and modify, Fedora is an operating system that provides access to the most recent open source technologies. The name "Fedora" means “God's gift” and has Russian origins, while also meaning "hat" in Italian.

The Fedora Project appeared towards the end of 2003, exactly at the time when Red Hat Linux discontinued its community release, and concentrated solely on the Enterprise edition. Fedora Linux, the volunteer project that contributed to some extent to the Red Hat Linux distribution, was then absorbed into the now very popular, worldwide community collaboration called the Fedora Project.

Read more about it here.

As you (probably) already know, the most awaited desktop environment of the year, GNOME 2.24 was released four days ago and... it brings a lot of interesting features and new functionality. Just to name a few of them, GNOME 2.24 includes the highly expected Nautilus with tabs, Empathy Instant Messenger, a new time tracker applet, Ekiga 3.0, clever Deskbar, Totem with improved support for digital TV, new screen resolution controls, and new sound theme support.

The development will not, happily for us GNOME enthusiasts, end here, as efforts for the next release have already begun, GNOME 2.26's final release being set for March 18th, 2009. To be featured in Ubuntu 9.04 (codename Jaunty Jackalope), scheduled for release in April 2009, GNOME 2.26 will introduce numerous changes in many areas. Read about them here.

Review of the week:

· Another week, another review by Mihai Mircea for Softpedia Linux. This time, it's for Pingus, a free Lemmings clone for GNU/Linux and Windows covered under the GNU GPL. From the review: "We all need to relax from time to time, as it has been scientifically proved that regular breaks increase productivity, as well as our general wellbeing. This is one of the reasons I decided to present what in my opinion stands for an efficient, brain cooling experience. Pingus is a lemmings-like puzzle game, which, although based on a well-known idea, namely that of combining certain abilities to attain a goal, manages to keep you on your seat in front of the computer, scenario after scenario."

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Pingus 0.7.2

Read this review of Pingus 0.7.2 here.

Distributions Released Last Week:

· Linux Mint x64 5.0 RC1 · Samurai 0.1

Distributions Updated Last Week:

· Astaro Security Linux 7.302 · GParted LiveCD 0.3.9-3 · Embedded Slackware 1.3.7 RC4 · Momonga Linux 5 Beta 2 · Ultimate Edition 1.9 · elpicx 2.0 · Ikki Boot 1.9 · SabayonLinux x86-64 3.5 Loop 3 · SabayonLinux x86 3.5 Loop 3 · R.I.P. 6.8 · linuX-gamers Live DVD 0.9.4 · Clonezilla LiveCD 1.2.0-26 · Cooperation IWS 0.5.1