14 DAY TRIAL // SolydX and SolydK, two Debian-based distribution that feature the Xfce and the KDE desktops, and that come in a number of flavors, are now at version 201405.
SolydXK has been built as an open source alternative for small businesses, non-profit organizations, and home users. The name of the distributions reflect what is the default desktop environment used. SolydK features KDE and SolydX uses Xfce.
The distributions have been built also as an alternative to Linux Mint, although the two developers are said to be working together in order to improve both operating systems.
SolydXK follows a rolling release model, which means that users won’t have to download and install new versions of the operating system from time to time. After the initial installation of the OS, the developers will provide update packs and intermediary updates that should make any other worries go away.
The two distributions have a few different versions, depending of what is the target audience: SolydK Business Edition, SolydK Back Office, SolydX, and SolydK.
One of the biggest improvements made in this this new version of the Linux distributions is the ability to run them on systems with UEFI. According to the developers, users no longer need to enable legacy BIOS because the ISOs now support EFI. It’s still necessary to disable Secure Boot.
“As a result, the multi-dvd will no longer be available. Currently, we’re working on an easy way to create a multi-boot pen drive yourself, reads the official announcement.
The home edition of SolydX and SolydK feature a number of improvements that were already integrated in the latest Update Pack. For example, KDE SC has been updated to version 4.12.4, Linux kernel has been updated to version 3.13-1, and Firefox has been updated to version 29.0, and Thunderbird to version 24.5.
Both Firefox and Thunderbird comes with a few important add-onds: Locale Switcher to switch installed language packs, Adblock Plus, and the Lightning Calendar.
LibreOffice was also updated to much newer version, 4.1.5-2, and the SolydXK Plymouth theme has been changed, and the Plymouth Manager has been adapted accordingly.
As you might have noticed, the Linux kernel is not the latest one that you can find. In fact, the 3.13 branch of the kernel has been deemed as EOL. The development has been taken over by Canonical, but it’s likely that SolydK and SolydX will get a newer version with the next update.
More details about the SolydK and SolydX can be found on the official website. You can download these distributions from Softpedia.