14 DAY TRIAL // ToriOS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS that aims to provide a powerful solution for users with older computers and to be a good alternative for those who want to try a Linux system and ditch Windows.
The ToriOS project was announced many months ago, back in January 2014. We’ve heard little about it since, but it looks like things are finally starting to happen. The first Alpha version for ToriOS is now out and we can finally get to play with it.
One of the reasons for the existence of ToriOS is the fact that other distros in the Ubuntu ecosystem don't provide support for non-PAE hardware. PAE comes from Physical Address Extension and it basically means that 32-bit processors can use more than 4GB of memory. If you remember correctly, this used to be a common problem on Windows systems.
The situation is a little different on Linux. A few years back, all the major operating systems started to only provide support for PAE-enabled hardware. Thus, the need for an operating system that offered support for non-PAE hardware was born.
ToriOS is still a young OS
The project leader for ToriOS, Ali Linx, is also one of the leaders for Ubuntu GNOME. He's been working on this project for quite some time and now the fruits of his labor are starting to show.
The system is based on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Mini ISO and it will be an LTS release. It aims to be even lighter than Lubuntu, which is based on LXDE, and it should work without any issues on older systems.
"ToriOS is a system aimed at replacing Windows XP, which has reached end- of-life as of April 2014. ToriOS is a fast and minimal system based on Ubuntu 12.04," is noted on the official website of the project.
The system doesn't use a full desktop environment, but it has JWM (Joe's Window Manager), which is still in development. The only way to lower system requirements for an operating system is to use a Window manager. JWM is just one option, as there are also Openbox, Fluxbox, IceWM, and a few others.
You can download ToriOS Alpha from Softpedia and give it a go. It's a Live CD and it seems to be working just fine in a virtual environment. It's very light and boots up in no time. Keep in mind that if you want to install it, you shouldn't use a production machine.
