Running Slackware-Current

Slackware 14 was released 17 months after the previous release and in theory there should have been a massive bump. While a lot happened under the hood, for example the introduction of kmod and gtk+ 3, it just felt like more of the same on the desktop and not really worth the upgrade from 13.37, in particular if you'd already updated your stock kernel before. With a Linux kernel 3.2.29 and KDE 4.8.5 the new release seemed quite modest and middle of the road at the time.

LXpup – More Than Just Puppy Linux With LXDE

In case it wasn’t evident from the name, LXpup is a custom distribution spin made from Puppy Linux with the LXDE user interface. I should say by default, because the developer also distributes modules of several other popular desktop environments, but more about that later. Just remember that the user can substantially change the look and functionality of the desktop, so even if LXDE is not your thing this spin might still be for you. Read the full story over at Muktware.com.

Slax 7.0 - Slax Is Back

December 2012 saw the final release of Slax 7.0 after more than three years without an update, quickly followed by several bug-fix point releases. In 7.0.3 the ability to act as PXE server was re-introduced, which had been present in earlier versions but was missing from the early 7.0 branch. I tried it in VMware Player, VirtualBox, from Live CD as intended and installed to external USB connected to an Acer 5551 laptop with ATI graphics, 4 GB Ram and a Phenom II X3 processor.

Jibbed - NetBSD Based Live CD (Updated 19/01/13)

There aren't exactly many live CD's based on one of the BSD's around, and unfortunately over the years several more have gone the way of the Dodo. One such project was TrueBSD which is now described as dormant, not having seen a release in 4 1/2 years, and no Final for even longer. It seemed promising and I had high hopes for it, but C'est la vie. The developers and a few hardcore users still keep an IRC channel active and refuse to admit that it's dead, but don't hold your breath.

Happy Holidays and New Year

It's been another year chock full of releases. Lots of distributions I'ld like to not only try but write about, like LuninuX, Comfusion, Wifislax, Manjaro and others, plus of course BSD which is still outstanding.  Time is now very limited and it isn't possible to do all that, but I'll take a few choice picks here and there. Thanks to all of you for checking back and a good start into 2013!!

CRUX 2.8 Review - The Inspiration Behind Arch Linux

This one is well overdue, but the time has finally come. In my defence, I installed CRUX 2.7.1 as far back as summer, but a hard drive failure wiped it all, and since then 2.8 was released. Just as well, so we'll be testing the latest version 2.8. CRUX is a DIY distribution that is perhaps less known than others, but it is the inspiration behind the mighty Arch Linux as the distribution Judd Vinet was originally using. I would point to this dated interview if you want to know more about the origins of Arch.

More Games for the Holiday Season

After checking out the Duke Nukem 3d give away I came across more offers on GOG.com, which is undoubtedly the intention. ArmA2 with Operation Arrowhead add-on, together called Combined Operations, is a necessity for playing the DayZ simulation zombie mod that's taken off big time. I've only watched a couple of game play videos so far but it looks real good. It's half price at $14.99 which is an acceptable starting point in my book.

Holiday Gift: Duke Nukem 3D (Win+Mac)

Duke Nukem 3d for PC & Mac is free to download until Friday 14.59pm. PC obviously means Windows executable here but check out eduke32, a modified game engine that will let you play it on Linux. You need to sign up for an account but just use a disposable email as you can download the game straight away without confirming the address. Thanks to Edward Koenig for the tip. Oh yes, and you get some cool artwork and ringtones, too.

New Design for Slax.org, Preparing Final Release

Just in time for the expected final release of Slax 7.0 on Monday after all this time the web site has had a makeover as well to serve as a visual reminder that a new age for Slax has truly arrived. This is the first release using KDE 4, and possibly Blackbox as low resource alternative, and also the first one since a sponsor was secured.

New Stable ArchBang ISO 2012.12 Released

Continuing my theme of randomly re-posting announcements without really adding any content myself until there's more time again, ArchBang 2012.12 is out with a new dark theme, updated openbox-menu, and the Linux 3.6.8 kernel. As it's based on Arch it is now also using systemd and that may give pause for consideration if you care. It's looking fine though, and there'll continue to be unofficial test iso's between releases due to the fast moving nature of developments in open source software.