Linux Lite 2.0 David Hayward Explores a Fresh Distro That’S As Light As a Feather

Linux distribution Reviews Linux Lite 2.0 David Hayward explores a fresh distro that’s as light as a feather.

inux Lite is a distro that finds In brief... favour wherever it’s installed, but Lfor some odd reason is often left A delightful, to one side, or forgotten completely tasteful distro when the talk turns to fresh, lightweight that makes Linux feel like a breath and manageable desktops. We’ve of fresh air. no idea why, but suffice to say that the new version 2.0 of the distro is an exceptionally good example of what can be achieved when the right combinations of desktop, tools, programs and ideas come together. If the emphasis – or rather the selling point – of a Linux distro these days is its user friendliness and gentle learning curve, then Linux Lite should by all rights be top of the shopping list. Based on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, this Xfce- installed distro is loaded with everything you could want from a modern PC. Gimp, Firefox, Thunderbird, Mumble Linux Lite presents a clear and uncluttered entry point to the world of Linux. (a high quality voice chat program), and VLC are the standard fare. LibreOffice is on a black background theme going, crash when we treated it to an intense included too, but there’s more to this so despite the emphasis on new users, Steam session or a spot of video distro than the inherent programs. a regular distro junkies will appreciate editing. In fact, it remained lively There are pre-built and configured Linux Lite just as well. throughout the entire time we tested it, tools to help install extra software – or The menu layout is clean and which is a testament indeed to its even remove it – via the Lite Software uncluttered, as are the desktop and quality construction and development. feature, which runs via a set of well- interface, which helps improve the It’s not often we come across a designed scripts. There’s also a pre- already minimalist nature of Linux Lite. distro that takes our breath away, but made user manager in the form of Everything has been carefully planned – Linux Lite has done so through its ease Linux Lite User Manager, which makes from the wording of the programs of use and stylish approach. account management a little easier to and tools in the menu, to the well- To conclude, we’re very impressed understand for newcomers to Linux. documented support and help manual. with the work that has been done The more common tools and Former Windows XP user will have to deliver Linux Lite 2.0. It’s a great administrative programs are readily no trouble getting to grips with Linux desktop and addition to our collection accessible, and for the hardened user Lite, but it’s not exclusively dedicated to of worthy installations, and for this we there’s always the terminal, which has a bringing new Linux members into the applaud the development team and rather natty and retro looking green text community. The right-click context Linux Lite community. LXF menu, for example, houses such additions as Create Launcher, Task Features at a glance Manager and even a screenshot option. Verdict These combine to form a great entry point to Linux, but a few tweaks here Linux Lite 2.0 and there can turn Linux Lite into a Developer: Linux Lite dev team Web: www.linuxliteos.com desktop powerhouse, and one that will Licence: GPLv 2 appease the more advanced user. Features 9/10 Looks aside, the clever combination Performance 9/10 of Xfce and the minimalist approach of Ease of use 9/10 the overall system make Linux Lite an Documentation 9/10 exceptionally sprightly desktop. It boots One of the best Linux distros we’ve Monitor resources Install software in seconds, is quick to open programs, tested and used in a very long time. The Resource Usage The Install Additional can switch between workspaces rapidly, Highly recommended. Monitor is especially good. Software scripts are easy and adds a sense of style to what is The usual suspects, such to read and understand. effectively yet another lightweight as Firefox, are all present. They’re a nice touch. Rating 9/10 distro. It’s also very stable and didn’t