For many longtime Linux users, however, there's nothing like the welcoming feel of the old, familiar GNOME 2 interface, and that's just what a new has set out to deliver.
Based on , SolusOS is a beginner-friendly desktop Linux whose next version--now in alpha--features a GNOME 3 fork designed to look and behave just like GNOME 2.
quickly sprinted up DistroWatch's page-hit rankings following the release of its first stable version, called Eveline, back in May. Now situated at No. 26 on that list, the distro just saw the release of a fifth alpha version of SolusOS 2 about a month ago.
I had a chance recently to speak with Ikey Doherty, creator of the Debian Edition and now the SolusOS project's founder and lead developer, about SolusOS and what's coming in the next release. Here are some of the highlights you can expect to find in the next version of this up-and-coming Linux distro.
1. 'The Truest GNOME 2-like Experience'
SolusOS's first release, which is currently the stable version, features the GNOME 2.30 desktop, but we all know eventually it's going to go away, Doherty explained. Accordingly, SolusOS 2 will use a custom version of called GNOME Classic instead.
We've patched it and molded it into something of our own, Doherty said. Built on top of GNOME 3.4 tech, using Metacity, GNOME Panel, Nautilus, etc., it looks and behaves identically to GNOME 2 without the need for a brand new 'speedy' computer with hardware acceleration and provides the truest GNOME 2-like experience today.
The screenshot below offers a small taste of GNOME Classic's look and feel.
2. 'Out-of-the-Box' Multimedia
Based on the Linux 3.3.6 kernel, SolusOS 2 currently includes , version 13.0.1 of both and , Adobe Flash 11.2.202.235, VLC 2.0.1, GNOME Panel 1:3.4.2.1-5solusos1, Nautilus 1:3.4.2-1.2, and SolusDesktop 3.4.3.2.1, among other packages. Also included are firmware for some common wireless LAN chipsets and a variety of non-free codecs for what the project team calls an out-of-the-box multimedia experience.
We ensure we use a rock solid base for stability whilst providing a rolling application stream, Doherty explained.
3. Top-Notch Usability
SolusOS 2 will also feature a totally overhauled theme, the project team says.
We believe usability fundamental to the desktop, so weve set about fixing many common issues that affect GNOME 3.4 in Wheezy, they . Weve finally purged the last of the symbolic icon theme abusers, pushing patches to Nautilus, Totem, gedit, and GNOME Panel. We've gone with the true meaning of SolusOS with v. 2, putting an emphasis on light in all its meanings, resources, or looks.
SolusOS 2 is still just in alpha, of course, so it's by no means ready for production purposes. This latest one is the last alpha version, however, so a beta release won't be far behind. Due to appear in that beta series, in fact, is a raft of new, SolusOS-specific software, including privacy and parental controls, enhanced media and graphics functionality, and updated packages.
SolusOS 2 is planned to be a Long Term Support release, and will reach its final version around the same time that [Debian] Wheezy goes stable, the project team says.
Want to check out SolusOS for yourself in the meantime? It's available for free in 32-bit and 64-bit versions on the SolusOS site.