Unity Linux

Unity Linux is an open source, completely free and Linux kernel-based operating system derived from Mandriva. It strives to provide Linux developers with a solid and well maintained base that can be used as a starting point for building custom distributions of Linux based on Unity Linux.

Offers both 64-bit and 32-bit Live CDs

Currently, Unity Linux offers both 64-bit (x86_64) and 32-bit Live CD ISO images, which can be downloaded via Softoware or directly from the project’s homepage (see link above).

You can use the operating system from RAM

From the boot menu, you can boot the live system with default drivers, in safe graphics mode, in failsafe mode or by copying the contents of the bootable medium (CD or USB) to RAM and eject it.

It addition, you will be able to perform a system memory diagnostic test, as well as to check the integrity of the bootable medium, which works only if boot from a CD disc.

The graphical session is traditional, includes a few apps

To use the graphical environment, you must first select a language, timezone, set the date and time and choose a keyboard layout. At the login prompt use the credentials displayed on the upper left corner of the screen (guest/guest or root/root).

The desktop environment is built around the minimal Openbox window manager, providing users with a traditional setup comprised of a single panel located on the bottom edge of the screen.

Default applications include the Midori web browser, PCManFM file manager, Xarchiver archive manager, SciTE text editor, as well as XTerm and Sakura terminal emulators.

Almost 7,000 packages are available after installation

After installation, developers and users alike will have free and unconditioned access to nearly 7,000 open-source software packages, available from the default software repositories of the distribution. It uses a SVN (Subversion) repository to facilitate easy access to these packages.

What is new in this release:

• Updated kernel 2.6.35.8 & Perl 5.12.2
• Mklivecd updates

What is new in version 2010.2:

• Updated toolchain, openssl, xorg, python, mono, smart, drak tools, kernel 2.6.35.7, repository restructuring and snapshot of the 2010 repository.
• Addition of more than 2000 packages to bring the total to over 10,600 packages per architecture.
• XFCE 4.6.2, KDE 4.5.1 (but 4.5.3 can be found in the Synergy repository), Gnome 2.32.0, Openbox 3.4.11.2, E17 0.16.999.52995 and EFL beta libraries as well as several proprietary video drivers for Nvidia and ATI.

What is new in version 2010.1:

• The usage of Plymouth for the boot graphics.
• New kernel version 2.6.33.5.
• New Unity theme
• Added the smart-applet for automatic package updates.
• All around updates of all major DE as well as supporting libraries.
• The repositories now contain many full fledged up to date Desktop Environments which can be installed with the use of the "task" meta-packages. Recent additions include:
• KDE 4.4.3 from Synergy Linux,
• Gnome 2.30.0,
• Openbox 3.4.11.2 from TinyMe,
• XFCE 4.6.2 from Qua It,
• E17 0.16.999.49898 from UnitE17

What is new in version 2010 RC 1:

• Updated xorg to 1.7.5
• New kernel version 2.6.31.12. Due to several regressions with the current 2.6.32 kernels, it was decided to stay with the 2.6.31.12 kernel for this release with the 2.6.33 to be released in the repo once the first update is released (2.6.33.1).
• Filetriggers and other minor bugs were fixed for rpm5.
• Smart 1.3 and the addition of smart-utils for mirror automation. The mirror selection is now automated based on system localization for optimum performance. David of Unity-linux is now a contributor to the Smart development team in order to ensure the best user experience

What is new in version 2010 Beta 2:

• Updated xorg to 1.7.3
• Fixed aufs2 for gvfs support (only effected Gnome in livecd mode)
• New kernel version 2.6.31.9
• Additional firmware
• Ndiswrapper module is fixed and working with kernels > 2.6.30