Red Flag Linux Desktop

Red Flag Linux Desktop is an open-source distribution of Linux based on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux and built around the KDE desktop environment, which has been specifically designed to look like the graphical desktop of the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. It comes with built-in support for both English and Simplified/Traditional Chinese languages.

Available for download as an installable-only CD

The distribution can be downloaded as an installable-only CD ISO image of approximately 700MB in size, designed to support both 32-bit (i386) and 64-bit (x86_64) computers. Keep in mind though, that you must write the ISO image to a CD disc or a USB thumb drive in order to boot it from the BIOS of a PC.

Boot options à la Red Hat Enterprise Linux

The bootloader of the ISO image is identical with the one of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system, allowing the user to start the installer directly in graphical or text mode. The system can also be used as a rescue CD to repair broken operating systems that are no longer bootable.

The distribution is easy to install thanks to the graphical installer

Red Flag Linux Desktop comes with the same graphical installer that is available on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system. The distribution is easy to install thanks to the Anaconda graphical installed, which requires users to choose a language and keyboard layout, configure the network and timezone, enter a root password, partition the disk and select software to install.

Bottom line

All in all, Red Flag Linux Desktop is a great operating system for the Chinese community, helping the user to easily migrate from Microsoft Windows XP to an open-source OS. Unfortunately, the Red Flag Linux project is no longer maintained with software updates, bug fixes and security patches.

What is new in this release:

• Linux kernel 3.6.11 with additional hardware drivers and enhanced wireless network cards support;
• Incorporation of Fedora's systemd service manager;
• A customized KDE 4.10 desktop;
• New theme for the GRUB splash screen and the KDE desktop;
• A brand-new and simplified system installer;
• New Red Flag Software Centre with better software installation interface;
• New "Firstconfig" feature which includes an option to choose the preferred language;
• Google Chromium as the new default web browser.