VectorLinux 64-bit

VectorLinux 64-bit or VL64 is a special edition of the well-known VectorLinux operating system specifically designed to be used only on 64-bit (x86_64/amd64) capable computers. It is derived fromt the highly acclaimed Slackware Linux distribution.

It’s available for download as an installable-only CD for 64-bit platforms

The 64-bit edition of VectorLinux comes as an installable-only CD ISO image that has been designed from the ground up to be deployed only on computers that support the 64-bit instruction set architecture.

The boot prompt is pretty basic, allowing you to only start the graphical installer and deploy the operating system on a local hard disk or solid state drive.

Anyone can install VectorLinux 64-bit on a computer

Despite the fact that it is derived from Slackware Linux, VectorLinux uses a graphical installer, which is newbie friendly and requires you to choose a default language and keyboard layout, partition the disk, select the software packages and an installation method.

After all the packages have been installed, you install a bootloader, set up regional settings, users and passwords, network settings, startup options, and reboot the machine.

Traditional desktop environment powered by Xfce

VectorLinux’s default graphical desktop environment is powered by Xfce, which offers a traditional interface that comprises of a single panel located on the bottom edge of the screen, from where you can launch applications or interact with running programs.

A wide-range of open source apps are available in VL64

Among the pre-installed applications, we can mention the Geany IDE, Opera and Mozilla Firefox web browser, XChat IRC client, Pidgin multi-protocol instant messenger, gFTP file transfer client, Exaile music player, GNOME MPlayer video player, AbiWord word processor and Gslapt package manager.

A traditional OS for modern computers

All in all, VL64 (VectorLinux 64-bit) is a traditional operating system that can be installed only on modern computers that are compatible with the 64-bit architecture. For low-end machines, do not hesitate to check out the 32-bit edition of VectorLinux from Softoware.

What is new in this release:

• The main desktop is based on Xfce-4.8 with a custom theme and artwork unique to us. All the VectorLinux trademarks are included: DVD playback, Audio and Video Codecs, Multimedia and Java plugins are installed and working out of the box. The best of the Open Source world is included: Gimp, Inkscape for Graphics; Firefox, Opera, for Internet Browsing; Pidgin and Xchat for instant messaging; brasero for CD burning; Mplayer, Exaile for playing most available media formats. The office applications are Gnumeric, Abiword and Epdfviewer.
• Wireless networking has been extended with updated drivers and firmware, Wicd has been employed to manage wireless and non wireless networking. UFW is included for firewall protection and there is added support for several webcam makes and models.