Xubuntu Photo

Xubuntu Photo is an open source Linux-based operating system derived from the Ubuntu Photo distribution created by the same developer. This edition is based on the Xubuntu Linux distribution, which is built around the lightweight Xfce desktop environment.

The main goal of the Ubuntu Photos and Xubuntu Photo Linux distributions is to provide users with a complete computing environment for viewing, editing and organizing photos. They have been designed from the ground up to be used by amateur photographers.

Distributed as 64-bit Live DVDs

This Xubuntu flavor is distributed as a single Live DVD ISO-hybrid image that can be deployed on a USB flash drive using the UNetbootin application, or written to a blank DVD disc using any CD/DVD burning software. Only the 64-bit architecture is supported at this time.

Entitled Xubuntu 12.04 LTS Remix, the Live DVD ISO image can be used to run a memory test, boot an existing operating system, as well as to install the entire system without testing it first (not recommended).

Boot options

Two options are available for starting the live environment, with default settings or using the safe graphics mode, in case your video card is not supported by the first option. As expected, the live session is powered by the Xfce desktop environment, comprised of two panels.

Default applications

Default applications include the Mozilla Thunderbird email client, Mozilla Firefox web browser, Banshee music player, Totem and xine video players, the LibreOffice office suite, Leafpad text editor, Synaptic Package Manager, and Ubuntu Software Center.

Among the dedicated photo manipulation applications, we can mention GIMP image editor, Darktable RAW image editor and organizer, gThumb image viewer, Shotwell image viewer and organizer, Ristretto image viewer, as well as the entire Hugin suite.

Bottom line

All in all, the main difference between the Xubuntu Photo and Ubuntu Photo distribution is, of course, the desktop environment. While the latter is suitable for high-end computers, the first one can be used on both low-end and high-end machines.