ZEN-mini

ZEN-mini is a minimalist and completely free Linux kernel-based operating system derived from the PCLinuxOS distribution, which in turn is based on the deprecated Mandriva OS. It uses a stipped down GNOME interface for its graphical session.

The OS can be downloaded as a 32-bit Live CD image

You can download ZEN-mini from Softoware as a 32-bit Live CD ISO image that has approximately 350MB in size and contains a base system comprised only of software packages optimized for the 32-bit architecture.

You can boot the Live CD by copying it to RAM

When booting the ISO image from the BIOS of a computer, you will see various boot options. Among these, we can mention that ability to start the live system with default kernel parameters, without a boot splash or in safe graphics mode.

In addition, you can drop to a shell prompt, boot in failsafe mode, start the live system from RAM (system memory), as well as to directly start the installation process.

The graphical session is traditional and includes a handful of applications

As mentioned, the main emphasis of ZEN-mini is on being as minimalist as possible. Therefore, it features a slimmed down GNOME desktop environment, which boasts a traditional design, and a handful of open-source applications.

Among these, we can mention the Mozilla Firefox web browser, Gedit text editor, GPicView image viewer, BleachBit system cleaner, Baobab disk usage analyzer, as well as Synaptic Package Manager for installing additional apps.

A lightweight operating system for slow computers

All in all, ZEN-mini is a lightweight operating system designed for slow computers, machines with old and semi-old hardware components that no longer support modern and resource hungry operating system like Windows Vista.

Unfortunately, ZEN-mini is no longer under active development and has been archived for historical purposes only!

What is new in this release:

• autologin to guest account with login info (livecd mode)
• changed grub, plymouth, gdm and wallpaper theme! Thanks to timeth and Archie for art work
• new kernel 2.6.38.8
• sound server is pulse - hope will work better than alsa
• added small image viewer
• installation from GRUB menu
• still with GNOME 2.32.1

What is new in version 2010.10:

• GNOME 2.32.0
• kernel 2.6.33.7-bfs
• fully updated (25.10.2010)
• changed menu icon (thanks to timeth for that!)
• more cleanup
• add gcalctool (was missing in last release)
• gnome-panel downgrade to 2.30.2 because of bug!

What is new in version 2010.1:

• Linux kernel 2.6.33.5-bfs
• GNOME 2.30.2
• Fixes:
• clock preferences (fixed changing 24/12 clock - was small bug before)
• gdm theme is nicer on livecd mode
• root account is in full screen in VirtualBox
• few small fixes for GNOME
• pulse audio should work better (always problems...)

What is new in version 2010:

• GNOME 2.30
• kernel 2.6.32.11 bfs
• addlocale
• ISO size only 343mb!
• fixed pulse audio

What is new in version 2010 Beta 1:

• kernel 2.6.32.9.pclos1.bfs
• speedboot (speedup booting)
• plymouth (animated bootsplash)
• GNOME 2.28.2

What is new in version 2009.2:

• GNOME 2.28.1;
• Linux kernel 2.6.26.8.tex3;
• Changed look.