DBLab

DBLab is the first of a series of six total custom open source operating systems based on the Ubuntu, Linux Mint, LXLE and Zorin Linux distributions. This is the main edition, featuring the Unity desktop environment and a wide range of software packages.

Distributed as Live DVDs or 4GB in size each

The distribution must be downloaded from our website or from its official homepage in order to use it. It is distributed as two Live DVD ISO images of approximately 4GB in size each, which should be written to DVD discs or USB flash drives of 4GB or higher capacity, one for the 32-bit architecture and another one for the 64-bit hardware platform.

Boot options

The Live DVDs will present users with a standard boot menu that allows them to start the live environment with default options or in safe graphics mode, perform a system memory diagnostic test using Memtest86+, boot an existing operating system from the first disk, as well as to permanently install the system on a local drive.

Standard Unity desktop environment

It appears that the Unity desktop environment used in this distribution has not been altered in any way, shape or form, providing users with a top panel for interacting with running programs, as well as the application launcher (dock) on the left side of the screen from where you can quickly open your favorite apps.

Top-notch applications

As expected from a Live DVD distribution of 4GB in size, it comes with a plethora of top-notch open source applications that are not included by default in the official Ubuntu release, such as the Geary email client, Shutter screen capture utility, Darktable and RawTherapee photo editors for digital photographers, Audacious audio player, and AbiWord word processor.

Bottom line

All in all, DBLab seems to be the perfect Linux distribution for Ubuntu fans who miss the official DVD edition of their favorite operating system. It's requirements are pretty high, which is normal for a modern operating system that uses the resource hungry Unity desktop environment and includes so many different apps.

What is new in this release:

• System update
• Bugfixes

What is new in version 13.10:

• Now based on Ubuntu 13.10. I did some system settings, added various up-to-date software packages, and installed various useful software.

What is new in version 12.04.3:

• Bug fix, system update, and updated some software packages.

What is new in version 12.04.2:

• Updated for Ubuntu 12.04.2 LTS.
• System update
• Bug fix in my settings in the OS installer