MCLinux

MCLinux is an open source distribution of Linux that aims to provide a desktop platform that helps students to learn chemistry, as well as to develop various activities in that area. It uses KDE Software Compilation as its default and only desktop environment on top of a stable Semplice Linux base.

Distributed as Live DVDs for amd64 and i386 architectures

Nothing spectacular here, as the distribution is available for download from Softoware or its official website as Live DVD ISO images that will support both 64-bit (amd64) and 32-bit (i386) instruction set architectures.

Boot options

The boot menu of the Live DVDs is very minimal, allowing the user to start the live environment with default boot options and drivers or in safe graphics mode using the failsafe option. In addition, it is possible to start a system memory diagnostic test using the Memtest86+ utility.

Modern and productive desktop environment powered by KDE

As mentioned, the MCLinux’s default and only desktop environment is powered by KDE Plasma (also known as KDE Software Compilation), which comprises of a single taskbar located on the bottom edge of the screen from where the user can quickly launch applications and interact with running programs.

Includes mostly KDE-specific applications

The distribution includes mostly KDE-specific applications, among which we can mention the Konqueror web browser, qBittorrent torrent downloader, KMail email client, Kopete instant messenger, Amarok audio player, as well as Dragon Player video player.

In addition, it includes some top-notch applications like VLC Media Player, SMPlayer video player, Chromium web browser, uGet download manager, XChat IRC client, and a Dropbox client.

Bottom line

Summing up, MCLinux looks like a pretty great operating system that uses a powerful and eye-candy desktop environment and a great set of open source applications on top of the low on resources Semplice Linux distribution.