Petite Linux

Petite Linux is an open-source, small and lightweight distribution of Linux derived from the widely used openSUSE operating system and built around the modern and astonishing Enlightenment window manager.

The distribution is available for download as a Live CD

You can download Petite Linux directly from its official website (see link above) as a Live CD ISO image that contains software packages optimized only for the 32-bit (i686) instruction set architecture.

While it is possible to boot the ISO image on computers that supports both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, you will only be able to install 32-bit applications.

Here’s how to use the ISO image

Once the download is finished, you can burn the ISO image onto a blank CD disc using any CD/DVD burning software or write it on a USB thumb drive using UNetbootin or GNOME Disk Utility (Disks) applications in order to boot it from the BIOS of a computer and start the live system.

Enlightenment is in charge of the graphical session

Being designed from the ground up as a lightweight and minimal operating system, Petite Linux uses Enlightenment as its default and only graphical desktop environment, providing users with a modern and traditional interface that comprises of a single panel located on the bottom edge of the screen.

The panel can be used to navigate the main menu and launch applications, interact with running programs and system tray functions, as well as to cycle between virtual workspaces.

It includes a minimal set of open-source applications

The operating system includes a minimal set of open-source applications. Among some of them, we can mention the gThumb image viewer, Google Chrome web browser, Empathy multi-protocol instant messenger, Steam for Linux client, Evolution email and calendar client, Transmission torrent downloader, Spotify client and Wicd network connection tool.

What is new in this release:

• Missing intel (and other) graphics drivers ... blocker
• Missing firmware for stuff (wireless etc) ... blocker
• Missing rpm/ymp (single click install) handlers ... major
• Live user left behind after installation ... minor
• Missing rpm key for official non-oss repo ... annoying
• Missing cpu microcode ... annoying
• Missing fonts (dejavu) ... annoying