Zero Live

Zero Live is a special open source operating system based on the award winning Debian GNU/Linux operating system and using the Xfce project as its default and only desktop environment, and built around the Zero Install software, a decentralised multi-platform software installation system.

Downloadable as x86 and x64 Live CDs

The distro can be downloaded as Live CDs from Softoware or its official website (see link above), supporting the 64-bit (x86_64) and 32-bit (i386) instruction set architectures. They must be burned onto CD discs or written on USB flash drives of 512MB or higher capacity in order to boot them from the BIOS of a computer.

Boot options

The GRUB-powered boot menu looks unchanged from the official Debian GNU/Linux Live CD, allowing the user to start the live environment with default drivers, in failsafe mode or with a different Linux kernel, as well as to perform a system memory (RAM) diagnostic test.

Traditional desktop environment powered by Xfce

As mentioned, the default and only desktop environment of this Debian-based operating system is Xfce, which offers a traditional and fast graphical session comprised of a top panel for easy interaction with opened programs and a bottom dock (application launcher).

A minimal set of applications

As the main emphasis is on promoting the Zero Install software, the distribution comes with a minimal set of applications, such as the Thunar file manager, Iceweasel web browser, Icedove email and news client, Mousepad text editor, Bulk Rename batch file renaming utility, Xfce Terminal terminal emulator and Synaptic Package Manager.

Bottom line

In conclusion, Zero Live uses the lightweight Xfce desktop environment and the latest upstream version of the Debian GNU/Linux Live 5 “Lenny” operating system to provide users with a modern, flexible and low on resources operating system. The main emphasis is on the Zero Install decentralised software distribution software.