BLAG Linux MATE

BLAG Linux MATE is an open source operating system based on the Fedora Linux distribution and built around the MATE desktop environment. It comes with a wide range of software packages that are not included by default in the Fedora OS and it's suitable for low-end machines.

Distributed as Live CDs for 64-bit and 32-bit architectures

The operating system is distributed as two Live CD ISO images, one for each of the supported hardware platforms (64-bit/x86_64 and 32-bit/i386), which can be burned onto CD discs or written to USB flash drives in order to boot them from the BIOS of a PC.

From the boot menu of the Live CDs, the user will be able to start the live environment with default settings or in safe graphics mode, boot an existing operating system from the first disk drive, perform a memory integrity check, as well as to verify the CD disc for defects.

Traditional desktop environment powered by MATE

As mentioned, this Linux distribution uses MATE, a fork of GNOME 2, as its default and only desktop environment, providing users with a traditional graphical interface that uses a two-panel layout.

Default applications include the Unit Convertor, MyPaint digital painting software, Xlock screensaver program, gFTP file transfer client, HexChat IRC client, Midori web browser, Pidgin multi-protocol instant messenger, Sylpheed email client, and Transmission torrent downloader.

Additionally, it comes with the AbiWord word processor, Gnumeric spreadsheet editor, GnomeBaker CD/DVD burning software, Ex Falso audio tag editor, OggConvert audio converter, Quod Libet audio player, Sound Converter audio file converter, and Whaaw! media player.

Bottom line

All in all, the MATE edition of BLAG Linux proves to be very stable and reliable, designed for home users or small offices where the need for a traditional, familiar and very fast operating system is a must. Also, do not hesitate to check out the GNOME edition of BLAG Linux.

What is new in this release:

• The repo works without having to download the second version of the blag-release package.
• Replaced FVWM with Openbox.
• I've added: SoundRecorder to ensure that a recording package was available on the CD. Audacity was to large labyrinth to provide a different tool for representing information. xpad to provide quick notes
• The LXDE, MINI and XFCE CD's are available to allow you to start on the DE/WM of choice and provide smaller downloads for those who need it.