DBLab LM Mate Remix

DBLab LM Mate Remix is an open source distribution of Linux based on the popular Linux Mint operating system, which in turn is based on the world’s most popular free OS, Ubuntu. Its default and only desktop environment is MATE, a clone of the classic GNOME 2 graphical session interface.

Downloadable as two Live DVDs of 4GB in size each

The distribution is downloadable as Live DVD ISOs of approximately 4GB in size each, which means that the user must write the images on DVD discs or USB flash drives of 4GB or higher capacity in order to boot them from the BIOS of the computer. As expected, one ISO image is compatible with the 32-bit architecture and the other one with the 64-bit hardware platform.

Boot options

From the boot loader, the user will be able to try the operating system without installing anything on his/her computer, perform a system memory diagnostic test, boot an existing OS from the first disk, as well as to permanently install the distribution on a local drive. Keep in mind that you can start the live environment with default options or in safe graphics mode.

Classic desktop environment à la GNOME 2

As mentioned, this DBLab edition uses MATE as its default and only desktop environment, which comprises of a single taskbar located on the bottom edge of the screen from where you can launch applications or interact with running programs. However, before you can use the graphical desktop environment you must use the "ubuntuuser" username and "uest1310!" password at the login prompt.

All the applications you need in a single Live DVD

Default applications include the Geary email client, NitroShare file sharing tool, Umit network scanner, Pidgin IM client, Calibre ebook library management software, GNU Emacs text editor, Audacious audio player, the entire Gmerlin software suite, FileZilla file transfer client, Mozilla Thunderbird email and news client, Darktable image editor, and LibreOffice office suite.

Bottom line

While this custom DBLab edition looks and acts like the original MATE flavor of the Linux Mint operating system, it is actually loaded with a wide range of powerful and very useful open source applications that will please even the most tech-savvy users.

What is new in this release:

• System update.
• Many bugfixes.
• New apps were added.

What is new in version 13.04:

• System update
• Bug fix
• New softwares are added