GoBang Linux

GoBangOS is an open source Linux-based operating system build around the lightweight and minimalistic Openbox window manager and based on the Ubuntu distribution.

Distributed as 32-bit Live CDs in two languages

It is distributed as a single Live CD ISO image that can be easily deployed to a USB flash drive using the UNetbootin application, or written to a blank CD disc using any CD/DVD burning software. Only the 32-bit (i686) architecture is supported at this time.

While users can use GoBangOS directly from the live CD/DVD or USB mediums, they can easily install the operating system to a local or external disk drive. The username for the live session is "gobang" and it uses no password.

Boot options

The boot prompt of the Live CD will allow users to start an operating system that is currently installed on first disk drive, run a memory test, boot the live environment using default settings or in safe graphics mode.

Uses the minimalistic Openbox window manager

As mentioned, the live session is powered by a very minimalistic Openbox window manager, comprised of a small taskbar located on the upper right part of the screen and a desktop widget that monitors the CPU, RAM and network traffic.

The Conky-powered system monitoring widget placed on the right side of the desktop also provides users with the most essential keyboard shortcuts, which are used in the distribution for increased productivity.

The main menu can be accessed by right-clicking anywhere on the desktop. It will allow users to launch pre installed applications, as well as to install new ones without much hassle.

Default applications

Being powered by a recent Linux kernel, GoBangOS uses the Openbox and Xgo window managers, as well as the Thunar file manager and MDM (Mint Display Manager) as its default login manager.

Default applications include the gFTP FTP client, XChat IRC client, Geany text editor, Xfburn CD/DVD burning software, Viewnior image viewer, BleachBit system cleaner, Boot-Up Manager (BUM), GNOME Terminal and XTerm terminal emulators, and Midnight Commander two-panel file manager.

Bottom line

It is a lite distribution of Linux that can be easily deployed to a low-end machine and it's compatible with the Ubuntu 12.04 software repositories.