Salix OS Openbox

Salix OS Openbox is an open source operating system based on one of the oldest Linux distributions in the world, Slackware. It is a special edition of the Salix OS distro, using the minimal Openbox window manager as its default desktop environment.

Availability, boot options and supported architectures

The Openbox edition of Salix OS can be downloaded as two installable-only CD-size ISO images, which can be burned onto CD discs using any CD/DVD burning software or written on USB flash drives of 1GB or higher capacity using the Disks or UNetbootin applications.

It provides users with a geeky boot prompt from where the user can start the installation with the default kernel or by adding extra parameters. Supported architectures include 64-bit and 32-bit.

Text-mode installation for everyone

The entire installation process takes place in the Linux console, usually called text-mode installer, and will require the user to choose a keyboard map, select an installation method (automatic or manual), partition the disk, select the installation source, and choose which packages to install.

In addition, the user must configure and install the boot loader, configure the hardware clock, set the timezone and locale, enable numlock on boot, create a user, and select a repository mirror after all packages have been installed.

Lightweight and beautiful desktop environment with well known apps

The Openbox window manager has been highly customized in this Salix OS edition to look and act like a modern desktop environment. It uses a transparent panel located on the bottom edge of the screen from where the user can launch favorite apps, cycle between virtual workspaces and interact with opened programs.

Default applications include the Midori web browser, Asunder Audio-CD ripper, Exaile music player, Whaaw! media player, Geany IDE, Brasero CD/DVD burning software, Viewnior image viewer, GIMP image editor, Claws Mail email client, Pidgin instant messenger, Transmission BitTorrent client, gFTP file transfer client, AbiWord word processor, Gnumeric spreadsheet editor, and Gslapt package manager.

Bottom line

In conclusion, the Openbox flavor of Salix OS is indeed a low on resources operating system that can turn old and semi-old machines into fast and modern workstations. However, the installation process is might hold back some users from using it.