Toutou Linux

Toutou Linux is a Puppy Linux based open source operating system that uses the lightweight Openbox window manager as its default desktop environment, as well as the LXPanel software as its main taskbar. It features a wide range of tweaks and optimizations that makes it suitable for low-end machines.

Distributed as a minimal Live CD

The distribution can be downloaded as a Live CD that will run on both 32-bit and 64-bit hardware platforms. It is a must to write this ISO image to a USB flash drive or burn it onto a CD disc in order to boot it from the BIOS of a computer. The main language is French.

Boot options

Being based on Puppy Linux, the Live CD presents users with a minimal boot prompt that will automatically start the live environment in 8 seconds if no keyboard key is pressed. However, it is possible to access some basic and advanced boot options by pressing the F2 and F3 keys respectively.

A lightweight distribution with a minimalistic desktop

Before you can use the actual desktop, it is a must to choose a timezone, set the system clock and select a video mode, between X.Org or VESA. As mentioned, the minimalistic desktop is powered by Openbox, which comprises of a single taskbar located at the bottom edge of the screen and designed to allow the user to quickly launch applications or interact with running programs.

In addition, it features a top panel that acts as a dock (application launcher), which is hidden by default and will appear only on mouse over. The OS includes various open source applications that can be found in many other Puppy Linux based distros, but it uses Opera as its default web browser.

Bottom line

All in all, Toutou Linux is a great little operating system that uses OCI, a custom-built application that automates the installation, a first-boot assistant for configuring several aspects of the desktop, and a plethora of open source applications.