True that Linux world is going through a rapid change. There are three types of Gnome based distros I see:
1. Distros which are using Gnome 3 as such
2. Distros which have Gnome 3 but have their own modification as well, like Unity in Ubuntu, Cinnamon in Linux Mint, etc.
3. Distros which still prefer Gnome 2 or Gnome 2 derivative like Linux Mint Mate, Scientific Linux.
Snowlinux 3 Crystal too falls in the third category - a Gnome 2 desktop with Linux 3 kernel. Due to drastic changes happening to Gnome 3 & Unity, Snowlinux has kept Gnome 2 but with the updated Long Term Support (LTS) Linux kernel 3.2.0 LTS.
I downloaded the 860MB ISO from Snowlinux website. It is based on Debian stable and it shows from the desktop interface, which is similar to Debian Squeeze, as you see below when I change the default wallpaper to Debian.
The boot up screen is also refined to reflect Snowlinux and supports live booting. Most of the system settings including webcam was detected, except touchpad. I couldn't get my touchpad working in Snowlinux crystal.
Applications
I felt all the applications (out-of-the box) are very carefully chosen to give users a complete distro. There is no over-abundance of apps, nor there is a shortage as well. You get a LibreOffice suite, Firefox 14, Thunderbird 14, bit-torrent client, a video player (gnome media player, Rhythmbox, Basero, Empathy etc. Most of desired apps are there and you can download apps like VLC, Chrome, Pidgin, GIMP, etc. from the debian repository. Adobe flash support is not by default but you can get flash player from the repository.
CPU & RAM Usage
I was pretty impressed with the low resource consumption of this distro. With only System Monitor running, the RAM consumption was 123-125 MB and CPU usage of 1-10%, which is much lower than comparable Debian 6 derivatives, including Ubuntu 11.04.
Overall
Snowlinux is really good and if you need a OS which is cutting edge but has the low resource consumption of the olden days, possibly this is the Linux distro you should try out. I am impressed, to be honest.
If you need to see more screenshots, please visit my picasa album.
1. Distros which are using Gnome 3 as such
2. Distros which have Gnome 3 but have their own modification as well, like Unity in Ubuntu, Cinnamon in Linux Mint, etc.
3. Distros which still prefer Gnome 2 or Gnome 2 derivative like Linux Mint Mate, Scientific Linux.
Snowlinux 3 Crystal too falls in the third category - a Gnome 2 desktop with Linux 3 kernel. Due to drastic changes happening to Gnome 3 & Unity, Snowlinux has kept Gnome 2 but with the updated Long Term Support (LTS) Linux kernel 3.2.0 LTS.
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| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
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| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
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| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
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| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
I felt all the applications (out-of-the box) are very carefully chosen to give users a complete distro. There is no over-abundance of apps, nor there is a shortage as well. You get a LibreOffice suite, Firefox 14, Thunderbird 14, bit-torrent client, a video player (gnome media player, Rhythmbox, Basero, Empathy etc. Most of desired apps are there and you can download apps like VLC, Chrome, Pidgin, GIMP, etc. from the debian repository. Adobe flash support is not by default but you can get flash player from the repository.
 |
| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
 |
| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
 |
| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
 |
| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
 |
| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
 |
| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
CPU & RAM Usage
I was pretty impressed with the low resource consumption of this distro. With only System Monitor running, the RAM consumption was 123-125 MB and CPU usage of 1-10%, which is much lower than comparable Debian 6 derivatives, including Ubuntu 11.04.
 |
| From Snowlinux 3 Crystal |
Snowlinux is really good and if you need a OS which is cutting edge but has the low resource consumption of the olden days, possibly this is the Linux distro you should try out. I am impressed, to be honest.
If you need to see more screenshots, please visit my picasa album.
"Snowlinux has kept Gnome 2 but with the updated Long Term Support (LTS) Linux kernel 3.2.0 LTS."
ReplyDeleteDoes Snowlinux 3 has an Ubuntu kernel or Debian kernel?
Debian, of course.
DeleteAs I understand it you can get it either way. From the website:"We also develop a second, separate Linux distribution which is a Ubuntu-based edition featuring the Gnome Shell and MATE (a fork of Gnome 2) desktop." http://www.snowlinux.de/363-screenshot
ReplyDeleteLoaded the 64 bit on DVD this morning and played with it, I really like it. I'll be loading it on the hard drive tonight...
I agree, very good ram use. I'm using the E17 beta and really like the whole feel of things. It might already be more stable than established distros. Why hasn't it been getting more reviews & buzz?
ReplyDeleteNo changes since mid-July - 2 months ago. Performs 'well' because it misses essential codecs, etc: Java, ...
ReplyDeleteJust look at the download site:
...
Category: Snowlinux
Published on Saturday, 16 July 2011 12:10
Written by Lars
Hits: 47956 Snowlinux 3 "Crystal"
Debian-based
Snowlinux 2 "Ice" Debian-based
Snowlinux 1 "Cold" Debian-based
Snowlinux 2 "Cream" MATE Ubuntu-based
Snowlinux 2 "Cream" Cinnamon Ubuntu-based
Snowlinux 1 "Winter" Ubuntu-based
...
Looked at the most recent snolinux. In my opinion that MATE is just too windows-like. If I wanted to run windows, I'd do so. What every distro seems to think, is that the users want either a windows like look and feel or a Mac look and feel. I want a unique, Linux, look and feel - and I don't mean left turn down wretched lane, unity. Have we no creativity of our own, can we not create our own great user interface?
ReplyDelete