First encounters with PureOSlite :)

[Gtrax]

Hi folk at LF lounge

Its French! I downloaded the English version now available. I was attracted by the fact it was Debian (Testing). I was thinking "apt-get" and "Synaptic", and with a fast Xfce desktop. Oh Yeah - this was worth a try!

For the downloads --> From linux-live-cd.org/iso/PureOS
For pretty pictures --> PureOSlite gallery

Just like most distros, the first screen is at a resolution that is a challenge to fit any open app into, and no easy findable tools to set up monitor and video. Strange that my keyboard works the correct UK layout when I select "en_US". Choose the Union Flag, and it types the most gorgeous alternatives into Iceweasel, such as "łłł·ł→n↓»đø¶↓µß·¢øµ" in place of "www.linuxforums.com".

OK - so now I have cut'n-pasted some more sensible stuff into xorg.conf, we have 1600 x 1200 and fun to come with NVidia drivers, but so far, it feels just very snappy. I could get so-oooo distracted. My weakness is 14 partitions booting 8 distros and a XP in a virtualbox on sda11. Is there a help place somewheres similar to AA for us 'try_the_distro' addicts?

[rokytnji]

Do you know the system Minimum requirements for the PureOS lite 02 2008 iso. and if it works in American English? I tried out ZevonOS a while back when it was beta and all the menus for the desktop in it were in German even though I selected English at bootup. The Windows that opened up like Home folder and such were in English but the menu wasn't. That's why i am asking that 1 question. Also curious if it will run on a P3 900 hz with 256mb ram.

[Gtrax]

Hi rokytnji
On the download link, I can see PureOSlight_02_2008.iso, but that is not the one I am trying. I chose to get PureOSlight_03beta1_EN.iso instead because I wanted a fast non-bloated desktop, with a minimal install, and still be able to get the choice of applications from the Debian repositories.

The Google engine output mentions that the original PureOS was "Pure 64-bit". This is not so with the one I downloaded. My PC is 32-bit, and it is running fine as I type this. The .iso is only 300MB. The default packages are fine, and Synaptic will let you haul in the others you want.

I once used Xfce on a 600MHz P3 (Coppermine), and it made it look and feel like a much more modern computer. The fastest ever was a hand-tuned Gentoo, but most folk will not spare the time to compile everything. My guess is PureOSlite will feel good on a 900MHz PC. If you can find another 250MB RAM to add to what you have, and have at least a 500MB swap partition, a / partition, and a separate /home partition, it will start to feel pretty good. I would try the PureOSlight_03beta1_EN.iso. I am reasonable sure your PC will handle it OK.

Of course, I am just comparing it to half a dozen others, and checking out what they say in the distros section of the forum. I anticipate needing to do some serious math computing. The distro that best suits that is maybe not a big thing packed full of multimedia goodies and games.

[rokytnji]

Thanks Gtrax, Been busy trying to get Java 6 version 11 (jre1.6.0_11) installed and running in Seamonkey in my Puppy Dingo distro. Using a Petget package (tried it the hard way). No worky yet.

[Gtrax]

It (PureOSlight) had been really nice so far - until we find it has been built with 2.6.27, and the debian repositories only carry up to 2.6.26

This puts a spike into NVidia drivers..low-latency kernels..and more

I am open to suggestions. Coffee! Yeah, thats it. Have another coffee while you sniff around a new distro before investing too much in fitting it up with your favourite packages.

[rokytnji]

Sidux, which I think is Debian also, runs the 2.6.27 kernel also. It's cutting edge Debian and packages can be had for it. Might do a end run around and see what Sidux grabs it's packages from maybe.

[Gtrax]

Thans rokytnji. Sidux just might join my collection.

Here is something far more radical. -->LXDE.
I came across it because a Gentoo geek blogger Bits by Ben has been working to build it for Gentoo. Clearly he goes for the most cutting edge. I was looking for a desktop. I did not realise this was a whole distro (of sorts).

The normal LXDE is Ubuntu-based thing, which means you get Synaptic and access to a big software repository. I have not had time to try it yet, but their mantra is all about speed. They have a LiveCD, and a USB version. The download is less than 260MB.

[rokytnji]

Funny you should mention LXDE. I run it On a Ubuntu install. Go look at Desktop Screenshots. I think the 260mb download is just for the desktop and associated stuff, like Pcman file manager. I am still in the learning the ropes stage with LXDE, and yep it's fast.

Quick edit: My bad. it's early in the morning here. Just noticed it said LXDE iso.

[Gtrax]

I have just tried the LXDE live CD. Yes - its fast!

Unfortunately, it has the same install weak point that Ubuntu and many other distros have in that if it fails to "discover" the monitor, it sets a default resolution so low any open window is larger than the screen, with no X-configuration tool to fix it..

This is not a bad thing in itself, but there is never an easy-to-find tool to set it right. Its always necessary to manually re-work the xorg.conf, which will come with these opaque "configured device" and "configured monitor" expressions where "configured" has apparently happened somewhere else.

There seems no easy way to make LXDE single-click either. This leads to the question..
Can LXDE desktop be installed onto a regular Ubuntu installation running Gnome, and then appear as a new desktop choice?

PS. with 7 hours between us, you must have posted at 7:35 in the morning. Either a real early starter on the PC - or you were hacking all night!

[rokytnji]

Can LXDE desktop be installed onto a regular Ubuntu installation running Gnome, and then appear as a new desktop choice?

That's what I do. Like I said, I'm still learning the tweaks. Things like adding a firefox png to the taskbar. Figured that out this morning. And no, I didn't stay up all night. Got up at 5 am my time and woke up to see that the local prison was burning down. Got on computer to find out what was going on, and my wife who works graveyard and just walked through the door after getting off work at the local Police Station said the prisoners rioted and took over the whole facility. Been burning it down since I guess.