Virtual Distro Sampler



This month we bring you a Virtual Live Distro Sampler created exclusively for Linux Magazine and Linux Pro Magazine. Try out any one of the five Live distros without rebooting.

The Live base system is a fully installable version of Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy Gibbon - with all the latest updates and security patches. Ubuntu 7.10 comes with better security, improved 3D effects, write support for NTFS partitions, a new automatic printer configuration feature, improved power management, and additional updates and enhancements.

Running on Gutsy Gibbon is the VirtualBox 1.5.6 virtualization environment. Inside this virtual environment, you can sample and test any of the following Live distributions:

CentOS 5.1 Live

The CentOS community distribution is based on source code from Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

This Live version comes with a healthy collection of end-user tools, plus a handy toolkit of diagnostic and rescue utilities.

DreamLinux 3.0 RC1

DreamLinux is a modular Linux system based on Debian and Morphix. The DreamLinux developers pride themselves in delivering plenty of applications for the desktop and lots of interesting add-ons.

Figure 4: DreamLinux 3.0 RC1.

Kubuntu 8.04 Alpha "KDE 4"

If you haven't already heard, Kubuntu Linux is Ubuntu with KDE. This alpha version of Kubuntu 8.04 might be your first look at what's coming up in Ubuntu "Hardy Heron."

Tour the new KDE 4 desktop and browse through the gallery of tools that makes Kubuntu a favorite of Linux users around the world.

Linux Mint 4.0 Daryna Community Edition

The popular Linux Mint distro, which is currently ranked fifth at DistroWatch, offers an abundance of user tools with an impressive collection of original management utilities.

SimplyMEPIS 7.0

SimplyMEPIS has attracted a loyal following with its well-designed interface and carefully selected tool set. SimplyMEPIS 7.0 includes a smart collection of applications for the home and office - with many more available for download at the MEPIS site and the Debian Stable repositories.

Conclusion

Our innovative Live Distro sampler lets you sample and test five great Live distributions without rebooting. While you're at it, you can also test drive the popular Ubuntu "Gutsy Gibbon" host system. We hope you enjoy this month's Linux Magazine Virtual Live Distro Sampler DVD.

System Requirements

Processor: Pentium-class 1 GHz or better

Memory: 512MB RAM; more is recommended

Disk Space: 2GB Minimum

Additional Resources

[1] Ubuntu:http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/releasenotes/710tou

[2] CentOS: http://www.centos.org/

[3] DreamLinux: http://www.dreamlinux.com.br/

[4] Kubuntu: http://www.kubuntu.org/

[5] Mint Linux: http://linuxmint.com/

[6] MEPIS: http://www.mepis.org/

Figure 1: Choose a Live distro from the menu.

Figure 2: CentOS version 5.1 offers industrial-strength stability.

Figure 3: Spend a restful moment with the dreamy Dreamlinux.

Figure 4: Choose your boot option.