Idlier's Tech Craze

     Recently, I have come across a lightweight Linux distribution that seems interesting coming from the Debian variant. It uses LXDE desktop that is not updated actively so this is a big concern due to lack of new features or bug fixes (recently noticed since I was watching a Youtube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLGrNhYp2R4 ). My main purpose is to try out lightweight linux distribution then. Usually I choose Ubuntu based Linux distribution so it is an interesting Linux distro for me to play with. I chose to install onto my Lenovo Thinkpad X200(2007 model), the oldest laptop that I have to see what is the effect on it. It has a dual-core CPU, 8GB RAM and 500GB HDD. Previously I have tried Bodhi Linux and Android-x86 on this laptop but in the end, I chose Linux Lite for this laptop since Linux Lite became my favourite Linux distro.      During the installation stage for WattOS onto my laptop, I encountered failure to install bootloader during the...

Elementary OS logo from solcainformatica.es Elementary OS is an Ubuntu-based desktop distribution. Some of its more interesting features include a custom desktop environment called Pantheon and many custom apps including Photos, Music, Videos, Calendar, Terminal, Files, and more. It also comes with some familiar apps like the Epiphany web browser and a fork of Geary mail. — Distrowatch.com Elementary OS is a desktop Linux distribution aimed at MacOS users. The user interface is very similar to MacOS. It encourages you to pay for the installation image but you can put $0 to download the ISO file. The installation is similar to modern Linux installation so there are no issues here. The only difference is that you require to create your user credentials after installing the OS. Not a big deal but requires some fiddling to enable auto-login compared to other Linux desktops which are more straightforward.      It comes with its own customized applications rather than usin...

Voyager Linux Logo from sourceforge.net  Voyager Live is an Xubuntu-based distribution and live DVD showcasing the Xfce desktop environment. Its features include the Avant Window Navigator or AWN (a dock-like navigation bar), Conky (a program which displays useful information on the desktop), and over 300 photographs and animations that can be used as desktop backgrounds. The project also develops several other editions of Voyager Live - a "GE" edition with GNOME Shell, a "GS" variant for Gamers, and a separately-maintained flavour based on Debian's "stable" branch.  - Distrowatch Recently I am facinated with docks and found a distribution that is pretty nice with a dock. It is called Voyager Linux. It is a Xubuntu-based and uses Xfce desktop environment. The version I am using is Voyager 20.04.2 LTS to have this desktop look below.  Voyager desktop from operatelab.com      The bad thing about this version is its update support expires on Apr 2023...

Just screwed up my Zorin OS 16 Lite on my Lenovo U41-70 laptop after playing with dockbarX and with an available Linux Mint 20.3 Xfce USB media, I decided to install this Linux distro on this laptop.       So far, with the issue of lock-screen with Zorin OS 16 Lite, I am in search of an Xfce Linux distro that is stable enough for me to install on the most powerful laptop that I have.       After booting up from the USB drive, during the installation, I was surprised that Linux Mint 20.3 Xfce live media is able to detect my Broadcom BCM4352 wireless network adaptor and able to connect wireless network. Normally most distro is unable to detect my wireless network adaptor. I was delighted.  Linux Mint 20.3 Xfce with Adwaita-dark theme      After the installation, the usual removal of unwanted applications in the Internet and Multimedia menu and then install my favorite apps and do a first update of the operating system. I was gree...

After reviewing the different Linux Desktop Environments (Xfce, Mate, and LXQt) and choosing Xfce, I have completed installation and configuration on my trusty Thinkpad X200 with Sparky Linux 6.2 with Xfce desktop environment (DE). I am using the default adwaita-dark theme and adwaita icons.  My Desktop      I prefer to use the dark theme as it is better on the eyes, especially during night use. I will also change the color temperature to 1900K for better night use.  Desktop with open windows      I have removed most of the Internet and Multimedia apps and installed my preferred apps listed below: Audacious - MP3 player VLC - No change. My favorite video player. Featherpad - Text editor with spell check VirtualBox - Virtualization tool for testing different Linux distros. LibreOffice - MS office alternative that I stick to in Linux sct - Change the color temperature of the display. Web browser - Brave, Falkon and Epiphany Browser (Gnome web) File ...

  Ubuntu Kylin logo from linux-shop.info Ubuntu Kylin is an official Ubuntu flavour whose primary goal is to create a variant of Ubuntu optimised for Chinese users (using the Simplified Chinese writing system), although it also supports other languages. The default desktop is called UKUI (Ubuntu Kylin User Interface) which is based on MATE desktop and is developed with the Qt toolkit. UKUI strives to adhere to the friendly-and-simple design concept. The distribution also includes more than 20 applications developed in-house, including Kylin Assistant, Kylin Video, Kylin Screenshots and Software Center. — Distrowatch.com Qilin (Kylin) is a beast from Chinese mythology. Kylin was developed in 2001 by academicians at the National University of Defense Technology in the People’s Republic of China.   versions were FreeBSD based for Chinese military and other government organizations. Later, Kylin 3.0 was moved to Linux kernel and was called NeoKylin, announced in Dec 2010...

Logo from ribalinux.blogspot.com SparkyLinux is a desktop-oriented operating system based on the Debian operating system. The project offers a ready-to-use operating system with a set of various customized lightweight desktops to choose from. — Wikipedia Sparky Linux using LXQT desktop environment from  blogthinkbig.com This Linux distribution (distro) is slowly becoming my favorite. Due to lock-screen issues with Zorin OS Lite and the desktop environment limitation of Linux Lite, this is my most preferred Linux distro, especially for playing with the different desktop environments (Up to 20 from its website). Many people chose their Linux distribution based on the desktop environment customized for it so having Sparky Linux is a big help to anyone who does Linux-hopping. As Linux is all about choices and preferences, this Linux distro might be one of the most customizable Linux distros around.       It is a unique distribution in the sense that it provides...

Zorin logo image from www.logolynx.com/ Zorin OS is an Ubuntu-based Linux distribution designed especially for newcomers to Linux. It has a Windows-like graphical user interface and many programs similar to those found in Windows. Zorin OS also comes with an application that lets users run many Windows programs. The distribution's ultimate goal is to provide a Linux alternative to Windows and let Windows users enjoy all the features of Linux without complications. — Distrowatch.com Recently, I started searching for a lightweight Linux operating system and I found many different flavors available right now. I was spoiled for choices so I tried a few. These new lightweight Linux had dethroned my favorite Lubuntu with their beautiful themes. Zorin OS 16 Lite desktop image from pplware.sapo.pt  Zorin Lite OS is my favorite from the lists of lightweight Linux OSes. It looks similar to WinXP or Win 7 theme but still maintains the lightweight and minimalist software packages provided...

  Image from www.debugpoint.com I believe you only need to buy a new computer when the old one does not meet your computing needs. However, it is mainly the operating systems vendor (Microsoft and Intel) increasing the hardware requirements or clutter of useless/bloated installed software in your computer. While computers are getting cheaper and faster every year, it is bad for the environment as not all components are recyclable.      I stumbled upon Lubuntu when I had to help out a colleague to set up a few old laptops (Thinkpad X61s) to deploy for security work. It works on such old laptops and is fully functional and speedy as well. Since I am a fan of the lightweight operating system, I stuck with it until now. Lubuntu is a fast and lightweight operating system with a clean and easy-to-use user interface. It is a Linux system, that uses the minimal desktop LXDE/LXQT, and a selection of light applications. Because of this, Lubuntu has very low hardware requi...