Kororaa 14 - Linux Mint of Fedora?
Kororaa 14 was released today by Christopher Smart. Chris Smart first introduced his Kororaa Linux distribution in 2005, but it fell out of development in 2006/2007. After that Smart founded a Website to promote Open Source software and Linux in addition to writing for popular Websites such as Linux-mag.com. Last Christmas Smart announced that development had restarted on Kororaa and today the first stable release was unveiled.
Back in 2005 Kororaa was released to showoff just what Linux could do. It showcased desktop effects and multimedia support that was uncommon for the time. Today Kororaa is based on Fedora with the goal of providing a complete out-of-the-box desktop solution and ease finding help. It sounds as though Kororaa might be Fedora's answer to Ubuntu's Linux Mint.
Kororaa is based on Fedora 14. Users have a choice between a KDE 4.6.3 or GNOME 2.32 Live DVD in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. It features software such as Deja Dup, Firewall Configuration, GIMP, Inkscape, Shotwell, Evolution, LibreOffice 3.3, Gwibber, Pidgin, Firefox 4, Audacity, Cheese, Handbrake, Miro, OpenShot, Rhythmbox, VLC, Sudoku, Iagno, and AisleRiot Solitaire. It sits on Linux 2.6.35.13-91.fc14, X.Org X Server 1.9.5, and GCC 4.5.1.
A handy help file is located on the desktop to help new users.
The desktop features an attractive theme with a variety of pretty backgrounds that rotate every few minutes. It offers a little utility that will download Flash and proprietary graphic drivers. Various multimedia formats are supported out of the box such as AVI and MP3. Synaptic is included for easy software installation.
Kororaa is a pretty desktop system that provides welcome convenience for users. It is also a plus for those not anxious to make the leap to GNOME 3 just yet. But I think in order to become a similar force as Linux Mint, releases will need to keep up with Fedora. For example, today's release probably should have been Kororaa 15. If it continues to run a version behind, it may fail to resonate with users. Development on Kororaa 15 has begun and perhaps Smart will catch up and get in sync with Fedora in the coming months.