Manjaro, Makulu, and Microsoft
Today in Linux news, Jack Wallen predicts 2016 will be the year of Linux desktop, sorta. Blogger Dark Duck reviewed Manjaro Linux 15.09 today and Gary Newell reviewed Makulu Aero Edition. OpenSource.com has 10 handy tools for sysadmins and 10 amazing Open Source projects from 2015. Elsewhere, Bryan Lunduke spoke with community leaders about compromise and LinuxBSDos.com posted a look at elementary OS 0.3.2.
Manjaro Linux 15.09 Xfce was reviewed by blogger Dark Duck today who said that the design leaves a bit to be desired but the basics worked fairly well and included applications were adequate. Dark Duck concluded, "The system felt very snappy, fast, responsive and usable. I think Manjaro Linux's high ranking in the Distrowatch rating – it's in 7th place – is well deserved." In related news, Manjaro is dropping KDE 4 for Plasma 5.5 in the latest update.
Makulu 10 Aero Edition was introduced in November as an easy transitional Linux for Windows refuges. It features the Cinnamon 2.6 desktop and Linux 3.19. Gary Newell said, "A lot of effort has gone into making it look like Windows but I don't think it looks so much like Windows that it will confuse new users. It really doesn't look that much different to Linux Mint." There's a Welcome orientation app that runs first boot and the Variety helps with desktop customization. The applications are "unique and they rank anywhere from incredibly useful to a little bit strange, even stretching to controversial." After a bit more discussion Newell concluded, "I really like Makulu and despite some bizarre software picks it really does everything the average user wants to do. If you are looking for an alternative to the usual candidates of Ubuntu, Mint, Zorin, Debian, openSUSE, Fedora and PCLinuxOS then why not give it a go."
Jack Wallen today posted his prognostications for 2016 and said, "Linux desktop adoption will see a significant increase in 2016." He thinks this because of "continued dissatisfaction in the Windows platform." Additionally, he thinks news of Linux and free BSDs is getting around. He also thinks Ubuntu will scrap their Smartphone, SUSE will win over the US enterprise sector, and alternative distributions will displace old favorites.
In other news:
* Need for Compromise in Free Software – With Richard Stallman
* 10 helpful tools for a sys admin's toolbox
* elementary OS Freya 0.3.2 Screenshots