SalineOS
SalineOS is a computer operating system composed of software packages released as free and open source software, primarily under the GNU General Public License. It is intended to be a fast, lightweight, and well documented operating system based on Debian GNU/Linux.
History
The SalineOS Project started in late 2010, by Anthony Nordquist. Version 1.0, based on Debian v6.0, aka, Squeeze, was released on 17-January-2011. Version 1.6, current stable was releashed on 01-February-2012. Version 2 which will be based on Debian v7.0, aka, Wheezy.
Primary Additions
Additional packages and scripts have been added to this distribution and are provided in parallel to the default Debian repositories.
The additions are described as follows:
- sgfxi - xorg free driver installer.
- magix-driver-installer - a graphic based application for installing proprietary graphics drivers
- Additional Debian Repositories - Debian compatible repositories containing software that does not conform to Debian's strict free software guidelines, including software that is in a testing phase and/or proprietary.
- WINE repositories - comes preconfigured
- Remastersys backup utility Remastersys is a tool that can be used to do 2 things with an existing Debian, Ubuntu or derivative installation:
- It can make a full system backup including personal data to a live cd or dvd that you can use anywhere and install.
- It can make a distributable copy you can share with friends. This will not have any of your personal user data in it. http://www.remastersys.com/
- a backup-utility with a graphic user interface(ui)
- Binary firmware - drivers for common wireless network cards that may violate the Debian License.
- Debian backports repositories
- Additional scripts - used to automate the installation of potentially patent encumbered multimedia codecs.
Critical Reactions
In an unsigned review of version 1.6 on the LinuxBSDos.com site, the reviewer wrote: "A default installation of SalineOS has its pluses, but the network security posture is very bad. While that problem can be overcome easily, the lack of support for disk encryption during installation, is a major minus. But if you are looking for a desktop distribution with stable but “old” applications, and have no need for disk encryption, then SalineOS is worth considering."
J.A. Watson writing for Jamie's Mostly Linux Stuff on ZDNet ended his review of version 1.5 with "Summary: SalineOS looks like a very good Linux distribution. It installs easily, runs well, and has all the advantages (and disadvantages) of Debian GNU/Linux. If you are looking for a new alternative, it is worth investigating."