Zenwalk Linux
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| Zenwalk Linux | |
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Zenwalk Linux 5.2 |
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| Website | www.zenwalk.org |
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| Company/ developer |
Jean-Philippe Guillemin |
| OS family | Linux |
| Source model | Open Source |
| Latest stable release | 5.2 / June 7, 2008 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic kernel |
| License | Various |
| Working state | Current |
Zenwalk (formerly Minislack), or Zenwalk Linux, is a Linux distribution founded by Jean-Philippe Guillemin. It was originally based on Slackware. Since its creation, the distribution has become very different from Slackware in most regards while still maintaining compatibility with its binary packages. Zenwalk aims to be a multi-purpose Linux distribution by focusing on Internet applications, multimedia and programming tools.[1] Additionally, Zenwalk comes with many specialized tools, designed for beginner through advanced users as it offers system configuration via both graphical and command-line operations.
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[edit] History
Jean-Philippe Guillemin, also known as "Hyperion" or "JP" is the creator and main contributor to Zenwalk Linux. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Nantes, and is now working for Telindus, a group of companies offering ICT Solutions and Services, as Project Manager and Security Engineer. Jean-Philippe also developed several projects like Snorter, a reporting frontend for the Snort Intrusion detection system, and some system administration tools for the Linux operating system (Netpkg software package manager, Xnetconf network configuration tool between others).
Zenwalk was originally called Minislack up to version 1.1, taking its current name with version 1.2 released 2005-08-12. Originally using KDE as its desktop environment, Zenwalk now uses Xfce as of version 0.3, although GNOME and KDE packages have always been available separately.
[edit] Aims
The Zenwalk Project aims to create a lightweight Linux operating system through the incorporation of the latest software available for a stable release (though using only one application per task on the release ISO image), optimization for a specific processor architecture to increase execution speed, and introduces a comprehensive package management system with dependency resolution.[2]
[edit] Community
The Zenwalk Project has a forum that allows users and developers alike to post their issues, concerns and praise.
The part of the community that is involved in testing new software packages is closely listened to by the project developers.[citation needed] The newest official software packages are published in the -snapshot tree. When sufficient testing and debugging have been completed, a package is moved to the -current tree, where most users can download software to update their systems.
The community is also encouraged to take part in software package development, since the official software pool is considered limiting by some users. This allows third-party software to be made compatible with the Zenwalk directory structure, as well as improved interoperability with the rest of the distribution. Information about contributing to the Zenwalk project can be found in the distribution's forum.
[edit] Package management
Zenwalk uses the netpkg package management tool. It is developed in-house, and it provides the main functionalities of the apt-get variety of package managers. It uses Slackware's .tgz package format, but adds dependency resolution capabilities. The system uses meta files to provide dependency information, as well as package description during the install process. This convenience is only available to the official Zenwalk mirrors listed in the netpkg configuration file, netpkg.conf. In addition to the original netpkg command line interface, xnetpkg provides a GUI frontend with similar capabilities. Packages available in the Zenwalk mirrors aim to stay true to the project's philosophy of using one application per task, but allow for customization of the end-user's system by offering more variety.
Additionally, Zenwalk is compatible with Slackware package management tools such as slapt-get and its frontends, and have similar functionality as that of netpkg.
As of Zenwalk 4.6, package compatibility with Slackware is still maintained. Slackware packages may be used to substitute Zenwalk packages where necessary. Additional package availability can be found at LinuxPackages.net.
| version | date |
|---|---|
| Minislack 0.1 | May 21, 2004 |
| Minislack 0.2 | August 8, 2004 |
| Minislack 0.3 | February 17, 2005 |
| Minislack 0.4 | March 26, 2005 |
| Minislack 1.0 | April 24, 2005 |
| Minislack 1.0.1 | May 3, 2005 |
| Minislack 1.1 | June 10, 2005 |
| Zenwalk 1.2 | August 12, 2005 |
| Zenwalk 1.3 | October 15, 2005 |
| Zenwalk 2.0 Core | November 27, 2005 |
| Zenwalk 2.0.1 | December 4, 2005 |
| Zenwalk 2.1 (Core) | January 18, 2006 |
| Zenwalk 2.2[4] | February 16, 2006 |
| Zenwalk 2.4[5] | April 4, 2006 |
| Zenwalk 2.6[6] | May 23, 2006 |
| Zenwalk 2.8[7] | July 21, 2006 |
| Zenwalk 3.0[8] | September 8, 2006 |
| Zenwalk 4.0[9] | November 20, 2006 |
| Zenwalk 4.2[10] | January 6, 2007 |
| Zenwalk 4.4[11] | February 22, 2007 |
| Zenwalk 4.4.1[12] | February 24, 2007 |
| Zenwalk 4.6[13] | June 1, 2007 |
| Zenwalk 4.6.1[14] | June 6, 2007 |
| Zenwalk 4.8[15] | October 6, 2007 |
| Zenwalk 5.0[16] | January 18, 2008 |
| Zenwalk 5.2[17] | June 7, 2008 |
[edit] Supported architectures
Zenwalk Linux is built and optimized primarily for the i686 architecture, although it supports i486 computers as well.
[edit] Project versions
There are four main versions of Zenwalk:[18]
Zenwalk (full version ~ 420 MB iso download) is a distribution aimed at mainstream desktop use. Designed to be a stand-alone operating system, it installs to the hard drive by way of a ncurses-based installer. It includes all of the officially released software packages that are deemed most useful for their tasks. This collection may change with every release.
Zenwalk Core (~ 230 MB iso download) is a Zenwalk system built with customization in mind. Released with no X Window System binaries, its aim is to allow a skilled user to build a system fit for his or her needs. The project's lead developer is Emmanuel Bailleul.
ZenLive (~ 476 MB iso download) is a Zenwalk system built on a LiveCD design. ZenLive follows the progress made by the full Zenwalk system closely, thus mirroring the version number, and attempts to stay true to the original distribution's goals. In addition, it includes all of the necessary libraries and applications to develop and compile software, a particularly rare feature in LiveCD distributions. Project members include Pierrick Le Brun, creator, Mauricio Tricoli, project lead, and Michael Verret, artwork.
Zenserver (~ 263 MB iso download) is a Zenwalk Core-derived system specifically designed for servers. The main goals are to create a secure, reliable, easy to use, easy to configure, expandable and dependable server operating system, in the best Zenwalk tradition. The distribution development team is led by Teran McKinney.
[edit] Distributions based on Zenwalk
There are currently three known Zenwalk-based distributions:
- SaxenOS, a distribution built primarily to support older hardware
- Arudius, a Linux LiveCD distribution for information assurance with tools for penetration testing and vulnerability analysis
- Zencafe, a distribution designed for Internet cafes
[edit] References
- ^ Claus Futtrup (2005-09-19). An introduction to Zenwalk 1.2.
- ^ Mayank Sharma (2008-02-14). Tiny Zenwalk 5.0 packs a big punch.
- ^ Zenwalk Releases Announcements on Distrowatch
- ^ Zenwalk 2.2 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 2.4 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 2.6 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 2.8 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 3.0 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 4.0 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 4.2 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 4.4 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 4.4.1 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 4.6 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 4.6.1 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 4.8 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 5.0 Release Announcement
- ^ Zenwalk 5.2 Release Announcement
- ^ Susan Linton (2008-02-11). First look at Zenwalk Linux 5.0.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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