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LXLE Linux

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LXLE Linux
LXLE Linux 14.04.2
OS familyUnix-like
Working stateCurrent
Source modelOpen source with proprietary components
Latest release14.04.2 64Bit 12.04.5 32Bit
Update methodAPT
Package managerdpkg, with several front-ends
Kernel typeLinux
Default
user interface		LXDE
Official websitelxle.net

LXLE Linux is a Linux distribution based upon the most recent Ubuntu/Lubuntu LTS release, and employs the LXDE desktop environment. LXLE is a lightweight distro that works well on both old and new hardware.[1]

Installation File Size and Lightness

Many Linux developers intentionally keep their installation file size small enough to burn to a single CD - any where from 15MB to 700 MB - for convenience. Older hardware may not have a DVD player nor a USB port - but would have a CD player instead. The lightweight distro enthusiasts put great effort into operating systems for older hardware, that still works well enough to avoid the recyclers.

With any lightweight Linux system, a user first installs the operating system - often stripped down to the barest basics. The second stage of the installation consists of finding and installing software packages that the user wants to personalize his computer with. Examples of second stage software could be word processing suites; graphics, animation, and photographic programs; games; scientific programs; and many other specialty programs that suit the user's interests. These secondary programs need to be installed individually, then configured after installation, to the settings that the user wants - the third and final step.

The LXLE file size weighs in at 1.29 GB, which requires burning to either a DVD (a CD is too small) or USB installation media. The reason for the larger file size is very simple. The LXLE respin began by optimizing a Lubuntu distro, tweaking it, removing things that slowed it down, along with other actions. The developers then sourced the most suitable second stage software packages, for the most common needs people have, to include in the release file. These programs were tweaked and tested to work most efficiently with LXLE. For example, LXLE version 14.04.2 switched from Firefox to SeaMonkey suite, because SeaMonkey used far less resources. An adblocker was installed, that most new-to-Linux users would look for, and wonder which would be best. The LXLE philosphy and goal is to be ready for most things, immediately out of the box.

Thus, even though the LXLE installation file is larger than most, the operating system itself runs light. Size and lightness are two different issues, not to be confused.

Reception

In a January 2014 review in Full Circle Magazine, Gabriele Tettamanzi noted that LXLE has some minor localization issues but otherwise described it as a nice "light and fast" desktop "rich" with software and "stable".[2]

References

  1. ^ Germain, Jack M. "Linux Insider". www.linuxinsider.com. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  2. ^ Tettamanzi, Gabriele (January 2015). "Review" (PDF). http://fullcirclemagazine.org/. Full Circle Magazine. pp. 36–37. Retrieved 13 January 2015. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)

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