July 07, 2006 -- Nonux, a Slackware-based desktop-oriented LiveCD, has reached version 3.1. New in Nonux 3.1 is Linux 2.6.17.3, Dropline GNOME 2.14.2, and more package updates. This distribution release is of course tailored for dutch speaking Linux users.

July 04, 2006 -- ZenLive is a Linux LiveCD based upon Zenwalk and it features their unique configuration tools, international translations, XFce window manager, and several other packages. With this being the first major release from the Zenwalk Linux LiveCD side, we have it covered with images today at Phoronix.

June 24, 2006 -- The last time we had took a look at Mandriva was back in the Mandrake 9.2 days. Anyhow, with the first Alpha release now out for Mandriva 2007 Alpha, we decided to fire up the GNOME candidate to see how it looks these days. Some of the new items in Mandriva 2007 Alpha include X.Org v7.1, Linux 2.6.16.20, GNOME 2.15, and many other open-source software updates. Plenty of new features and changes can be found in this development release.

June 22, 2006 -- It is time yet again where the next Fedora Core installment (this time, Core 6) begins to grab the attention of red-hat-wearing penguins and other GNU/Linux enthusiasts. Yesterday was the inaugural test release of Fedora Core 6, which is targeted at die-hard Fedorians, and any other users wishing to get a glimpse at what Fedora Core 6 will hold in store. Of course, Fedora Core 6 Test 1 is not a stable release for use with production machines, so proceed at your own risk. We have been experimenting with Fedora Core 6 Test 1 for about 24 hours now, and have a few thoughts to share. Fedora Core 4 Stentz shaped up to be a competitive release, and Fedora Core 5 Bordeaux continues to be one of the best Linux distributions to date, so how will Fedora Core 6 fare in this competitive open-source world?

June 10, 2006 -- SimplyMEPIS v6.0 Beta 5 has been released, after the availability of Ubuntu v6.06 Dapper Drake LTS, for which MEPIS is now based upon rather than the Debian pool. A few other changes can be found in SimplyMEPIS 6 Beta 5, which we have visually covered today.

June 05, 2006 -- Knoppix, one of the most popular GNU/Linux LiveCD distributions, has officially released version 5.0. Knoppix v5.0.1 for both the CD and DVD variants bring fourth a host of new improvements -- including the Linux 2.6.17 kernel, X.Org v7.0.0, KDE 3.5.2, and GNOME 2.12.0. At Phoronix we have taken a quick look at the LiveCD of Knoppix 5.0.1.

May 26, 2006 -- Ubuntu, one of the most widely known desktop Linux distributions -- thanks in part to it being Mark Shuttleworth's creation -- is quickly approaching the version 6.06 Dapper Drake release. After a delay and other headaches, the release candidate for Ubuntu Dapper Drake had shipped last night. This Ubuntu 6.06 release scheduled for a final version coming out on June 1, is gearing up to be one of the best desktop Linux distributions for personal and enterprise use to date. The Ubuntu Desktop LiveCD has also matured quite nicely into one of the best for live general usage.

May 20, 2006 -- After being dormant for several months, it seems that Symphony OS 2006-05 Beta has been released -- which signifies the first release in nearly six months. Contained in this release are several improvements from the previous 2005 release. If you will recall from our initial Symphony Beta investigation, it features its own desktop environment -- Mezzo -- and the focus of this operating system is at beginning PC users. Certainly its appearance makes it attractive to the new users.

May 18, 2006 -- With JavaOne taking place this week at the Moscone Center, there has been lots of Java-related announcements from Sun announcing the open-sourcing of the language, to the launch of LG3D LiveCD v2.5 Looking Glass. For those that haven't tampered with Project Looking Glass, it is a Java-written 3D environment that is currently running upon the Slackware-derivative-derivative SLAX. In this v2.5 release is LG3D version 0.8.0 RC1, Java 6, Java3D 1.5.0, and a lot of other changes. Today we have taken an interesting look at this attempt for 3D desktop nirvana.

May 17, 2006 -- While Fedora Core 5 had only come out almost two months ago, we are already geared up for Fedora Core 6. However, with Fedora Core 6 Test 1 not being released until June 14, being the Red Hat fanatics that we are, we have built Fedora Rawhide on May 16, 2006 to show the changes made thus far. While many packages still need to be worked on, we are certainly excited for what is to come of the next Fedora release -- which is tentatively scheduled for September 20, 2006. Continue on with our Fedora Core Rawhide 2006-05-16 adventure with both KDE and GNOME.