Linux Lite Forums
General => Release Announcements => Topic started by: Jerry on March 12, 2015, 08:24:59 AM
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Release Announcement
Linux Lite 2.4 Beta is now available for testing. With the release of Linux Lite 2.4 Beta, we continue to evolve into a fully featured, light weight free operating system. There are enhancements to Lite Software, Install Updates, Lite Tweaks and Network Share Settings. Bountysource has been a major factor in our ability to enhance our software. By paying developers to help improve our software, we improve the quality and usability of our applications. There is added support for exFAT, Android MTPFS, VPN connections and NTP to name a few. You get the latest Whisker Menu, there's a new default Terminal theme, we've fixed syslog and auth.log not logging and the Windows (Super) key now opens the Menu.
Bountysource - https://www.bountysource.com/teams/linuxlite (https://www.bountysource.com/teams/linuxlite)
The core team of Linux Lite deserves recognition for this effort. Thank you to Misko for his dedication to improving our code. Thanks also to gold_finger for continuing to grow the Help Manual with so many useful tutorials. Thank you to the Forum Mods for keeping the Forums tidy and well managed and of course thank you to everyone who helps on the Forums - you are our community, we can't do this without you. Thank you to everyone who uses Linux Lite, you are changing the way the world sees computers, one person at a time, you're showing people that there are alternatives. You're each a part of something very special. As usual you still get the latest Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, Wine (via Lite Software) and Gimp.
Changelog:
New Lite Software: Menu, System, Lite Software.
New Lite Tweaks (formerly Lite Cleaner).
New Install Updates GUI. New Network Share Settings: Menu, System, Network Share Settings.
New Wallpapers.
Added support for: VPN connections, Thunar thumbnail previews, Mugshot, exFAT, NTP, Android MTPFS.
Fixed Backups popping up randomly.
Fixed syslog, auth.log not logging.
Latest WhiskerMenu.
Changed Terminal theme.
Windows key (Super key) opens the Menu (not in the Live version).
Disabled Screen Off and Screensaver.
Removed obsolete PPA's.
Lite Software - Formerly Install Additional Software and Remove Additional Software, Lite Software combines all of these features into one tool.
Install Updates - Now with an easy to follow GUI interface.
Network Share Settings - Formerly Network Share Settings with 2 sub menus, this is now combined into one Menu link with a new GUI interface.
We're hoping to have an upgrade path starting with Linux Lite 2.4. That means that if you have from Linux Lite 2.0 upwards, with one command you'll be able to update to 2.4 It's not ready yet, but we are hoping to release it around 2.4 This will be a rush to the finish line as Linux Lite 2.4 will be released on 1st April, 2015. Stay tuned for updates to this. The Welcome window has some information regarding 'Upgrading Linux Lite'. This is a placeholder for now, this procedure is not available yet.
Wallpaper credits:
http://charlie-henson.deviantart.com/gallery/53037581/Linux-Lite-Wallpapers (http://charlie-henson.deviantart.com/gallery/53037581/Linux-Lite-Wallpapers)
https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/member-submitted-artwork/charlie-henson-commissioned-artwork/ (https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/member-submitted-artwork/charlie-henson-commissioned-artwork/)
https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/wallpapers/nature-and-landscape-wallpapers/msg10665/#msg10665 (https://www.linuxliteos.com/forums/wallpapers/nature-and-landscape-wallpapers/msg10665/#msg10665)
Downloads:
HTTP:
Download 32bit from here - Linux Lite 2.4 Beta 32bit (http://sourceforge.net/projects/linuxlite/files/2.4/beta/linux-lite-2.4-beta-32bit.iso/download)
md5sum: ed58ee9a5a5832b8744968eb61e9751e
Size: 753mb (DVD, USB)
Download 64bit from here - Linux Lite 2.4 Beta 64bit (http://sourceforge.net/projects/linuxlite/files/2.4/beta/linux-lite-2.4-beta-64bit.iso/download)
md5sum: 8fa30f30b4cc045e94aa49abc4558855
Size: 753mb (DVD, USB)
TORRENTS:
32bit Torrent from here - linux-lite-2.4-beta-32bit.iso.torrent (https://www.linuxliteos.com/torrent/linux-lite-2.4-beta-32bit.iso.torrent)
Hash: 3ead6e5f39d69e296adefa2f7927f6a6830377e5
Size: 753mb (DVD, USB)
64bit Torrent from here - linux-lite-2.4-beta-64bit.iso.torrent (https://www.linuxliteos.com/torrent/linux-lite-2.4-beta-64bit.iso.torrent)
Hash: 05cadd6dad9f23af8fe2806305da6e47d9e25013
Size: 753mb (DVD, USB)
Live USB/DVD/VirtualBox/Vmware:
Login is automatic, no credentials required. The image can be written to a 2gb or larger USB stick, or a writable DVD. Alternatively, you can use the dd command: sudo dd if=linux-lite-2.4-beta-xxbit.iso of=/dev/sdx bs=4M where 'x' is the letter of your usb stick. In linux to find out the letter of your usb stick, open a terminal and type: df -h It is usually listed as 'media' or similar. Please see the built in Help Manual if you require a more detailed explanation of this procedure.
All Ubuntu 32bit kernels these days ship with PAE.
Minimum Recommended Specs:
700MHz processor
512mb ram
VGA screen capable of 1024x768 resolution
DVD drive or USB port for the ISO image
Preferred Specs:
1.5GHz processor+
1024mb ram+
VGA, DVI or HDMI screen capable of 1366x768 resolution+
DVD drive or USB port for the ISO image
Login to the live desktop is automatic.
The first thing you MUST do after a fresh install of Linux Lite is run Menu, Favorites, Install Updates.
As this is a beta release, there are bound to be bugs etc. Please help make the final stable for other people by participating in this Beta. Please report any bugs in this thread.
Screenshots:
(http://i.imgur.com/UuAqmK4.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/PFhWRin.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/NLnzdka.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/fRfQxBm.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/fBrZCXQ.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/Cy1Dp0e.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/QaqlnkY.png)
Thank you. Jerry
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:) Thanks to all involved, downloading now ...
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Downloading now :)
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Thanks to all. Downloaded - iso for live dvd 32 bit burnt first time. Running as Live DVD on Tosh Sat Pro A10 1 GB RAM, Intel 852 Graphics and Sound OK, 3COM PCMIA connects to WiFi OK - touchpad & keyboard. OK 2 GHz chip. Resource use as I write = 25% CPU, 40% memory. Not sure but this seems a lot greater than usual Perhaps as running Live DVD? Otherwise OK
FIREFOX task bar "Blacks" out when typing. Have not installed updates as using Live DVD.
Will install and see how we get on.
Live DVD works fine on HP DC7700 small form factor desktop with 3GB Ram IIyama Vision Pro 451 monitor - No problems with Firefox.
Full install with updates on Fujitsu Amilo Si1520 with 2GB Ram - All working fine - Firefox also. Very fast install - less problems than with LL 2.2 32 bit
Thanks again
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Downloaded for future tests . Thanx Jerry & the Team .
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I'm just installing mine on Vbox, so far I love the new wallpapers. Will start playing around with it as soon as it finishes installing. Thanks to everybody that makes possible the existence of this OS.
LONG LIVE LINUX LITE!!!
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Downloaded,Installed and Updated.........No problem.
Now to give it a good run.
:) :) :)
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Congratulations & Well Done
Thanks to all involved...
Dave
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8) High-five on the new install-updates utility. It's looking/functioning great!
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Thanks for your feedback so far everyone :)
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Never jumped in on a beta before. Always waited for the release. But I'm enjoying LL so much thought I'd give it a go.
Setting it up and running it like I do Mint, which I've run for several years now. Found it runs as easy as Mint and getting acquainted with LL was a breeze.
No issues with the beta so far.
Thanks for the distro. Nice work. If I run into an issue I'll get back.
Running on a Dell Inspiron 530. Normal household use.
Amigo
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Been running LL 2.4 on a clean install now for about 24 hours.
No issues at all. :) :) :)
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Hi guys. I installed LinuxLite 2.4 beta 24 hours ago. It works well. :)
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Keyboard set up problem = Laptop,
LIVE DVD on Fujitsu Amilo Pro V3405- Real PROBLEMS getting keyboard set up. F Function key seems to be on as default totally interfering with English UK 105 int Keyboard choice. Tried other options with no success so far. Result can not set up wifi, also Browsing a pain.
REFERENCE - Using Puppy Linux Lucid 5.2.8 as Live USB - boots up with no special keyboard issues. No tweaking necessary. Is there some thing missing in our default Live DVD that could emulate puppy's ease of setup. REASON to make Live DVD as universal as possible to give first time tryers an easy ride so that they appreciate LL.
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Works fine, no issues to report, on my system anyway.
inxi -ACDGMNS
System: Host: Acer-AOA150 Kernel: 3.13.0-24-generic i686 (32 bit) Desktop: Xfce 4.11.8 Distro: Ubuntu 14.04 trusty
Machine: System: Acer product: AOA150 version: 1, Mobo: Acer model: N/A Bios: Acer version: v0.3310 date: 10/06/2008
CPU: Single core Intel Atom CPU N270 (-HT-) cache: 512 KB flags: (nx pae sse sse2 sse3 ssse3), Clock Speeds: 1: 800.00 MHz 2: 1600.00 MHz, Graphics: Card: Intel Mobile 945GSE Express Integrated Graphics Controller, X.Org: 1.15.1 drivers: intel (unloaded: fbdev,vesa) Resolution: 1024x600 @60.0hz, 1366x768 @59.9hz, GLX Renderer: Mesa DRI Intel 945GME x86/MMX/SSE2 GLX Version: 1.4 Mesa 10.1.3, Audio: Card: Intel NM10/ICH7 Family High Definition Audio Controller driver: snd_hda_intel, Sound: Advanced Linux Sound Architecture ver: k3.13.0-24-generic, Network: Card-1: Realtek RTL8101E/RTL8102E PCI Express Fast Ethernet controller driver: r8169, Card-2: Qualcomm Atheros AR242x / AR542x Wireless Network Adapter (PCI-Express) driver: ath5k, Drives: HDD Total Size: 410.1GB (1.9% used) 1: id: /dev/sda model: WDC_WD1600BEVT size: 160.0GB, 2: USB id: /dev/sdb model: FreeAgent_Go size: 250.1GB
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Downloaded and tested the 32 bit ISO. Try as I might I can't find any problems... ;)
Nice work to all involved.
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Xiphos don't work properly. After initiating the application is block and the CPU remains at 50% .
I use Linux Lite 2.4 Beta 32 bit .
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Xiphos don't work properly. After initiating the application is block and the CPU remains at 50% .
I use Linux Lite 2.4 Beta 32 bit .
What is 'Xiphos' we don't offer that in LL 2.4
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Xiphos is an ubuntu package : http://packages.ubuntu.com/trusty/gnome/xiphos
Xiphos bugs: https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/xiphos/+bugs
Xiphos Home page: http://xiphos.org/
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Installed , updated & tweaked a bit . so far so good . Keep it on .
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8) The new terminal theme is excellent! So easy on the eyes. Thanks.
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Some nice surprises in the new edition !
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Just installed the beta version.
I really dont like is the way of the updates..the blue bar running from left to right and back is getting on my nerves.
Havent found anything that isnt working so far
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As far as I can tell the Zenity progress bar in the updates-gui isn't receiving the numbers needed to make the bar progress and that is why you are seeing the back and forth "pulsate" action. more about zenity progress dialog here: https://help.gnome.org/users/zenity/stable/progress.html.en
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Re. pulsate progress bar, we'll see if we can change that in a future update. Cheers.
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Re. pulsate progress bar, we'll see if we can change that in a future update. Cheers.
THanks
As far as I can tell the Zenity progress bar in the updates-gui isn't receiving the numbers needed to make the bar progress and that is why you are seeing the back and forth "pulsate" action. more about zenity progress dialog here: https://help.gnome.org/users/zenity/stable/progress.html.en
I thought it was supposed to be like that.
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Just installed the beta version.
I really dont like is the way of the updates..the blue bar running from left to right and back is getting on my nerves.
Havent found anything that isnt working so far
Haha, OK. I guess we can do something about that. :)
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Been running Linux Lite 2.4beta for while now in my usual VMware virtual environment, which is all part of my long term migration plan from MS Windows.
Overall it looks good, and when I say good I mean not just compared with other Linux Lite versions, but with just about all other distros that I've tried. The current count is over a dozen, ranging from Mint, Ubuntu, Debian and Lubuntu to the more obscure AV Linux, CAELinux, KXStudio and Zorin.
As I'm sure others have found, when you do this you fairly soon realise that the league tables on say distrowatch.com have very little to do with quality, by whatever criteria you choose. Many still seem to be built by gurus for gurus, with the worst just dropping you into a hard disk partition application, with no clues of how to proceed. Even some of the leaders are terrible at usability and just don't seem to consider normal users, or show very much sign of having considered the new user experience.
IMHO this is where Linux Lite wins. Its obvious that its been configured with real users in mind. Microsoft knew this was of paramount importance many years ago. Yet some linux distros are needlessly compromised with the lack of commonly required facilities on an easily accessible menu, or in the case of Lubuntu even the basics such as samba, make and gcc were not installed.
All these shortfalls can of course be easily rectified by those with the know how. But for a new user, particularly those trying to migrate from other systems, they can be very time wasting and destroy confidence.
So that was the praise bit, but now IMHO it's all about attention to detail and making one of the best even better.
Having gone through the install process several times now, I thought I'd make some notes, and for what they're worth these are those:-
1) There appears to be a problem with keyboard settings, which I think was there in 2.2. Despite automatically recognising English(UK) to be correct during the install process, that setting did not persist. Use of the keyboard and investigation of the keyboard settings showed it to be English(US), which of course is all wrong for the UK, so had to set manually.
2) A related issue was Language Support. Again the language was set to English(US) and had to be set manually using the drag and drop facility. When I pushed the 'Apply System Wide' the application actually crashed. So I loaded it up again and selected the just as important part 'Regional Formats'.
IMHO this should actually be in the main settings menu, not in a fairly obscure tab of a separate application. This is a good example of what is important to the user. If it is wrong, which it was, again English(US), when say an existing spread sheet is loaded up, it will inherit the wrong regional formats. Even worse, cells will not be changed retrospectively after the system regional formats are corrected. Thus it's very important to the user to get these thing correct from the onset, which could be better ensured by making the setting more prominent in the main settings.
3) 'Network Connections' appeared twice n the whisker menu, and the 'Restart Network Shares Server' was missing.
Normally I set up the network shares manually, but decided to use the 'Network Share Settings' from the whisker menu. It appears that this merely allows the edit of the /etc/samba/smb.conf file.
The parameters are the same as I normally use, except I add
name resolve order = bcast host
after the specific workgroup entry, which helps on a network with Windows machines, and always make the netbios name unique, as long as it begins with alpha, is alpha numeric only, and is less than 15 characters. Actually 18 but best to be safe.
What 'Network Share Setting' doesn't do (but could) is
a) create the share directory /home/username/share, and set permissions.
b) add the user to /etc/smbusers ie. <username> = “<username>”
c) give the smbuser a password, with sudo smbpasswd -a username
4) One final point, which is really more of a suggestion. I believe it would be best for new users to have the default style of Raleigh in the appearance settings. Although very similar to the present default it has the arrows on the vertical scroll bars which would enhance initial user experience. For the seasoned user it is of course just a couple of clicks to change.
BTW looking forward to the version update facility, which will make life a lot easier.
Best Regards
Colin
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What is 'Xiphos' we don't offer that in LL 2.4
Hello!
Xiphos is a Bible program that is very similar to BibleTime. If festival is installed, it will speak the text to you.
Unfortunately, the latest version of Xiphos will not allow you to install the bibles needed for it to work. I install Xiphos, then I manually load in about 1.5 GB of offline stuff that I keep around for it. If anyone wants those files, I can put them 'in the cloud'...
73 DE N4RPS
Rob
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Having gone through the install process several times now, I thought I'd make some notes, and for what they're worth these are those:-
1) There appears to be a problem with keyboard settings, which I think was there in 2.2. Despite automatically recognising English(UK) to be correct during the install process, that setting did not persist. Use of the keyboard and investigation of the keyboard settings showed it to be English(US), which of course is all wrong for the UK, so had to set manually.
2) A related issue was Language Support. Again the language was set to English(US) and had to be set manually using the drag and drop facility. When I pushed the 'Apply System Wide' the application actually crashed. So I loaded it up again and selected the just as important part 'Regional Formats'.
IMHO this should actually be in the main settings menu, not in a fairly obscure tab of a separate application. This is a good example of what is important to the user. If it is wrong, which it was, again English(US), when say an existing spread sheet is loaded up, it will inherit the wrong regional formats. Even worse, cells will not be changed retrospectively after the system regional formats are corrected. Thus it's very important to the user to get these thing correct from the onset, which could be better ensured by making the setting more prominent in the main settings.
3) 'Network Connections' appeared twice n the whisker menu, and the 'Restart Network Shares Server' was missing.
Normally I set up the network shares manually, but decided to use the 'Network Share Settings' from the whisker menu. It appears that this merely allows the edit of the /etc/samba/smb.conf file.
The parameters are the same as I normally use, except I add
name resolve order = bcast host
after the specific workgroup entry, which helps on a network with Windows machines, and always make the netbios name unique, as long as it begins with alpha, is alpha numeric only, and is less than 15 characters. Actually 18 but best to be safe.
What 'Network Share Setting' doesn't do (but could) is
a) create the share directory /home/username/share, and set permissions.
b) add the user to /etc/smbusers ie. <username> = “<username>”
c) give the smbuser a password, with sudo smbpasswd -a username
4) One final point, which is really more of a suggestion. I believe it would be best for new users to have the default style of Raleigh in the appearance settings. Although very similar to the present default it has the arrows on the vertical scroll bars which would enhance initial user experience. For the seasoned user it is of course just a couple of clicks to change.
BTW looking forward to the version update facility, which will make life a lot easier.
Best Regards
Colin
Thank you for your feedback, to address your points:
1) Keyboard settings - Has been brought up many times, in many posts. We're yet to find a solution.
2) Language Support - This is related to point 1. Therefore we provide a comprehensive tutorial in the Help Manual.
3) Network Connections - This is deliberate, it's default home is the Settings Menu, it was also inserted into the Internet menu to help newbies intuitively find any settings related to controlling their Internet access.
4) Default style of Raleigh - Unlikely to change to this. We have a 'look' that we've used for a long time, this is one of the features that gives LL it's identity, a way to recognise it. Think of it like BP going from using green and yellow in their logo to pink and orange.
Thanks for putting 2.4 Beta through it's paces :)
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What 'Network Share Setting' doesn't do (but could) is
a) create the share directory /home/username/share, and set permissions.
b) add the user to /etc/smbusers ie. <username> = “<username>”
c) give the smbuser a password, with sudo smbpasswd -a username
Agreed, we could certainly do this better, and will look to in the future. Overall sharing between windows and linux has been traditionally difficult, we'll always aim to simplify the process :)
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@Yoru3,
Thanks for taking the time to write-up your review of LL and for constructive suggestions. Much appreciated and input like that from users is key to LL's continued improvement over time.
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Thank you for your feedback, to address your points:
1) Keyboard settings - Has been brought up many times, in many posts. We're yet to find a solution.
2) Language Support - This is related to point 1. Therefore we provide a comprehensive tutorial in the Help Manual.
Just as a matter of interest, do the gurus behind each distro ever "talk" to each other. I get the impression that in some areas LL is having to reinvent the wheel as it were? My usual comment that the default set up process for Mint & Puppy means that keyboard & Language work straight off, and the problem with Google Earth and video card drivers does not raise its head. This is not meant to be a criticism but hopefully a helpful prompt?? Says he who has never coded anything in his life:)
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Bugs page now restored to new host - https://www.linuxliteos.com/bugs/
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Just as a matter of interest, do the gurus behind each distro ever "talk" to each other. I get the impression that in some areas LL is having to reinvent the wheel as it were? My usual comment that the default set up process for Mint & Puppy means that keyboard & Language work straight off, and the problem with Google Earth and video card drivers does not raise its head. This is not meant to be a criticism but hopefully a helpful prompt?? Says he who has never coded anything in his life:)
Some devs do communicate with each other, remember linux is all about choice. It's a catch22, unify and seek common ground and users will benefit (self explanatory), keep the status quo and the users benefit (give people options). Continued discussion on this best suited to On Topic.