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Gentoo-based distro rev'd to version 5.0
Oct. 08, 2009

The Italy-based Sabayon community released a stable version 5.0 of its Gentoo-based Linux distribution. Sabayon Linux 5.0 is available in separate editions with either the GNOME 2.26 or KDE 4.3.1 desktops, and moves up to Linux kernel 2.6.31, XBMC 9.04.1, and the Ext4 filesystem.

(Click for larger view of Sabayon 5.0's GNOME 2.26 desktop)

We last checked in on Sabayon in July 2007 with version 3.4, which added improved power management features, wireless support, and virtualizaton support. Around the same time, the company introduced Sabayon Business Edition Linux 1.0 which was billed as the first version of Sabayon tuned to business needs, including servers.


Sabayon 5.0's KDE 4.3.1 desktop
(Click to enlarge)

Based on Gentoo Linux, the distro has always prided itself for its fast, "five minute" installations, via its live DVD. The DVD can also be used to install the OS onto a hard drive, thus acting as an easy-to-use Gentoo installation disk.



Sabayon 5.0's GNOME 2.26 installer
(Click to enlarge)

The 5.0 version is touted as being "dedicated to those who like cutting edge stability, out of the box experience, outstanding desktop performance, clean and beauty." The 5.0 release offers the follow key features, says the Sabayon community:
  • Desktop-optimized Linux kernel 2.6.31
  • Extra server-optimized and OpenVZ-enabled Linux kernels in repositories
  • GCC 4.4.1 compiler and Glibc 2.10 libraries
  • Default Ext4 filesystem support
  • GNOME 2.26 ("2.28 ready") and KDE 4.3.1 desktops
  • 3D desktops (Compiz, Compiz Fusion, and KWin) working out of the box
  • XBMC (formerly "Xbox Media Center") 9.04.1 enabling "full-featured HTPC OS (Media Center)
  • OpenOffice 3.1 productivity suite
  • 2GB size (or 1.6GB for Sabayon 5 GNOME x86)
  • Installer now available in multiple languages
  • Complete encrypted filesystems support (via dmcrypt, available in Installer)
  • X.Org 7.5, and up-to-date FLOSS, Nvidia, and AMD video drivers
  • Entropy Framework (Package Manager) 0.99.3
  • World of Goo Demo 2D game
  • Sexiest skin ever! ("Ian Whyman rocks")
Availability

Sabayon Linux 5.0 Stable Release is available for free download now, here, says the Sabayon community. Requirements are listed as an i686-compatible PC (with Intel Pentium Pro, Pentium II, Celeron, AMD K6-2, or Athlon CPUs) with 512MB RAM, although a dual-core processor-based system with 1GB RAM is preferred. More information on Sabayon 5.0 may be found here.

-- Eric Brown


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