| SimplyMEPIS achieves Ubuntu-based 6.0 release |
Jul. 21, 2006
 The MEPIS Linux project team on July 21 released SimplyMEPIS 6.0, its first public distribution to incorporate a Ubuntu core. Based on the Dapper LTS package pool, v6.0 runs the latest security-patched 2.6.15 kernel from Ubuntu-Security and is designed for stable, long-term use and support, project founder and chief maintainer Warren Woodford said.
SimplyMEPIS 6.0 is a complete desktop environment designed to meet the needs of everyday computer users, Woodford said. SimplyMEPIS also offers advanced hardware autodetection, multimedia integration, and an easy-to-use graphical installer.
Featured software, according to Woodford, includes:- KDE 3.5.3 desktop
- Kontact 1.2.3 address book
- OpenOffice 2.0.2 suite
- Firefox 1.5.0.4 browser
- Thunderbird 1.5.0.4 email client
- RealPlayer 10.0.7
SimplyMEPIS 6.0 takes the form of a combination CD that implements live/installation/recovery functions all in one, according to the project. This means you can use it as a bootable live CD, without having to install it onto your system's hard drive, or use the CD to install the OS permanently on your system.
Milestone retrospective
"Converting MEPIS to the Ubuntu pool while incorporating the latest Open Source software advances has taken several months, but it's been worth the effort," Woodford said. "The Ubuntu team did a great job with the development of Dapper LTS.
"During the building of 6.0, we've enjoyed an unprecedented response from testers in the MEPIS community. Their bug reports and insights have been a big help. This appears to be the best version of SimplyMEPIS to date. Enjoy!"
In most cases, the source code for the GPL'd components contained in the SimplyMEPIS collective work are available from the Ubuntu pools; however, in accordance with the restrictions of the GPL license, source code is also available from MEPIS.
Availability
The iso image is available for download in the "release" subdirectory at the MEPIS subscribers' site and at MEPIS public mirrors. Satisfied users are encouraged to make a contribution or make a purchase at the MEPIS store, Woodford, said, in order to offset the costs of development of SimplyMEPIS 6.0 and to encourage further development of MEPIS Linux.
DesktopLinux.com's resident Linux test pilot, Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols, recently took a preview version of MEPIS 6.0 for a flight and was quite impressed with it. Find out exactly why our crusty curmudgeon is so enamored with MEPIS 6.0, by reading his first-impressions review:
A first look at MEPIS's new Ubuntu-based Linux
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