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BLAG Linux And GNU
BLAG was a Linux distribution based on Fedora and reduced to one CD. It includes useful applications missing from Fedora, as well as a suite of graphics, Internet, audio, video, office, and peer-to-peer file sharing applications. BLAG was up-to-date with all Fedora errata fixes at time of release and uses Synaptic for easy upgrades. The name stands for Brixton Linux Action Group, which works to overthrow corporate control of information and technology through community action and to spread Free Software.
Status: Discontinued
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 Latest News and Updates |
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| 2003-09-19 |
NEW • Distribution Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX Update 3 |
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Lycoris Desktop/LX Update 3 has been released: "Lycoris Desktop/LX Update 3 hits shelves this week, combining all the power and simplicity of Desktop/LX with the latest Lycoris technology. This much anticipated Update the award winning Desktop/LX OS features a new Help Center with interactive audio-visual tutorials, hundreds of updated drivers, crisper font handling, increased printer support for HP printers, extended digital camera support from Vivitar and Olympus, auto-configuration of WiFi connections, and exclusive Signature wallpapers from Organic Light Photography. Desktop/LX Update 3 is now available on Walmart.com, all Lycoris resellers, and direct from the Lycoris Store." Read the rest of the official press release. Get the new Lycoris release from the company's online store; prices start at US$40 (Update 2 was US$20). According to this information on one of the distribution's mirror sites, Lycoris Desktop/LX Update 3 will be available for free download on 1 November 2003.
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| About Lycoris Desktop/LX
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| Lycoris is located in Maple Valley, Washington. The corporation was founded in 2000 by Joseph Cheek with a vision of making Linux simple enough for everyone and pioneered the Linux based home-user desktop by offering. Lycoris packages Open Source applications for the consumer market and integrates them into Desktop/LX, its simple, robust operating system. Lycoris has enjoyed amazingly positive press coverage in Time Magazine and other publications. Lycoris is positioning itself as the leading provider of the best Linux based operating system specifically targeted for the desktop market, whether purchased separately or pre-installed on Desktop/LX PCs. Update: Lycoris ceased to be an independent distribution after it was acquired by Mandriva in June 2005.
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| Recent Related News and Releases |
| 2004-11-01 |
Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 Available for Download |
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An evaluation edition of Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 is now available for free download. This edition only contains GPL software and the license prevents its use after the initial 45-day evaluation period. A retail edition of the product was released on September 13 and can be bought directly from the Lycoris Store (starting at US$45). You can find out more about Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 by reading the press release and by visiting the sneak peek pages created during the beta testing period, but the company's product pages have not been updated. If you are thinking about ordering the product, be aware that the Lycoris community forums contain a significant number of complaints by users who ordered it several months ago, but have yet to receive the product, or any response to their enquiries. Here is the download link for the evaluation edition: update4.iso (564MB).
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| 2004-09-14 |
Distribution Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 |
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Good news for all those who have been patiently waiting for the new Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 release - it is finally shipping: "Lycoris, the worldwide Desktop Linux leader, today announced that it has commenced shipping Desktop/LX 1.4 to customers after a brief delay in the original release schedule. Desktop/LX 1.4 is now available in Personal, Deluxe and PowerPak editions from all Lycoris resellers and direct from the Lycoris Store." Here is the full release announcement. Existing Lycoris installations can be updated via the distribution's update wizard, while new packs can be purchased from the Lycoris Store. Prices for individual editions are as follows: Personal - US$40, Deluxe - US$50, PowerPak - US$75.
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| 2004-08-18 |
Distribution Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 |
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The long awaited Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 has been officially released: "Lycoris, the worldwide desktop Linux leader, today announced the immediate availability of Desktop/LX 1.4, the fifth release of its award-winning desktop operating system. Desktop/LX 1.4, formerly known as Desktop/LX Update 4, features an enhanced desktop powered by KDE 3.2.3, and combines all of the simplicity customers have come to expect from Lycoris with the power of the latest Open Source technology. Desktop/LX 1.4 is now available from all Lycoris resellers, and direct from the Lycoris Store." The full press release. Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 is available in two editions - Desktop (US$40) and Deluxe (US$50); more details are available at the Lycoris Store.
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| 2004-06-04 |
Distribution Announcement: Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 |
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Lycoris has announced the release of Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 due out next month: "The long-awaited next version of Desktop/LX is coming! Get ready to experience the latest update to the award-winning Desktop/LX operating system from Lycoris: Desktop/LX 1.4 (formerly known as Update 4). What is Desktop/LX 1.4 going to be like? Desktop powered by KDE 3.2.2; new kernel supports even more hardware; More high-quality Bitstream fonts; new splash screens; better support for today's applications; 52 wallpapers provided by WallpaperAday.com; faster boot sequence; increased umber of programs available in IrisTM." Read the full announcement here. Lycoris Desktop/LX 1.4 is available for pre-order (US$40 for the Personal edition, US$50 for the Deluxe edition) from the company's online store.
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| 2004-04-13 |
Lycoris Desktop/LX Amethyst Update 3: The Complete Review |
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DesktopOS.com has published a comprehensive review of the latest release of Lycoris Desktop/LX: "The bottom line is that Lycoris Desktop/LX Update 3 satisfies our computer needs wonderfully; not perfectly, to be sure, but well enough that we can do all of the things we need to without having to sacrifice much of what we were accustomed to doing with our previous operating system. Windows is still being used by over 90% of the world's computer literate inhabitants, yet we hope that alternatives like Desktop/LX will help to break its stranglehold as we use it and recommend it to our friends, all our family members, co-workers, classmates, our foes and all who are still seeking an alternative to what exists today. Happy stable, virus-free computing." The 2-page story with many screenshots starts here.
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| 2004-02-25 |
A Comprehensive Review of Lycoris Software |
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This is a new review of Lycoris Desktop/LX and other Lycoris products by DesktopOS.com: "Probably the biggest appeal to Desktop/LX is that it does not intimidate the casual, novice or new user. The clean desktop and straightforward approach is refreshing and easy to figure out. My 9 year old daughter buzzes right through it on her system and loves Desktop/LX. When compared to other Linux systems, users going into Desktop/LX don't have to worry about making a ton of choices to use it. Desktop/LX uses one desktop (KDE 2.2.2), two browsers (Mozilla & Konqueror), one office suite (KOffice), one IRC app (kSirc), several games and many other applications that enable Desktop/LX users a very powerful out-of-the-box experience." The complete review.
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| 2004-02-24 |
Review: Lycoris Desktop/LX Personal |
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Linux.com has published a review of Lycoris Desktop/LX Personal: "Lycoris is a nice distribution for a Linux beginner, and could be customized with a little work into a really good desktop for a heavy user. For example, if you are accustomed to StarOffice or OpenOffice.org, it's a simple matter to install them. I installed OOo 1.0 from a CD I burned into Lycoris via the GUI, then created a desktop link to the program. It runs like a champ. If you want a distribution you can put to work right away with all the tools and packages available on disk, use a more complete distro like Mandrake or SUSE Professional. Expert users will want to pass over Lycoris for distros like Debian or Gentoo, which they can customize more easily." The complete review.
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| 2003-12-29 |
Review: Lycoris Desktop/LX |
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OSNews has published a review of Lycoris Desktop/LX Update 3. The author's conclusion? "Great system overall. Something that can be competitive with other home user Linux systems. I give this system a 9 out of 10. I dropped that one point because of the lack of GAIM...other things I could deal with. I think this system is worth a try from anyone and everyone. I used to think that "home Linux" was a bad idea until I found a reason to need a home linux system. This is secure, easy to use, and overall fun. Give her a spin and share your thoughts." Read the full review with screenshots.
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| 2003-08-24 |
Development Release: Lycoris Amethyst Update 3 RC1 |
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Release candidate 1 of Lycoris Desktop/LX Update 3 Amethyst is now available: "The Lycoris Development Team is hard at work finishing Desktop/LX Update 3. Release candidate 1 is now available! All users can use the Update Wizard to update their systems to build 127. Build 127 is the second for release candidate status! Build 127 is available from the mirrors. Build 127 includes many more bugfixes and user improvements. Due to the great response we're seeing in bug improvements, this past week we had a customer appreciation sale on Update 3 media. Update 3 is slated for an early September release. So, the current stable release is build 46 - Update 2. Release candidate 1 is build 127. Update 3 will go gold as soon as we have enough feedback from the community about stability. Stay tuned for screenshots and more information regarding Desktop/LX Update 3!" Read the full announcement. Download: cd1_en_binary.iso (614MB).
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| 2003-08-12 |
Review: Lycoris Desktop/LX Personal Amethyst, Update 2 |
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Richard Drummond has reviewed Lycoris Desktop/LX for an earlier edition of the Linux Format magazine and this review is now available on line: "I really want to like Desktop/LX, because it does go a long way to make Linux accessible to all. This really is a distro that I would recommend to my grandmother. However, while from a user-interface point of view Desktop/LX excels, the under-pinnings are beginning to look shaky. Take my problems with X configuration as an example. Lycoris needs to spend as much time making sure that that its distro runs on stable foundations as it does making it pretty and easy-to-use. These gripes aside, Desktop/LX provides a usable and comfortable desktop system and offers excellent value for money. Update 2 - although being largely a cosmetic update - brings some important new software revisions and extra hardware support. Existing users will want to upgrade, and, if you haven't experienced Desktop/LX before and are new to Linux, then this distro is well worth trying because it provides a gentle and friendly introduction to the wonderful world of Linux." The full review.
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| 2003-07-31 |
Development Release: Lycoris Amethyst Update 3 RC0 |
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This is the first release candidate of the upcoming Lycoris Desktop/LX Amethyst Update 3: "The Lycoris Development Team is hard at work finishing Desktop/LX Update 3. Release candidate 0 is now available! All users can use the Update Wizard to update their systems to.....drumroll....build 119. Yes, not only do we have a new public beta, but it is the first for release candidate status! One of the very biggest announcements is that Desktop/LX now writes windows shares. Yes, you can not only read all the files from your old system, but you can also write files there as well! Networking is much easier, as many people also use their windows box as a server. So, the current stable release is build 46 - Update 2. The current Release candidate is build 119. Update 3 will go gold as soon as we have enough feedback from the community about stability." The official announcement. Download: cd1_en_binary.iso (613MB).
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| 2003-04-22 |
Development Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX Build 75 |
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A new development release of Lycoris Desktop/LX is out. It is called "Build 75", but unfortunately I haven't been able to find a changelog to bring you more information about what's new. Several package updates have been noted; the more prominent among them are gftp 2.0.14, licq 1.2.6 samba 2.2.8a, wget 1.8.2 and xawtv 3.85. Download: cd1_en_binary.iso (567MB). Update: The changelog is now available here.
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| 2003-04-12 |
Development Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX Build 71 |
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A new beta release of Lycoris Desktop/LX is out. What's new? "Build 71 is built with our new daily build system, so all apps in the source tree are recompiled for each build. This has the effects of producing a more stable build that is easier to test and pinpoint changes. Changes are too numerous to mention, and the changelog portion of the build process isn't working yet. So here are the highlights: Kernel 2.4.21-pre6; XFree86 4.3.0; new splash screen; little installer fixes - now installs on via miniboards, as well as over USB CDROMs." Read the announcement and download build 71 from here: cd1_en_binary.iso (547MB).
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| 2003-03-02 |
Development Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX Build 69 |
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A new Lycoris build has quietly appeared on some of the FTP sites that mirror the main Lycoris server. You can get build 69 (beta) here: cd1_en_binary.iso (541MB). Don't be misled by the timestamp on the ISO image (14 February 2003); users who have installed it report that this is indeed a new build. Unfortunately, the lycoris.org web site has been unreachable for most of the week (apparently due to a power failure, see this thread on Tux-apps.com) and no emergency plans have been made to keep the communication channels with the Lycoris community open. As a result, there is no changelog and no place to report bugs -- until the lycoris.org server is brought back into operation.
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| 2003-02-13 |
Development Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX Build 68 |
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From the Lycoris development team's changelog: "Fixed SVIdir in keytable init script; kdeconfig: LANG support in startkde, changed KDEDIR to /opt/kde2;ktip now shows Desktop/LX Welcome, uses viewlets profile and 48 pixel image, defattr(-, root, root), updated FAQ for helpcenter; added khtml security patch. You will now see why i used konq instead of the viewlets profile - ugly bug. But I need to fix it anyway, so... LANG is now fixed. I didn't get any testing on i810 or tnt2 as I had hoped, so those will go into 69 I think. Also still waiting on lu3's nethood output and markh's xf86config-4 so I can check into those bugs. But this release will get you your navbars back. Download: cd1_en_binary.iso (540MB).
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| 2003-02-09 |
Development Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX Build 67 |
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This is a new beta version of Lycoris Desktop/LX, Build 67. Changes: "New login_top.png; removed obselete kdmrc entries; copies .kderc if not installed; removed office directory from build tree; updated mesa to include libglut; move control center HTML into /en/ directory; added support for some vivitar vivicams, sony dsc f707/u10/u20; added preliminary support for conexant winmodems; added intel 536 winmodem support; downgraded to autoconf 2.53; split out /etc/modules.conf into separate files; upgraded to freetype2 2.1.3 w/ Xft hack [thanks to syaman]; fixed Spanish ISO installer to boot; added minor Spanish translations; added kghostview security fix; ISO install image name is now desktoplx.iso, can be located on a VFAT partition; fixed kghostview security issue; fixed some bugs in lisa [er=text] install mode; updated printing subsystem; added kernel patch for olympus cameras." The changelog and download: cd1_en_binary.iso (543MB).
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| 2003-02-06 |
Peace, Love . . . and Lycoris |
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DesktopLinux interviews Lycoris executives, CTO Joseph Cheek and marketing guru Jason Spisak about Lycoris Linux desktop: "GamePak is such an exciting piece of software. For many users it knocks down the last barrier to them going with Linux full-time on their PC. We kept hearing from users, 'I love Desktop/LX, but I need to have my games, otherwise I'd wipe my Windows partition clean.' We'd don't want to let things like that stop Desktop/LX from being their primary OS. That's why Lycoris and TransGaming partnered up and brought Windows gaming to the GamePak. Thanks to TransGaming's incredible WineX technology, users can enjoy over 200 Windows games at native speeds on their Desktop/LX system to ease the transition to a fully Linux-only gaming style. On top of that, GamePak includes 5 full games that cover the entire spectrum of action, strategy and fun in the box. For $34.95 Desktop/LX users get Lycoris versions of Racer, FreeCiv, Falcon's Eye, BZFlag and Possibile Worlds. A single Windows game costs more than this whole package, so it's a great value." Read the rest of the interview.
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| 2003-01-13 |
Interview: Jason Spisak, Lycoris Marketing Director |
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TechDOT has published an interview with Jason Spisak, the marketing director of Lycoris Desktop/LX: "Q: What is there to look forward to in the future? A: An exciting new year. We've got lots of stuff lined up. Tomorrow and next week will be full of great press releases and announcements. I think this year will be another year where Microsoft targets individual Linux companies in an effort to slow down desktop advancements. I also think a major Linux vendor will go out of business and the battle for the desktop will bring some larger players into the mix. This will be an exciting year, and one where Lycoris plans to keep innovating and moving forward toward our personal goals. We want people to have a choice, and if that means raising the bar for the larger companies, then we'll do it everytime we get a chance. Just to be a pain in the neck. ;-) I hope 2003 is the year of a useful penguin, whatever breed, on many new desktops!" The three-page interview starts here.
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| 2002-12-08 |
Development Release: Lycoris Build 66 Beta |
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Another new development release of Lycoris Desktop/LX - Build 66. Changes: "Added eval to AfterSysInitBeforeGUI in SysVinit-scripts; added default cursor blink on vc's; rllibs no longer removes /tmp/.rlupdate_cache_100; new login top for kdm; new pictures from youssef ismail - organic light photography; changed default screensaver to youssef's images; updated windows icon image; updated printer defs in foomatic; added lexar cf reader unusual_dev entry; added hpijs 1.3; new booting/rebooting/shutdown messages; upgraded kbd to 1.06, samba to 2.2.7; rlupdate no longer updates packages with pluses [+] in their name; rlupdate automatically updates devtools and ppak, if installed; added kdialog --licensebox, cosmetic fixes to --inputbox; updated license to show update 3 beta." The usual links: changelog, build 66 bugs forum and download: cd1_en_binary.iso (530MB).
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| 2002-12-03 |
Development Release: Lycoris Build 65 Beta |
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Build 65 is a brand new beta release from Lycoris: "Now that we had a [relatively] stable beta build in 64, it's time to give you lots of [buggy?] new features! without further ado, we give you: fixed visor.o zire loading; added Sony Clie N760C kernel support; added autoconf-compat to devtools; added more mime types to ark; removed am-utils 'in sync' syslog msg; added ttyUSBx devices; xine default skin now celomachrome; updated kdm login background; upgraded grub to 0.92, changed bootlogo; updated kernel bootlogo; upgraded acpid to 1.0.1; added new intro viewlet; removed the linked file view from the view management profile; added -s to amd mount option; added brief notification screen to rlinstall; added pda icon; fixed automounter upgrade bug; added AfterSysInitBeforeGUI reg entry support; new korganizer alarmd icons." The announcement also mentions a possibility of stable Amethyst Update 3 being released by Friday. Download: cd1_en_binary.iso (528MB) and bug reports: Build 65 Bugs Forum.
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| 2002-11-26 |
Development Release: Lycoris Build 64 (Beta) |
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Three days after releasing Build 63, the Lycoris developers have produced Build 64: "Just a cleanup over 63. The only code change was the pctel upgrade; didn't touch printing. Fixed automounter startup; fixed descriptive cups startup; fixed modprobe errors on boot; upgraded PCTel drivers to 0.9.6." As usual, you can get the new ISO image from here: cd1_en_binary.iso (515MB) and the new Build 64 Bugs forum is here.
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| 2002-11-23 |
Development Release: Lycoris Build 63 (Beta) |
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Lycoris Desktop/LX Build 63 (Beta) has hit the mirrors: "Build 63 is out the door. Most of the time spent was on printing and the automounting. Printing is mostly, but not completely, fixed. Automounting is mostly, but not completely, fixed as well." Read the rest of the message here. Changelog: "removed ghostscript-doc; added Fontmap to ghostscript-fonts; upgraded gimp-print to 4.2.3; updated espgs to 7.05.5; added automake-compat rpm [1.4]; fixed courier only font printing issues; made kicker clock 14 pt; removed lucent wavelan from prism2 probe list; fixed non-root vfat mounting issue; fixed printing; synced rlhwscan with jh's changes." Get it here: cd1_en_binary.iso (515MB).
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| 2002-11-20 |
Review: Lycoris Desktop/LX |
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The TechSeekers web site has published a review of Lycoris Desktop/LX, Amethyst 2: "I am impressed with Lycoris. They have made a good start at making Linux accessible to the casual user. There is a long way to go yet but the makers should be proud of the work they have done. It is capable of competing with Windows in the home, something which other distros of Linux have not yet achieved. However Lycoris could not compete with Red Hat or similar distros in a workstation environment. Then again, you wouldn't use XP Home edition as a workstation OS. Lycoris is to XP Home what Red Hat is to XP Professional." Read the rest (with plenty of screenshots) here.
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| 2002-11-17 |
Development Release: Lycoris Build 62 |
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A new beta from Lycoris, build 62, is up on the mirrors. Changes: "Minor kernel printk fix; mozilla form submit bug fix; mozilla .rpm mime type fix; new gimp-print, cups 1.1.15; added chown/chmod for give/takeconsole; added newer gatos ATI drivers; upgraded autoconf to 2.54, automake to 1.5; added gui devtools install." More from the changelog in this forum post, which is part of the new Lycoris Build 62 bugs forum. Download: cd1_en_binary.iso (512MB).
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| 2002-11-07 |
Development Release: Lycoris Desktop/LX Build 61 |
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From the Lycoris Build 61 change log: "New in build 61: branded hwprobe; removed "unverified" from rlsysinfo; minor khelpcenter update; changed kicker clock applet type to plain, without date; minor mozilla update; upgraded NVidia drivers and rebuilt additional kernel modules; made printk default to level 6; fixed minor adduser bug; added more sdx1 and sdx4 entries; removed rmmod -a from crontab; added change the system password entry in control center; upgraded ghostscript to espgw 7.05.4, less to build 378, libdvdcss to 1.2.3, modutils to 2.4.21, pcmcia to 3.2.1, util-linux to 2.11x and finished the unattended installer." The usual links: cd1_en_binary.iso (515MB) and Build 61 Bugs forum.
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| 2002-10-29 |
Development Release: Lycoris Amethyst Update3 Beta |
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As spotted on the Lycoris forums: "New in build 60: added support for S3 Twister; added kernel support for Palm Zire; added spanish translations for kdeutils, kdebase, kdegraphics and kdesdk packages; removed lock, logout icons from kicker; fixed OO [kde1] incorrect color bindings, massaged kicker color bindings; upgraded usbutils to 0.11; smaller CD automount timeout [6 seconds]; fixed [?] non-root login hang issue; added kernel support for Konica KD200Z; upgraded gftp to 2.0.13; upgraded gimp-print to 4.2.2-rc2. Also, build 60 now carries the designation 'update3 BETA'." So here you go, the third update to Amethyst is firmly on its way. Download it here: cd1_en_binary.iso (516MB) and report bugs in the Build 60 Bugs forum.
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| 2002-10-25 |
Review: Lycoris is Desktop Dream |
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ExtremeTech concludes its week-long series of Linux distribution reviews with a story about Lycoris Desktop/LX: "Lycoris is still a relatively young distribution. This software is incredibly easy to install, set up, and use. If Lycoris adds a disk partitioning wizard and improves their documentation, I'd give them a perfect rating for their niche. Desktop/LX deliberately comes with only select software, carefully designed to work seamlessly on the desktop. All regular desktop functions can be performed from the desktop software." The review starts here. The same source has summarised the main points of the reviews published this week on the review results page; Mandrake Linux 9.0 walks away with top honours.
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| 2002-09-19 |
Lycoris Desktop/LX 'Amethyst Version' Review |
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OSNews has been very active in writing distribution reviews recently and here is another one - a review of Lycoris Desktop/LX: "Personally, I feel that if Lycoris fixes the annoying installation and font rendering bugs, add better 3D support and overall OS speed, offer more applications via IRIS, polish a bit more the UI and add some of the pref panels that their competition has, we are seriously looking at a very promising (and fearsome by their competitors :) operating system. An operating system that can easily be used instead of Windows without missing almost anything. I am eagerly awaiting the new version, but even this current official build will be good enough for many." The author gives Amethyst a grade of 7.5 out of 10. The full review.
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| 2002-08-28 |
Finally, Linux for the Desktop? |
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Modemnet has published a comprehensive review of Lycoris Desktop/LX: "In just the few days I have used it and explored it's features, I have become attached to using a version of Linux that needs little configuration and works immediately after installing. This may be an avenue for me to research for future customers. Offering them an alternative to Windows if they request it without having such a huge learning curve that is required with other major distributions. I am definitely excited at the opportunities that Lycoris is going to present desktop users in the coming future." Read the rest here. Also, a new Lycoris beta release, build 49 has appeared on some mirrors: cd1_en_binary.iso (506MB), cd2_en_source.iso (392MB) and cd3_en_devtools.iso (183MB). Linux Compatible has a neat summary of new features found in this build.
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| 2002-08-08 |
Distribution Release: Lycoris Build 47 (Beta) |
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It seems that Lycoris developers don't rest -- the beta directory has been re-populated with a new development version, build 47, only ten days after the release of Amethyst Update 2. What's new in this release? "Rebuilt sane, updated HTML home page, added desktop sharing client, removed kapital demo, updated icons, added new ssh keys, moved OK to right on most dialogs." This mirror has all three ISO images: cd1_en_binary.iso (511MB), cd2_en_source.iso (382MB) and cd3_en_devtools.iso (166MB).
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| 2002-07-29 |
Lycoris Releases Much Anticipated Desktop/LX Update 2 |
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It's official - this release announcement gives you all the details and features list of the brand new Lycoris Desktop/LX (Amethyst Update 2). There seems to be some confusion over the licensing policy of this product. Unfortunately, Lycoris doesn't seem to have a page which would clearly explain these issues, so I'll try my best to do it here, based on discussions on Lycoris forums (if I am wrong, please correct me). Basically, you only need a license if you are a business user (i.e if you use your Lycoris Desktop/LX to produce an income) or if you'd like to take advantage of the distribution's extra services, such as IRIS. Other than that, you are free to download and use the software on as many computers as you wish. In case you are a business user or if you'd like to use IRIS, you will need a license for every single machine. The license costs $US20 and can be purchased from the company's online store. In other words, if you download and use Lycoris Desktop/LX on your home computers, you can still sleep soundly as you aren't breaking any laws. But if you want IRIS, you'll have to pay extra and you'll have to pay for each Lycoris machine that you want enabled for IRIS. To find out more about IRIS and the currently available software database, visit here. You can browse the available packages and decide for yourself if the service offers enough value to warrant a purchase of the license.
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| 2002-07-28 |
Distribution Release: Lycoris Amethyst Update 2 |
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It took a lot of fixing and debugging, but the second update of Lycoris Desktop/LX's Amethyst (internally known as Build 46) is now available from mirrors: cd1_en_binary.iso (513MB), cd2_en_source.iso (379MB) and cd3_en_devtools.iso (166MB). Only the first CD is essential for installation. I did a quick install prior to posting this news item and it was all trouble-free with flawless hardware detection. I especially enjoyed the intuitive menu-naming convention, automatic Samba setup and the fact that all multimedia applications worked without any further configuration. The boxed products are available from the Lycoris online store (US$29.95 for a single CD, installation manual and 60-day email support). If you download the product but would like to take advantage of IRIS (Internet Rapid Installer for Software), which is Lycoris's new service for user-friendly installation of extra software, you can purchase a US$19.95 Licence Certificate. You will need one for each machine running Lycoris Desktop/LX, unless you forgo the convenience of IRIS. But the price is hardly unreasonable so do reward the developers who believe that "Linux is for everyone". Enjoy!
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| 2002-07-19 |
Lycoris: A Linux OS Good for Grandma |
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O'Reilly's ONLamp takes a look at Lycoris Desktop/LX: "Would you give your grandmother a PC with Linux as its main OS? The developers of a Linux startup, Lycoris, have been trying to make the answer a more likely "yes" with their Linux package. A year ago, Joseph Cheek, the CTO and founder of Lycoris, began the work of putting together an integrated Linux desktop OS that would be easy to use for almost anyone, including his own grandmother. The result, Desktop/LX, allows users to easily check email, browse the Web, perform basic office-application tasks, and burn CDs, all under a GUI interface that functions similarly to Windows." Read the full story on the eve of a new Lycoris release - Amethyst Update 2, which should be out shortly. (Thanks Lee Mun Liong for the link.)
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| 2002-06-25 |
Distribution News: Lycoris |
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OSNews has published a 10-question mini-interview with Lycoris' CTO and founder, Joseph Cheek: "The most requested features are better configuration utilities, an easy to use software installer, and more pre-made software available for installation [OpenOffice.org is at the top of the list]. Between our new control center, the software installer, our IRIS [Internet Rapid Installer for Software], and our Productivity Pak, all of these are being addressed." The interview also touches the subjects of the distribution's naming scheme, inclusion of KDE3 and future plans. Good questions, interesting answers - read it all here.
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| 2002-06-04 |
Distribution Announcement: Lycoris Desktop/LX |
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A nice touch from the Lycoris team - release dates of the upcoming new versions of Desktop/LX have been announced. Build 45, which is a testing release, will become available for download on 17 June. The very next release - build 46 will be considered the final production release. This will be available in both download and retail versions on 15 July, when it becomes known as Amethyst 1.0 Update 2. The announcement carrying a lot more detail can be read right here. If this release scheme sounds a little confusing, let us recap here briefly: Build 43 was released as Redmond 1.0 (code name Amethyst). Build 44 was released as Lycoris 1.0 Update 1 (or Amethyst Update 1). Build 46 will be Lycoris 1.0 Update 2 (or Amethyst Update 2). I wish they'd come up with a simpler naming scheme, but no matter what, I will keep you updated with all the updates on the Lycoris page -;).
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| 2002-05-29 |
Distribution News: Lycoris |
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Lycoris Desktop/LX now on shelves - at least in the USA. The announcement to that effect and a lot more has been published on the Lycoris community web site. A lot more is coming soon: "We are thrilled with the wide acceptance of Desktop/LX and with the reviews we have recently received. As we prepare for the release of Update 2, our next version of Desktop/LX, as well as our Productivity Pak, we will continue to make Linux easier, more usable, and more accessible for regular people." Lycoris Desktop/LX has indeed been well received with many positive reviews - visit our Lycoris page for more detail.
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| 2002-05-26 |
Distribution Review: Lycoris Desktop/LX |
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Personal Computer World has reviewed Lycoris Desktop/LX, awarding the distribution 4 out of 5 stars: "Desktop/LX gives you cutting-edge applications with some unique features, and is great for someone new to Linux. A lot of time has clearly been spent making the system as user-friendly as possible. Experienced Unix users will notice the missing common utilities, though." Click here for the complete review.
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| 2002-05-14 |
Distribution News: Lycoris |
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Lycoris Desktop/LX Update 2 (Build 45) coming soon. This report from Lycoris Community: "The Lycoris Development Team is hard at work finishing Desktop/LX Update 2, a very exciting enhancement to your favorite desktop operating system. Included is a new Desktop/LX Control Center that makes it easier to accomplish configuration tasks in a simple, plain language way." Visit this Lycoris Community page for more details. |
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| 2002-04-13 |
Distribution Review: Lycoris 1.0 |
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Yet another review of Lycoris Desktop L/X, this time from none other than MSNBC: "Historically, Windows has been somewhat easier to install on a desktop computer than Linux. In the early days, you had to know a lot about your computer to install either one. Since then, both operating systems have become a lot easier to install, with Windows getting the slight edge in the "pressing-the-button-and-walking-away" category, if not in speed. Not anymore. If you've been waiting to try Linux this is a great way to start. If you're already a Linux fan, this is the perfect way to persuade a reluctant friend or relative. They can install it themselves and may just fall in love with an ever-easier-to-use operating system." This is a very beginner-friendly review of a beginner-friendly distribution - read it all here.
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| 2002-04-11 |
Distribution Review: Lycoris 1.0 |
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Monolinux reviews Lycoris Desktop L/X: "The reasons I was motivated to try Lycoris are simple - I work in corporate IT at a management level. Although I started out my career in Unix I have spent the majority of it in Netware and Windows. Linux knowledge is still growing and I was looking for a simple desktop Linux for home and possibly corporate use (I need a CAD solution for a single user which doesn't cost several thousand dollars) as a second OS. My requirements were that it be easy to install, fast, stable, user friendly and must be able to talk to Windows network shares out of the box. In short I'm someone who wants a Linux for everyday use on a home PC." Find out how satisfied the author was in the first of this two-part review by Monolinux.
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| 2002-03-19 |
Distribution Review: Lycoris 1.0 |
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Reviews of Lycoris Desktop L/X are coming thick and fast these days - this one is from OSNews: "I wish Lycoris good luck. They still have a long way to go, but I recognize and I would like to state that this is indeed by far the most user friendly Linux distro to date. Even if I sounded a bit harsh, my overall satisfaction of the product and the potential it has is shown on the rating below (however my job is to review the product, which means that I have to state any weakness I might find, along with mentioning its feature set). The folks at Lycoris are definitely on the right track though. There is no question about it, so try the product today, help it grow." Read more... |
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| 2002-03-18 |
Distribution Review: Lycoris 1.0 |
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The TuxReports team reviews Lycoris Desktop L/X, "the world's flower power": "As a group, we are going to recommend this product. This is truly a flower, a surprise lily, showing beauty and elegance behind the power of Linux. We look forward to seeing new releases in which the company brings more Linux users into the community. Congratulations." The comprehensive review awards Lycoris Desktop L/X 4 stars out of 5. Read and comment on the review here. |
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| 2002-03-12 |
Distribution Review: Lycoris 1.0 |
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A review of Lycoris Desktop L/X by Linux Orbit: "Overall, the Lycoris Desktop/LX Linux distribution is an outstanding addition to the current pool of commercial Linux distributions available. With a great deal of forethought, Lycoris has created a desktop Linux system that is both easy to use and secure. With better documentation being promised, I would be hard pressed to think of a better Linux distribution to use to introduce new users to Linux. Although experienced users may find some of the Lycoris customizations to the desktop tedious, there is still a full fledged Linux system underneath, ready for you to customize on your own." Visit the Linux Orbit web site to read the complete review.
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| 2002-03-02 |
Distribution Review: Lycoris 1.0 |
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ExtremeTech reviews Lycoris Desktop LX: "If you're new to Linux, you will quickly learn that combining Linux with the KDE desktop environment yields the most configurable operating system that exists. It is totally up to the user to decide what to use, what is automatic, and what isn't. The user also decides on all graphical content for background images and window styles. The look and feel is in your hands. You also have total control of security, updates, access, and which programs start when the system is booted." The full review and screen shots here.
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| 2002-01-23 |
Lycoris Reveals New Web Site |
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A new name and a new web site. Lycoris, formerly known as Redmond Linux, has unveiled a new web site at www.lycoris.com: "Lycoris Desktop/LX will change the way you think about Linux. It's easy-to-use, affordable, and open. You don't have to take our word for it, see for yourself." In line with the name change, we have updated all references to Redmond Linux, the logos and related links. The Lycoris Desktop/LX page now resides here and the rising popularity of this distributions has resulted in its listing in both the Major and Top 10 distributions pages. Related news: GUI-Lords interviews Joseph Cheek, the CTO of Lycoris.
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| 2002-01-20 |
Another Name Change for Redmond Linux |
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Another name change for Redmond Linux, the second in three days: "Redmond Linux Corp. announced today that it will be doing business as Lycoris. The name change is part of an ongoing effort to gain independence and brand recognition in the growing Linux software market. In addition, Lycoris' desktop operating system, formally known as Redmond Linux Personal, is becoming Desktop/LX. The company is setting the stage for a wider rage of products and services that center around its flagship product. " We will wait for the new name to stabilise before doing any site-wide name updates. |
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| 2002-01-18 |
Name Change for Redmond Linux |
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A name change for Redmond Linux: "Redmond Linux announced today that it will be doing business as Linux Softworks. The name change is part of an ongoing effort to gain visability in the Linux software market. In addition, Linux Softworks' desktop operating system, formally known as Redmond Linux Personal, is becoming DesktopLinux." We will be updating these pages to reflect the change in the near future.
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| 2002-01-15 |
Redmond Community Site Revealed |
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Linux Softworks - a new Redmond Linux community web site has been revealed: "Linux Softworks is pleased to announce the launch of it's community portal. As part of our commitment to making Linux on the desktop a reality, we invite you to tour the site and participate in making it happen." Interesting news stories about Redmond's Build 44, Internet connection sharing and development RPMS. The site's slogan reads "Linux is for everyone" and we couldn't agree more. Visit the Linux Softworks site here.
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| 2002-01-10 |
Distribution Review: Redmond 1.0 |
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Linux Step By Step: "If you're frustrated by Linux, or are thinking about trying it out, read on. This is simply the best option for those looking for a windows alternative, or a Linux playground. It addresses every issue I have ever heard a new user complain about. If you are an experienced user, I highly suggest you recommend this distro to potential newbies or frustrated newbies you may encounter." Full review, Redmond Linux home page, more Redmond resources.
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