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Refracta is a Linux distribution based on Devuan GNU+Linux (a systemd-free fork of Debian), designed primarily for home computer users and also for use as a system rescue and recovery disk. It provides a simple and familiar layout using the Xfce desktop. Other desktop environments and additional software packages are available from the Devuan package repository. Besides providing a Linux distribution on a live CD, the project also develops useful tools, such as refractainstaller, refractasnapshot and refracta2usb which allow users to customize the installation and create custom live CD or live USB images.
To compare the software in this project to the software available in other distributions, please see our Compare Packages page.
Notes: In case where multiple versions of a package are shipped with a distribution, only the default version appears in the table. For indication about the GNOME version, please check the "nautilus" and "gnome-shell" packages. The Apache web server is listed as "httpd" and the Linux kernel is listed as "linux". The KDE desktop is represented by the "plasma-desktop" package and the Xfce desktop by the "xfdesktop" package.
Colour scheme:green text = latest stable version, red text = development or beta version. The function determining beta versions is not 100% reliable due to a wide variety of versioning schemes.
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Star Labs
Star Labs - Laptops built for Linux.
View our range including the highly anticipated StarFighter. Available with coreboot open-source firmware and a choice of Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro and more. Visit Star Labs for information, to buy and get support.
I love Debian (or Devuan) distros with Xfce so I tried this almost unknown distro (number 230 in DistroWatch list).
The installer is a little bit cryptic for just a user like me, but in the end I was able to install it in my test laptop.
Everything seemed OK so I updated the system with Synaptic.
Suddenly anti-aliasing disappeared (appeared with a complete re-start). Later I realized that the internet connection icon in the panel didn't work, so I thought there was no connection, but connection worked. I downloaded several more addons for the panel but when I was installing them the panel disappeared. I tried to recover it with the settings panel button but there was only a cryptic message. I re-started the system but it didn't appeared. I reinstalled it with Synaptic, but it didn't work either. With no panel I abandoned Refracta.
It is the worst Xfce Debian/Devuan derivative I know, and believe me: I know a lot..
In the past, I used a few years mint as daily driver, but I wasn't satisfied, especially systemd, and how I hate libreoffice. Meanwhile, I tested many distros in search of the 'perfect' linux distro for my needs. The closest was Devuan, but the look and feel was oldish. Then, I discovered Refracta, this was/is it! Refracta is very clean, but I cleaned it more. I made it as clean as possible. Then, I installed the applications I need. You know, I am a 'paranoid'. So, I decided to make a kind of 'Tails' or 'Heads' of my own. I am very satisfied. Now, I'm busy to build an ISO-image for persistent live USB-sticks (copy of my entire system) including full encryption. Everything goes through Tor (Swordfish Browser), Encryption Wizard, VeraCrypt, Paranoia Text Encryption, encrypted Tutanota email app-image, and so on. My purpose is to use the exactly same system, which I have on PC, to use on persistent USB-stick, where I need it safely, private and anonymous. Therefor, I give Refracta a 10. Thank you!
Everything you like about Debian, minus the systemd(isease)!
I tried the Chimaera experimental build. Refracta in many ways is more minimal than even Devuan. AbiWord being installed instead of LibreOffice is a part of it, but the lack of metapackages installed by default helps keep the package count low. It also uses trusty old ALSA instead of PulseAudio (yet more Poettering software to avoid...) for sound. Very stable, even with a development branch repository.
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