Mar. 15, 2007

Techalign has released version 2.0 of its Kubuntu-based Pioneer Linux desktop. The new version features a 2.6.17 kernel and the KDE 3.5.4 desktop, extensive support for multimedia, and Automatix, which automates the installation and uninstallation of many popular applications.

Pioneer Linux is targeted at both new and experienced Linux users, according to Techalign CEO Dianne Ursini. “We have full boxed editions and complete support from the company, and we have added a lot of new features into the kernel. For example, we added some driver support that no one else has,” she said.

Another unique feature of Pioneer Linux is that it comes with the easy-to-use Automatix graphical application installer preinstalled, Ursini said.

Automatix, according to Techalign’s website, “makes sure you are able to easily locate and install the most commonly used software in Linux today. Automatix allows the playing of DVDs or MP3 files or the viewing of Adobe Flash content. Packages that allow the playing of MP3s are available to download from official sources but cannot be included on Pioneer. Automatix enables the playing of DVDs. Adding these manually is possible but can be time consuming. Automatix makes this simple!”

Other standard Pioneer Linux features include:

* Firefox 2.0 browser
* GAIM 2.0.0beta3 instant messenger
* X.org. 7.1 window manager
* Thunderbird 1.5.0.7 and KMail email clients
* cdrtools 2.01.01a03 CD burner with CD-R and CD-RW recorder
* OpenOffice.org 2.0.4 office suite
* amaroK 1.4.3 media player

Pioneer Linux 2.0 comes two ways: as a freely downloadable live and installation CD; and as several commercial boxed editions that include both Wine and CrossOver Office, as well as full technical support, Ursini said. The latter sell for between $40 and $110.

The free edition can be downloaded here. The 701 MB iso image file for i386 machines is available for download here (direct link to iso).

Screen shots are available for viewing here on the Pioneer site, and here, at LinuxQuestions.org.

Source: Desktop Linux

~LC