MEPIS

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MEPIS Linux is a Debian-based Linux distribution, functioning both as a Live CD and as an installable OS. It aims to be completely functional out of the box, and as user-friendly as possible.

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Features

MEPIS, the creation of Warren Woodford, is a Debian-based distribution. It is built around the KDE Desktop Environment, and comes with OpenOffice.org, Mozilla Firefox and the usual suite of Linux desktop tools. It is fully APT-get compatible, fidel to a clean Debian base. Newer releases also include ClamAV, a free anti-virus.

There are several versions of MEPIS:

  • SimplyMepis, an everyday Linux distribution designed for general desktop usage.
  • SOHOSererMepis, which is a desktop-oriented distribution, equally potent when used for a small server.
  • MepisLite, which is designed for older hardware
  • ProMepis, which is a version designed for programmers.
  • ForensicMepis, a distribution available to qualified professionals in IT security
  • A distribution created in collaboration with TaFusion, making a commercial distributions with special application included, like CrossOver Office and HiAtlantis.

MEPIS is highly regarded for its very easy to use GUI installation program, also helped by a powerful hardware detector. Although the hardware detector itself is proprietary, Warren Woodford promised it will be available under an open source license. The Live CD also allows users to save their settings and personal files on a USB drive, a feature known as "On the Go". Users can store entire personal directories this way.

Although strongly bound to Debian, MEPIS has a number of distinctive features. The common applications, like Firefox or Gaim are more recent than in Debian Stable.MEPIS is not as strongly tied to the open source principles, including proprietary software, like webcam drivers, the Java and Real Player plugins and so on, software which is free as in beer but not open-source.

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