Dreamlinux
Dreamlinux is a distribution of the Linux operating system. The latest stable version (2.2 Multimedia GL Edition) is based on a mixture of Debian, Morphix, Kanotix and Elive, along with some closed-source software exclusive to Dreamlinux. However, the next version (3.0 Desktop Edition), which is currently in a public beta testing phase, is based entirely on Debian Testing (Lenny).
User interface
Dreamlinux's interface has often been compared to that of Mac OS X. It uses Xfce as its default desktop environment, although 3.0 will come with GNOME included alongside Xfce. Both environments use custom designs created by the Dreamlinux developers. The applications use dark grays, similar to Mac OS X's "brushed metal" style. The menus on Dreamlinux are white, but a menu item will turn to a light blue shade when under the cursor.
Release history
| Release name | Release Date | Current status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dreamlinux 1.0 STUDIO | February 12 2006 | Old version | This was the first Dreamlinux release. |
| Dreamlinux 2.0 WORKS | July 16 2006 | Old version | The release came with common Linux applications, such as OpenOffice, Inkscape and Gimp. It came with automatic hardware detection, including video cards and monitors. It included MkDistro 2.5 - a tool for remastering different distributions. It came with the 2.6.14 kernel created by Kanotix. It also included Xorg 6.8 and Alsa. For the desktop, the Xfce 4.4 desktop environment was included, with Dreamlinux's custom theme. |
| Dreamlinux 2.1 | September 20th 2006 | Old version | This release aimed to fix bugs in the previous release. It did contain improved hardware detection, the ability to read and write to NTFS partitions as well as automount any recognized partition, internet sharing and the "Powernow" software. The included packages were updated to the versions in the Debian Testing repository. |
| Dreamlinux 2.2 Multimedia Edition | January 5th 2007 | Old version | This version included the 2.6.18 kernel. Multimedia-oriented applications were included, such as video and audio file editing software. An "Upgrade Wizard" was included, which allows users to avoid losing configuration after upgrading using Debian's Apt Package Manager. An "Easy-Install" application downloads and installs closed-source applications, such as Google Earth, Opera and Picasa. The kernel included was Kanotix's 2.6.18 kernel. |
| Dreamlinux 2.2 Multimedia GL Edition | June 29th 2007 | Current release | This release included many new features. "Dreamlinux Installer" replaced the Morphix installer that was used in previous releases. The release allowed automatic installation of 3D proprietary graphics card drivers, as well as automatic setup of Beryl. Mkdistro LiveRemaster, a graphical application which allows users to create Dreamlinux remasters from their customized LiveCD session, was included. The "Engage Admin" allows users to change settings relating to the Engage dock. The "Xfce Menu Item Creator" allows users to create entries for their Xfce menu, as sometimes applications are not added to the menu when the application is compiled from source. The release also separated the Dreamlinux Control Panel from the EasyInstall panel. A final addition was the "Xnetcardconf" tool - a graphical front-end to Ndiswrapper, allowing Windows wireless drivers to be used on Linux. |
| Dreamlinux 3.0 Desktop Edition | February 28th 2008 (tentative date) | Development version | This version is the first to be based on Debian Testing alone. It is entirely modular, and includes the GNOME desktop environment, as well as Xfce. It will contain Dreamlinux's customized 2.16.23.12 kernel, as well as improved wireless support. The installer and control panel both have an improved look and have had many bugs fixed. |
Developers
Dreamlinux is created by a group of four developers. "Drjesteves" is the leader of the project, and helps to test the distribution. "Gda" is the distribution's "Technical Supervisor" and runs the website and tests the distribution. "Nelsongs" is the software developer. He designs the distribution and writes the kernel, applications and scripts. "Andrefelipe" creates the user interface, including graphics and scripts. He also test the distribution and packaging. "Ruudkuin" also helps with the icons' design.