PCLinuxOS

• Relevant to all editions of PCLinuxOS.

Introduction

Brief overview of PCLinuxOS.

What is PCLinuxOS

PCLinuxOS is a user-friendly, independently developed Linux distribution that focuses on ease of use, rolling updates, and a stable desktop environment. It is particularly popular among newcomers to Linux because of its straightforward setup and its "out-of-the-box" experience, meaning that it comes pre-installed with many essential software packages, drivers, and multimedia codecs.

• For new users : PCLinuxOS (abbreviated pclos) is a Linux distribution packaged with you, the new Linux user, in mind. It is a Linux distribution that can be operated very easily just like Windows. (But unlike Windows, you never have to worry about malware, defragging, or license fees!) It includes all the essential software for everyday people. And who better to help you along your way than someone who is fresh from the journey themselves?

• For advanced users : Some of our users have been around Linux for a long time, but found PCLinuxOS so complete and friendly, that they began using it as their primary operating system. For power users, PCLinuxOS is extremely easy to customize.

PCLinuxOS is provided as a single installable "Live" ISO image. This lets you try it without making any changes to your computer. If you like it, you can install it to your hard drive. What you were trying out will become what you boot into.

History:

• Origins : PCLinuxOS was originally started in 2003 by Bill Reynolds (known as Texstar) as a set of RPM packages for Mandrake Linux. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged independent Linux distribution.
  
• Development : While it was initially based on Mandrake (now Mageia), PCLinuxOS has developed into an independent distribution with its own repository, and features.

PCLinuxOS is a rolling distro

Many people ask the questions:

• Why are packages so late arriving in the repo?
• Why can't I install outside packages?
• Why must I always fully update?

PCLinuxOS is 'rolling release'which means it is built in such a way that the user installs and then fully updates periodically over an indefinite period of time (for as long as four years), rather than performing a fresh installation when a new release arrives, as is the case with some Linux distro's.

This means that a certain discipline is required of the user. He or she must adhere to a routine of fully updating from time to time and never installing outside packages in order to preserve the stability, thus reliability, of the system. If a PCLinuxOS user waits too long to update their system, a fresh install of a more up-to-date ISO image may be necessary to ensure that a large amount of updates won't cause breakages, which is a very real possibility. Generally, it is recommended that users update their system at least once every week or at least two weeks.

Packages often appear much later in PCLinuxOS than in other distros for two main reasons.

• First, the development and packaging teams consist of only a few people.
• Second, all packages are rigorously tested by both the teams and a group of testers before they are permitted to grace the software repository.

The strict adherence to the principles of stability has gained for PCLinuxOS a reputation for quality and usability that the developers and users are proud of, knowing that the OS is reliable for an indefinite period. Some distros allow buggy or broken updates to find their way into the repository and cause havoc for the end user. This simply does not happen with PCLinuxOS.

More answers to frequently asks questions can be found on our FAQ page.

The Philosophy of PCLinuxOS

• It is done when it is done.

• Use the best software available, does not matter if it is Qt, GTK etc.

• Be focused on the desktop.

Key Features of PCLinuxOS:

1. User-Friendly :
   • PCLinuxOS is designed to be simple for both new and experienced Linux users. It provides graphical tools for system administration tasks, making it easier to manage and configure the system without needing to rely on the command line.
2. Rolling Release Model :
   • Unlike many Linux distributions that release major versions at fixed intervals, PCLinuxOS follows a rolling release model. This means that users can continuously update their system without having to reinstall or upgrade to a new version periodically. New software and system updates are provided regularly.
3. PCLinuxOS offers multiple desktop environment choices :
   • KDE Plasma :
   A modern and highly customizable desktop environment with advanced features and eye-candy.
   • Trinity :
   PCLinuxOS Trinity is designed for users who prefer the classic KDE 3.5 desktop environment, known for its simplicity, stability, and familiarity.
   • Xfce :
   A lightweight desktop environment, great for users with older hardware or those who prefer a minimalistic setup.
   • MATE :
   A traditional desktop environment that provides a classic user interface, suitable for those who prefer a simple and familiar desktop experience.
4. Out-of-the-Box Experience :
   • PCLinuxOS comes pre-installed with multimedia codecs, drivers, and essential software, allowing users to play audio and video files, access office suites, browse the web, and more without needing to manually install additional software.
   • It also includes proprietary drivers for better hardware support, especially for wireless cards and graphics drivers.
5. Package Management with Synaptic :
   • PCLinuxOS uses the Synaptic Package Manager (based on the Advanced Packaging Tool, APT) for managing software. Synaptic provides an easy-to-use graphical interface for installing, updating, and removing software from the system.
   • PCLinuxOS uses RPM packages, but it employs its own package management system called apt-rpm, which integrates well with the Synaptic frontend.
6. Excellent Hardware Support :
   • PCLinuxOS provides strong hardware compatibility, often being more accommodating of proprietary drivers and firmware than other Linux distributions. This makes it especially suitable for users who want their hardware to "just work" without extensive manual configuration.
7. Community-Driven :
   • PCLinuxOS has a strong, active community, which plays a key role in the development and maintenance of the system. Users can seek help, ask questions, and contribute via the PCLinuxOS forums, mailing lists, and community pages.
8. Live CD/USB :
   • PCLinuxOS offers a Live CD/USB option, allowing users to boot and try the operating system without needing to install it on their computer. This is a great feature for testing the OS before committing to an installation.
9. Security and Stability :
   • PCLinuxOS aims for a balance between having up-to-date software and maintaining system stability. The rolling release model ensures that users get the latest updates, but the focus is always on stability, ensuring that core system functions remain reliable.
10. Software and Application Availability :
    • PCLinuxOS provides access to a large repository of software that includes popular applications like :
    
    - LibreOffice (office suite)
    - Firefox and Chromium (web browsers)
    - Thunderbird (email client)
    - GIMP (image editing)
    - VLC (media player)
    - qBittorrent or Transmission (torrent clients)

Who Is PCLinuxOS For?

PCLinuxOS is well-suited for:

• New Linux users who want an easy transition from other operating systems like Windows.
  
• Experienced users who want a stable, rolling release distribution with a focus on desktop usage.
  
• Users with older hardware (using the Xfce or MATE editions for lightweight desktops).
  
• Users who value ease of setup with pre-installed codecs, drivers, and essential software, avoiding the need for post-install configuration.