Zenwalk Linux

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Zenwalk Linux should not be confused with Zen Linux.

**Zenwalk Linux**
Zenwalk logo
Website:	www.zenwalk.org
Company/ developer:	Jean-Philippe Guillemin
OS family:	Linux
Source model:	Open Source
Latest stable release:	4.4.1 / February 24, 2007
Kernel type:	Monolithic kernel
License:	GPL
Working state:	Current

Zenwalk Linux (formerly Minislack) was originally a Slackware-based Linux distribution founded by Jean-Philippe Guillemin. Since its creation, the distribution has become very different from Slackware in most regards while still maintaining compatibility with its binary packages. Zenwalk aims to be a multi-purpose Linux distribution by focusing on Internet applications, multimedia and programming tools. Additionally, Zenwalk comes with many specialized tools, designed for beginner through advanced users as it offers system configuration via both graphical and command-line operations.

1 History
2 Design philosophy
3 Community
- 3.1 Package management
4 Supported architectures
5 Project versions
- 5.1 Distributions based on Zenwalk
6 References
7 See also
8 External links

[edit] History

Zenwalk was originally called Minislack up to version 1.1, taking its current name with version 1.2 released August 12, 2005. A key difference from Slackware is the use of a Linux 2.6 series kernel by default, where Slackware uses a 2.4 series kernel as of version 11.0. Originally using KDE as the window manager, Zenwalk now uses XFCE as of version 0.3, although GNOME and KDE packages have always been available separately.

[edit] Design philosophy

The Zenwalk Project aims to create a lightweight Linux Operating System through the incorporation of the latest software available for a stable release (though using only one application per task on the release ISO image), optimization for a specific processor architecture to increase execution speed, and introduces a comprehensive package management system with dependency resolution.

Default XFCE Desktop in Zenwalk 4.4.1.

[edit] Community

The Zenwalk Project has a forum that allows users and developers alike to post their issues, concerns and praise.

The part of the community that is involved in testing new software packages is closely listened to by the project developers. The newest official software packages are published in the -snapshot tree. When sufficient testing and debugging have been completed, a package is moved to the -current tree, where most users can download software to update their systems.

Zenpanel, a system configuration utility.

The community is also encouraged to take part in software package development, since the official software pool is considered limiting by some users. This allows third-party software to be made compatible with the Zenwalk directory structure, as well as improved interoperability with the rest of the distribution. Information about contributing to the Zenwalk project can be found in the distribution's forum.

[edit] Package management

Zenwalk's netpkg in its GUI guise, xnetpkg.

Zenwalk uses the netpkg package management tool. It is developed in-house, and it provides the main functionalities of the apt-get variety of package managers, but with a more streamlined interface. It uses Slackware's .tgz package format, but adds dependency resolution capabilities. The system uses meta files to provide dependency information, as well as package description during the install process. This convenience is only available to the official Zenwalk mirrors listed in the netpkg configuration file, netpkg.conf. In addition to the original netpkg command line interface, xnetpkg provides a GUI frontend with similar capabilities. Packages available in the Zenwalk mirrors aim to stay true to the project's philosophy of using one application per task, but allow for customization of the end-user's system by offering more variety.

Additionally, Zenwalk is compatible with Slackware package management tools such as slapt-get and its frontends, and have similar functionality as that of netpkg.

As of Zenwalk 4.4.1, package compatibility with Slackware is still maintained. Slackware packages may be used to substitute Zenwalk packages where necessary. Additional package availability can be found at LinuxPackages.net.

Zenwalk release history^[1]
version	date
Minislack 0.1	May 21, 2004
Minislack 0.2	August 8, 2004
Minislack 0.3	February 17, 2005
Minislack 0.4	March 26, 2005
Minislack 1.0	April 24, 2005
Minislack 1.0.1	May 3, 2005
Minislack 1.1	June 10, 2005
Zenwalk 1.2	August 12, 2005
Zenwalk 1.3	October 15, 2005
Zenwalk 2.0 Core	November 27, 2005
Zenwalk 2.0.1	December 4, 2005
Zenwalk 2.1 (Core)	January 18, 2006
Zenwalk 2.2^[2]	February 16, 2006
Zenwalk 2.4^[3]	April 4, 2006
Zenwalk 2.6^[4]	May 23, 2006
Zenwalk 2.8^[5]	July 21, 2006
Zenwalk 3.0^[6]	September 8, 2006
Zenwalk 4.0^[7]	November 20, 2006
Zenwalk 4.2^[8]	January 6, 2007
Zenwalk 4.4^[9]	February 22, 2007
Zenwalk 4.4.1^[10]	February 24, 2007

[edit] Supported architectures

Zenwalk Linux is built and optimized primarily for the i686 architecture, although it supports i486 computers as well. There are currently no plans to port the distribution to other architectures.

[edit] Project versions

There are several versions of Zenwalk :

Zenwalk (full version ~ 420MB iso download) is a distribution aimed at mainstream desktop use. Designed to be a stand-alone operating system, it installs to the hard drive by way of a ncurses-based installer. It includes all of the officially released software packages that are deemed most useful for their tasks. This collection may change with every release.

Zenwalk Core (~ 230MB iso download) is a Zenwalk system built with customization in mind. Released with no X Window System binaries, its aim is to allow a skilled user to build a system fit for his or her needs. The project's lead developer is Emmanuel Bailleul.

ZenLive (~ 476MB iso download) is a Zenwalk system built on a LiveCD design. ZenLive follows the progress made by the full Zenwalk system closely, thus mirroring the version number, and attempts to stay true to the original distribution's goals. In addition, it includes all of the necessary libraries and applications to develop and compile software, a particularly rare feature in LiveCD distributions. Project members include Pierrick Le Brun, creator, Mauricio Tricoli, project lead, and Michael Verret, artwork.

Zenserver (~ 303MB iso download) is a Zenwalk Core-based system specifically designed for servers. The main goals are to create a secure, reliable, easy to use, easy to configure, expandable and dependable server operating system, in the best Zenwalk tradition. The distribution development team is led by Teran McKinney.

[edit] Distributions based on Zenwalk

There are currently two known Zenwalk-based distributions:

SaxenOS ^[11], a distribution built primarily to support older hardware.
Arudius, a Linux LiveCD distribution for information assurance with tools for penetration testing and vulnerability analysis.