HandyLinux

HandyLinux

HandyLinux Desktop
Developer arpinux, Manon and users community.
OS family GNU/Linux
Working state Current
Source model Open source
Initial release September 2013
Latest release HandyLinux 1.9[1] / 11 April 2015
Available in Multilingual[2]
Update method APT
Package manager dpkg (Synaptic)
Platforms I486, I686
Kernel type Monolithic Linux kernel
Userland GNU
Default user interface Xfce/Compiz
License Free software licenses
(mainly GPL)
Official website HandyLinux.org

HandyLinux is a French Linux distribution derived from Debian[3] designed for inexperienced computer users.[4] It has low system requirements, allowing it to be used on a range of older hardware that is no longer supported by the latest modern Operating Systems. It is aimed particularly at older people with aging hardware and do not have the need or skill to use many features afforded by the newest operating systems. It may also be useful for computer users with disabilities, for example the visually impaired.[5]

Goals

The goal is to provide a Debian stable OS for old age, novices and people who want freedom and ease handling. HandyLinux is an official Debian derivative with a simple and clear Graphical user interface: the handymenu.[6]

Built-in tools that facilitate the handling of home computing.[7]

Learning and helping you with HandyLinux is the skeleton of the distribution. HandyLinux Light Documentation[8] and HandyLinux Documentation[9] help you to handle well your OS. Feel free to go to the HandyLinux Forum[10] to ask questions about HandyLinux.

Features

HandyLinux can be installed on any modern computer Pentium 4 or higher with 512 MB[11] of RAM and requires 3.7 GB of available Hard disk drive space for the system.[12]

This distribution can be used in Live versions: Live CD (handylinuxlight) or Live USB, to try it and test its compatibility with the hardware.[13]

It can be installed on a Netbook equipped at least with a memory card of 4 GB,[14] on computers built before 2005 (handylinux i486 non pae)[15] and computers built from 2005 (handylinux I686-PAE).

Users can "remove castors", that is to say the "HandyMenu", and using the classical menu xfce,[16] add software, customize distribution, when they became experienced by reading the documentation.[17]

All the software are included in the Disk image. It is not necessary to be connected to Internet[18] to install this distribution.[19]

Applications

Tools have been integrated for improving accessibility: an inverter color, a filter screen, direct access to documentation, a screen magnifier, copy and paste button, a virtual keyboard and voice synthesis integrated into the browser.

Small practical programs are also included: screenshot, calendar, file search, automatic sorting download folder, Bleachbit for cleaning, archive manager File Roller, Disk Utility for formatting, Hardinfo for system information, Xl-wallpaper wallpaper changer.

Desktop environment

The Desktop environment is Xfce based by default and compiz is proposed optionally.[20] A six tabs menu with big Computer icon lets you launch the everyday use software.[21]

One single click to open files and folders or even start a software.

Classical xfce menu can be added.[22]

The project has a page with screenshots.[23]

Releases

Handylinux is updated with Debian Stable Updates.[24]

Name Release date Megabytes Base 32 bits Supported platform
handylinux-1.9 wheezy[25] 2015-04-11 1250 Debian based 7.8 32bits I486 & I686-pae
handylinuxlight-1.8[26][27] 2015-01-17 656 Debian based 7.8 32bits I486 & I686-pae
handylinux-compiz 1.6.1[28] 2014-08-16 1160 Debian based 7.6 32bits I486 & I686-pae

A Fork in Finnish language has been published May 29, 2014.[29]

See also

References

  1. ↑ handylinux.org documentation download handylinux
  2. ↑ Debian derivatives HandyLinux available in French and English
  3. ↑ Wiki Debian HandyLinux Debian Derivatives Census
  4. ↑ dokuwiki HandyLinux Getting started with HandyLinux
  5. ↑ (French)Handimobility HandyLinux, la distribution Gnu/Linux avec accessibilité au handicap (fr) 2014-01-06
  6. ↑ HandyMenu on Sourceforge
  7. ↑ (French)Techandtux Handylinux la dérivée de Debian à portée de main (fr) 2014-01-10
  8. ↑ Handylinux light documentation
  9. ↑ HandyLinux Documentation
  10. ↑ HandyLinux Forum
  11. ↑ Debian configuration minimum
  12. ↑ (French) Frédéric Bezies Test de Handylinux 1.0 2013-10-02
  13. ↑ (French) documentation handylinux Liste du matériel testé avec Handylinux Retrieved 2014-03-25
  14. ↑ (French) Cyrille Borne Handylinux pour eeepc Retrieved 11 March 2014
  15. ↑ (French) @bc l'actualité installation sur un pc de 2002 avec le CD handylinuxlight Retrieved 2014-02-21
  16. ↑ (French) La Fabrique du Web HandyLinux : Debian sans se prendre la tête 2014-04-20
  17. ↑ Documentation HandyLinux
  18. ↑ (French) Alain Bach Installer handylinux 2014-01-31
  19. ↑ (French) Léa-linux Installer Handylinux
  20. ↑ softpedia HandyLinux Compiz
  21. ↑ (French) Solidrnet.fr HandyLinux, Linux sans se prendre la tête 2013-12-23
  22. ↑ menu in the Raiders section
  23. ↑ Handylinux Screenshots
  24. ↑ Softpedia Handylinux Changelog
  25. ↑ Softpedia HandyLinux 1.9 Out Now, the Last Release Based on Debian 7 Wheezy
  26. ↑ HandyLinux Light on sourceforge
  27. ↑ HandyLinuxLight on Softpedia
  28. ↑ Softpedia HandyLinux Compiz
  29. ↑ HandyLinux Puolanka Edition

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to HandyLinux.