EasyOS 6.2: A Lightweight Linux Distro with Deep Roots and New Features #
EasyOS, a top choice among lightweight Linux distributions, has released version 6.2. Known for its ability to run directly from a USB stick while supporting persistency, EasyOS first appeared in 2017 as an evolution of Puppy Linux.
From Puppy Linux to EasyOS: A Brief History #
Barry Kauler originally developed Puppy Linux, launching it in June 2003. Despite Kauler stepping away from Puppy Linux in 2013, the distro remains popular among those who appreciate lightweight and versatile operating systems. After moving on from Puppy Linux, Kauler created Quirky Linux, which eventually led to EasyOS in 2017. Now, the latest version, EasyOS 6.2, introduces significant updates.
What’s New in EasyOS 6.2? #
EasyOS 6.2 brings a complete recompile in OpenEmbedded, which occurred between July 26 and August 19, 2024. This update introduces several key improvements:
- KTorrent Added: EasyOS 6.2 now includes KTorrent, enhancing its torrenting capabilities.
- Dolphin Removed: The team removed the Dolphin file manager from the Flappi package manager, simplifying the user interface.
- JWM Keyboard Layout Fix: Developers resolved a custom keyboard layout recognition issue in JWM.
- New Apps Added: The update includes gImageReader (a native OCR app) and Gittyup (a git client GUI).
- Various Compilations: Updates include sox, whisper.cpp, and the OpenEmbedded/Yocto Scarthgap 5.0.3 compile.
- gdx-pixbuf Update: They dropped default XPM support, optimizing performance.
Customization and Usability #
Despite its lightweight nature, EasyOS 6.2 offers extensive customization options. The distro’s image file is less than 1 GB, but it includes essential applications like Chromium, LibreOffice, Inkscape, and GParted. With JWM as the window manager, users also benefit from four package managers: Puppy’s PKGet, SFSget, Appi, and Flappi.
To try EasyOS 6.2, you can write the image file to a USB stick using Gnome Disks or a similar tool. Alternatively, you can run it in VirtualBox after converting the .img file to a .vdi format.
Conclusion #
EasyOS 6.2 builds on the legacy of Puppy Linux, offering a powerful yet lightweight operating system. With the latest updates, it remains an excellent choice for users seeking a portable and customizable Linux experience.
