USU 7.0.1 Based on Ubuntu Release
11.04 (Natty)
Kernel
2.6.38-10-Generic
Gnome
2.32.1
It took me awhile to do a full
review of this new found treasure since I have to make a sharp turn to try and
review Clem's New Linux Mint 13 Cinnamon, it was worth the side trip see the
review here but back to USU Linux 7 Desktop. When I wandered out of LM after
the release of LM 12, I decided to start looking for other alternatives and
found Comice OS 4 and USU Linux 7 Desktop for which I am drafting a review. I
might say USU Linux is one of the many unsung hero in the field of Open Source
/ GNU Linux area and I was caught by its simplicity and functionality based on
what its portal claims, so I decided to take a look of these would be popular
Linux Distro read on.
Interface
like
other Ubuntu Linux USU uses the same interface but with one prominent annoyance
after booting and offering its desktop one dialog box appears informing the
user of various tips to use USU but the big problem is it does not
show/displays anything except for a blank window screen! Other than that the
look and feel is somewhat LM Isadora an area that can still be improve just
like what LM team have done to LM 13.
Ease of Use
the
feeling is similar to LM 13 very much user friendly but the only drawback is
offering the desktop on its native language which is Bulgarian, it maybe a
small problem if you have already decided to try and install it in your machine
for you can simply select your preferred language and it will automatically
translate the installation language but if your simply testing the distro out
then the problem magnifies! imagine how can an english speaking user interact
with the default language. How I wish the USU Team offers alternative language
upon boot-up that would ensure catering to both tester and would be new user.
Application
Graphics - Great.
I
love the added application such as DIA, Scribus and Inkscape.
Sound
& Video - Great.
Kino,
Miro, ISO File Editor and AviDemux what else can I ask for!
Games - Good.
I
always works long hours driving onto my keyboard and its always a blast to burn
a few minutes playing.
Internet - Great.
I'm
an avid transmission user so I was a bit skeptical about the torrent app their offering (flush) but to my
surprise it does what it do best downloading torrents just like my fav app. I
was always praying that Clem include skype on its every release atleast USU
made my day!
Educational - Superb!
A
treasure trove for educator like myself.
Office - Great.
Gramps,
Homebank and OpenProject is definitely a welcome addition.
Accessories - Superb!
Alarm
Clock, xCHM, DOS Box Emulator, Virtual Box and atlast Search for Files GUI that
do the job pretty well and accurately.
System
Tools - Good.
Anti
Virus Installer (though you wont need it using Linux) and LiveUSB Install.
Universal
Access - No Remarks.
Since
I do not use included application, sorry.
Wine - Great.
After
installing any Linux Distro its been my habit to install Wine and Virtual Box
this time it came pre-installed thank USU Team.
Hardware Detection
Never
been happy LM, Comice and USU do the job well detecting my gadgets from
printers to USB Modems.
Memory Footprint
Just
above LM 13 (10MB more) but the firepower of this distro justifies the memory
consumption.
Conclusion
Though
seldom mentioned its existence USU Linux proves it can bring down the stars
from its pedestal, if you don't always jump to new version of installed
application then its a blast to use!
A
must for newbie like me a definite contender of Ubuntu and LM, like Comice OS 4
this flavor of Linux is destined to succeed with a bang to brag!
My Rating:
A
Great Distro, my
rating
is
9.7 / 10!
“Linux Mint 13 is my HOME but USU 7
Desktop is now my family”
Editor’s note: USU Linux 7 Desktop
was compared against Linux Mint 13 Cinnamon
and Comice OS 4.
