Sidux grows on you
Submitted by srlinuxx on Wed, 10/08/2008 - 04:43.
Sidux, a relatively new desktop Linux distribution, is based on Sid, the unstable developmental branch of Debian. The developers strive for an easy-to-install and easy-to-use modern Debian derivative, and pride themselves on remaining true to the principles and values of the Debian project. Despite a few inconveniences, I like Sidux a bit more each time I use it.
Sidux comes as a live CD in a few different configurations. I chose the 2GB DVD with a full KDE desktop for both i686 or AMD64 architectures, but you can also choose from a KDE-Lite or XFCE desktop version for either architecture; each uses less than 500MB. The download page warns that it's very important to burn the ISO onto a high-quality medium with disk-at-once, but I didn't see that until I was already running tests on the system; despite the warning, I didn't do anything different from usual and suffered no ill effects.
Both architectures on my DVD booted quickly with no issues into the optimal resolution for my Nvidia graphics chip and LCD screen. I liked the bright spring colors used in the background images this release, although the window decoration and widget theme are uninspired. I found most of my hardware detected and working. The wired Internet connection came up if it was plugged in during boot, and CPU speed scaling was enabled by default.
Sidux grows on you
sidux is a desktop-oriented Linux Distribution based on the "unstable" branch of Debian,so it uses the name sidux synonymously with Debian Sid .I tried it few times previously but since then I was not well oriented to Debian and its various development branches I did not continue with sidux. Recently “sidux 2008-03 ourea” was released and I felt it was time to try this Distribution which is always there in news and which is incepted after its developers moved out of KANOTIX project. Well my decision to move to sidux was not wrong. I am throuroughly and practically happy with the performance of sidux and I am going to keep it as my default Desktop distribution as dual boot with SimplyMepis.Unlike KANOTIX which is Debian etch based sidux is always uogrades hungry and I am loving this feautire since it always bring me latest updates.
sidux scripts: smxi, sgfxi, svmi are really making life easy and I have no problem recommending sidux to home users.
http://saleem-khan.blogspot.com/
Re: Sidux grows on you
I tried the latest sidux recently. It's a nice desktop distro. However, the default kernel is built with HZ=1000. This might not be a perfect configuration for laptops.
[code]
[~]uname -a
[~]grep "^CONFIG_HZ" /boot/config-2.6.26-5.slh.6-sidux-686
Linux sid 2.6.26-5.slh.6-sidux-686 #1 SMP PREEMPT Fri Sep 19 22:50:25 UTC 2008 i686 GNU/Linux
CONFIG_HZ_1000=y
CONFIG_HZ=1000
[/code]
re: sidux hz
well, you may be right. Some folks may notice less battery life on awake and active machines. But 250 tends to cause problems putting them to sleep. It's a tough call for a distro developer I imagine to pick which is best. There are even more issues (advantages/disadvantages) of each. I know I spent quite a while trying to decide which to use for just the one machine I was building a kernel for - can you imagine trying to decide for 15000 (or ever how many users sidux has)? I suppose they went for performance seeings how that's what most folks might notice most. Perhaps they should make two kernels like mandriva and some others (used to) do - one for desktops and one for laptops.
I guess I didn't really notice it draining my battery for the review because my battery is old and runs downs fast anyway. That's not something I generally check for when doing reviews. Perhaps I should? Thanks for your help.