I reviewed the free Ark Linux distro back in 2004 and found it offered a pretty good experience for an alpha Linux release. Ark Linux is a KDE-based distribution geared towards desktop users. New in this release of Ark Linux is KDE 3.5.4, the current version of X.Org, the Amarok 1.41 media playback tool, as well as bug fixes and other updates.

Installing Ark Linux

I installed Ark Linux on a test machine with the following components:

Athlon XP 3000+
Nvidia GeForce 5900 XT
1GB of RAM
160GB Hard Disk

I had the option to choose between a System Install (which uses all of your hard disk) and Expert Mode (which allows you to set partitions, etc.). I opted to do a System Install and after a couple of clicks, I was on my way. Once the install began, I was able to play a game of Tetrix while waiting. Although this is a minor thing, it's a nice touch and beats sitting there bored while the install occurs. More linux distros should add this sort of feature.

Installing Ark Linux is pretty easy and didn't take very long (about 15 minutes or so). Although you'll see some text scroll by as the installation begins, the installer for the most part insulates you from the command line.

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