Bodhi Linux desktop distribution contender?

[LghPuppy]

Bodhi Linux could easily become a desktop distribution contender

By Jack Wallen in Linux and Open Source, January 21, 2014

Find out why and how Jack Wallen thinks Bodhi Linux could become one of the most popular desktop distributions on the market.

Desktop Linux. It's a bacon-wrapped conundrum with a donut-flavored bun. You know the separate pieces are delicious, but you're not quite sure how they would taste together. Many distributions are working hard to come up with the exact combination of flavors to entice computer users around the world to come try their goods. Some, such as Ubuntu, are starting to see success. Others, such as Bodhi Linux, are so close to creating the right combination that you can smell the goodness wafting through the air.

Additional Bodhi Linux resources on TechRepublic:
* Getting Bodhi Linux up to speed
* DIY: How to change the Bodhi Linux wallpaper
* Bodhi Linux: E17 and Ubuntu make a great combination
* Bodhi Linux: Interview with Jeff Hoogland

I've covered this particular Linux distribution a number of times. For a long while, it was my favorite flavor of Linux. Eventually, once audio recording became a must-have, I had to sadly leave Bodhi behind. During my absence, both Bodhi and Enlightenment, the window manager (Figure A), have matured quite a bit. Both are incredibly stable and lightning fast (the speed of Bodhi on a solid state drive is almost mind blowing). But even with its incredible growth, Bodhi is still relegated to the fringes of desktop usage.

Figure A

The Bodhi desktop with just a few minor tweaks.

A solution for Bodhi
This solution is two-fold. The first is primarily regarding Enlightenment. When you complete the installation of Bodhi and log into the desktop, you're presented with simple wizard to set up Enlightenment. This needs to go away. Yes, it's awesome that Enlightenment can be configured more than probably any other desktop interface. I was weened on such window managers, but for users not accustomed to such configurations, this can be an issue. And since everything about Enlightenment is drastically different than any other window manager ever used by the average person, much of this is gong to be confusing at best. With that in mind, it would be smart of Bodhi to eliminate this step in the process. Instead, it needs to have a default configuration, one that both shows off the incredible power and flexibility of Enlightenment, yet makes the whole of the environment easy for new users. It will be necessary to leave all of the configuration options available, so that familiar users can tweak their desktops to their hearts content.

The second solution might cut to the heart of the essence of Bodhi. This particular distribution prides itself on being a minimalist flavor of Linux. That's all fine and good, because it allows users to really pick and choose what applications to install. The problem is that new users are going to take one look at Synaptic and turn away. Don't get me wrong, I've used Synaptic for years and have always found it to be an outstanding tool. But let's take a look at a simple scenario...

One of the first things a user will want to install is an office suite. To do this, they fire up Synaptic and click on the “office” category. This is where things get a bit confusing. Quite a number of libraries reside within the office category, to the point where it could easily become a chore just to get LibreOffice installed.

Instead of this, I believe a new package manager needs to be developed -- one that's in line with the likes of the Ubuntu Software Center or any given smartphone app store. It needs to be painfully obvious how to get applications installed, and even groups of packages. For example, there could be a productivity package that includes apps such as:

* LibreOffice
* The Gimp
* Scribus

There could also be a multi-media package that includes the following apps:

* Clementine
* VLC
* OpenShot
* Audacity

These packages would need to be a single click away from installation. Yes, it would mean a lot of development on the part of the Bodhi developers, but I strongly believe in making the Linux desktop as user-friendly as possible -- even for those distributions that pride themselves on being a tinkerer's dream. A new, end-user-friendly package manager would go a long way to help getting a distribution worthy of success into the hands of the masses.

Don't get me wrong -- as it is, Bodhi Linux is an outstanding distribution for users who really want to get their hands dirty with Linux. It could, however, with just a bit of work, easily become one of the best looking distributions available and one of the most popular distributions on the market.

Of course, to do that, they need help. One way to help is through a donation drive. The developers of Bodhi are raffling off a Chromebook with Bodhi Linux pre-installed. For a chance to win this special Chromebook, hop on over to the Bodhi donation page. For every $5.00 you donate, your name will go into the raffle for a Bodhi-powered, Samsung Chromebook with the following specs:

* Screen size: 11.6 inches
* Process 1.7 GHz Exynos 5000 Series
* RAM 2 GB DDR3L SDRAM
* HD: 16 GB eMMC
* Graphics: Integrated
* Wireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n

It's a sweet little machine and a great cause. Your donation will help one of the more unique flavors of Linux continue to grow. Hopefully, the developers will consider my advice and look to expand their reach. With just a couple of changes, Bodhi could quickly rise in the ranks of popularity for desktop (and mobile) computing.

Personal Note: Take a look at the Bodhi Linux (in bold green) page for a video on the Bodhi OS in action. I was impressed with it looks and the interaction of the software. Now I really am a Windows 7 fan but if MS keeps going in the direction that their in, I will be thinking strongly of changing to Linux as my next OS.

Do you use Linux? And how does it stack up to Windows? Let us know.

As always Thank You for your time and I hope you found this article of interest.

[Batster]

Thanks IDH1....now I have another distro to try our. I have tried the obvious ones Ubuntu, etc.....I have a lappy with Zorin on it that I let the kids play with. I am now looking to set up a server for the house, right now I use an old win vista pc as my server streaming all my media and running it as my NAS as well, so looking to learn a linux server distro to take over for that.

[LghPuppy]

Thanks Batster I'm glad you found this a useful post.

[Akasha]

Linux used to be regarded as an OS for computer experts and geeks, and when it started it probably was. It has changed dramatically, and adapted with time, becoming more (average) user friendly. Users are still scared of it though and still think one has to have great knowledge to use it.
I'm not an expert but in my opinion that is not the case any more. Its just different from what we (Windows users) are used to, but it doesn't take much to get used to it if one wants to try, and its definitely worth trying it
This is another distro that looks like a good option for anyone who wants to give a go to Linux
Thanks IDH1

[LghPuppy]

Linux used to be regarded as an OS for computer experts and geeks, and when it started it probably was.

The first time I tryed to use it was back in 03 and it was not so easy. I had to learn how to set up a partitioned HD and to make it duel boot. After learning that (wish I had some help at the time) it was on to learning SUSE Linux oh what a joy. After 3 weeks I just said the h*** with this and reformatted to Win XP Pro. I have watched Linux grow over the last decade. Now at the point with MS trying to make our desktops in to a cell phone system I'm fed up with them, I may even go back to pen and paper. No really I need to learn a different OS it will help keep my mind sharp and be less of a hassle.

[Akasha]

Now at the point with MS trying to make our desktops in to a cell phone system I'm fed up with them, I may even go back to pen and paper.

Hahahaha
I installed Ubuntu on my spare PC and found it quite easy to use and learn , and because its one of the best known distros there is tons of tutorials and support for it . It just takes getting used to with most of Linux distros these days, that's all

[LghPuppy]

Thanks I will give it another try. I may even use this version.

[hw24]

I tried to use and set up linux the easy one??I made the ISO disc and inserted it it started but 3 hours later it was not finished.I really want it but how long does it usually take??I just took the disc out and started reading all the tutorials again.any advice would be great.

[LghPuppy]

hw24 I wish I could answer your question but I'm unable too. If there is no answer on this thread then I would go to http://www.chattchitto.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=39 and post the same question. I'm sure there should be someone here that can help you.

[ChattChitto]

I tried to use and set up linux the easy one??I made the ISO disc and inserted it it started but 3 hours later it was not finished.I really want it but how long does it usually take??I just took the disc out and started reading all the tutorials again.any advice would be great.

What's your problem specifically and where?