I don’t own a netbook but I’ve always been fascinated by the operating systems that run on them. Whether it’s a version of Windows, Linux or something else it intrigues me to know what folks are running on their netbooks. So when I ran into Easy Peasy Linux, I just could not resist doing a review of it here for DLR.
Just what the heck is Easy Peasy? And why should you care? Well it’s essentially a modified version of Ubuntu geared toward netbook users. The interface has been redesigned to work better for netbook users that might not need or want a more traditional desktop interface.
Before you read any further please take note that Easy Peasy should not be considered a desktop version of Linux. It’s designed for netbooks so if you don’t have any interest in that you should stop reading now and skip the rest of this review. If you’re bored and looking for something to read, head over to my opinion column site instead. That will keep you busy for a while as there are quite a few things to read there.
For those of you looking for an offbeat version of Linux to play with, read on!
Easy Peasy has a unique netbook-oriented interface.
What’s New In This Release
Here’s a list of what’s new in the 1.5 release of Easy Peasy:
# New visual look by Lasse Sætre and Mark Basset
# Awesome Linux kernel (2.6.30) optimized for netbooks with faster startup built by Martin Bammer
# Support for more netbooks
# Hybrid image (both .img and .iso at the same time) by Phil Howard
* This makes it possible to move the image to the usb stick with unetbootin or dd etc. Which means it’s now possible to intall from a Mac
# Many bug fixes [1]
# Upgraded software (Picasa, OpenOffice 3.1 etc.)
# Built off Ubuntu 9.04
# Smaller harddrive footprint
# Uses the new ext4 filesystem as default
# UXA by default
* The first distro to deliver real composite desktop which means it’s possible to run 3D in 3D (ie. the netbook interface and desktop effects)
# Banshee as default music player instead of Songbird
# Lots of clever solutions when it comes to upgrades through repositories
* Ubuntu security upgrades are available to easypeasy users as fast as they’re released, while easypeasy isn’t overwritten by Ubuntu
(10 votes, average: 3.30 out of 5)
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I’ve installed it on 4 Lenovo S10e’s so far, everyone’s happy and adjusting well to their new environment. So easy peasy, like falling off a log !
eee 701 4g – kicked Xandros off & tried various linuxes – couldn’t make the analog mic (both internal mic and jack) work with any of them so Skype only possible with usb headset – that is, until I got EasyPeasy: yep the analog mic works perfectly – also good functional desktop for small screen, all the buttons visible – my eee needed this OS!!!
What are the differences / improvements of this distro over the regular Ubuntu netbook remix?
Thanks.
installed esay peasy on a Dell inspiron netbook that is 2 years old when Windows 7 crashed for 2nd time i am a new Linux user who played around with distros on an old machine .Anyway I am having a problem with my Verizon wireless getting it going .I installed from a usb drive and everything else is fine any tips would be appreciated
ps sorry i can’t get an internet connection
And what about now that Ubuntu has abandoned the netbook version for a full-all-purpose version of Ubuntu (it does run on netbooks, by the way, what is one of GNU/Linux most fantastic features!)? What about projects like Easy Peasy?
I hope they’re still fully active.
We still need slimmer but nice-looking OSs for netbooks and older machines.
I use Lubuntu for a Pentium III at school, and it works!