HandyLinux

HandyLinux
HandyLinux Desktop
Developer thuban, Starsheep, arpinux and users community.
OS family Linux
Working state Current
Source model Open source
Initial release September 2013 (2013-09)
Latest release HandyLinux 2.5 / 11 June 2016 (2016-06-11)
Available in Multilingual[1]
Update method APT
Package manager dpkg (Synaptic)
Platforms I586, I686 et amd64
Kernel type Monolithic Linux kernel
Userland GNU
Default user interface Xfce/Compiz
License Free software licenses
(mainly GPL)
Official website handylinux.org

HandyLinux is a Linux distribution originating in France and derived from the Debian stable branch.[2] It is designed especially with inexperienced computer users in mind.[3] The distribution has low system requirements, allowing it to be used on a range of older hardware that is no longer supported by the latest versions of proprietary operating systems. It is aimed particularly at older people with dated hardware who do not need or possess the skill to use many features afforded by state-of-the-art operating systems. It may also be useful for computer users with disabilities, such as the visually impaired.[4]

Goals

The goal of the HandyLinux project is to provide a "stable" Debian-based OS for the elderly, novices and people seeking freedom and full functionality on a user-friendly desktop. HandyLinux is an official Debian derivative with a simple and clear graphical user interface called the HandyMenu.[5]

It features built-in tools that facilitate the handling of home computing.[6]

Documentation teaches users desktop navigation and helps them to learn the HandyLinux distribution.[7][8] Prospective users are encouraged to browse the HandyLinux online forum[9] and ask questions about the operating system.

Features

HandyLinux can be installed on any modern computer, with a processor Pentium 4 or higher and 512 MB[10] of RAM, and the system requires 3.7 GB of available hard drive storage.[11]

The distribution can be run as either of two "live" versions, live CD (handylinuxlight) or live USB, to sample the prepackaged software and test its compatibility with the installed hardware.[12] Alternatively it can be installed on a netbook equipped with at least 4 GB memory[13] on computers built before 2005 (handylinux i486 non pae)[14] and on computers built from 2005 onward (handylinux I686-PAE).

If they choose, users can "remove castors", i.e., remove the default HandyMenu and substitute the classical menu of the Xfce desktop environment,[15] add software packages, and customize the look and feel of the distribution after becoming more experienced with the OS by reading the documentation.[16]

All the software needed for a functional desktop is included in the disk image, and an Internet connection is not necessary[17] to install the program bundle prepackaged for the HandyLinux operating system.[18]

Applications

Tools have been integrated for improving accessibility: an inverter color, a filter screen, direct access to documentation, a screen magnifier, copy and paste button, a virtual keyboard and voice synthesis integrated into the browser.

Small practical programs are also included: screenshot, calendar, file search, automatic sorting download folder, Bleachbit for cleaning, archive manager "Archive Manager", Disk Utility for formatting, Hardinfo for system information, Xl-wallpaper wallpaper changer.

Desktop environment

HandyLinux's native desktop environment is based on Xfce, and the Compiz compositing window manager is optional.[19] Users may switch to the more traditional Xfce menu if they prefer it to the HandyMenu.[20]

A seven-tab menu with a large computer icon enables users to graphically launch applications,[21] and only a single click is necessary to open files and folders or run a program.

Releases

HandyLinux updates generally follow updates of the Debian stable branch.[22]

NameRelease dateMegabytesBase32 bitsSupported platform
handylinux-2.5-i386[23]2016-06-111344Debian based 8.532bitsI586 & I686-pae
handylinux-2.5-amd642016-06-111212Debian based 8.564bitsamd64
handylinux-2.4-i3862016-04-101367Debian based 8.432bitsI586 & I686-pae
handylinux-2.4-amd642016-04-101240Debian based 8.464bitsamd64
handylinux-2.3-i3862016-01-241378Debian based 8.332bitsI586 & I686-pae
handylinux-2.3-amd642016-01-241244Debian based 8.364bitsamd64
handylinux-2.22015-09-061359Debian based 8.232bitsI586 & I686-pae
handylinux-2.2-amd642015-09-061182Debian based 8.264bitsamd64
handylinux-2.12015-06-091335Debian based 8.132bitsI586 & I686-pae
handylinux-2.0[24]2015-05-161325Debian based 8.032bitsI586 & I686-pae
handylinuxlight-2.0[25]2015-05-23697Debian based 8.032bitsI586 & I686-pae
handylinux-1.9 wheezy[26]2015-04-111250Debian based 7.832bitsI486 & I686-pae
handylinuxlight-1.8[27]2015-01-17656Debian based 7.832bitsI486 & I686-pae
handylinux-compiz 1.6.1[28]2014-08-161160Debian based 7.632bitsI486 & I686-pae

A development fork of HandyLinux in the Finnish language was published May 29, 2014.[29]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Debian derivatives HandyLinux available in French and English
  2. ↑ Wiki Debian HandyLinux Debian Derivatives Census
  3. ↑ dokuwiki HandyLinux Getting started with HandyLinux Archived 2015-05-18 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ↑ (in French)Handimobility HandyLinux, la distribution Gnu/Linux avec accessibilité au handicap (fr) 2014-01-06
  5. ↑ HandyMenu documentation
  6. ↑ (in French)Techandtux Handylinux la dérivée de Debian à portée de main (fr) 2014-01-10
  7. ↑ Handylinux light documentation
  8. ↑ HandyLinux Documentation
  9. ↑ HandyLinux Forum
  10. ↑ Debian configuration minimum
  11. ↑ (in French) Frédéric Bezies Test de Handylinux 1.0 2013-10-02
  12. ↑ (in French) documentation handylinux the material tested and certified for HandyLinux Retrieved 2014-03-25
  13. ↑ (in French) Cyrille Borne Handylinux pour eeepc Retrieved 11 March 2014
  14. ↑ (in French) @bc l'actualité installation sur un pc de 2002 avec le CD handylinuxlight Retrieved 2014-02-21
  15. ↑ (in French) La Fabrique du Web HandyLinux : Debian sans se prendre la tête 2014-04-20
  16. ↑ Documentation HandyLinux Archived 2015-04-16 at the Wayback Machine.
  17. ↑ (in French) Alain Bach Installer handylinux Archived 2014-04-22 at the Wayback Machine. 2014-01-31
  18. ↑ (in French) Léa-linux Installer Handylinux
  19. ↑ softpedia HandyLinux Compiz
  20. ↑ menu in the Raiders section
  21. ↑ (in French) Solidrnet.fr HandyLinux, Linux sans se prendre la tête 2013-12-23
  22. ↑ Softpedia Handylinux Changelog
  23. ↑ HandyLinux Is a Great Toolbox for Linux Newbies
  24. ↑ Softpedia HandyLinux 2.0 Officially Released, Based on Debian 8 Jessie
  25. ↑ wiki handylinux handylinuxlight 2.0
  26. ↑ Softpedia HandyLinux 1.9 Out Now, the Last Release Based on Debian 7 Wheezy
  27. ↑ HandyLinuxLight on Softpedia
  28. ↑ Softpedia HandyLinux Compiz
  29. ↑ HandyLinux Puolanka Edition
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