The Linux landscape is constantly evolving, and with each stride forward, new distributions emerge to cater to the diverse needs of its user base. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Rhino Linux, the latest addition to the Linux family, which comes bearing a unique gift – a rolling-release model that promises to keep your system up to date with the latest advancements in GNU/Linux technologies.
Formerly known as Rolling Rhino Remix, Rhino Linux is built upon the pioneering concept introduced by Martin Wimpress, the mastermind behind Ubuntu MATE and a former employee at Canonical. Wimpress conceptualized the “Rolling Rhino” tool approximately three years ago, offering a solution that allowed Ubuntu users to transform their systems into rolling-release powerhouses. And now, the dedicated development team behind Rhino Linux has harnessed this concept, breathing life into a cutting-edge Ubuntu-based distribution that is set to redefine how we experience software updates.
Unveiling the Core: Pacstall Utility and the Ubuntu Connection
At the heart of Rhino Linux lies the ingenious Pacstall utility, a game-changer in the world of package management. Drawing inspiration from Arch Linux’s revered AUR (Arch User Repository), Pacstall seamlessly integrates with Ubuntu, enabling the delivery of essential packages right to your doorstep. From the latest Linux kernel advancements to the ever-popular Mozilla Firefox web browser and a suite of Rhino Linux-exclusive apps and themes, Pacstall ensures that your experience remains smooth, efficient, and effortlessly up to date.
Aesthetic Excellence and Intuitive Design: The Desktop Experience
Rhino Linux boasts a visually arresting user interface, grounded in the lightweight Xfce desktop environment. Meticulously customized for an unmatched user experience, the interface showcases a floating dock (Plank) gracefully adorning the middle-left side of the screen, complemented by a sleek top bar. This is a desktop that is designed to cater to your needs, intuitively adapting to your workflow.
The visual allure is further elevated by a stunning amalgamation of design elements. The Elementary Xfce Darker icon theme, the Greybird GTK theme from Xubuntu, and the Yaru Dark WM theme from Ubuntu converge to create an aesthetic symphony that’s both functional and pleasing to the eye.
Innovative Features for Enhanced Productivity
Rhino Linux is more than just a pretty face; it’s a powerhouse of productivity-enhancing features. The dedicated and full-screen desktop switcher, powered by Xfdashboard, allows for effortless navigation between workspaces. A specialized application grid simplifies access to your favorite tools, and a responsive search bar doubles as an application launcher, ensuring that everything you need is just a click away.
Under the Hood: A Glimpse into the Package Arsenal
A closer look under the hood reveals an impressive collection of applications and utilities. Rhino Linux inherits some of Xfce’s staple apps and tools, including the Thunar file manager, the Mousepad text editor, and the Ristretto image viewer. But it doesn’t stop there. The distribution introduces a touch of diversity with non-Xfce gems such as the Mozilla Firefox web browser, the MPV media player, and the VSCodium integrated development environment.
Installation Made Effortless: Calamares Takes the Reins
Rhino Linux ensures that the installation process is smooth sailing, thanks to the widely acclaimed Calamares universal graphical installer. Offering support for disk encryption and swap file configuration, Calamares provides a user-friendly gateway to the Rhino Linux experience. While the default installation leans on the EXT4 file system, users can exercise freedom of choice by opting for alternative Linux file systems, including Btrfs and XFS, via manual partitioning.
A Word on Snaps and Beyond
For aficionados of the Ubuntu ecosystem who may not be the biggest fans of Snaps, Rhino Linux brings heartening news – Snaps and Flatpaks are nowhere to be found within its realm. This streamlined approach to software distribution ensures a focused and cohesive experience, sans the clutter of multiple packaging formats.
Room for Improvement: A Glimpse of the Horizon
While Rhino Linux impresses on many fronts, it’s not without its share of nuances. Some users might find the application grid’s organization less than ideal, as it fragments Xfce’s settings into individual items, which can impede swift app discovery and launch. A few instances of duplicate entries or malfunctioning elements have also been observed, underlining the project’s ongoing journey of refinement.
Embrace the Rhino: Your Gateway to Ubuntu-Powered Possibilities
In summation, Rhino Linux emerges as a trailblazing choice for Ubuntu enthusiasts who yearn for a rolling-release ecosystem that combines the convenience of a single installation with the perpetual embrace of progressive updates. If you’re ready to explore the future of Linux, Rhino Linux beckons, extending its welcome to you. The Rhino Linux 2023.1 release is available for download now on the official website, catering to a diverse array of platforms, including 64-bit systems, ARM64 devices, PINE64 hardware, and Raspberry Pi marvels.
Step into the world of Rhino Linux and experience the harmony of bleeding-edge innovation and timeless Ubuntu stability. Welcome to a new era of Linux computing!
