Granular final release

[mikkh]

With most 'distros' based on another one, 'Granular' is no exception

It's based on PClinuxOS, which itself is based on Mandriva.

What always intrigues me, is how the 'based on' versions tend to be much better than the parent it's derived from.

Look at all the 'Debian' clones for example. Pure Debian is a pain, yet so many distros use it as a base - and improve on it so much, you have to wonder about Debians development team.

Ubuntu is a Debian clone btw and perhaps the best Ubuntu spin off is Mint.....

Anyway, enough of the history lesson, I'm here to tell you about 'Granular' which I've followed for a long time

It's a live CD, that you can also install. It has all the nice touches of PClinuxOS, but adds it's own flair and better 3D desktop compatibility than PClinuxOS (with 'compiz')

If you're looking for a new live CD to try - this is one of the best IMO.

I haven't even burnt it yet, but I'm that confident of previous beta releases, I'm pretty certain this will be fabulous too

Link (as always) available on www.distrowatch.com.

I'll give a fuller account when I've burnt and tested it[/size][/font]

[lazysod]

Well Mikkh what is your verdict? I think I may try this one as well if you recommend it. I will try it as a live CD anyway thanks for the information.

[mikkh]

First nice touch I noted, was the default usernames/passwords are on the login screen, so unlike (too many) other live CD's, there's no need to reboot, load another OS and search the forums for the default passwords etc before you can actually use it.

It's a KDE desktop by default, but the taskbar is Gnome/MAC style - i.e it's on top, which is not my thing at all, but luckily it's easily fixed by right clicking it and picking 'configure panel'

My first test on most distros, is to go online and see if 'flash' is installed. It is with Granular

Java wasn't installed though, but a quick search in 'synaptic' put that right

I installed it (java) in live mode, then installed it (Granular) to my hard drive, having already seen enough to make it a permanent fixture.

The default desktop is a bit drab, but easily changed - and basically it's as good as I expected

..... the HD install was dead easy too[/size][/font]

[lazysod]

Thanks Mikkh I love it I tried the live CD last night and liked what I saw, so after reading your post I installed it so so simple it went so smoothly, oh its so good Ive tried a good few now but I like this one the best. It has everything I even downloaded google earth and it worked without having to install a driver for my graphic card it must have done that automatically, in the past I have had to do so with some some distros. and XP Everything was up and running in no time at all this is my favourite one so far. Not a single hiccup just installed so smoothly. Now I just have to play around with the look of it.

[mikkh]

Glad you like it sweetheart. Being Mandriva/PClinuxOS based it also has another neat trick up it's sleeve i.e the ability to make your own live CD out of it, after you've installed it to the hard drive.

Customise it to your hearts content - remembering to give it a generic username/password if you intend to hand it round to friends etc. You'll have to reinstall it to get over that hurdle though, but it's worth trying now just to get used to the process.

You just use the command 'mklivecd' in a terminal/console window followed by a name for your new custom OS

eg...

mklivecd test.iso

this will prode a 'test.iso' in the root directory which you can then burn and use as a live CD

You may have to uninstall a few things to keep it CD sized though, otherwise it will only fit on a DVD and you may have to resort to 'poweriso' or similar in Windows to burn it.

I'll give you more info, if you're interested in trying it[/size][/font]

[Jj]

wow that looks good lazy....[/size][/font]

[elvisuk]

Tried to download Granular ISO but this is what happen?

Not Found

The requested URL /pub/os/Linux/distr/granular/granular-1.0-x86-cd.iso was not found on this server.
Apache/2.0.54 (Debian GNU/Linux) PHP/4.3.10-16 Server at ftp.nluug.nl Port 80

[mikkh]

I used the torrent download link, and always do usually, as it's quicker[/size][/font]

[elvisuk]

OK Mikkh i will give it a go.

Thanks ;D

[elvisuk]

H! Mikkh,

I downloaded like you sied got it in 10mins i don't much like it will give it a try some other time.

Thanks

[lazysod]

Oh I am impressed with Granular and to be able to make my own customised CD or DVD would be a big bonus. I definitely like that idea. I love trying new things but if it is too complicated I get mad LOL this certainly is not, I think everyone should try the live CD as it does not do a thing to your PC just boot from it and try it out. Thanks again Mikkh for all the new information I will try to make a customised CD or DVD.
Can I just add my friend Linda is also more than impressed with mint and open office and sends her thanks as well.