When I first saw that ConnochaetOS 0.9.0 had been released, I thought a new distribution had appeared. But alas, upon close inspection it turns out that ConnochaetOS is the predecessor of DeLi Linux. Because it seemed like years since I last heard anything about DeLi, I figured I’d take a look this new submission.
As it turns out it wasn’t just my bad memory, it has actually been three years since the last release of DeLi Linux was picked up by Distrowatch.com (other than developmental releases). Back then DeLi was a lightweight distribution designed for older computers. Today ConnochaetOS is a lightweight distribution designed for older computers.
In fact, that’s not all that is the same. In looking back at an old review of mine to refresh my memory, it seems not a lot has changed at first glance. ConnochaetOS still uses IceWM, the applications are of the smaller lighter variety, and it still seems quite charming.
First Things First
The image available isn’t a live CD, it’s an install image. The install process is very reminiscent of Slackware, even if perhaps a bit more streamlined. It uses a keyboard driven menu configuration that might be daunting to new users; not that it’s difficult, but it might appear so to some. It’s fairly configurable, including allowing one to choose if and where to install GRUB. Hardware configuration is automagic though, including the X Server.
The Installed System
ConnochaetOS features the IceWM and a acceptable wallpaper. The menu is populated with applications like PCManFM, Ace of Penguin gaming suite, GQView, Sylpheed, Abiword, Gnumeric, and GNOME MPlayer. It does provide some configuration tools including theming options. Linux 2.6.32-libre-lts and X.Org X Server 1.9.3 are the foundation.
Package Selection
Pacman is the package manager and the Blinky front-end is also in the menu. Pacman is as easy as APT at the commandline, but Blinky is handy for those who shy from the prompt. It has options for updating the sources, searching, installing, uninstalling, and others. There isn’t an over-abundance of additional software in ConnochaetOS repositories, but it has some. For example, GCC 4.4.4, IceCat, Pidgin, and GIMP 2.4.7 are installable.
Installation Step
Testing ConnochaetOS on my everyday desktop wasn’t much of a test for it. So saying it was as fast as a scalded dog has little meaning in that context. Back in May, K.Mandla tested it on a 150Mhz Intel Pentium MMX, Trident Cyber9385 graphics, and 32Mb RAM. He speaks positively about his experience, but then again, he’s a commandline junkie. The actual specifications provided by ConnochaetOS are a i586 processor, 64 MB RAM, and a 2 GB partition.
Conclusion
ConnochaetOS is a decent player in the lightweight Linux arena. It can compete with Puppy, SliTaz, and AntiX quite admirably. It’s not quite a flexible as Puppy or as amazingly tiny as SliTaz, or as beautiful and universal as AntiX; but it could very well rescue that old computer you were thinking of hauling off on hazardous materials day.
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