Zenwalk
ZenWalk is a Linux distribution based on Slackware.
Formerly known as Minislack, this lightweight distro focuses primarily
on Internet applications and programming tools. While the full version
of Zenwalk is designed to be a stand-alone operating system, other
versions allow for more customization or server usability. Zenwalk
current GUI is Xfce, but there are also packages available for GNOME
and KDE.
It was originally based on Slackware. Since its creation, the distribution has become very different from Slackware in most regards while still maintaining compatibility with its binary packages. Zenwalk aims to be a multi-purpose Linux distribution by focusing on Internet applications, multimedia and programming tools. Additionally, Zenwalk comes with many specialized tools, designed for beginner through advanced users as it offers system configuration via both graphical and command-line operations.
Jean-Philippe Guillemin, also known as "Hyperion" or "JP" is the creator and main contributor to Zenwalk Linux. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Nantes, and is now working for Telindus, a group of companies offering ICT Solutions and Services, as Project Manager and Security Engineer. Jean-Philippe also developed several projects like Snorter, a reporting frontend for the Snort Intrusion detection system, and some system administration tools for the Linux operating system (Netpkg software package manager, Xnetconf network configuration tool among others).
Zenwalk was originally called Minislack up to version 1.1, taking its current name with version 1.2 released 2005-08-12. Originally using KDE as its desktop environment, Zenwalk now uses Xfce as of version 0.3, although GNOME and KDE packages have always been available separately.
Zenwalk (full version ~ 505 MB iso download) is a distribution aimed at mainstream desktop and development use. Designed to be a stand-alone operating system, it installs to the hard drive by way of a ncurses-based installer. Install times range from 15-30 minutes. It includes all of the officially released software packages that are deemed most useful by the Zenwalk community. The default install also includes development packages like gcc, and some proprietary media packages (such as Adobe Flash Player) and drivers in order to provide a full featured default install. The default desktop environment is Xfce.
Zenwalk Core (~ 230 MB iso download) is a Zenwalk system built with customization in mind. Released with no X Window System binaries, its aim is to allow a skilled user to build a system fit for his or her needs. The project's lead developer is Emmanuel Bailleul.
ZenLive (~ 476 MB iso download) is a Zenwalk system built on a Live CD design. ZenLive follows the progress made by the full Zenwalk system closely, thus mirroring the version number, and attempts to stay true to the original distribution's goals. In addition, it includes all of the necessary libraries and applications to develop and compile software, a particularly rare feature in Live CD distributions. Project members include Pierrick Le Brun, creator, Mauricio Tricoli, project lead, and Michael Verret, artwork.
Zenserver (~ 263 MB iso download) is a Zenwalk Core-derived system specifically designed for servers. The distribution development team is led by Teran McKinney.
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