Ubuntu vs. derivatives (Fluxbuntu, Xubuntu, etc.)

jhsu · 08-31-2009, 09:56 PM

I'm considering using Ubuntu due to its wide variety of electronics and math software packages. However, I am concerned about its heavy use of RAM and other resources.

Do the direct Ubuntu derivatives like Fluxbuntu and Xubuntu also provide access to the same software packages as Ubuntu? I like the idea of using a lightweight window manager. As a former user of Damn Small Linux and a current user of Puppy Linux, I like the idea of using a lightweight window manager.

Other than the window manager, how do Fluxbuntu and Xubuntu differ from Ubuntu? Are they the same thing with a different window manager, or are there other important differences?

What other lightweight Ubuntu derivatives are there?

MS3FGX · 08-31-2009, 10:09 PM

They are the same distribution, just with different window managers. You can make an Ubuntu installation into a Kubuntu or Xubuntu system simply by installing the appropriate meta-package (I.E. xubuntu-desktop).

I believe there are some different choices made in terms of base software installation as well (for instance, Xubuntu will try to include lighter software by default), but again that can all be changed by removing and installing the various packages.

tommcd · 09-01-2009, 06:27 AM

Xubuntu is not really a "light" distro. Consider this comparison of Xubuntu and Debian with XFCE:
http://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?is...090427#feature
I would expect that Xubuntu is probably a bit lighter than Ubuntu with Gnome though.
If you want something really light that is based on Ubuntu, you might consider CrunchBang:
http://crunchbanglinux.org/
Here is a podcast review of CrunchBang:
http://thelip.net/?p=75

snowday · 09-05-2009, 09:15 AM

Hi jhsu, Fluxbuntu has reached its "end of life" so you can't install anything from the repositories, and Xubuntu is not really that "light." I second the recommendation for Crunchbang if you're looking for a good, lightweight Ubuntu derivative. Or, if you are feeling up to the challenge, do a minimal install of Ubuntu and then add only the packages/applications you need. Good luck!

tomikho · 09-11-2009, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowpine

Hi jhsu, Fluxbuntu has reached its "end of life" so you can't install anything from the repositories, and Xubuntu is not really that "light." I second the recommendation for Crunchbang if you're looking for a good, lightweight Ubuntu derivative. Or, if you are feeling up to the challenge, do a minimal install of Ubuntu and then add only the packages/applications you need. Good luck!

Hi Evrybody,

"Fluxbuntu end of life" being said, I nevertheless would be grateful if anyone could give a hint how to install flash and Java on Fluxbuntu 7.10.

I've been spending 3 days looking around and trying a lot of commands, unsuccessfully (e.g. sudo aptitude update && sudo aptitude install flashplugin-nonfree, etc...)

It seems that Flash doesn't work on Fluxbuntu 7.10 ???

Thanks in advance for your help.

TMK

alan_ri · 09-12-2009, 08:22 PM

Welcome to LQ, tomikho!

Have you tried to install flash player from here, tar.gz version, following these instructions;

Quote:

1. Click the download link to begin installation. A dialog box will appear asking you where to save the file.

2. Save the .tar.gz file to your desktop and wait for the file to download completely.

3. Unpackage the file. A directory called install_flash_player_10_linux will be created.

4. In terminal, navigate to this directory and type ./flashplayer-installer to run the installer. Click Enter. The installer will instruct you to shut down your browser(s).

5. Once the installation is complete, the plug-in will be installed in your Mozilla browser. To verify, launch Mozilla and choose Help > About Plug-ins from the browser menu.

Have you tried to install java from here, following these instructions;

Quote:

1.Change to the directory in which you want to install. Type:

Code:

cd <directory path name>

For example, to install the software in the /usr/java/ directory, Type:

Code:

cd /usr/java/

Be sure that you have copied downloaded .bin file to the directory that you want to install java.

Note about root access: To install Java in a system-wide location such as /usr/local, you must login as the root user to gain the necessary permissions. If you do not have root access, install Java in your home directory or a subdirectory for which you have write permissions. In other words, use sudo.

2.Change the permission of the file you downloaded to be executable. Type:

Code:

chmod a+x jre-6u<version>-linux-i586.bin

3.Verify that you have permission to execute the file. Type:

Code:

ls -l

4.Start the installation process.Type:

Code:

./jre-6u<version>-linux-i586.bin

or

Code:

sh jre-6u<version>-linux-i586.bin

Do not forgot to enter <version> in the code. Version that you have downloaded.

This displays a binary license agreement. Read through the agreement. Press the spacebar to display the next page. At the end, enter yes to proceed with the installation.