ALT Linux LXDE is an open source and fast Linux distribution based on the Mandrake operating system. It uses LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) as its default desktop environment.
ALT Linux is known for being independent, providing users with a clean and fast computing environment engineered to run on high-end and low-end computers alike. It is distributed into multiple flavors, each one with a specific desktop environment, such as Cinnamon, MATE, GNOME, KDE, Razor-qt, Xfce, IceWM, WindowMaker or Enlightenment.
Distributed as Live CDs, supports 32-bit and 64-bit computers
This edition is distributed as two ISO-hybrid images designed to support both 32-bit and 64-bit instruction set architectures. The Live CDs can be used as-is directly from the live medium (CD or USB) or installed on a local disk drive using the included installer.
A persistent mode is also implemented in the Live CDs, allowing users to save their settings during the live session and reuse the boot medium whenever they want (only available for USB flash drives).
LXDE is in charge of the desktop session
As mentioned, LXDE is in charge of the desktop session. It comes only with a taskbar located on the bottom edge of the screen, from where users can launch applications, interact with running apps, switch between virtual desktops, and access the main menu.
Default applications
The distribution includes just the right amount of applications, which are used by any computer user on a daily basis. Among them, we can mention the Mozilla Firefox web browser, DeaDBeeF music player, Leafpad text editor, mtPaint painting program, UFRaw RAW image manipulator, and Geeqie image viewer and manager.
PCManFM is the default file manager, Midnight Commander provides a two-panel file manager, Synaptic Package Manager can be used to install, update and remove applications, and the distro includes three terminal emulators (XTerm, LXTerminal and Sakura).
Bottom line
Summing up, ALT Linux LXDE is yet another “almost perfect” Linux distribution for low-end machines. It can also be used on high-end machines, but we do recommend it to those interested in reviving old computers.
