Debian Live GNOME is an open source Live CD flavor of the well known Debian GNU/Linux operating system built around the highly appreciated GNOME desktop environment.
The Debian Live project is splitted into five different editions, each one containing a popular, open source desktop environment, such as KDE, GNOME, Xfce and LXDE. A Live rescue CD is also available for downloaded, based on this barebone edition.
Distributed as 32-bit and 64-bit Live DVDs
The GNOME edition of Debian Live is distributed as hybrid ISO images that can be written to either CD/DVD discs or USB flash drives. Support for the 64-bit and 32-bit hardware platforms is provided by default.
The Live CDs can be used to run a system memory (RAM) test, view if the hardware components of your computer are fully compatible with Debian GNU/Linux, as well as to install the operating system without testing it (not recommended).
Uses the GNOME 3 desktop environment
As mentioned, the live session is powered by the GNOME project, an old version of it (3.4 at the moment of writing this article). However, Debian GNU/Linux is known for using only very stable, libre and well tested software components.
Many of the default GNOME applications are included in this edition of Debian GNU/Linux, such as the Evince document viewer, Vinagre remote desktop client, GNOME Disk Utility, Gedit text editor, Nautilus file manager, Eye of GNOME image viewer, File Roller archive manager, and many others.
Default applications
Default applications include the Iceweasel web browser, Transmission torrent downloader, Empathy instant messenger, Evolution email and calendar client, Vinagre remote desktop viewer, LibreOffice office suite, Rhythmbox music player, Totem video player, GIMP image editor, Shotwell image viewer and organizer, as well as Synaptic Package Manager.
Bottom line
Overall, Debian Live GNOME is a well built Live operating system that can be used to preview the GNOME project on top of a stable Debian base. Unfortunately, we can’t recommended to the bleeding-edge users who want only the latest version of the GNOME desktop environment.
