Sabayon Linux Xfce is a freely distributed edition of the well known Sabayon Linux operating system that uses the lightweight Xfce desktop environment, as well as related open source packages and applications.
Availability, supported platforms and boot options
The distribution is available for download as Live CD ISO images. They can be written to USB flash drives or DVD discs, bootable directly from the BIOS of most PCs and laptops, but supported only on 64-bit architectures.
The default option and the recommended one, when booting the operating system from the Live CDs, is “Start Sabayon Xfce,” which will automatically be executed If the user presses no key within 10 seconds.
The boot prompt is quite familiar, almost identical with the one found on some Ubuntu Linux operating systems. It allows users to directly install the operating system, without testing it, which is not recommended for novices.
In addition, it is also possible to run a memory diagnostic test, check the disc for defects (only if booting from a DVD media), drop to a shell prompt using default settings or the verbose mode (without boot splash), as well as to enter the safe or debug modes (for advanced users).
Slick Xfce desktop environment, great apps
As mentioned, the graphical session is powered by the lightweight Xfce desktop environment, which comprises of a semi-transparent panel located on the upper part of the screen, from where users can access the main menu, launch apps, switch between virtual desktops and interact with running programs.
Default applications include the Clipman clipboard manager, Leafpad text editor, Thunar file manager, Gnote note-taking utility, Bulk Rename batch renaming utility, GIMP image editor, Ristretto image viewer, Shotwell image viewer and organizer, Chromium web browser, HexChat IRC client, Pidgin IM client, Transmission BitTorrent client, Audacious audio player, and Totem video player.
Bottom line
All in all, Sabayon Linux Xfce is a decent and modern-looking operating system designed from the ground up to turn old and semi-old computers into powerful workstations, which are perfect for home of small offices.
