Ultramarine Linux: A Fedora-based Distro with Multiple Desktop Options

 

Ultramarine Linux: A Fedora-based Distro with Multiple Desktop Options

Ultramarine Linux is a Linux-based operating system that is easy to use, stable, and compatible with Fedora. It offers developer-friendly tools, sane defaults, and a migration script for existing Fedora users. It also provides multiple desktop environments to choose from, such as Budgie, GNOME, Pantheon, and KDE Plasma. In this article, we will review the latest release of Ultramarine Linux, version 39 (Kuma), and explore its features, installation, and performance.

What is Ultramarine Linux?

Ultramarine Linux is a Fedora-based distribution that was created in 2021 by a group of Linux enthusiasts who wanted to make Fedora more user-friendly and customizable. The project's goal is to provide a Linux operating system that is easy to use, stays out of the user's way, and keeps up with the latest and greatest software in the open-source community, while maintaining rock-solid stability and security¹.

Ultramarine Linux is designed to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with Fedora, which means that it uses the same repositories, packages, and updates as Fedora. This ensures that Ultramarine Linux benefits from the large and active Fedora community, and that users can easily switch between the two distributions without any issues. Ultramarine Linux also inherits Fedora's support for a wide range of hardware and software, as well as its commitment to innovation and quality.

However, Ultramarine Linux is not just a clone of Fedora. It also adds its own tweaks and enhancements to make the user experience more smooth and enjoyable. For example, Ultramarine Linux applies pragmatic settings and configurations to improve the system performance, appearance, and usability. It also includes some additional software and utilities that are not available in Fedora by default, such as codecs, drivers, themes, icons, fonts, and wallpapers.

One of the most distinctive features of Ultramarine Linux is that it offers multiple desktop environments to suit different preferences and needs. Users can choose from four different editions of Ultramarine Linux, each with a different desktop environment:

- Flagship Edition: This is the recommended edition for most users. It features the Budgie desktop environment, which is a modern and elegant desktop that is simple and intuitive to use. Budgie offers a sleek and minimal interface, with a panel, a menu, and a notification area. It also supports customization and extensions, allowing users to tweak the desktop to their liking.

- GNOME Edition: This edition features the GNOME desktop environment, which is a simple, elegant, and productive desktop that focuses on usability and accessibility. GNOME offers a clean and clutter-free interface, with a dash, a top bar, and an overview. It also supports gestures and keyboard shortcuts, making it easy to navigate and multitask. GNOME is also known for its rich ecosystem of applications and extensions, giving users a lot of options and functionality.

- Pantheon Edition: This edition features the Pantheon desktop environment, which is the default desktop of elementary OS. Pantheon is a beautiful and refined desktop that focuses on elegance and visual appeal. Pantheon offers a stylish and consistent interface, with a wingpanel, a dock, and a launcher. It also follows a strict design philosophy and guidelines, ensuring a harmonious and polished user experience.

- KDE Plasma Edition: This edition features the KDE Plasma desktop environment, which is a powerful and versatile desktop that is simple by default, but powerful when needed. KDE Plasma offers a flexible and customizable interface, with a panel, a menu, and a system tray. It also supports widgets and activities, allowing users to create different layouts and workflows. KDE Plasma is also known for its extensive collection of applications and settings, giving users a lot of control and personalization.

How to Install Ultramarine Linux?

Installing Ultramarine Linux is very easy and straightforward, thanks to the Anaconda installer that it shares with Fedora. Users can download the ISO image of their preferred edition from the official website², and then create a bootable USB drive or DVD. Alternatively, users can also use the torrents provided by FOSS Torrents³ to download the ISO image.

To install Ultramarine Linux, users need to boot from the USB drive or DVD, and then follow the instructions on the screen. The installer will guide the users through the steps of choosing the language, keyboard layout, time zone, disk partitioning, and user account. Users can also select the software packages they want to install, such as the desktop environment, the office suite, the web browser, and the multimedia codecs. The installation process should take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the hardware and the network speed.

The minimum system requirements for installing Ultramarine Linux are:

- A 64-bit processor

- 2 GB of RAM

- 10 GB of disk space

- A graphics card and a monitor capable of 1024x768 resolution

- A network connection

After the installation is complete, users can reboot the system and enjoy Ultramarine Linux. Users can also update the system and install additional software using the DNF package manager or the GNOME Software application.

How to Troubleshoot Ultramarine Linux?

Ultramarine Linux is designed to be stable and reliable, but sometimes users may encounter some issues or problems with the system. In such cases, users can try to troubleshoot the system using the following tips:

- Check the official website¹ and the documentation⁴ for any information or guidance on the issue.

- Check the Fedora forums⁵ and the Ultramarine Linux subreddit for any similar questions or solutions posted by other users or developers.

- Use the `journalctl` command to view the system logs and look for any errors or warnings related to the issue.

- Use the `dmesg` command to view the kernel messages and look for any hardware or driver issues.

- Use the `systemctl` command to manage the system services and check their status or restart them if needed.

- Use the `dnf` command to update the system and the software packages, or to install any missing dependencies or libraries.

- Use the `rpm` command to verify the integrity of the installed packages and to repair any corrupted or missing files.

- Use the `fsck` command to check and repair the file system if it is damaged or corrupted.

- Use the `grub2-mkconfig` command to regenerate the GRUB configuration file if it is modified or corrupted.

- Use the `livecd-iso-to-disk` command to create a bootable USB drive with the Ultramarine Linux ISO image, and then use it to boot the system and repair the installation or recover the data.

If none of the above tips work, users can also contact the Ultramarine Linux developers or the community for further assistance or feedback. Users can use the following channels to communicate with the Ultramarine Linux team:

- Email: contact@ultramarine-linux.org

- Twitter: @ultramarinelinux

- Discord: (https://discord.gg/ultramarine-linux)

- GitHub: (https://github.com/ultramarine-linux)

Conclusion

Ultramarine Linux is a Fedora-based distribution that offers a user-friendly and customizable Linux operating system with multiple desktop environments. It is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of Fedora, but with some extra features and enhancements. Ultramarine Linux is easy to install, update, and troubleshoot, and it provides a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Users can download the latest release of Ultramarine Linux, version 39 (Kuma), from the official website², and choose their preferred edition and desktop environment.

Disclaimer

The Distrowrite Project is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ultramarine Linux or Fedora. The Distrowrite Project is not responsible for any damage or loss caused by the use of Ultramarine Linux or any information or advice provided in this article. Users should always backup their data and test the system before installing or using Ultramarine Linux.

Source

(1) Ultramarine Linux:https://ultramarine-linux.org/

(2) Ultramarine Linux: https://ultramarine-linux.org/download/

(3) Ultramarine Linux: Fedora with Pantheon, Budgie, Cutefish and GNOME: https://www.debugpoint.com/ultramarine-linux-36/

(4) Ultramarine Linux 37 Release Adds Pop OS-Style KDE Plasma, Drops Cutefish:https://debugpointnews.com/ultramarine-linux-37-release/

(5) https://ultramarine-linux.org/migrate

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