Window Maker Live 12.8: A Fresh Take on the Classic Desktop

December 12, 2024

Window Maker Live 12.8: A Fresh Take on the Classic Desktop

Introduction:

Window Maker Live 12.8 is a unique Linux distribution that brings the classic Window Maker window manager to life. Based on the stable Debian/Bookworm branch, it offers a lightweight yet powerful environment for users who appreciate simplicity and efficiency.

Origin and History:

Window Maker Live originated as a project to provide a live, installable ISO of Debian with Window Maker as the default graphical user interface. Over the years, it has evolved, incorporating various enhancements and updates to stay relevant and useful.

Development Stage:

Currently, Window Maker Live 12.8 is based on Debian 12.8 (Bookworm) and includes Linux kernel version 6.11.5 for the amd64 variant. The i386 variant includes kernel 6.10.11 due to the Debian release team's decision to drop i386 kernel packages for the 6.11.* series.

Team:

The development of Window Maker Live is a collaborative effort by a dedicated team of volunteers who contribute to its ongoing improvement and maintenance.

Unique Features of Window Maker Live 12.8:

- Window Maker Window Manager: The default graphical user interface, known for its speed and simplicity.

- GNUstep Integration: Enhanced integration of GNUstep components, including GUI themes and self-contained Emacs 29.4 with a GNUstep-based GUI.

- Book Digitization Tools: Includes tools like scantailor-advanced for post-processing scanned book pages and ocrmypdf for adding OCR text layers to PDF files.

- Emulation Suite: Includes qemu-system for emulation and Previous for running legacy m68k based NeXTSTEP and OPENSTEP systems.

- Modern Browsers: Replaced the Surf browser with otter-browser and added the GNUstep-based WebSurf.app.

- UNIX Administrator’s Workbench: A wide array of useful command line utilities and tools for system administration, making wmlive an excellent choice for rescue and repair operations.

Installation Tips:

1. Download the ISO: Obtain the ISO file from the official SourceForge page.

2. Create a Bootable USB: Use the `dd` command to write the ISO to a USB drive:

# sudo dd if=wmlive-bookworm_12.8-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdx bs=2048 status=progress

# cat wmlive-bookworm_12.8-i386.iso > /dev/sdx

Replace `/dev/sdx` with the device file name of your USB stick.

(Warning: Please don't even think of using something like 'unetbootin' or 'Universal-USB-Installer' or similar tools to create a bootable USB stick from the wmlive ISO image. These tools are designed to unpack and copy the ISO contents to the USB stick and thus actually break the wmlive ISO's functionality.)

If you are using Windows, you can use the dd mode of the excellent 'rufus'

utility which is included on the ISO image in the top level tools folder.

3. Minimum System Requirements: Ensure your system meets the following requirements:

- Processor: 1 GHz or faster

- RAM: 512 MB or more

- Storage: 10 GB of free space

4. Troubleshooting Tips: If you encounter issues during installation, refer to the `INSTALL.txt` file included in the ISO for guidance.

Credentials For The Live Session:

The user account for the live session is named 'user' and its password is 'live'.

Please note that when installing the system to disk, the above generic user account will disappear and be replaced by one of your own choice.

Ways to Support the Distribution:

- Contribute Code: Participate in the development by submitting patches or new features via email to 'wmlive@rumbero.org'.

- Donate: Financial contributions help support the project's infrastructure and development efforts.

- Spread the Word: Share your experiences and promote the distribution within your community.

Comparison with Other Distributions:

Window Maker Live stands out due to its focus on simplicity and efficiency. Unlike heavier distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora, Window Maker Live provides a minimalistic environment that is perfect for older hardware or users who prefer a straightforward desktop experience.

Conclusion:

Window Maker Live 12.8 is a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity in the world of Linux distributions. Whether you're a long-time user or new to the scene, it offers a refreshing take on the classic desktop experience.

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Always refer to the official documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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