Dead

And with this post I kill this project. I don't feel like there was really much interest and I never received any feedback so I'll just have to assume that there is no need for this project. Thanks guys!

PurpleOS v.1

It is here! Download it at is.gd/purpledebian! 
Edit: A more stable server, is.gd/purpleosv1.

Full Screenshots

Just posting some full screenshots for everyone to review.

Needing…

I’m now interested in developing a PurpleOS for 64bit architecture as I move towards almost finishing up the 32bit version. Problem: I don’t have a 64bit development machine. If you know of a relatively cheap machine with decent specs please let me know at whatwillwrote [at] gmail [dot] com.

General Specs Guidelines:

• AMD or Intel 64bit processor
• @ 2Ghz or greater, dual core
• 3GB of RAM or more
• at least a 5GB hard drive, 10 would be better though

It can be desktop or laptop or notebook for that matter. It can be any brand, I’m personally a fan of HP/Compaq for desktop and Toshiba for laptops.

Version 0.1.0

We jumped quite a bit in version numbers because the OS is basically ready for the standard user. New features with this release include:

• Ability to run Windows programs
• Enhanced usability for former Windows and Mac users
• Adjustments to the window behavior
• New “Show Desktop” integration

A quick run down of what these features are. We’ve installed a compatibility  layer that allows you to run programs made for Windows. Although by no means perfect this will allow you to execute many Windows programs just like installing Java will let you run Java programs.

The other three new things are usability features. Double click versus single click, double click won out. We change the shape of the windows slightly for a more minimalist view. And lastly just push your mouse to the top or bottom left corner and the desktop appears.

Anyone interested in helping, testing, or donating contact me at whatwillwrote [at] gmail [dot] com. Thanks!

Version 0.0.2

You can see to the right the favorite applications menu. This lists all applications found in the Home > Applications folder.

You’ll notice the standard KDE apps: Kmail, Kaddressbook, Knetattach, Konq, Kopete etc. What two programs on that list aren’t standard?

Well for starter, Abiword. Debian/KDE come standard with Openoffice. I’ve choose to replace it with a lighter alternative called Abiword, a light weight powerhouse document editor. (as seen in the image below)

Next on the list of unusual programs is Firefox. Debian doesn’t have Firefox standard due to copyright restrictions. So, guess what? I decided PurpleOS needed Firefox. Doesn’t it just look like it belongs? Firefox 4.0 on PurpleOS 0.0.2. Yep, that just feels right.

So back to the original topic, the applications menu. Maybe you like to see your apps in a folder view?

Have no fear, the standard file browser can also view the Home > Applications folder so you can browse your apps visually instead of using some icky menu.

 

You’ll notice the highlighted program in the picture. We are very proud to included VLC player on PurpleOS. VLC is a classic but still rugged and usable media player that plays both audio and visual content of almost any size, shape, or format! (Who knew media could have a shape? )

This program is a very versatile program and works when some other programs just give up.

Lastly for those of you new to KDE I want to show you some eye candy you might think you recognize.

Aero snap anyone?

Alright, that’s all for today! Thanks for your interest!

Searching for testing computers…

I am now in the process of searching for computers and hard drives to use to back up and test PurpleOS. I’m looking for computers with at least 256MB of RAM and 700Mhz processors. Also I’m in need of hard drives of at least 5GB’s and up.

For those of you who have never heard of PurpleOS let me explain a little about PurpleOS.  PurpleOS is an attempt to create an elegant minimalistic KDE Linux distro. Usually the words KDE and minimalistic aren’t used in the same sentence unless they’re being contrasted due to KDE’s weighing heavy on system resources. However, we believe that are enough users out there with plenty of system capabilities who just prefer minimalistic design but still like to have an elegance about their OS. Enter PurpleOS.

Built upon Debian 6.xx and KDE 3.xx PurpleOS seeks to provide a pretty but minimalist operating system.

PurpleOS version 0.0.1

PurpleOS is officially moving in to beta. Most of the original basic concepts have been realized at it is now installed on a second hard drive soon to be installed in a second computer. The next steps are:

• Clean up unneeded installations
• Find a more suitable window theme
• Create documentation
• Get beta testers

First screenshots

The preliminary steps have been taken to create a unique interface and building has begun. You can see below, all the navigation is in a dock on the right side of the screen.

 

This dock houses everything. See above it houses all the running programs. Below see how it houses shortcuts to your all the folders on your computer. Just click on the home folder (second icon from the top) and you have access to everything within the home folder.

Below you’ll notice a standard KDE menu using a purple circle as its place holder. This allows you to access anything on the entire computer either through the search engine or by browsing through the tabs.

You’ll notice the second folder (3rd from top). This is the applications menu. It shows up in the same way as the home folder does, all of your applications listed out alphabetically (or by date or whatever criteria you choose).

Below that you’ll see the Trash bin, all of those familiar with docks know that to trash something just drag it there and say good bye.

Lastly, one other feature many dock users will recognize is that everything you mount will be available in the dock. All your jump drives, CD’s, and other mountable media will appear hear for quick access.

That’s all for today. Anyone interested in volunteering and helping with this project please contact me at whatwillwrote [at] gmail [dot] com.

PurpleOS

Hello and welcome to the new blog of PurpleOS.
The idea of PurpleOS is to develop an elegant and unique, yet readily and easily learned Linux distro. Based on the rock solid work of Debian and KDE PurpleOS is currently being developed in beta. Please check back soon for screenshots and more information.