"Sparky Linux" 3.4 released (Debian Testing) -- Nice!

[GeneC]

Recently installed the new release of "Sparky Linux" (3.4 XFCE edition). Its Debian Testing based like LMDE, but it truly "rolling" (no update packs), with smaller updates coming several times a week. I've run LMDE since it first came out, but never cared for the change to update packs some time back. I kept LMDE tracking Debian Testing, and found it more pleasant experience that way for me. So I thought I would give "Sparky" a try after reading about its new release on "DistroWatch".

Bottom line, its a real "keeper" for me. I like its look, feel, and philosophy. It comes with quite a lot of default apps. Firefox, T-bird, LibreOffice, Gimp, Camoramo Webview, Lightlocker, Pidgin, Xchat, Whoopsie, Parole, Conky, 15 games (simple), Truecrypt, and half dozen others I don't remember (and had removed).

Its got its own upgrade/install/remove/fix-broken/clean-up/repository apt based tool called "Sparky APTus" which is really very nice, and makes maintenance a cinch. (Synaptic is also included).

From its web site

http://sparkylinux.org/

About SparkyLinux

SparkyLinux is a lightweight, fast and simple Linux distribution disigned for both old and new computers featuring customized Enlightenment and LXDE desktops. It has been built on the “testing” branch of Debian GNU/Linux.

Available for i486 and x86_64 machines.

Main features:
- Debian testing based
- rolling release
- lightweight, fast & simple
- main edition – lightweight & fast LXDE desktop
- Enlightenment – lightweight and beautiful
- ultra light edition with Openbox and JWM desktops (Ultra Edition)
- special gaming edition: GameOver
- MATE Edition with GNOME 2 fork desktop
- Razor-Qt Edition with Qt based desktop
- CLI Edition for building own customized desktop
- most wireless and mobile network cards supported
- set of selected applications, multimedia codecs and plugins
- easy hard drive / USB installation

I've tweaked it by removing the default dock (Wbar) and installing Plank, Compiz (from some old .debs, i'd saved, Emerald, CLIcompanion, and changed to a simpler Conky. I will be using it as my default go-to distro.. (with Mint 17 Cinnamon, and Manjaro). A very satisfying trio of Linux distros.. based on (Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch).





"Sparky APTus"

[Monsta]

Does that "safely upgrade the system" button perform apt-get upgrade?

[GeneC]

Hi Monsta...

Yep! "Safely Upgrade the System" does a

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

Better off using "FULLY upgrade the System".

Code: Select all

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

(but it does have uses when pkgs are held back for extended periods)

http://sparkylinux.org/forum/index.php?topic=2469.0


The OTHER tabs

Fix Broken Tab



Cleanup Tab


Repository Tab


Forgot to mention.
It uses Systemd by default
Comes with DDM for driver installs

[GeneC]

Sparky Linux devs just upgraded to a new forum BBS. If anyone tried to register before, and gave up because of the complexity, try again, its quite simple now (much like most other forums.)... , and a nice layout.

http://sparkylinux.org/forum/index.php

[exploder]

Thanks for all the info! I might just have to try the Xfce edition on my spare hard drive. How is the font rendering in Sparky?

[GeneC]

Hi Exploder..

Font rendering is very nice, right out of the box. Needed to tweak nothing for nice clear fonts, on desktop and also in Chrome browser (which I had font issues with Chrome/Debian in the past). I believe Debian Testing's font pkgs/configs are now up to par with Ubuntu...

[Monsta]

I believe Debian Testing's font pkgs/configs are now up to par with Ubuntu...

Not yet.

Or else we wouldn't have to add /etc/fonts/conf.d/10-linuxmint.conf to debian-system-adjustments package in LMDE:

Code: Select all

<?xml version='1.0'?>
<!DOCTYPE fontconfig SYSTEM 'fonts.dtd'>
<fontconfig>
 <match target="font">
  <edit mode="assign" name="rgba">
   <const>rgb</const>
  </edit>
 </match>
 <match target="font">
  <edit mode="assign" name="hinting">
   <bool>true</bool>
  </edit>
 </match>
 <match target="font">
  <edit mode="assign" name="hintstyle">
   <const>hintslight</const>
  </edit>
 </match>
 <match target="font">
  <edit mode="assign" name="antialias">
   <bool>true</bool>
  </edit>
 </match>
  <match target="font">
    <edit mode="assign" name="lcdfilter">
      <const>lcddefault</const>
    </edit>
  </match>
</fontconfig>

[GeneC]

^
Interesting. You'd think Debian proper would get on the bandwagon. Their default font rendering in the past has been crappy. Sparky must have included its own configs. Looked nice with no tweaks.

[exploder]

Thanks for the info about the fonts. I am going to take a look at it. Thanks!

[matm]

I will be using it as my default go-to distro.. (with Mint 17 Cinnamon, and Manjaro). A very satisfying trio of Linux distros.. based on (Ubuntu, Debian, and Arch).

Hello GeneC,

I am interested in knowing what would lead you to choose Sparky over Mint (or the opposite).
The description you gave led me to both distros being alike, with a more personal desktop-manager approach for Mint with Cinnamon & MATE.

Thanks for your opinion.

Mat

[karlchen]

Hi, Mat.

Sorry to say so, but:
This thread has not had any new posts since the middle of 2014. All the screenshots have been removed by the thread starter GeneC.
Therefore I doubt that it will make much sense trying to revive this thread after almost 2 years of silence.

Cheers,
Karl

[matm]

huho

I did not notice the thread date, since I just discovered Sparky. Sorry for bringing one more zombie around.

[karlchen]

The thread starter GeneC seems to have submitted his last post in our forums almost a year ago. So he may still be around and read your post or he may not. Not sure.