MEPIS Linux, the KDE based Linux distribution, released the beta1 of MEPIS 8.5. MEPIS Linux was one of the easy to use Linux distributions besides PCLinuxOS, before Ubuntu arrived. The users who wanted to use the latest Debian's snapshot, but afraid of all those text mode configuration tricks found MEPIS as the Debian for the masses. MEPIS Linux has some of the best configuration utilities around, to configure X and Networking (including WiFi). The arrival of Ubuntu and the fact that as this distribution has no specific release schedule (this is developed by a single person) might have reduced the fame of this distribution. I'm trying this beta after a long time just to check how MEPIS is doing now and overall, I must say that I'm pleased with this beta release.
The important package versions included in MEPIS 8.5 Beta1 are
- Kernel 2.6.32
- KDE 4.3.2 (As Warren Woodford's Twitter 4.3.4 will be ready for the next beta)
The 690MB CD image offered to boot options related to display configurations. I opted for the default boot. The blue boot splash was not appealing. After the start up, the login screen booted into KDE using demo/demo user credentials (You can also use root/root). The live CD offered 1400x1050 whereas the supported is 1650x1050. I have trouble connecting to internet using my Reliance data card as the knetworkmanager in KDE does not allow to connect. I looked for wvdial, but as KPPP was available, I started the installation.
MEPIS has one of the simplest installation procedures. After accepting the "License", you need to select the disk and the partitioning method (Automatic/Custom). GParted is the partition manager for MEPIS, but I hope KDE Partition Manager will be integrated some day. The second step, which helps to create the root/swap/home partitions, offered only "EXT3" and "reiserfs" though the kernel used is 2.6.32 which supports "EXT4" and "btfrs" among others. After choosing partitions, the installer started copying files as opposed to the usual way of configuring time zone/language/hardware/service.
The file copy tool took around seven minutes to copy the files. The fourth step was to install the GRUB boot loader. The messages displayed in this screen are not updated in a long time it seems.
- The installer assumed that whoever installs MEPIS also have Windows in their system (might be true when MEPIS was first released back in 2002)
- The message in the side pane says GRUB can only detect existing Windows installation, but GRUB configured my existing Linux installations
The installer then offered to choose the service, localization, computer name and users. Overall the installation went smooth and after a reboot I was able to login into the system without any issues.
The Desktop:
Hardware:
MEPIS could not detect and configure all the hardware correctly. Below are my issues.
- The default resolution was 1400x1050 whereas the supported is 1650x1050
- The front panel multimedia keys in the DELL Inspiron were not detected (MEPIS is the only distribution which could not configure these in my recent Linux installations)
- I was not able to configure Reliance GSM data card
The "mesa" driver that was used in most of my previous Linux installations, detected the full resolution and also I did not have any issues when I tried "fglrx" drivers. I reinstalled MEPIS ( :-) ) as I did not want to spend time what went wrong and this time I chose the 'radeon" driver and rebooted. This time the resolution was configured correctly.
I always had issues with KDE4's Kdenetworkmanager when using it to connect to internet using my GSM data card. All the previous distributions did not enable the "Mobile Broadband" option, but in MEPIS, this tab was enabled. I was happy and tried to configure my account using the Knetworkmanager rather than KPPP. When I inserted the card, it was detected and I entered the login details, but when I tried to click on the new account I created, nothing happened. The status was always "Not Connected". I was confident that KPPP will work and proceeded to configure. To my disappointment, KPPP died because of a PPPD error.
I was about to give up on MEPIS but as a last try, I just copied the "/etc/pppd" directory from my working Ubuntu 9.04 installation and relaunched KPPP. To my surprise, I was able to connect to internet!!!.
Look & Feel:
The default "air" theme was beautiful, but the wallpaper looked ugly (at least for me). The other minor thing was, after the resolution was configured correctly, the desktop panel occupied only the half of the screen and I had to align it to "center" to look nice.
Applications:
The applications needed for a basic desktop were included (k3b, mplayer, open office, firefox etc) and working fine. The restricted media formats are included by default. I have the following complaints related to applications.
- There was no music player included ( Only Kmplayer/Mplayer were available)
- When I tried to play a mp3 file using mpalyer, I received a font configuration error
- No torrent client was included
The MEPIS configuration tools are also listed under "SETTINGS" menu which might confuse as there is already a "SETTINGS" of KDE in the KDE menu. The other application issue I encountered was, when I tried to configure X using the MEPIS tool, I tried to copy the existing xorg.conf to a different partition, but it did not work.
The help provided in MEPIS was perticularly helpful.
The MEPIS configuration tools are simple and esay to use tools. MEPIS differs from some of the distributions that are based on Debian in this regard.
Package Management:
To manage packages both Synaptic and Kpackage were included, but I always prefer Synaptic. After enabling the Debian multimedia repository, I updated my system without any issues. I looked for amarok but the available version was for KDE3 and hence I installed Exaile, which is an excellent basic audio player. When I tried to install "VLC", I could not install it as there are packages "missing", though I could find those listed in Synaptic. This was annoying and I had to install smplayer to play my video files.
Conclusion:
MEPIS is one of the solid distributions and this release also is not an exception. This beta release is more solid than some other RC releases I tried of some distributions :-). MEPIS also has some issues where most of the distributions work without any issues. I'm particularly concerned about the graphical configuration and the package management issues. As this is only a beta release, I expect the final release would be more solid and functional. I would also recommend to try the final release of MEPIS for Linux beginners.
View/Add Comments
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
This is solid??? Really???
This is beta. But by the problems you listed it feels more like an Alfa.
So let them fix the issues first; then call it "solid"
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
@Whatever:
Yes. I feel this is a solid release for a beta. In the last two weeks, I tried Chakra Alpah 4, which I could boot, but not install
and Sidux 2009-03(final release) which was good but not able to enable fglrx. The knoppix was not bootable. So I think this release is pretty solid :-).
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
Is there really any point in reviewing a beta release?
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
Don't listen to the tossers - any review is potentially helpful. For a starter, it will give some feedback on some issues - before Warren gets closer to RC releases. And ignore the comments on stability - they obviously haven't tried it - you and I have. The issue with the ATI drivers is because the new ones (at the time I'm writing this) have not been released for the 2.6.32 kernel. They'll be there before a final goes out.
For VLC - try posting in the community forums. I know some have it running - using aptitude rather than apt-get. On the apps part - particularly interesting to me was inclusion of a working kdenlive. I agree with you on the lack of torrent and default music player. However, there's only so much space on the CD - so I guess some sacrifices have to be made. If I understand correctly, Warren may be considering going down the DVD route eventually.
Anyway - thanks for the comments. I'll be sure Warren sees them.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
@Brooko
Review must be objective. That's the point of any review.
Otherwise it is just an opinion (subjective may be)
The screen resoluion issue is also present in current stable release of MEPIS.
Also, network tools did not offer BEGINNER friendly way of installist wireless drivers.
That's not soild of a distro for BEGINNERS.
Sidux, on the other hand,
is not aimed at beginners and it is based on unstable,
so it is not Apple-to-Apple comparison.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
PS: MEPIS should be compared to the likes of PCLinuxOS and LinuxMint
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
690Mb's in size and not include Amarok and others when Mandriva can, come on Mepis I use to use Mepis when i first started using Linux.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
@Whatever: What kind 0f problems did you have when you installed the beta release of Mepis 8.5?
@Everyone else: Not including Amarok is not a great lost. If someone can't live without it they can download it. NO BIG DEAL. Another thing I'd like to say. If a person hasn't tried the beta release then what are they doing running their mouth in these comments sections? If you've tried it then give your feedback. That's what helps. Otherwise your comments mean nothing and should be ignored.
It seems that people love to talk about things they know nothing about. Try it first.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
@Eddie Wilson:
Thanks for your comments. For not including a music payer, some people have no internet access (at least in India), and when they try Linux first,
they may be under the impression that an audio player comes with every Linux :-).
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
@To Everyone Commented:
Any idea why PPPD dies when connecting to a mobile broadband connection?
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
Exactly the same resolution issue described in the "review"
and more:
1) wide screen monitor resolution is not cofigured correctly
2) using X-assistant to install video drivers results in non-working desktop
3) laptop media buttons are not configured
4) no noob-friendly way of installing Wireless drivers
I experienced exactly the same issues in 8.0 (and subsequent "stable" ugrades of MEPIS)
So stop using "deny the issues", "you did not try it",
and "you fdon't know what are you talking about" garbage.
I used MEPIS before.
But I think after the Debian-Ubuntu-Debian switches it lost the edge. It is not solid any more
Sorry for not being a loyal fanatic (I guess I did not suck in that part of Linux mentality)
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
My point was why review a beta? By all means test it and give feedback to Warren and co. But don't go writing potentially harmful reviews that people will read from distrowatch, based on a beta release. Save your full review for the final release.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
I agree with Burt.
A simple preview of new features is a better idea.
Without any conclusions or final judgements.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
@vasanth check this url
http://www.mepis.org/docs/en/index.php/Aircard
@eddie and all other naysayers, I agree to a point re the Debian-Ubuntu-Debian thing, but I don't think it totally lost its edge, I think Warren lost some momentum and he has more than gained that back, this time with more community invlovement. Mepis users do not shout about the fact that we use Mepis, we simply use it and it just works, even without corporate backing.
There is only so much stuff that you can cram onto a CD, but only a blithering idiot will rate a Linux distro based on what is or is not included on the Live-CD as at the beta stage, though some type of impression can be gained from testing it.
The true value of a distro is how it performs over time and I can honestly say that in this regard, in my extensive testing, not a single ubuntu variant has survived when subjected to the punishments I put a distro through during testing. Mepis has outlived all of them.
So what if your monitors default resolution is not picked up on first run, get over it and use the right tools for the job to fix it. We use and recommend smxi, which has never failed.
For wireless, this is a beta, so count it as one. Instead of bitching and airing your ignorance, if you want it fixed, put in a bug report or or keep your worthless 2cents to yourself.
Same goes for graphics. That's what a beta is for.
Lastly, why review a beta? because based on my earlier comments, the reviewer can plainly see where it's headed and he thinks "this is a solid distro". Th ereviewer is objective in his approach, which is the only healthy and beneficial way to review any distro, in whatever state it is.
Example, I checked out firefox when it was in alpha stage. I could see it had potential and where I thought it was going to go. Look at it now, Close to 25% usage worldwide.
I checked out Google when it was a baby, gave it a thumbs up, look where it is now.
Have there been regressions in both, yes, but they are forward moving, so is Mepis and for a one-man show, this little distro to have come this far is certainly testament to its quality in the face of the distros with hundreds of devs and corporate support.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
You should be able to configure the multimedia keys by changing the keyboard layout to Inspiron
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
@Whatever (great nick by the way)
AFAIK - the only ones who brought up the comparison with Sidux are you and Vasanth (in the comments section). I definitely never mentioned Sidux.
And all reviews are in some way objective. On my machine, and a lot of others, res is detected correctly. So is networking. For the ones that aren't, that's where either the Dev, the Community, or other communities step up to assist. In my experience, that's the linux way - you help each other. But leading back to your original comment - why not review a beta? Look what it's lead to - discussion, interest, comparisons - and ideas. I've already made sure Warren has access to the info, and with luck it will be addressed.
@vasanth - you're also more than welcome over at MepisLovers forum. Nothing is considered a "dumb question" there - and it really is a helpful community forum - esp for beginners. Mike (above) gave you a link for the wiki - but if you need personalised help - just join the forum and ask.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
Brooko said "that's the linux way - you help each other."
Not being a KDE user. I prefer AntiX instead. I am testing 8.5 Beta AntiX for Anticapalista and run AntiX 8.2 as my stable OS.
Now from my understanding. Betas are test distros still being polished. And the developers count on general public joe blows like me to give them some feed back.
"Thats the Linux Way"
All I know is the Mepis and AntiX community is some of the friendliest and helpful people you can find concerning a linux Distro.
I know because I run more than just mepis from puppy linux to Ubuntu.
I have had excellent support from the AntiX and Mepis community whether testing out a beta or running a Final release.
Kudos to Warren, Anticapalista, Brooko and all the folks at mepis lovers and AntiX on their fine Distros. They might not be spit shiny when in beta stage. but hey, that is what guys like me are for.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
Beta 2 is out today. Can we have another review please.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
@m_pav:
I've referred the URL since after replacing the contents of /etc/pppd, I dont think I can test it without reinstalling.
I suspect there is something wrong with PPPD in MEPIS.
I completely agree with the last point. One man giving us a great distro.
@Bill:
Yeah. I tried that before writing this review but I failed to update my review. Sorry :-).
@Burt:
Nice :-).
@All who hate Alpha/Beta reviews:
I think reviewing a alpha/beta release helps the people who wants to try the latest distribution. Being in alpha/beta may scare off these few. Reviewing may also help some people who have problems (like if pppd dies for you for some reason, try what I did. It may be a cheap trick but it works.
Finally, I think when people read the link MEPIS 8.5 Beta1 will know that its about beta. People wisit either because they want to know how the distribution is shaping up or they have some problem too with that release.
I mostly prefer reviewing a pre-releases than the final release and I'll continue the same.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
Fair enough. I'm a Mepis user. It's a very fine distro and I didn't want it's popularity blighted by a review of a beta release.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
As for the issue with installing VLC, after updating my system last night, I'm able to install VLC.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
Hopefully wireless works without any issues
because I had problem with the stable release and they should be able to get more into the cd just look at Mandriva and Mint
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
Well I must just be lucky, installed and I've had so far only one problem.
Amorak seems to be working fine no issues.The only small problem I've got is opening files on my server, but am sure this is easily fixed.
All in all a good distro is Mepis.
Re: MEPIS 8.5 Beta1
I second your opinion.. the wallpaper is ugly.
The artwork was at best in SimplyMEPIS 7 as it was really simple and elegant (that include the logo and the SimplyMEPIS text).
Other than that, I like SimplyMEPIS very much.
It is a very fine distro and I hope the final version of 8.5 can live up to the hope.