For our March “Community Choice” Project of the Month, the community elected Linux Lite, a free Linux distribution built from an Ubuntu base featuring XFCE. Creator Jerry Bezencon shared some thoughts about the project’s history, purpose, and direction.
SourceForge (SF): What made you start this?
Jerry Bezencon (JB): I’d used Linux-based operating systems for years. I wanted to give back to a community that gave me so much. I’m also passionate about introducing the Windows community to a Linux-based operating system for the first time. To show people there are more open, transparent operating systems out there that they may never have heard of before.
SF: Has the original vision been achieved?
JB: It’s being achieved every day.
SF: Who can benefit the most from your project?
JB: People who are new to a Linux-based operating system who are looking for a simple, fast and free way to do their computing. People who are looking for a full-featured, free operating system that doesn’t drain the average, modern computer’s resources. There’s no bloat, just useful, everyday tools. Also, people who are looking for transparency and openness in their operating system.
SF: What’s the best way to get the most out of using Linux Lite?
JB: We have what has been regularly referred to as one of the easiest to follow Help Manuals in the Linux community. Our online community is extremely helpful too.
SF: What has your project team done to help build and nurture your community?
JB: Consistent attention to our audience through regular interaction and information. Insisting upon a warm and welcoming community for new people to a Linux-based operating system.
SF: Have you found that more frequent releases helps build up your community of users?
JB: What helps build our community of users is people who are friendly, helpful and genuinely there to give a helping hand for people who are new to a Linux-based operating system. We don’t believe in the ‘release when ready’ model. People like to know when they can expect upgrades and releases, and we provide that.
SF: What was the first big thing that happened for your project?
JB: Social Media has played a huge role in our growth from day one. Distrowatch and SourceForge were also there from the start and we are very grateful for that support.
SF: What helped make that happen?
JB: The people in those communities are just as attributable for our growth as we are.
SF: How has SourceForge and its tools helped your project reach that success?
JB: SourceForge has been tremendously helpful as they were the very first download location for our operating system. That continues to this day, along with all our international mirrors.
SF: What is the next big thing for Linux Lite?
JB: Linux Lite Series 4.x is currently under development. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but it is a very exciting journey. It’s a massive undertaking with new features, rewriting of existing software, huge updates to the Help Manual and much, much more.
SF: How long do you think that will take?
JB: Every day from now until 1st June and beyond. It’s a full time commitment. It’s a way of life.
SF: Do you have the resources you need to make that happen?
JB: Yes. We have a wonderfully engaging and generous community.
SF: If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently for Linux Lite?
JB: Not one thing. Every experience that you have along the way, helps you to grow as both a developer and as a person. You need exposure to an entire spectrum of experiences in order to evolve.
SF: Is there anything else we should know?
JB: Keep an eye on our Social Media pages, Facebook, Google+ and Twitter to stay up to date with the very latest developments.
Great project)
I have used Linux Lite a few years ago, and it was a very nice OS. One problem I had with it had to do with its grub config, Had multi OS boot and the grub insisted on adding everything in. Ended up with a page or two of kernels. Hope they fixed it by now.