If you are looking for a distribution of Linux that is light and quick but still based on the familiar distribution of everyone’s favourite Ubuntu, I recommend that you give #!CrunchBang Linux a try (#! stands for CrunchBang). CrunchBang Linux cuts through the bloat that people say has crept into Ubuntu and other Ubuntu based distributions (like LinuxMint which I use) and provide the user with a lightweight and speedy yet functional Linux box that keeps the promise of making your Windows user friends jealous with its customized appearance.
CrunchBang Linux features the OpenBox window manager and a highly configurable PCManFM file manager. The aim is to keep things running fast and light and the interface follows the same criteria. Conky is also installed by default and is the only thing on the desktop apart from the wallpaper. While the distribution lacks any of the bells and whistles like compiz effects, it really impresses with its speed and simplicity. If you want a simple Ubuntu, CrunchBang is your answer.
Here are a few screenshots from a VM installation.
The login screen is simple and allows you to change your session to Gnome or KDE is installed
The default desktop has no wallpaper. I put this one since it looks nice. Conky is visible on the desktop and can be configured from the main menu. The bottom of the screen holds two application trays one for each desktop. You can switch between the desktops by clicking on it. The date and the network icon are the only other items visible. No desktop icons are present.
The main menu appears on right click and provides access to all the programs and places on the computer. This is the only menu accessible from the desktop.
The flie manager is called PCManFM. This is the default file manager in LXDE and has been incorporated into CrunchBang.
Here you can see 2 programs each on the 2 desktops. CrunchBang comes pre-installed with all multimedia codecs and flash.
Terminal apps gets a separate menu listing and also the help for the same.
CrunchBang is available from the website in standard (620mb) and lite (427mb) versions for both 32bit and 64bit computing.
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Abhilash is a part time blogger and blogs about photography, technology and travel. When not blogging Abhilash is either selling outsourcing solutions to companies or indulging in marathon episodes of various science fiction shows and movies.
