Welcome to
VectorLinux 5.9

  Introduction


Speed, performance, stability -- these are attributes that set VectorLinux apart in the crowded field of Linux distributions. VectorLinux is a lighterweight, fast, Linux operating system for Intel-AMD x86 compatible systems and is based upon Slackware, one of the original Linux distributions. Slackware is the true 'Unix' of Linux distributions and its popularity stems from the fact that it is a robust, versatile and almost unbreakable system. VectorLinux has improved Slackware to produce a bloat free, easy to install, configure and maintain operating system that is second to none. We include automatic hardware configuration, unique administration tools and easy software package management via the Gslapt/slapt-get system. VectorLinux is considered to be the fastest, non-source Linux distribution on the planet! Give VectorLinux a try and discover the difference. There are five editions to choose from:

  • Vector Linux Standard GOLD. This is our foundation edition - a freely downloadable distribution, which includes best of breed applications for every task and is specifically designed for use on older computers with slower processors and less RAM, or for those who appreciate bloat-free distributions. Features include the fast xfce desktop environment, multimedia, email, web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and networking applications. It forms the stable base of our other editions and is ideally suited for an Internet workstation. Secure, stable, sleak and fast. Choosing all packages requires 2.9GB of hard disk space, but includes a complete suite of un-bloated software. Incredibly fast on modern computers.
  • Vector Linux Deluxe. For sale from our CD Store, to help support VectorLinux. The VectorLinux team is proud to announce the availability of the Version 5.9 standard DELUXE GOLD edition 2 CD set. This two CD package features a custom XFCE-4.4.2 desktop with popular applications like Amarok, Blender, and the Gimp. There is automatic support for printers, scanners, USB hardware and CDRW / DVD drives. There are several new multimedia programs and libraries, the latest network applications and development programs along with their needed libraries. We have also included custom graphics only available in the DELUXE version. Click HERE for some beautiful screenshots.

    The second bonus CDROM is built around our own community produced VL MULTIMEDIA BONUS DISK. This is a gigantic set of multimedia orientated applications and libraries that allow you to perform anything from dvd authoring to full audio/video editing. A complete list of included programs and screenshots can be found on the new VL MULTIMEDIA WEB SITE. If that were not enough we have included even more. Check out this list of additional features:

    • Complete fully customized KDE-3.5.8 desktop including latest Koffice.
    • Full compliment of additional office applications including OPENOFFICE-2.3.1.
    • More Internet applications like Amsn, Thunderbird and Skype.
    • Theres a ton of additional games including ASSAULT CUBE, CHILDS PLAY, FREE CIV, and MONSTERZ.
    • Compiz-fusion for a full 3D desktop experience.
    • Additional window managers like WindowMaker.

    To summarize - in the two CD set there are over 1000 megs of additional programs, window managers, games and libraries ready to install as you need them! CD sales are the only form of revenue available to VectorLinux to help offset the costs of running this business. We have put a great deal of time, energy and love into the formulation of this product. Your generosity is sincerely appreciated. Purchasing a CD product insures that we can continue to provide the high quality free download versions to all. BON APPETITE!

  • Vector Linux SOHO. Our "Small Office, Home Office" edition, is built around the KDE Desktop Environment. Includes a large assortment of office and multimedia software - ready out of the box for advanced desktop use. Designed for modern computers but still optimized and one of the faster, modern Linux distributions available. VL5.9-SOHO will only be available for purchase from our CD Store (probably in late April, 2008), but our older version (VL5.8-SOHO) is still available for free download.
  • Vector Linux LIVE. We also have a Live version of VectorLinux: as at February 1st, 2008 the latest version available is VL 5.9-LIVE-Beta1. This version can also be installed to the hard disk (however if you really want a permanent version of VL on your hard drive we recommend VL5.9 Standard (see above)). The Live VectorLinux version is an excellent choice for those wanting to try out VL for the first time, or for those wanting to use their favourite operating system on any computer that can boot from a CDROM drive. The Live version can be downloaded from the mirror sites below. For more information on these new Live versions please visit the VectorLinux Forum.
  • Vector Linux LIGHT. Our LIGHT version is a new concept and we do not as yet have a final version. As at March 26th, 2008 LIGHT is at Version Beta3. This version was designed for those with low specification and older computers and for users without broadband Internet connections. It is about 350MB in download size, uses the lightweight JWM or Fluxbox window managers and should run fine on computers with only 64MB of RAM.

To download any version other than the Deluxe Edition please visit our download mirrors page or see the Downloading Section below.

Vector Linux does not complicate your life with bloat and unnecessary services - choose any of our editions and you will get a light, fast, stable system that is still surprisingly user-friendly. Installation is quick and easy, and the end result is a system that caters to 'newbies' and Linux-gurus alike. Combining automated hardware setup, system administration via 'VASM', advanced package management (akin to the Debian apt system) via Slapt-get/Gslapt, a solid development and build environment, and VL's legedendary speed, this Linux distribution seldom disappoints. In addition, VL provides a clean, powerful base for experts to tweak, and is an excellent distro for users who are keen to learn what goes on 'behind the scenes' of their operating system.

 

  Downloading and Installing
 

Our primary software download site is ftp://ftp.osuosl.org/pub/vectorlinux/ but other known reliable mirror sites as at February 1st, 2008 are:

There are a number of methods by which you can actually install VectorLinux: from a CD burned as an iso image, direct from an iso image on a hard disk, from an iso image on a MS Windows system and from a bootable floppy disk. Please read the VectorLinux Installation Guide before attempting any of these methods.

 

  Documentation / Help
 
Local documentation you may want to read:
  • Vector Linux Manuals. This is the link for the primary VectorLinux documentation. You should find these guides will answer many of your questions regarding VL, including Installation, System Adminstration and Packages. There are nine manuals altogether and by reading them you will certainly become at least an intermediate class VectorLinux user!
  • Vector Linux FAQs. A collection of the best Frequently Asked Questions and Responses from the VectorLinux community. For more updated ones, visit the VectorLinux Forum.
  • Vector Linux HOWTOs. A collection of the best HOWTO document links to our HOWTO Forum. Here you will find methods for solving common problems.

 

  Online Links

 
Vector Linux and other links you might be interested in:

  • VectorLinux Homepage. Our online headquarters.
  • VectorLinux Forum. Come and meet the VectorLinux community here. We are friendly and helpful and there is a wealth of useful information contained within. The developers frequent the forum every day. We believe it to be one of the best support communities on the planet!
  • Slackware. VectorLinux is based upon Slackware. You can download Slackware packages for use in VL, and learn about VL's roots.
  • VectorLinux Knowledge and Support Centre. Provides answers and know-how to commom tasks.
  • Cheat Sheet. Some useful commands for VectorLinux.
  • Linux Packages. A general package repository for Slackware packages. You may find interesting Slackware packages at this site, but we recommend you read and understand the VL Packaging System Manual before downloading and packages from either the Slackware or LinuxPackages site.
  • Linux Online. A wonderful resource for general Linux documentation, tutorials and HOWTO's. If you really want to delve into Linux this is the place to start reading.

 

  About Vector Linux

 
Vector Linux was founded by Robert S. Lange of Canada in 1999. After gaining popularity, more developers joined the project, making VL-development a truly international endeavour. You too can join us at the Vector Linux Forum.

Hope to see you there soon!

 



© 2008, Vector Linux