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PCLinuxOS
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PCLinuxOS
Screenshot of the PCLinuxOS KDE edition
DeveloperBill Reynolds aka "Texstar"
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Working stateCurrent
Source modelOpen source
Initial releaseOctober 2003; 22 years ago (2003-10)
Latest release2025.09 / 20 September 2025; 4 months ago (2025-09-20)
Update methodRolling release
Package managerAPT-RPM
Supported platformsx86-64
Kernel typeMonolithic (Linux)
UserlandGNU
Default
user interface
LicenseVarious
Official websitepclinuxos.com Edit this at Wikidata

PCLinuxOS, often shortened to PCLOS, is a rolling-release Linux distribution for x86-64 computers, with KDE Plasma, MATE, and XFCE as its default user interfaces. It is a primarily FOSS operating system for personal computers aimed at ease of use.

History

[edit]

The precursor to PCLinuxOS was a set of RPM packages created to improve successive versions of Mandrake Linux (later Mandriva Linux). These packages were created by Bill Reynolds, a packager better known as "Texstar".[1] From 2000 to 2003, Texstar maintained his repository of RPM packages in parallel with the PCLinuxOnline site. In an interview, Texstar said he started PCLinuxOS "to provide an outlet for [his] crazy desire to package source code without having to deal with egos, arrogance, and politics."[2]

In October 2003, Texstar created a fork of Mandrake Linux 9.2. Working closely with the Live CD Project, Texstar has since developed that fork independently into a full-fledged distribution. The initial releases were successively numbered as "previews": p5, p7, p8, up to p81a, then p9, p91, p92, and p93.

Although it retains a similar "look and feel" to Mandriva Linux, PCLinuxOS has diverged significantly. The code was officially forked from Mandrake 9.2 into an independent project in 2003. After three years of continuous development, the developers took advantage of further development in (the renamed) Mandriva late in 2006 for PCLinuxOS 2007. In the releases before 2007, it was normally necessary to perform a re-installation.

End of official support for 32-bit version

[edit]

On May 10, 2016, main developer Texstar announced[3] the end of support for 32-bit versions of PCLinuxOS.[4] As a result, 32-bit ISOs of the distribution, official 32-bit package updates, and forum support became unavailable. While this doesn't prevent unofficial support, following the announcement only 64-bit ISO images and package updates are available through the official webpage and channels.

KDE4 FullMonty (FM) edition (Discontinued)

[edit]

KDE FullMonty (Live & Install DVD) was a regular PCLinuxOS KDE4 installation but was modified to include a special desktop layout and many additional applications and drivers preinstalled. PCLinuxOS officially discontinued the FullMonty edition in 2017 due to KDE developers discontinuing support for KDE4.[5]

Red Hat Linux

Releases

[edit]

Almost all major releases have been accompanied by new boot-up and login screens, along with some changes in icon sets, and login sounds.

PCLinuxOS 2007

[edit]

For 2007, PCLinuxOS used a one-time source code snapshot from Mandriva to produce a new independent code base (no longer a fork of Mandriva). This implied a shift to a more modern code, which required a complete reinstallation of this version. The new version featured a new look and built-in 3D effects. A new logo was also designed for the new version and was incorporated into the boot screen. A new login screen was designed, entitled "Dark". The final/official PCLinuxOS 2007 version was released on May 21, 2007.

PCLinuxOS 2009

[edit]

The last version of the 2009 Live CD, PCLinuxOS 2009.2, was released on June 30, 2009.[6] Improvements included bug fixes, new backgrounds, sounds, and start-up screen, as well as quicker start-up times. It was the last PCLinuxOS live CD to ship with K Desktop Environment 3, and the last of the PCLinuxOS 2007 backward compatible series.[7][8]

Remasters of PCLinuxOS, featuring the Xfce (Phoenix), LXDE (PCLinuxOS-LXDE), and Gnome (PCLinuxOS-Gnome) desktops were also made available.

PCLinuxOS 2010

[edit]

The 2010 version of the Live CD was released on April 19, 2010.[9] It includes the new KDE SC 4.4.2, a new graphical theme and a new version of the Linux Kernel (Kernel 2.6.32.11). It is also the first PCLinuxOS Live CD to include the ext4 file system support. This version required a complete reinstall of the operating system.[10][11][12][13]

While a version of PCLinuxOS that features the GNOME desktop environment was introduced in 2008, the 2010 version is the first one to not only offer the KDE Plasma and GNOME versions, but also versions with Xfce, LXDE, Enlightenment, and Openbox.

PCLinuxOS 2010.1

[edit]

Version 2010.1 was released on May 5, 2010. Changes made since the last version:

  • [The] Kernel has been updated to version 2.6.32.12-bfs.
  • KDE Plasma Desktop has been upgraded to version 4.4.3.
  • Support has been added for Realtek RTL8191SE/RTL8192SE WiFi cards and Microdia webcams.
  • Vim console text editor and udftools have been added.
  • Fixed CD-ROM ejection when using the Copy to RAM feature.
  • Fixed KDE new widget download. Updated nVIDIA (195.36.24) and ATi fglrx (8.723) drivers.
  • Updated all supporting applications and libraries from the software repository which include security updates and bug fixes.[14]

PCLinuxOS 2011.6

[edit]

PCLinuxOS 2011.6 version was released on June 27, 2011.

PCLinuxOS 2012

[edit]

PCLinuxOS 2012.02 version was released on February 22, 2012.[15][16][17] Later another maintenance release was made on August 22, 2012. Major changes compared to the 2011 release are:

  • Kernel has been updated to version 3.2
  • KDE version 4.8.2
  • nVIDIA and ATi fglrx driver support
  • KDE Settings set to dark by default

PCLinuxOS 2013 64-bit

[edit]

PCLinuxOS 2013 64-bit first version was released on April 10, 2013.[18][19][20]

It featured:

  • Kernel 3.2.18-pclos2.bfs for maximum desktop performance.
  • Full KDE 4.10.1 Desktop.
  • NVIDIA and ATi fglrx driver support.
  • Multimedia playback support for many popular formats.
  • Wireless support for many network devices.
  • Printer support for many local and networked printer devices.
  • Addlocale: allows you to translate PCLinuxOS into over 60 languages.
  • LibreOffice preinstalled.
  • LibreOffice Manager can install LibreOffice supporting over 100 languages.
  • MyLiveCD allows you to take a snapshot of your installation and burn it to a LiveCD/DVD.
  • PCLinuxOS-liveusb – allows you to install PCLinuxOS on a USB key disk.

PCLinuxOS 2014.7

[edit]

The new version was released on July 7, 2014.[21]

Features:

  • kernel 3.15.4 for maximum desktop performance.
  • Full KDE 4.12.3 Desktop.
  • Nvidia and ATI fglrx driver support.
  • Multimedia playback support for many popular formats.
  • Wireless support for many network devices.
  • Printer support for many local and networked printer devices.
  • Addlocale allows you to convert PCLinuxOS into over 60 languages.
  • LibreOffice Manager can install LibreOffice supporting over 100 languages.
  • MyLiveCD allows you to take a snapshot of your installation and burn it to a LiveCD/DVD.
  • PCLinuxOS-liveusb allows you to install PCLinuxOS on a USB key disk.

PCLinuxOS 2014.12

[edit]

KDE, FullMonty, KDE, LXDE and MATE 32 & 64 bit. December 18, 2014[22]

2016 and later

[edit]
  • PCLinuxOS 2016.03 - KDE, FullMonty 64 Bit. March 8, 2016[23][24]
  • PCLinuxOS 2016.07 - MATE 64 Bit July 6, 2016[25]
  • PCLinuxOS 2017.02 - KDE Plasma 5, MATE 64 Bit February 10, 2017[26]
  • PCLinuxOS 2017.03 - KDE Plasma 5 64 Bit March 2, 2017. MATE 64 Bit. March 17, 2017.[27]
  • PCLinuxOS 2017.07 - Updated KDE. July 2017.[28]
  • PCLinuxOS 2018.06 - KDE June 1, 2018.[29] MATE June 1, 2018.[30]
  • PCLinuxOS 2019.06 - KDE June 16, 2019.[31]
  • PCLinuxOS 2019.09 - Updated to version 2019.09.[32]
  • PCLinuxOS 2019.11 - Updated to 2019.11.[33]
  • PCLinuxOS 2020.01 - KDE January 14, 2020[34]
  • PCLinuxOS 2020.10 - KDE October 15, 2020[35]
  • PCLinuxOS 2021.02 - Updated to version 2021.02.[36]
  • PCLinuxOS 2021.11 - Updated KDE, MATE, and XFCE on November 5, 2021.[37]
  • PCLinuxOS 2022.01 - Updated KDE, MATE, and XFCE on January 8, 2022.[38]
  • PCLinuxOS 2022.07 - KDE, MATE, and XFCE July 2022[39]
  • PCLinuxOS 2022.12 - KDE, MATE, and XFCE December 12, 2022[40]
  • PCLinuxOS 2023.07 - Updated KDE, MATE, and XFCE on July 30, 2023.[41]
  • PCLinuxOS 2024.10 - Updated KDE, MATE, and XFCE on October 17, 2024.[42]
  • PCLinuxOS 2025.07 - July 18, 2025[43]
  • PCLinuxOS 2025.08 - August 26, 2025[44]

Features

[edit]

PCLinuxOS places specific emphasis on desktop computing, concentrating its efforts on home or small business environments, hence paying less attention to other more "traditional" uses, like servers.

PCLinuxOS is distributed as a Live CD, which can also be installed on a local hard disk drive or USB flash drive. Beginning from version 2009.1 PCLinuxOS provides a USB installer to create a Live USB, where the user's configuration and personal data can be saved if desired. A live USB of older versions of PCLinuxOS can be created manually or with UNetbootin.[45] The entire CD can be run from memory, assuming the system has sufficient RAM. PCLinuxOS uses APT-RPM, based on APT (Debian), a package management system (originally from the Debian distribution), together with Synaptic Package Manager, a GUI to APT, to add, remove or update packages. If there is enough memory on the machine, and an active network connection, the Live CD can update packages. PCLinuxOS is also designed to be easy to remaster after installation, creating one's personalized Live CD, using the mylivecd tool.

PCLinuxOS maintains its software repository, available via the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) and its Synaptic front-end, completely replacing Mandriva's urpmi. This means that an installation could be continuously updated to the latest versions of packages, hence sometimes forgoing the need to re-install the entire distribution upon each successive release. Other differences include its menu arrangement, custom graphics and icon sets.

Community distributions

[edit]

Because PCLinuxOS includes the mklivecd script, there have been several Community distributions over the years based on PCLinuxOS, though they are permitted to mention that connection only if they follow strict guidelines. There are several Community ISO projects associated with PCLinuxOS.

Trinity edition

[edit]

The Trinity edition of PCLinuxOS comes in two flavors. "Mini" is a minimalist ISO intended for those who want to customize their desktop with only the programs they want. "Big Daddy", on the other hand, comes with many programs pre-installed, including, but not limited to multimedia codecs and office software.[46]

LXQt edition

[edit]

The LXQt edition on PCLinuxOS comes with LXQt's suite of applications and several third-party applications pre-installed.

Openbox

[edit]

Release dates

[edit]
Version Date
2025.08 KDE, MATE, and XFCE[47] August 2025
2025.07 KDE, MATE, and XFCE[48] July 2025
2024.10 KDE, MATE, and XFCE[49] October 17, 2024
2023.07 KDE, MATE, and XFCE[50] July 30, 2023
2022.12 KDE, MATE, and XFCE December 12, 2022
2022.01 KDE, MATE, and XFCE[51] January 8, 2022
2021.11 KDE, MATE, and XFCE[52] November 5, 2021
2020.1015 KDE October 15, 2020
2020.01 KDE January 14, 2020
2019.06 KDE[31] June 16, 2019
2018.06 MATE[30] June 1, 2018
2018.06 KDE[29] June 1, 2018
2017.07 KDE[53] July 2017
2017.03 MATE 64 Bit[54] March 17, 2017
2017.03 KDE Plasma 5 64 Bit March 2, 2017
2017.02 KDE Plasma 5, MATE 64 Bit February 10, 2017
2016.07 MATE 64 Bit July 6, 2016
2016.03 KDE, FullMonty 64 Bit[55][56] March 8, 2016
2014.12 KDE, FullMonty, KDE, LXDE and MATE 32 & 64 bit December 18, 2014
2013.12 KDE, FullMonty, MiniMe, LXDE and MATE 32 & 64 bit December 3, 2013
2013.7 KDE 32 & 64 bit July 17, 2013
2013.7 LXDE 32 & 64 bit July 7, 2013
2013.7 Mate 32 & 64 bit July 15, 2013
2013.7 KDE-MiniME 32 & 64 bit July 7, 2013
2013.7 Mate 32 & 64 bit July 3, 2013
2013.6 Full Monty 64 bit June 17, 2013
2013.6 LXDE 64 bit June 17, 2013
2013.4 64 bit April 10, 2013
2013.4 April 4, 2013
2013.2 February 1, 2013
2012.8 August 22, 2012
2012.2 February 2, 2012
2011.9 September 23, 2011
2011.6 June 27, 2011
2010.12 December 15, 2010
2010.10 October 28, 2010
2010.7 July 5, 2010
2010.1 May 5, 2010
2010 April 19, 2010
2009.2 June 30, 2009
2009.1 March 11, 2009
2008 "MiniMe" January 7, 2008
P.94 "2007" May 21, 2007
P.93a "Big Daddy" August 21, 2006
P.93a "Junior" August 9, 2006
P.93a "MiniMe" August 4, 2006
P.93 "MiniMe" April 21, 2006
P.92 November 21, 2005
P.91 July 7, 2005
P.81a 2005
P.8 2005
P.7 2004
P.5 2004
Original Release October 2003

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

PCLinuxOS

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
PCLinuxOS, often abbreviated as PCLOS, is a free and open-source for desktop and laptop computers, emphasizing user-friendliness and out-of-the-box hardware support for graphics, sound, and peripherals. It operates on a model, delivering continuous package updates without periodic major version shifts, and is built around the with desktop environments including Plasma, MATE, and . Developed by Bill "Texstar" Reynolds, PCLinuxOS originated as a of Mandrake Linux 9.2 on October 24, 2003, initially released as Preview .4 to provide customized RPM packages unencumbered by corporate politics and egos. The project drew inspiration from technologies in distributions like and , evolving through community contributions from developers across , , and other projects. By 2007, it had matured into a fully featured distribution with enhanced core components and volunteer-driven improvements, maintaining its independence even after Mandriva's discontinuation in 2011. PCLinuxOS uses RPM package format managed via APT-RPM and the Synaptic graphical frontend, supporting tools like for additional software, while remaining systemd-free and relying on ConsoleKit2 for session management. Key features include a bootable live ISO for testing, a graphical installer called DrakX, full support with applications such as , , , and VLC, and customization options via Mylivecd for creating personalized live media. It targets new users with a focus on desktop and , requiring minimal hardware like a 64-bit CPU, 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended), and 15 GB storage minimum (20 GB recommended). The distribution is community-maintained through forums and a knowledgebase, with the 2025.09 ISO released in September and October 2025 for (September 21), MATE (October 4), and other editions including , featuring updated and desktop environments. A separate Debian-based edition, also non-systemd, exists for users preferring APT-native , and the project continues to prioritize for beginners while accommodating advanced customization.

Development History

PCLinuxOS was founded on October 24, 2003, by Bill Reynolds, known online as Texstar, as a of Mandrake Linux 9.2. This initiative stemmed from Texstar's desire to develop a stable, user-friendly distribution focused on easy support and custom RPM , free from the corporate pressures and financial instability affecting Mandrake Linux at the time, which was undergoing significant ownership changes leading to its as Mandriva in 2005. Early efforts involved collaboration with developers like Jaco Greeff on scripting and Buchanan Milne on installation tools, resulting in initial preview releases such as PCLinuxOS Preview .4, which featured a customized 3.1.4 desktop and a -optimized kernel. Through the mid-2000s, PCLinuxOS evolved from these preview versions—spanning .5 to .93—into a more mature independent distribution, incorporating contributions from various ecosystems including , Gentoo, and for libraries like and gcc. The project reached a key milestone with the stable release of PCLinuxOS 2007 on May 20, 2007, emphasizing RPM package customization and community-driven kernel development to enhance desktop performance and hardware compatibility. While initially tied to the Mandrake lineage, PCLinuxOS diverged by building a unique RPM-based ecosystem, distinct from successors like Mandriva and the community fork , prioritizing rolling updates over fixed cycles. Significant architectural shifts occurred in the , with the introduction of the first official 64-bit edition on April 10, 2013, after over two years of development led by Texstar to support modern hardware demands. Official support for 32-bit versions ended on May 12, 2016, as announced by Texstar, primarily due to limited developer resources and the growing prevalence of 64-bit systems, though community-maintained 32-bit repositories persisted informally for a time. In recent years, PCLinuxOS has demonstrated resilience amid challenges, including a fire in late June 2025 at the residence of key host YouCanToo (also known as The CrankyZombie), which destroyed servers running the distribution's website, forums, and repositories, leading to temporary outages. The community swiftly recovered by migrating services to new infrastructure, resuming monthly rolling release updates by August 2025, with the latest snapshots available as of November 2025 incorporating kernel and package enhancements. PCLinuxOS has frequently ranked in the top 10 on DistroWatch's page hit rankings, reflecting its popularity among users seeking a reliable, non-systemd Linux option.

Editions and Releases

Official Editions

PCLinuxOS maintains three primary official editions, each tailored to different user preferences and hardware capabilities while sharing a common rolling-release foundation based on RPM packages. These editions—KDE Plasma, MATE, and —provide out-of-the-box functionality with pre-installed applications for web browsing, office productivity, multimedia playback, and basic graphics editing, such as , , VLC, and GIMP. All editions draw from the same centralized repositories, ensuring consistent updates and compatibility across variants. The KDE Plasma edition serves as the flagship offering, featuring the highly customizable and visually modern desktop environment, which includes comprehensive tools for advanced users seeking a feature-rich interface. It comes in two variants: the full edition with extensive pre-configured applications and effects for a polished experience, and the DarkStar minimal edition for lighter installations. Historically, the resource-intensive FullMonty variant, which bundled over 3,000 applications on , was available until its discontinuation in 2017 following the end of support. The MATE edition provides a yet familiar desktop interface, derived from the classic 2 design, making it suitable for users transitioning from older versions or Windows systems who prioritize productivity without excessive resource demands. It emphasizes a traditional layout with panels and menus that support efficient workflows, while maintaining low system overhead for everyday tasks like document editing and web use. The edition offers a minimalist and performant , ideal for older hardware or setups focused on speed and simplicity, with the 2025.11 ISO released on November 11, 2025 incorporating XFCE 4.18 for enhanced stability and customization options. It includes essential tools configured for quick times and minimal memory usage, appealing to users who value efficiency over visual flair.

Community Editions

Community editions of PCLinuxOS are unofficial variants developed and maintained by volunteers, offering specialized desktop environments tailored to specific user preferences while building on the core PCLinuxOS repositories. These editions provide alternatives to the releases, focusing on niche customizations such as classic interfaces or lightweight setups, and are distributed through mirrors rather than channels. The Trinity edition utilizes the (TDE), a that continues the design and functionality of 3.4, appealing to users who prefer the classic aesthetics and workflow of early versions. It is available in variants like Trinity Big Daddy (full-featured) and Trinity Mini (lightweight), with ISO images accessible via community sites as of July 2025, ensuring compatibility with the latest PCLinuxOS kernel and packages. The LXQt edition employs the desktop environment, a lightweight, Qt-based successor to , optimized for low-resource systems while maintaining a modern interface. Integrated with PCLinuxOS's base system, it includes custom themes, panels, and pre-installed applications suited for everyday tasks on older hardware, and is hosted on community download mirrors. The Openbox edition centers on the window manager, emphasizing minimalism, speed, and high customizability for advanced users who favor scripting and a bare-bones setup over full desktop environments. Community ISOs, such as the 2024.06 full and mini versions, with ongoing updates as of 2025, highlight extensive configuration options via XML files for menus, keybindings, and themes, making it ideal for personalized workflows. These editions are developed by volunteers through the PCLinuxOS forums, where dedicated subforums facilitate discussion, testing, and release coordination independent of the official development cycles. Contributors often incorporate specialized software for areas like multimedia production, enhancing the editions for targeted use cases without altering the underlying rolling-release model.

Release Model and Milestones

PCLinuxOS operates on a rolling-release model, delivering continuous updates through its repositories without adhering to fixed version numbers for the core system. This approach ensures users receive the latest software packages incrementally as they become available, maintaining a current installation over time. To facilitate new installations or system restorations, the project produces monthly ISO snapshots, such as the 2025.09 edition released on September 21, 2025, for the flavor, which capture a stable point-in-time state of the repositories. For example, the 2025.11 edition released on November 11, 2025, for , MATE, and flavors, capturing updates including 6.12. The update mechanism relies on the APT-RPM package manager, where users connect to official repositories via a network to fetch and apply incremental package updates, including patches and new features. Existing installations do not require reinstallation with each snapshot release, as the rolling model handles ongoing maintenance; however, the ISOs serve as convenient restore points or entry points for fresh setups, allowing users to live environments for testing before committing to installation. Early development featured fixed releases, with PCLinuxOS 2007 marking a focus on the KDE desktop environment, released on May 21, 2007, incorporating KDE 3.5.6 for a polished user experience. The 2009 series emphasized stability improvements, retaining KDE 3.5.10 to avoid disruptions from newer versions while updating core components like the Linux kernel to 2.6.26.8. Subsequent releases in 2010 and 2011 advanced support, with the 2013 edition introducing the first official 64-bit ISO on April 10, 2013, featuring Linux kernel 3.2, expanding compatibility for modern hardware. In 2013, the project introduced LXDE and MATE desktop editions, as seen in the 2013.06 LXDE release on June 22, 2013, and the 2013.07 series on July 16, 2013, offering lightweight alternatives to KDE. The 2014.7 snapshot, released on July 7, 2014, represented the last major fixed release before transitioning to a fully rolling model. Post-2014, annual versioning ceased in favor of the YYYY.MM snapshot format, solidifying the rolling-release paradigm. The 2023.07 release on July 30, 2023, served as a stability benchmark, featuring 6.4.7 alongside updated Plasma, MATE, and desktops, with enhancements focused on speed and reliability. By 2025, updates incorporated advancements from 6.12, including improved hardware support and optimizations, though the project maintains a deliberate pace to ensure system integrity ahead of upstream features like those in kernel 6.15. ISO images for all editions are downloadable from official mirrors via HTTP, FTP, or , supporting live booting for immediate use without installation. These options enable easy access for users seeking to evaluate or deploy the distribution on systems.

Technical Features

Package Management

PCLinuxOS employs an RPM-based package management system augmented by a custom known as apt-rpm, which enables the use of Debian-like APT commands for handling RPM packages. This hybrid approach allows users to execute familiar commands such as apt-get install directly on the command line, while also supporting native RPM tools for dependency resolution and installation. The system prioritizes ease of use, blending the robustness of RPM with APT's dependency management to facilitate seamless software handling without requiring users to switch between disparate tools. The repositories in PCLinuxOS follow a monolithic structure, organized into categorized sections including base for core system components, extra for additional open-source software, and testing for experimental packages. As of 2025, the primary x86_64 repository hosts over 16,000 packages, encompassing a wide array of open-source applications, libraries, and proprietary drivers to support diverse hardware configurations. Users access these repositories through configuration files in /etc/apt/sources.list, with mirrors available worldwide for efficient downloads. This setup ensures comprehensive coverage, including multimedia codecs and graphics drivers distributed as standard RPM packages. Software updates and installations can be managed via graphical interfaces like the Synaptic Package Manager, which provides an intuitive frontend for searching, installing, and upgrading packages while visualizing dependencies. On the command line, tools such as apt-get update and apt-get upgrade handle repository synchronization and system updates, with automatic prioritization of security patches to maintain stability in the rolling-release model. The process emphasizes incremental updates to minimize disruptions, allowing users to apply changes selectively or in bulk through either interface. A distinctive feature of PCLinuxOS package management is that it does not include containerized formats like or Snap by default, focusing on the integrity and direct integration of RPM packages within the system, though these can be installed separately. This design choice promotes a streamlined environment focused on native RPM compatibility. Additionally, adding third-party repositories is straightforward, involving simple edits to the sources and repository key imports, enabling access to niche software without compromising the core ecosystem.

Kernel and System Initialization

PCLinuxOS utilizes a customized variant of the latest stable to ensure optimal stability and hardware compatibility. The distribution incorporates custom patches tailored for enhanced support of various peripherals and devices, prioritizing a reliable over experimental features. As of the 2025.09 release in September 2025, it includes kernel 6.12.48 with these modifications integrated. In the rolling repositories, users can update to the latest patched kernel, such as 6.12.46 as of November 2025. For system initialization, PCLinuxOS adheres to the classic SysVinit process, eschewing in favor of a lightweight and straightforward mechanism. This approach simplifies service management and facilitates , particularly for novice users, by relying on traditional scripts without the complexity of parallel activation or dependency resolution found in modern init systems. The in PCLinuxOS is GRUB2, which offers user-friendly configuration options for multi-boot environments, including seamless integration with other operating systems. Installation ISOs include built-in recovery modes accessible via GRUB2 menus, allowing quick access to tools during failures. Kernel customization is a key aspect of PCLinuxOS, enabling users to choose from multiple flavors during installation or post-installation via the . Options include the standard generic kernel for broad compatibility and specialized variants like the BFS () kernel optimized for desktop responsiveness on laptops and single-user systems. This selection process underscores the distribution's focus on reliability and ease of adaptation to specific hardware needs.

Hardware and Multimedia Support

PCLinuxOS provides robust out-of-the-box hardware detection, supporting a wide range of components through pre-installed open-source drivers and automatic configuration tools. It is optimized for architecture, requiring an , , or VIA 64-bit processor (dual-core or better recommended), at least 2 GB of RAM, and 15 GB of storage space. For graphics, PCLinuxOS offers strong compatibility with and hardware via proprietary drivers available in its repositories. Users can install proprietary drivers using the dedicated mynvidia-installer GUI tool, which simplifies selection based on the graphics card model, while GPUs benefit from integrated open-source amdgpu drivers in the kernel for seamless performance. , ATI, SiS, , and VIA GPUs are also supported, with compatibility enabling 3D effects and desktop compositing. Wireless networks, sound cards, and printers receive reliable support through standard Linux mechanisms like udev for hotplug detection and configuration. , AC97, and HDA audio cards are natively handled, though Creative Labs X-Fi models lack support; wireless adapters and printers (via CUPS) typically auto-configure with minimal user intervention, aided by the distribution's hardware database for compatibility verification. Multimedia functionality is a key strength, with pre-installed codecs enabling playback of common formats such as , H.264, and other audio/video streams right from installation. Applications like VLC for versatile media playback and for music management come pre-installed, while tools for editing—such as for photos and for videos—are readily available and fully supported. The live ISO facilitates easy hardware testing and auto-configuration during , allowing users to verify compatibility before committing to installation, with post-install tweaks often unnecessary due to integrated drivers. Since its 64-bit version launch in April 2013, PCLinuxOS has been exclusively 64-bit, focusing on desktop and environments rather than server use cases, where additional optimization might be required.

Community and Resources

User Community

PCLinuxOS has maintained a volunteer-driven community since its inception in 2003, when founder Bill Reynolds, known as Texstar, forked Mandrake Linux to create a user-focused distribution. The community operates primarily through forums hosted at pclinuxos.com, where users collaborate on technical support, bug reporting, and the development of community editions. These forums serve as the central hub for ongoing participation, with sections dedicated to packagers and developers sharing updates on custom packages. Over its more than two decades of existence, the project has relied entirely on grassroots contributions from enthusiasts worldwide, fostering a collaborative environment without any corporate sponsorship. Texstar's foundational role established the distribution's emphasis on , with day-to-day maintenance and innovation handled by a network of volunteer packagers. A notable demonstration of this community's resilience occurred in 2025, when a damaged key infrastructure, disrupting access to repositories and the original forums. Volunteers swiftly recovered operations by leveraging community-maintained mirrors, such as those at ftp.nluug.nl, to restore ISO downloads and the PCLinuxOS Magazine, enabling a new forum launch in July and the release of updated ISOs shortly thereafter. User engagement remains robust, evidenced by PCLinuxOS frequently ranking highly on DistroWatch's page hit rankings in 2025, including the top position in July following the recovery from the infrastructure incident, reflecting sustained interest and active discussion. The forums facilitate feature requests through polls and threads, allowing users to influence updates, while dedicated resources like beginner tutorials and installation guides make the distribution approachable for newcomers. This inclusive approach encourages broad participation, from novice troubleshooting to advanced packaging contributions. The community's global reach extends beyond English-speaking users, with primary forum discussions in English supplemented by multilingual support threads and resources translated into at least 13 languages, including installation guides. As a fully community-sustained effort, PCLinuxOS exemplifies grassroots development, drawing dedicated users who value its stability and volunteer ethos.

Documentation and Media

The PCLinuxOS Magazine is a community-driven monthly that provides tutorials, updates, tips, and feature articles tailored to PCLinuxOS users. Launched in September 2006 with a brief interruption in 2009, it is produced by volunteers led by Chief Editor Paul Arnote and released in PDF, , and MOBI formats under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 license. Issues cover practical topics such as software tools like and , system configurations, and community highlights, with free downloads available from the official site. For instance, the September 2025 issue includes articles on recent updates and enhancements, ensuring users stay informed on the distribution's rolling-release model. Complementing the magazine, the PCLinuxOS Knowledgebase serves as a central online resource featuring a with over 370 pages and integrated forums for collaborative support. It offers detailed installation guides, sections for common errors, repository lists for package management, and step-by-step ISO verification instructions to ensure secure downloads. Designed explicitly for new users, the knowledgebase emphasizes accessibility through free registration for forum participation, a searchable article index, and categorized content like beginner errors and advanced configurations. Additional media resources include community-created tutorials that walk through installation processes, desktop customization, and basic usage for editions like KDE Plasma and . Blog retrospectives, such as the August 2025 FOSS Force article tracing PCLinuxOS's evolution from roots to its modern rolling-release strengths, provide historical and practical context. The magazine also maintains archives of special editions focusing on themes like tools, with compilations from 2018 to 2020 available for download. All documentation and media for PCLinuxOS are provided at no cost, prioritizing beginner-friendly and intuitive tools such as site-wide searches and categorized archives to facilitate learning and . These resources can be supplemented by forum interactions for real-time queries, as outlined in the user community section.

References

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  2. https://fossforce.com/2025/08/from-mandrake-to-modern-pclinuxos-stays-strong/
  3. https://pclosmag.com/html/Issues/201410/page01.html
  4. http://pclosusers.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hardware_recommendations
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  15. https://sourceforge.net/projects/trinitypclinuxos/
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  18. https://lxqt-project.org/
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  20. https://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php?topic=161839.0
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  32. https://www.osboxes.org/pclinuxos/
  33. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr1pf9KQBIY
  34. https://abqorian.blog.untan.ac.id/2009/12/how-to-update-your-pclinuxos-repository.html
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  37. https://pclosmag.com/html/Issues/201409/page08.html
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  43. https://www.zdnet.com/article/pclinuxos-used-to-be-great-for-linux-newbies-but-not-anymore/
  44. https://itsfoss.com/pclinuxos-review/
  45. https://www.linux.org/threads/pclinuxos-has-new-forum.57309/
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  49. https://www.beginlinux.com/desktop/pclinuxos
  50. https://pclosmag.com/html/Issues/202310/page01.html
  51. https://pclosmag.com/
  52. https://pclosmag.com/pdf.html
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