Knoppix 5.3.1: Lenny Basis, KDE 4.0 and Accessibility Software
Klaus Knopper has released version 5.3.1 of his live Knoppix system. The codebase comes courtesy of Lenny, the next generation Debian.
After demonstrating the new release at CeBIT 2008, Knopper has now released an updated version. The software packages are from the Debian "testing" and "unstable" repositories. The kernel version is 2.6.24.4 with QEmu, KVM, and Virtualbox virtualization modules. Knopper has also moved the initial boot system from Initrd to Initramfs to facilitate customization.
Another new feature: Klaus Knopper now includes the KDE 4.0 desktop environment with his Linux distribution, although this is an experimental boot option. By default the current Knoppix still uses KDE version 3.5.9. Applications include Open Office 2.3.1. The 3D Compiz 0.7.3 window manager and experimental Compiz Fusion modules provide graphical effects.
Knoppix is renowned for its hardware support which now includes updated wireless drivers and IPW firmware; on top of this Ndiswrapper provides a workaround that helps bind Windows drivers.
Accessibility software including the first release of the Adriane desktop with text-to-speech and braille display support facilitates computer use for visually or physically challenged users. The Orca screen reader supports interaction with GTK+ programs.
DVD images are available for downloading from the Knoppix mirrors, Bittorrent and Emule.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
openSUSE Tumbleweed Ditches AppArmor for SELinux
If you're an openSUSE Tumbleweed user, you can expect a major change to the distribution.
-
Plasma 6.3 Now Available
Plasma desktop v6.3 has a couple of pretty nifty tricks up its sleeve.
-
LibreOffice 25.2 Has Arrived
If you've been hoping for a release that offers more UI customizations, you're in for a treat.
-
TuxCare Has a Big AlmaLinux 9 Announcement in Store
TuxCare announced it has successfully completed a Security Technical Implementation Guide for AlmaLinux OS 9.
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.