Damn Small Linux 4.2 Polishes its Visuals
Version 4.2 of the miniscule (50MB) DSL (Damn Small Linux) distribution has just been released.
The major changes include the replacment of Xpaint with Mtpaint, however, most changes relate to visual aspects of the slightly ancient looking system. Icons have been replaced; DSL now has generally improved support for backgrounds, and there are new thems for the JWM window manager which the lean distribution relies on. At the same time, the developers have tidied up and remove a couple of excess files, modules and directories.
The incredibly lean distribution is extremely well suited to older hardware that is low on RAM resources and processor power. According to the website the distribution will run on a 486 CPU with just 16MB RAM, and is quite happy on a USB stick. From a usability point of view, DSL targets experienced users, although it does include GUI-based tools to help set up the network configuration and other system components. DSL can act as an SSH/FTP and HTTP server, supports a number of WLAN adapters, and includes applications such as Firefox, XMMS and Naim by default.
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
-
AUR Repository Still Under DDoS Attack
Arch User Repository continues to be under a DDoS attack that has been going on for two weeks.
-
RingReaper Malware Poses Danger to Linux Systems
A new kind of malware exploits modern Linux kernels for I/O operations.
-
Happy Birthday, Linux
On August 25, Linux officially turns 34.
-
VirtualBox 7.2 Has Arrived
With early support for Linux kernel 6.17 and other new additions, VirtualBox 7.2 is a must-update for users.
-
Linux Mint 22.2 Beta Available for Testing
Some interesting new additions and improvements are coming to Linux Mint. Check out the Linux Mint 22.2 Beta to give it a test run.
-
Debian 13.0 Officially Released
After two years of development, the latest iteration of Debian is now available with plenty of under-the-hood improvements.
-
Upcoming Changes for MXLinux
MXLinux 25 has plenty in store to please all types of users.
-
A New Linux AI Assistant in Town
Newelle, a Linux AI assistant, works with different LLMs and includes document parsing and profiles.
-
Linux Kernel 6.16 Released with Minor Fixes
The latest Linux kernel doesn't really include any big-ticket features, just a lot of lines of code.
-
EU Sovereign Tech Fund Gains Traction
OpenForum Europe recently released a report regarding a sovereign tech fund with backing from several significant entities.