Chakra Linux 2013.02 delivers KDE 4.10

Chakra in action The latest release of Chakra Linux brings the recently released KDE 4.10 to the users of the Arch Linux based distribution. Chakra Linux 2013.02, code-named "Benz", also includes updates to the distribution's own tools such as its installation assistant and its theme. Chakra was originally aimed at providing a live CD that allowed for easy uptake by new users but still maintained the powerful roots and extensive package selection of Arch. The distribution can be installed and provides a modern Linux desktop; although it is still based on Arch Linux, it now uses its own repositories.

The KDE update in "Benz" introduces improvements to the semantic desktop search engine Nepomuk; other changes include a move from MySQL to MariaDB in the default package selection. The distribution includes Linux kernel 3.7.6 which includes a workaround that prevents damage to a range of Samsung laptops that include a potentially fatal bug in its UEFI firmware. The live image introduces GFXboot and therefore offers more options for languages and keyboard layouts.

As an office suite, Chakra includes Calligra 2.6 which was released at the beginning of the month; LibreOffice 3.6.5 is available from the distribution's repositories. Chakra 2013.02 ships Rekonq as its standard browser, but Firefox 18.0.2 and Chromium 24.0.1312.68 can be installed manually. Package installation is handled by the command line tool pacman; a graphical installer, called Akabei, is under development and is currently in alpha stage. A detailed list of all changes is available in the release notes.

Chakra 2013.02 "Benz" is available as a DVD image for 32- and 64-bit systems from the project's web site. The live image is approximately 1.6 GB.

(fab)