PCLinuxOS

PCLinuxOS
Company type	Open source project
Industry	Operating system distribution
Founded	2003
Founder	Bill Reynolds ("Texstar")
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Linux distribution
Website	www.pclinuxos.com

PCLinuxOS, commonly abbreviated as PCLOS, is a rolling release Linux distribution tailored for x86-64 architecture systems. It offers default desktop environments such as KDE Plasma, MATE, and XFCE. This operating system is predominantly a FOSS solution, designed with user-friendliness in mind for personal computing.

History

The roots of PCLinuxOS trace back to RPM packages crafted by Bill Reynolds, known by his alias "Texstar," intended to improve Mandrake Linux (which later became Mandriva Linux). Between 2000 and 2003, Texstar managed these packages alongside the PCLinuxOnline website. His goal in creating PCLinuxOS was to concentrate on packaging efforts free from "egos, arrogance, and politics."

In October 2003, Texstar branched off from Mandrake Linux 9.2 and partnered with the Live CD Project to evolve it into a complete distribution. Early versions were released as "previews," labeled p5 through p93.

Although it initially resembled Mandriva Linux in appearance, PCLinuxOS took a distinct path following its official fork in 2003. After three years of development, the project integrated improvements from Mandriva’s subsequent releases into PCLinuxOS 2007. Prior to the 2007 editions, updates generally necessitated a full system reinstall.

Discontinuation of 32-bit support

On May 10, 2016, Texstar declared the cessation of official support for the 32-bit variant of PCLinuxOS. As a result, official 32-bit ISO images, package updates, and forum assistance were halted. Only 64-bit ISOs and updates continue to be provided through official channels, although unofficial support for 32-bit versions persists.

KDE4 FullMonty (FM) edition (Discontinued)

The KDE FullMonty edition represented a PCLinuxOS KDE4 installation featuring a customized desktop environment along with numerous pre-installed applications and drivers. This edition was discontinued in 2017 after KDE developers ended maintenance for KDE4.

Releases

Major releases generally introduced refreshed boot and login screens, updated icon themes, and new sound schemes.

PCLinuxOS 2007

In 2007, PCLinuxOS transitioned to an independent codebase derived from a Mandriva snapshot, thereby ending its forked status from Mandriva. This change required users to perform a full reinstall and brought a contemporary appearance enhanced by integrated 3D effects. The update also introduced a new logo and a "Dark" themed login screen. The official launch occurred on May 21, 2007.

PCLinuxOS 2009

The final live CD release of 2009, named PCLinuxOS 2009.2, was issued on June 30, 2009. It incorporated various bug fixes, refreshed wallpapers and sounds, improved startup visuals, and reduced boot times. This release marked the last live CD featuring K Desktop Environment 3 and was the final version compatible with the PCLinuxOS 2007 series.

Additionally, remastered variants were available showcasing Xfce (Phoenix), LXDE (PCLinuxOS-LXDE), and GNOME (PCLinuxOS-Gnome) desktop environments.

PCLinuxOS 2010

Released on April 19, 2010, this live CD included KDE SC version 4.4.2 along with a redesigned graphical theme and utilized Linux Kernel 2.6.32.11. It was the first iteration of PCLinuxOS to offer support for the ext4 filesystem. Installation required a full system reinstall. While GNOME editions had been available since 2008, the 2010 release expanded options to encompass KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, LXDE, Enlightenment, and Openbox desktop environments.

PCLinuxOS 2010.1

Released on May 5, 2010, the 2010.1 edition introduced Kernel version 2.6.32.12-bfs alongside an upgrade to KDE Plasma Desktop 4.4.3. This update expanded hardware compatibility by adding support for Realtek RTL8191SE/RTL8192SE wireless adapters and Microdia webcams. It also incorporated utilities such as Vim and udftools, resolved issues with CD-ROM ejection when using Copy to RAM, enhanced KDE widget downloading capabilities, refreshed nVIDIA (version 195.36.24) and ATI fglrx (version 8.723) drivers, and implemented various security patches and bug fixes throughout the system.

PCLinuxOS 2011.6

Debuted on June 27, 2011.

PCLinuxOS 2012

The release labeled 2012.02 became available on February 22, 2012, followed by a maintenance update on August 22, 2012. Notable improvements comprised Kernel 3.2 integration, KDE version 4.8.2, ongoing support for nVIDIA and ATI fglrx graphics drivers, along with the introduction of a default dark-themed KDE interface.

PCLinuxOS 2013 64-bit

Launched April 10, 2013, this 64-bit variant of PCLinuxOS featured:

Kernel 3.2.18-pclos2.bfs optimized for desktop responsiveness.
Complete KDE Desktop environment version 4.10.1.
Continued compatibility with NVIDIA and ATI fglrx drivers.
Support for multimedia playback across widely used formats.
Broad wireless networking and printer device support.
Addlocale tool enabling translations into more than sixty languages.
Preinstalled LibreOffice suite accompanied by a language manager supporting over one hundred languages.
MyLiveCD utility allowing users to create customized LiveCD/DVD snapshots.
PCLinuxOS-liveusb facilitating installation onto USB flash drives.

PCLinuxOS 2014.7

Issued on July 7, 2014, this release offered:

Kernel version 3.15.4 to improve desktop efficiency.
Full KDE Desktop version 4.12.3.
Support for NVIDIA and ATI fglrx graphics drivers.
Multimedia playback capabilities for popular file formats.
Extensive wireless and printer device compatibility.
Addlocale providing translation support in excess of sixty languages.
LibreOffice Manager supporting over one hundred languages.
MyLiveCD tool for generating LiveCD/DVD snapshots.
PCLinuxOS-liveusb enabling installation onto USB keys.

Features

PCLinuxOS is designed primarily for desktop use, targeting home users and small business environments rather than server applications—though server-related packages remain accessible.

Distributed as a Live CD, it can be installed either on hard disks or USB flash drives. Starting with version 2009.1, a USB installer was introduced to create persistent Live USB drives that retain user data between sessions. Earlier releases require manual setup or use of tools like UNetbootin to establish Live USBs. The entire system runs from RAM if sufficient memory is available.

The distribution employs APT-RPM package management combined with the Synaptic graphical interface, simplifying package installation and updates. When booted as a Live CD with network access and adequate memory, packages can be updated in real time. After installation, users can easily customize and remaster their system using the mylivecd utility to produce personalized Live CDs.

PCLinuxOS maintains its own dedicated software repositories accessed through APT and Synaptic interfaces, superseding Mandriva’s urpmi package manager system. This setup allows continuous package updates without requiring a complete system reinstall. The user interface features distinctive menu arrangements and custom graphic elements that set it apart visually.

Community distributions

Included within PCLinuxOS is the mklivecd script, which supports several Community editions derived from the main distribution; these variants are permitted to mention PCLinuxOS only under strict usage guidelines. Multiple Community ISO projects are affiliated with PCLinuxOS development and distribution efforts.

Trinity edition

The Trinity edition provides two distinct options: the "Mini" version, a streamlined ISO tailored for users who want to build their desktop environment from scratch, and the "Big Daddy" version, which includes preloaded multimedia codecs, office applications, and additional software packages.

LXQt edition

This edition incorporates the LXQt suite of applications alongside a selection of third-party software that comes pre-installed.

Openbox

Openbox

Release timeline

Version	Release Date
2024.10 KDE, MATE, and XFCE	October 17, 2024
2023.07 KDE, MATE, and XFCE	July 30, 2023
2022.12 KDE, MATE, and XFCE	December 12, 2022
2022.01 KDE, MATE, and XFCE	January 8, 2022
2021.11 KDE, MATE, and XFCE	November 5, 2021
2020.1015 KDE	October 15, 2020
2020.01 KDE	January 14, 2020
2019.06 KDE	June 16, 2019
2018.06 MATE	June 1, 2018
2018.06 KDE	June 1, 2018
2017.07 KDE	July 2017
2017.03 MATE 64 Bit	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	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

External links