PCLinuxOS KDE Full Monty 2012.09 Review by Britec
**Exploring PC Linux OS Full Monty: A KDE-Based Live CD Experience**
In this video, we take an in-depth look at **PC Linux OS Full Monty**, a KDE-based distribution that comes with a hefty collection of pre-installed software. This live CD build is designed for users who want to experience Linux without the hassle of installation or configuring individual programs. Whether you're a gamer, a video editor, or someone looking for a complete system solution, this distro has something for everyone.
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### **Booting into the Live Environment**
To get started, we need to reboot the system and select the "Live CD" option from the boot menu. Once the system loads, we are greeted with a US keyboard layout (or UK if preferred). The desktop appears smoothly, and at the bottom of the screen, there are six numbered icons representing different desktop views.
These six categories include:
1. **Internet**: Pre-installed programs like Pidgin, Skype, XChat, Dropbox, and KTorrent.
2. **Office**: Tools for word processing, spreadsheets, and other productivity tasks, including an ebook viewer and Foxit Reader.
3. **Games**: A wide selection of pre-installed games that users can launch with just a click.
4. **Multimedia**: Programs like Audacity, Karaoke software, VLC, and HandBrake for audio and video editing.
5. **Graphics**: Tools like Paint, GIMP, Blender, and ImageMagick for graphic design and 3D modeling.
6. **System**: A collection of essential utilities for system management.
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### **Desktop Views and Functionality**
The desktop itself is a visually appealing interface with a unique "Holy Moly" design. At the bottom, there are six icons corresponding to the categories mentioned earlier. Clicking on these takes you directly to the relevant programs or sections.
One of the standout features of this live CD is how user-friendly it feels. Everything is already configured and ready to use, which makes it an excellent choice for Linux newcomers. The system loads smoothly, even though it's running from a live CD (which can be slower on older hardware).
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### **Software Categories in Detail**
1. **Internet**:
- Pidgin for instant messaging.
- Skype for video calls.
- XChat for IRC chat.
- Dropbox for cloud storage.
- KTorrent for downloading files.
2. **Office**:
- Tools for typing letters and documents.
- Ebook viewer for reading digital books.
- Foxit Reader for PDFs.
3. **Games**:
- A vast library of games that users can launch instantly.
- (Note: The video doesn’t go into detail about all the games, but it’s clear there are plenty to explore.)
4. **Multimedia**:
- Audacity for audio editing.
- Karaoke software for fun.
- VLC and HandBrake for media playback and conversion.
5. **Graphics**:
- GIMP for photo editing.
- Blender for 3D modeling.
- ImageMagick for image manipulation.
6. **System**:
- A variety of tools for system administration, such as a terminal (command prompt), file manager, and more.
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### **Ease of Use and Features**
The live CD is particularly appealing to beginners because it comes with everything already set up. There’s no need to spend hours installing and configuring individual programs. The list of included software is extensive, covering almost every category imaginable.
One caveat is that running a live CD can be slower on systems with limited memory or processing power. However, for users with better hardware, the experience should be smooth.
The desktop interface itself is intuitive, with a scrolling menu to access applications and system settings. The "Goblet" design adds a unique touch, while the bottom panel offers quick access to file management, system stats, and essential functions like shutdown or lock.
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### **Conclusion**
In conclusion, PC Linux OS Full Monty is an impressive distro for anyone looking to explore Linux without the hassle of installation. With its pre-installed programs, user-friendly interface, and comprehensive feature set, it’s a great choice for both casual users and power users alike.
If you want to try this out yourself, you can run it from a live CD or even install it into a virtual machine (as shown in an upcoming video). For those who enjoy these kinds of explorations, be sure to hit the subscribe button, like, and share the video. Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next one!