While Window Maker might look outdated, and, after a history of no less than 27 years, its version number is only 0.96.0, it remains an active project, and, thankfully, there are still distros that offer it as an option. Window Maker Live is such a Linux distro. Based on a Debian core, it has just been updated to version 12.8 and sports multiple GNU-focused improvements, both visual and functional.
These are some of the essential highlights that Window Maker Live 12.8 delivers:
- GNUstep packages that were outdated have been recompiled from their up-to-date Debian/Trixie sources.
- Additionally, the aforementioned packages received several new visual themes.
- Emacs 29.4 has been added with a GNUstep-based interface as a self-contained component, not reliant on the official Debian packages.
- GNUstep-based NetSurf port WebSurf.app has been added to the system.
Overall, GNUstep programs are now better integrated in the desktop environment. While many other distros are dropping 32-bit native support, Window Maker Live 12.8 comes with two ISO files, one for the i386 architecture and one targeted at amd64-compatible hardware. Both have 3 GB in size. Those who are going to use the live session should be aware that the account name is "user" and the password is "live." When choosing a disk install, this generic account will be replaced by a user-configured one.
Those who want to take a glance into the history of Linux and Unix can do so for free with Kindle Unlimited or pay $2.99 otherwise for the Kindle edition of A Short History of Linux, by Vladimir Likic. Sadly, this 45-page book is not available in any physical format.
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Source(s)
SourceForge (Windows Maker Live 12.8 files and release notes)