Notebookcheck Logo

Debian-based Window Maker Live 12.8 comes with recompiled packages and GUI enhancements

Window Maker Live 12.8 desktop with GNU Mail (Image source: SourceForge)
Window Maker Live 12.8 desktop with GNU Mail (Image source: SourceForge)
Integrating Firefox and Thunderbird with GNOME components on top of the Window Maker window manager and a Debian core, Window Maker Live is a live Linux distro that has just moved from version 0.96.0-0 to 12.8. As its name suggests, this update comes with all the goodies from the Debian 12.8 "Bookworm" release.

While Window Maker might look outdated, and, after a history of no less than 27 years, its version number is only 0.96.0, it remains an active project, and, thankfully, there are still distros that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  • GNUstep packages that were outdated have been recompiled from their up-to-date Debian/Trixie sources.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.

Source(s)

SourceForge (Windows Maker Live 12.8 files and release notes)

static version load dynamic
Loading Comments
Comment on this article
Please share our article, every link counts!
Mail Logo
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 12 > Debian-based Window Maker Live 12.8 comes with recompiled packages and GUI enhancements
Codrut Nistor, 2024-12-10 (Update: 2024-12-10)