Elementary OS 6 Oden - DVD

Version 6.0 Release Date: August 10, 2021 (Release Announcement)

elementary OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu. It makes use of a desktop with its own shell named Pantheon and is deeply integrated with other elementary OS applications like Plank (a dock), Midori (the default web browser) and Scratch (a simple text editor). This distribution uses Gala as its window manager,which is based on Mutter.

The distribution initially started as a set of themes and applications designed for Ubuntu which later turned into its own Linux distribution. Being Ubuntu-based, it is compatible with its repositories and packages and uses Ubuntu's own software center to handle installation/removal of software. Its user interface aims at being intuitive for new users without consuming too many resources.

Design philosophy

The elementary OS project aims to solve a number of perceived deficiencies in other GNU/Linux distributions, namely:

• better global aesthetics by streamlining the user interface;
• reduce software dependency by using core applications written in the C language or Vala;
• diminish the need to access the terminal.

Although not contrary to the GNU philosophy, these deliberate design choices diverge from what most GNU/Linux distributions opt for: a freedom to set up and customize one's own desktop environment. The Human Interface Guidelines of the elementary OS project focus instead on immediate usability with a gentle learning curve, rather than full-fledged customization. The three core rules the developers set for themselves were "concision", "avoid configuration" and "minimal documentation".

Since its inception, elementary OS has received both praise and criticism for its design that closely resembles that of OS X — regarding both the visual design and the user experience.

Recommended System Specifications

Elementary doesn't have a strict set of minimum system requirements, we recommend at least the following specifications for the best experience:

• Recent Intel i3 or comparable dual-core 64-bit processor
• 4 GB of system memory (RAM)
• Solid state drive (SSD) with 15 GB of free space
• Internet access
• Built-in or wired mouse/touchpad and keyboard
• 1024×768 minimum resolution display