XFCE on Mepis lite

I like both MepisLite and XFCE. So right now I have one system running MepisLite and another running XFCE along with Mepis 6.0 (beta 2).

You can easily run XFCE by simply installing 6.0 and then using Synaptic to download and install XFCE (it's not a big download; I use a dial-up connection). Then all you have to do is configure XFCE the way you want it (it comes with a pretty blank desktop). Keep in mind you are not "taking out" KDE (it's still there; you're just using XFCE to activate the KDE programs you want to use).

Now, by not wanting to "change operating systems" do you also mean not upgrading to Mepis 6.0? If so, you might have trouble running XFCE on MepisLite. I tried updating my Synaptic repositories to find out what I could download for MepisLite. It looked as though I'd have to do a whole lot of upgrading to Mepis before running XFCE. But you can try this for yourself and see how it looks.

So: I *think* you'll need to upgrade from MepisLite in order to install XFCE easily. (Maybe someone who has made it work on MepisLite can chime in here). On the other hand, some users are stumping for an updated MepisLite. That would solve the problem too.

--Malanrich

thats what I meant by change OS, I don't want Mepis 6.0 I have it, it's nothing like the lite version, but the lite version is not update, like the browser is older and stuff like that. If the downloads are not too big and you say it's not hard to get the files loaded and working, I could put Mepis lite on a different drive and make changes to it, I don't wont to mess up the install I use now. but it would be nice if Mepis would update Mepis lite, I love it, I tried at least 20 linux distro's and when I loaded Mepis lite, it's my main OS now, I still have my XP on a different hard drive, but I hardly ever boot from it. XFCE is fasst and looks good, Mepis lite is fast now, i'd have a speed demon if XFCE was used as my desktop enviroment and a better looking features. I saw this distro called Dreamlinux and it looks great, it has XFCE, so I now want that look and be lighter. I wish someone has updated their Mepis lite and added XFCE could send me a copy or a link to download the ISO file. I'm only thinking of keeping Mepis lite, it the best I found and I'm sure someone has to have updated their version and added XFCE.
thanks
Trailboss

Good luck, Trailboss. It's good to hear from a man who knows what he likes.

But here's an important clarification:

Unless somebody smarter than I am adds some know-how to this, I think you have to choose either MepisLite or XFCE running on top of Mepis 6.0.

Here's my thinking:

1) When I try to download XFCE in MepisLite, Synaptic tells me I'll need 50+ MB of upgrades. So when I said to "upgrade" MepisLite, I meant to upgrade your Mepis installation to Mepis 6.0 (if you want to run XFCE). Using Mepis 6.0, the download of XFCE is simple and relatively fast on dial-up.

2) So your options are to (a) keep using MepisLite as it is until an upgraded version comes from Warren (it sounds as though this might happen), or (b) move to Mepis 6.0 and then install XFCE.

3) In terms of speed, both MepisLite and XFCE under Mepis 6.0 are very zippy. With MepisLite you get a more streamlined installation, good for older hardware. With XFCE under Mepis 6.0, you get all the KDE stuff, but fast performance because most of the KDE stuff stays inactive unless you need it.

Sorry if this gets confusing. I'm still figuring it out too. Before you decide how to proceed, you might want to wait and see if anyone else can post some better advice.

--Malanrich

thanks for the reply Malanrich
If nobody has upgraded Mepis lite with XFCE, I will wait for Warren to upgrade MEpis lite. I have tried Mepis 6.0 and it'd a different bird comparied to Mepis lite. But I will put Mepis lite on a different drive and use for testing purposes, mainly downloading. I want to see how the upgrading works. I still want XFCE on Mepis lite so if anyone has this please respond.
thanks
Trailboss

You might take a look at Warren's poll on what developments users want to see in Mepis ("What new version of Mepis would you support?"). I was amazed at how many want to see an updating of MepisLite. This is great news. If enough users want something, results can happen pretty fast. Let's stay tuned...

--Malanrich

Just for you, This morning I installed MEPISLite_rc1_Debian_Sarge, updated and installed XFCE, rebooted and started XFCE with no problems at all. I don't remaster cd's, I don't use MEPISLite any longer and I don't use XFCE, so I can't take this any farther than I have, but I can tell you XFCE already works in MEPISLite.

regards,
Jimmy

INTEL P-IV/HT 3.0GHz - 2X256 DDR3200 - Debian, Etch Beta-3
KDE 3.5.4 - kernel 2.6.16-2-686-smp - My iMAC runs Debian, Sarge

The "MEPISLite_rc1_Debian_Sarge" that you mention above. Is that the same as "MEPISLite-3.3.2-1.rc1.iso" shown on the Mepis ftp download site or are you getting your download from somewhere else? Let me know so I can make a copy for testing.

Mark, if it's an upgraded version and you want me to get a copy for you, let me know and I'll bring it up your way when I have 'alf-a-mo'

Jon

XFCE running on MepisLite! The world...suddenly...got...larger.

Jimmy: I'm wondering how much of a download it took for you to update MepisLite. Was it lots o' MB's? I've been very hesitant about trying this, assuming that so much would need upgrading that I'd break all kinds of stuff.

Jon: I'm using MepisLite 3.3.1 (test 02), which is all I have on hand. If we *don't* get an updated version from Warren, could we find out which repositories would help to upgrade the older version without breaking the system?

--Malanrich

Yep, that's the one.
http://distro.ibiblio.org/pub/linux/distributions/mepis/testing
http://ftp.wustl.edu/pub/linux/distributions/mepis/3.3.2/
http://ftp.belnet.be/pub/mirror/mepis.org/testing/
http://wuarchive.wustl.edu/pub/linux/distributions/mepis/3.3.2/
http://public.planetmirror.com/pub/mepis/testing/
http://www.debianworld.net/pub/mirror/mepis/testing/ .

Add to sources.list:deb http://debian-multimedia.org/ sarge main .
The rest of the sources.list is ready the way it is.

I don't start by doing an upgrade. I update and then install what I want to add and setup hardware(printer, samba), then do a default upgrade, only a few packages to upgrade after that with two being removed for newer packages. The whole process was painless.
regards,
Jimmy

INTEL P-IV/HT 3.0GHz - 2X256 DDR3200 - Debian, Etch Beta-3
KDE 3.5.4 - kernel 2.6.16-2-686-smp - My iMAC runs Debian, Sarge

Well all the tech talk scares me. I don't know anything about updating, I only been using linex a few months, but if you said you did it and it was easy, why hav'nt Warren did this and posted a link to download it. Thats all i'm asking for, a link with a updated version of Mepis lite with XFCE on it. I know i'd mess everything up. I think my email can hold a file that big, if not I own 2 domains and i'll set it up, so the file be uploaded there, so I can download it. I have the version you said Mepis lite 3.3.2-1 rc1.
I sure would like to have Mepis lite upgraded and have XFCE install on it.

I hope Warren is reading and says what the heck!!!

Thanks for the replies all
Trailboss

By updating I mean reload, you know in Synaptic the reload button where you "update" your sources. I'm not talking about anything difficult here. Just reload and do a search for XFCE and install. Be happy.

regards,
Jimmy

INTEL P-IV/HT 3.0GHz - 2X256 DDR3200 - Debian, Etch Beta-3
KDE 3.5.4 - kernel 2.6.16-2-686-smp - My iMAC runs Debian, Sarge

Thanks Jimmy for the additional info.

For those interested, I took a look at the mirror sites because I wanted to download the older versions of Mepis (so's I can load them into virtual machines for testing). It appears that only the wustl.edu site has da old stuff (going back to 2003).

To wustl.edu: Thanks
To Warren: Where are the old versions on the ftp site?
To Mark: We'll talk off-line

Jon

Trailboss, what you are asking for in that one sentence is a up-to-date Mepis Lite with a pre-configured copy of XFCE all on a single (iso) file that you can plug in. Sorry, it's not going to happen.

We're trying to give you some "links". According to the latest poll that Warren is running, there are a number of folks who do want an updated version of Mepis Lite. That may actually happen. But it's going to take more than Warren saying, "What the heck!" And as malanrich indicated above, it is possible to have xfce running on Mepis Lite.

In the meantime, if you have specific problems with some part of the instructions that Jimmy and others are giving you, please clarify those specific problems. Have you looked at and downloaded a copy of the Mepis User's Guide?
MEPIS User Guide | MEPIS
http://www.mepis.org/node/6679

It has information on general updating of your system and defines such terms as "repositories". We can point you in different directions, and we can offer some instructions, but it seems to me that there might be some misunderstanding between us. Am I not understanding what you are asking, or are you not understanding the instructions?

What am I missing?

Jon

I have tried to do a upgrade to Mepis lite on a different hard drive and it went ka-pooie and I know it's not a easy to install ,,like windows is, there is nore to it than click and download and it works. I want it so I can just download it already done, I want a ISO with lite undated and installed with XFCE, Jon just said it! I want a already pre-configured copy with XFCE,,,,but he said it's not gonna happen, why not? Someone replied that he undated lite with XFCE and said it was a snap, why can't I get a ISO from someone who knows what their doing? Everyone keeps saying,,it's easy to do or it's a snap, if thats the case send me the ISO, If not don't reply to this listing saying upgrading your lite is easy. I won't rest until I get it. period. Mepis lite is what I want to use.
Trailboss

Trailboss
you said it went "ka-pooie" err never seen that message.lol
Seriously what exactly went wrong? If you provide us with the details, we can help you acheive a MepisLite 3.3 whatever with xfce (and kde still there, but not used).

Oh just to throw the spanner in the works, why not try MepisLite with fluxbox or Icewm (very, very easy to set up compared with xfce ie installation in less than 5 minutes on dialup) if you don't like kde? It will zoooooom.

anticapitalista

Philosophers have interpreted the world in many ways; the point is to change it.

hi,
I took a look at those and yes their great looking, but I do want Mepis lite updated, with the newer browser and stuff like that. Yes i'm tired of the KDE look, but I want speed more than anything. If anyone has updated their lite with newer software or updates and uses the fluxbox or Icewm i'll settle for it. I don't just want XFCE, I want a speed Demon, I want my OS as fast as it can be. Mepis lite is or was near the top over all linux OS versions. DSL, TTL are not in the same class, they can't do as much or keep up with Mepis lite, even with the older version I use now, they are still tring to catch up. Let Ubuntu,SUSE and REdhat and others, lead the full, bulky linux versions and let Mepis lead the smaller faster linux version.
Make mine lite-r and fast-er
Trailboss

i've got many cds and isos of mepis here. none in a public place right now, but i do own a large set.

Actually I have remastered Mepis 6 to alite version, but with fluxbox and Icewm, not xfce.
The Mepis 6 Lite version has Koffice rather than openoffice and although I removed a lot of the kde apps, I kept some that I think are priceless ie K3b, kppp, kdeprint and kontrol.
The whole thing is 350MB and it runs fast.
I am waiting for the devs here to set up some sort of framework for community-based distros.

see this post:

http://www.mepis.org/node/10984

and Warren's comment near the top.

The problem is that I cannot "release" it (not that I want to do so anyway, I'd like to give it to the community to work on, improve etc) as it uses Mepis stuff that is copyright, plus there is no way I can host the source-code to satisfy the GPL (I have no problem doing this in principle, but practically it is impossible for me to do so)

So, hopefully, sooner rather than later, it will be available for developing and testing. It still needs work on it, there are bugs that I cannot fix (lack of knowledge) and
if the community project comes off then others will be able to improve it further.

anticapitalista

Philosophers have interpreted the world in many ways; the point is to change it.

I'm really really grateful for someone willing to put in this kind of work on a lite version of Mepis 6.0. Multiple Thank You's. I'd give any superfluous anatomical appendage to get hold of a copy. Is there any way that non-technical users can support its development other than to say "We want it! Give it to us!"?

--Malanrich

Hi,
I think thats great you have done this. It seems that there is a big demand for a lite/fast full version desktop linux. I'm not the only of a few, but one of many looking for a lite/fast OS. I too would like a copy of your lite 6.0 version. I do understand that Mepis (Warren) would have the last say if you can send a copy to anyone. There are many like me who don't know how to modify a OS to their needs, which most users want speed! I asked for a updated version of Mepis lite with a smaller faster window manager.
I'm still waiting for it. I already have put a FTP up on my domain to upload it. I just want it for me, not to sell or anything. I'm now a 100% Mepis lite user, I deleted XP on my other hard drive. I just need support for my OS, is that too much to ask?
thanks
Trailboss

Trailboss, that is only a slightly rhetorical question. I am not a lawyer, and the GPL is currently going through some modifications. There was a rather lengthy, and sometimes heated, discussion on rights to source-code on this forum not too long ago. I am making this post to remind you, me, and others what some of those rights entail.

Not too long ago Warren had to make significant changes to SimplyMepis as well as to his website. Why? Because he was confronted by people who monitor the use of software licensed under the GPL. He apparently was informed that he needed to make the source code more accessible. That is why it is now possible for you to buy a DVD with the modified source code on it. One of the things I noticed too is, many of the ftp subdirectories have been removed. These were of the older versions and types of Mepis. Warren apparently felt that he would be unable to legally support/provide those earlier versions because he could/would not provide the source. Warren did not tell me this; this is my interpretation only. I could be completely wrong.

I feel I need to make that long introduction because I question whether you understood what anticapitalista said.

At the moment, such modifications are AC's alone. Warren has discussed the possibility (not certainty) of a place for community development. But Warren is certainly not going to entertain hosting anticapitalista's mods until he, Warren, can get his own house in order. And anticapitalista is in no position to support source distribution till HIS house is in order. However, he has expresed the desire to share the code. And that is where I take exception to your last comment trailboss:

So you just want it for you huh? How about all the help that these folks have already offered for free? How about that this stuff is being put on the forum by us to solve your immediate problem, but so it's documented for others to use? I'm glad too that many people want Lite to be improved. I'd like to help out more with its development, but are you aware of how long and hard it is to develop this stuff? Your last statement, "...is that too much to ask?" sounds like a lot of whining. Yes, it is too much too ask. Yes, your OS is being supported RIGHT HERE.

I would like to request that you please be patient. It ain't gonna happen just 'cause trailboss wants it. It WILL happen if Warren and the other developers can do it in a reasonable time. But I'm guessing that they are going to want to finish cleaning up 6.0 first. After that, based on how they view the survey results, I'm sure Warren will announce his next plan.

And aside from one statment by you above in "I suppose I need to say more" I see no evidence that you have tried to fix things. It's your box, and you're in charge. You have to be the one that pushes the buttons. So even if you got something from anticapitalista, you would still have to configure it.

I'm not trying to flame you here and I will apologize in advance if you think that is the case. I just want to be clear that, to me, I am seeing complaints by you, but I am not seeing any attempt to fix your situation by you.

Jon

I have tried to do one upgrade and it did not work. And I all I know about GPL is it's free and you can do what you want with it.All I was asking for is a updated version that someone has done. Warren has not updated Mepis lite and everyone knows that. I only want it for me. I can't do it!! period Your blaming me because i'm not a programmer or because I can not make the fixes. Others have done fixs i'm asking about, meaning long time linux users, you make it sound like i'm tring to steal code or sell Mepis lite. All I want it a upgraded Mepis lite. And as far as me setting it up on my domain. I don't think a person with a updated copy would send it to me, threw snail mail, but i'd take it that way, I was only wanting to make it easy for me to get it, by someone uploading it. I don't care if Warren don't undate the lite version, others have and all I want it a copy from anyone. I'm sure alot of linux savvy Mepis lite users has upgraded and added a different windows manager to it. Not me or any person which responds to my listing, is buying or selling or stealing anything. If nobody can help,,,,no problem
Trailboss

Yes, it is "freely available" and you may do with it what you want. You have asked for an updated version and if you are using the older version, a newer version is available at some of the mirror sites. You must make the effort to go get it.

If the upgrade did not work, you were asked to post examples of what did and didn't happen so that others could help you so that the upgrade would work. You have yet to give any more information.

I'm not "blaming" you or accusing you of anything. I don't care whether you are a programmer or not. Warren and his crew are the programmers. Since you have told me that you are not a programmer, I will repeat my request: be patient so the programmers can work. The reason that you like Mepis Lite is because it works for you. The reason that it works for you is that Warren and his bunch have done a good job by not rushing things.

I have made no such accusations of stealing. Yes, you may use the code as you see fit (as long as you keep proper attribution of the code intact). I have said that one of the reasons that Linux works is by sharing and part of the support that you are getting from this forum is "sharing". Anticapitalista has indicated that he cannot yet share the code because it is not his to share. And no, I have made no statements regarding whether you can or cannot sell Mepis Lite. Don't try to get me riled up by making those false claims.

I am not a lawyer, but I believe that it is possible for "anyone" to give or sell you a copy of Mepis (Lite) as long as it is not modified but if it has been modified then that person giving or selling the copy to you is obligated by the GPL to give you (or be able to give to you) the source code. Warren and others appear not to be in a position to give or sell you their changes legally. Now I did not say that you are wanting to "steal" or "sell" it. I am saying that Warren or anticapitalista cannot legally give or sell to you. The obligation is on them not you. They appear to believe that they cannot do that at this time.

Yes, they have. That's what various people have posted about on this thread.

I know you are angry or upset, and definitely frustrated, but please don't try to raise the temperature by claiming that I or anyone else here has said that you or anyone else here is "stealing".

They can. Warren and his group can. Be patient. I have no more suggestions nor solutions. I'm sure others do. I hope you like the newest version(s) of Mepis Lite when they are available.

I shall step out now.

Cheers.

Jon

Jon thanks for clarifying a few points to trailboss.

I think you are right that trailboss is feeling frustrated and no-one is accusing him/her of stealing or hoping to sell a remastered Mepis. I'm sure he/she just would like an up to date MepisLite with xfce as preference.

If trailboss were my neighbour I would willingly give him/her a copy of my remaster to try for personal use or help him/her to remaster his/her own Mepis with xfce.

Due to things like this arising I really hope that Warren will set up some framework where Mepis users can submit remastered versions MepisLite, MepisUltraLite, X(fce)Mepis, GMepis (yeuk) etc etc. From previous postings, Warren seems to be keen on the idea and is in the process of setting it up. Not an easy thing to do as he has to ensure that any remastered distro with Mepis support/blessing or whatever is GPL compliant and doesn't include packages that may cause him (Warren) legal difficulties eg lame.

I would also like to point out that my remastered versions have not changed any source-code at all (I am not a programmer either). It is Mepis6 with some things removed and others added. The whole point of my project was to produce an up to date light Mepis with all the Mepis utilities/tools for ease of use, installation etc for those with boxes with 128MB RAM or even less (if you change Koffice for abiword for example).

Patience is needed trailboss, and I need it too. I would also like to see this happen as quickly as possible, but the ball is not in my court.

In the meantime, if you have Mepis6 installed and it is too heavy for you, install fluxbox or icewm. You can then replace the heavy apps like openoffice for example with lighter ones. It is a lot of hassle, but you will learn a lot and it will be all yours.

anticapitalista

Philosophers have interpreted the world in many ways; the point is to change it.

I think your attempts to start with a Good Linux and make it "gooder" is the same way that the guy who made DamnSmallLinux started. He wanted to see how much could be fit in a small space. Come to think of it, Warren did the same thing!

You are taking Warren's work and adjusting it for size. There are others who are adjusting it for speed.

I like to compare these different ideals (started from the same source) with the larger distros like SUSE, Mandriva, Red Hat, that allow multiple configurations. But they require more questions before you can start (and a larger number of CDs). The other wonderful thing about Debian-based distros is that you can start from a relatively small base and add as much stuff as you want. The downside being, if you only have dial-up, that it can take a looooong time

I look forward to when we can share, compare, contrast, break, fix, and argue over (in a good way) different changes to different packages

Jon

I'm on dialup and you just said it suxs tring to upgrade. And I don't know anyone here where I live that is linux savvy, but i'm gonna look, it's the best Idea or answer I got from my listing. But me reaching out over the net, now seems like the most stupidest idea of all. I'll never ask for anyone to upgrade me anything, (Over the net) but i'll get it done somehow, local, i'm sure if I look, there has to be some linux savvy users here. Why wait on Warren, lite is a closed area, he's moved on, no matter what we say in this forum.
thanks for the replies, this is my last post for this listing and it should die with lite.
Trailboss

Only time will tell if Mepis lite will be there in the future, to breath life to computers.

I installed XFCE and need to know how to install themes? I also want to know if it's the same install for icewm, as I installed it also.
thanks
Trailboss

The best link I can offer you is this:
http://www.xfce.org/index.php?page=documentation&lang=en#faq
but will keep looking for additional information.

"You have two labs?"
"Each has its place. At the university, I try to please the Federal Government. Here, I negotiate with God."

It's like the topic dropped off the face of the earth,
I've spent all day loading and unloading via synaptic
Flux, Xfce, and Icewm.....

No happy endings.....

Mepislite 3.3.1-1 (no betas pls)
and Xfce preconfigured.....

The absolute unchallenged fastest desktop
with a very very fast windowmanager....

Anybody know where the conversation is at this time ??

burdicda

I'm not sure what the issue is here.

I did a fresh install of Mepis Lite on a Toshiba Satellite 4015CDS (266 mhz, 64 mb RAM) over lunch. Naturally, it ran pretty slowly with KDE but it ran.

Went to Synaptic Package Manager, did a search on xfce, selected "install" on the appropriate modules, clicked APPLY, waited a while while things downloaded and installed, exited KDE, selected XFCE-4 under session, logged in, ... and it worked just fine.

Am I missing something?

Don