View source for PCLinuxOS

{{Short description|Linux distribution}}
{{Update|date=June 2025}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = PCLinuxOS
| logo = PCLinuxOS logo.svg
| logo_size = 80px
| screenshot = PCLinuxOS 2020.10 screenshot.png
| screenshot_size = 280px
| caption = Screenshot of the PCLinuxOS KDE edition
| developer = Bill Reynolds aka "Texstar"
| released = {{Start date and age|2003|10}}
| latest release version = 2023.07
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2023|07|30|df=yes}}
| family = [[Linux]] ([[Unix-like]])
| source model = [[Open-source software|Open source]]
| updatemodel = [[Rolling release]]
| package_manager = [[APT-RPM]]
| supported_platforms = [[x86-64]]
| working state = Current
| kernel type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] ([[Linux kernel|Linux]])
| userland = [[GNU Core Utilities|GNU]]
| ui = {{hlist|[[KDE Plasma Desktop]]|[[MATE (software)|MATE]]|[[XFCE]]}}
| license = Various
}}

'''PCLinuxOS''', often shortened to '''PCLOS''', is a [[rolling release]] [[Linux distribution]] for [[x86-64]] computers, with [[KDE Plasma Desktop|KDE Plasma]], [[MATE (software)|MATE]], and [[XFCE]] as its default user interfaces. It is a primarily [[free software|FOSS]] [[operating system]] for personal computers aimed at ease of use.

==History==
The precursor to PCLinuxOS was a set of [[RPM Package Manager|RPM packages]] created to improve successive versions of Mandrake Linux (later [[Mandriva Linux]]). These packages were created by Bill Reynolds, a packager better known as "Texstar".<ref>{{cite web
  | title = DistroWatch.com: Top Ten Distributions - An overview of today's top distributions
  | url=http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major
  | access-date = 2007-07-03 }}</ref> From 2000 to 2003, Texstar maintained his repository of RPM packages in parallel with the PCLinuxOnline site. In an interview, Texstar said he started PCLinuxOS "to provide an outlet for [his] crazy desire to package [[source code]] without having to deal with egos, arrogance, and politics."<ref name="Linuxblog">{{cite web |date=2005-06-08 |title=Experiment: Interview with Texstar of PCLinuxOS |url=http://linux-blog.org/index.php?/archives/91-Experiment-Interview-with-Texstar-of-PCLinuxOS.html |access-date=2007-07-03 |website=Yet Another Linux Blog |publisher=}}</ref>

In October 2003, Texstar created a [[Fork (software)|fork]] of Mandrake Linux 9.2. Working closely with the Live CD Project, Texstar has since developed that fork independently into a full-fledged distribution. The initial releases were successively numbered as "previews": p5, p7, p8, up to p81a, then p9, p91, p92, and p93.

Although it retains a similar "look and feel" to Mandriva Linux, PCLinuxOS has diverged significantly. The code was officially forked from Mandrake 9.2 into an independent project in 2003. After three years of continuous development, the developers took advantage of further development in (the renamed) Mandriva late in 2006 for PCLinuxOS 2007. In the releases before 2007, it was normally necessary to perform a re-installation.

{{clade sequential
 |1=[[Red Hat Linux]]
 |2=[[DemoLinux]]
 |3=[[ALT Linux]]
 |4={{clade sequential
    |1=[[TinyMe]]
    |2=[[Granular Linux]]
    |3=[[Phinx]]
    |4='''PCLinuxOS'''
    }}
 |5=[[SAM Linux]] → [[SAMity Linux]]
 |6=[[BlackPanther OS]]
 |7=[[OpenSLS]] → [[Annvix]]
 |8=[[Unity Linux (Mandriva fork)|Unity Linux]]
 |9=[[Mageia]]
 |10={{clade
     |1=[[OpenMandriva Lx]]
     |2=[[Mandrake Linux]] → [[Mandriva]]
     }}
 |11=[[ROSA Linux]]
 }}

===PCLinuxOS 2007===
For 2007, PCLinuxOS used a one-time source code snapshot from Mandriva to produce a new independent code base (no longer a fork of Mandriva). This implied a shift to a more modern code, which required a complete reinstallation of this version. The new version featured a new look and built-in 3D effects. A new logo was also designed for the new version and was incorporated into the boot screen. A new login screen was designed, entitled "Dark". The final/official PCLinuxOS 2007 version was released on May 21, 2007.

===PCLinuxOS 2009===
The last version of the 2009 Live CD, PCLinuxOS 2009.2, was released on June 30, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |date=2009-06-30 |title=Distribution Release: PCLinuxOS 2009.2 |url=http://distrowatch.com/?newsid=05560 |access-date=2009-07-31 |website=[[DistroWatch]] }}</ref> Improvements included bug fixes, new backgrounds, sounds, and start-up screen, as well as quicker start-up times. It was the last PCLinuxOS live CD to ship with [[K Desktop Environment 3]], and the last of the PCLinuxOS 2007 backward compatible series.<ref>{{cite web |date=2009-03-22 |title=PCLinuxOS 2009.1 Review |url=http://linuxbsdos.com/2009/03/22/pclinuxos-20091-review/ |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=LinuxBSDos }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ljubuncic |first=Igor |date=2009-03-20 |title=PCLinuxOS 2009.1 - A lovely distro |url=https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/pclinuxos-2009.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407225251/https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/pclinuxos-2009.html |archive-date=2022-04-07 |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=Dedoimedo }}</ref>

Remasters of PCLinuxOS, featuring the Xfce (Phoenix), LXDE (PCLinuxOS-LXDE), and Gnome (PCLinuxOS-Gnome) desktops were also made available.

===PCLinuxOS 2010===
The 2010 version of the Live CD was released on April 19, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-04-20 |title=Distribution Review: PCLinuxOS 2010 |url=http://www.linuxcritic.com/pclinuxos-2010-review/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100424065037/http://www.linuxcritic.com/pclinuxos-2010-review/ |archive-date=2010-04-24 |website=Linux Critic}}</ref> It includes the new KDE SC 4.4.2, a new graphical theme and a new version of the Linux Kernel (Kernel 2.6.32.11). It is also the first PCLinuxOS Live CD to include the [[ext4]] file system support. This version required a complete reinstall of the operating system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PCLinuxOS 2010.12 Gnome - Rushed out too early |url=https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/pclinuxos-2010-2.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=www.dedoimedo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotlight on Linux: PCLinuxOS 2010 {{!}} Linux Journal |url=https://www.linuxjournal.com/content/spotlight-linux-pclinuxos-2010 |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=www.linuxjournal.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PCLinuxOS 2010 - Familiar taste of radical simplicity |url=https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/pclinuxos-2010.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=www.dedoimedo.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Introducing PCLinuxOS 2010 – OSnews |url=https://www.osnews.com/story/23176/introducing-pclinuxos-2010/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=www.osnews.com}}</ref>

While a version of PCLinuxOS that features the GNOME desktop environment was introduced in 2008, the 2010 version is the first one to not only offer the [[KDE Plasma 5|KDE Plasma]] and [[GNOME]] versions, but also versions with [[Xfce]], [[LXDE]], [[Enlightenment (window manager)|Enlightenment]], and [[Openbox]].

===PCLinuxOS 2010.1===
Version 2010.1 was released on May 5, 2010. Changes made since the last version:
* [The] Kernel has been updated to version 2.6.32.12-bfs.
* [[KDE Plasma Desktop]] has been upgraded to version 4.4.3.
* Support has been added for Realtek RTL8191SE/RTL8192SE WiFi cards and Microdia webcams.
* Vim console text editor and udftools have been added.
* Fixed CD-ROM ejection when using the Copy to RAM feature.
* Fixed KDE new widget download. Updated nVIDIA (195.36.24) and ATi fglrx (8.723) drivers.
* Updated all supporting applications and libraries from the software repository which include security updates and bug fixes.<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-05-04 |title=PCLinuxOS 2010.1 KDE 4 Edition |url=https://pclinuxos.com/?p=605 |website=PCLinuxOS}}</ref>

===PCLinuxOS 2011.6===
PCLinuxOS 2011.6 version was released on June 27, 2011.

===PCLinuxOS 2012===
PCLinuxOS 2012.02 version was released on February 22, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ljubuncic |first=Igor |date=2012-12-13 |title=PCLinuxOS 2012.08 review - A thing of the past |url=https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/pclinuxos-2012-08.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Dedoimedo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ljubuncic |first=Igor |date=2012-04-07 |title=PCLinuxOS 2012.02 review - Hope? |url=https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/pclinuxos-2012-2.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Dedoimedo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Arindam |date=2012-09-01 |title=Linuxed - Exploring Linux distros: PCLinuxOS KDE 2012.08 Review: Better than ever! |url=http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.com/2012/09/pclinuxos-kde-201208-review-better-than.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Linuxed - Exploring Linux distros}}</ref> Later another maintenance release was made on August 22, 2012. Major changes compared to the 2011 release are:
* Kernel has been updated to version 3.2
* KDE version 4.8.2
* nVIDIA and ATi fglrx driver support
* KDE Settings set to dark by default

===PCLinuxOS 2013 64-bit===
PCLinuxOS 2013 64-bit first version was released on April 10, 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jesse |date=2013-04-29 |title=DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 505, 29 April 2013 |url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20130429#feature |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Distrowatch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schroder |first=Carla |date=2013-04-25 |title=PCLinuxOS "So Cool Ice Cubes are Jealous" |url=https://www.linux.com/training-tutorials/pclinuxos-so-cool-ice-cubes-are-jealous/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Linux.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Arindam |date=2013-06-23 |title=Linuxed - Exploring Linux distros: PCLinuxOS 2013.06 LXDE Review: Fast, attractive and easy to use Lightweight rolling release distro |url=http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.com/2013/06/pclinuxos-201306-lxde-review-fast.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Linuxed - Exploring Linux distros}}</ref>

It featured:
* Kernel 3.2.18-pclos2.bfs for maximum desktop performance.
* Full KDE 4.10.1 Desktop.
* [[Nvidia|NVIDIA]] and ATi fglrx driver support.
* Multimedia playback support for many popular formats.
* Wireless support for many network devices.
* Printer support for many local and networked printer devices.
* Addlocale: allows you to translate PCLinuxOS into over 60 languages.
* LibreOffice preinstalled.
* LibreOffice Manager can install LibreOffice supporting over 100 languages.
* MyLiveCD allows you to take a snapshot of your installation and burn it to a LiveCD/DVD.
* PCLinuxOS-liveusb – allows you to install PCLinuxOS on a USB key disk.

===PCLinuxOS 2014.7===

The new version was released on July 7, 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jesse |date=2014-09-15 |title=DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 576, 15 September 2014 |url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20140915#feature |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Distrowatch}}</ref>

Features:
* kernel 3.15.4 for maximum desktop performance.
* Full KDE 4.12.3 Desktop.
* [[Nvidia]] and [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] fglrx driver support.
* Multimedia playback support for many popular formats.
* Wireless support for many network devices.
* Printer support for many local and networked printer devices.
* Addlocale allows you to convert PCLinuxOS into over 60 languages.
* LibreOffice Manager can install [[LibreOffice]] supporting over 100 languages.
* MyLiveCD allows you to take a snapshot of your installation and burn it to a LiveCD/DVD.
* PCLinuxOS-liveusb allows you to install PCLinuxOS on a USB key disk.

==Features==
PCLinuxOS places specific emphasis on [[desktop computer|desktop computing]], concentrating its efforts on home or small business environments, hence paying less attention to other more "traditional" uses, like servers, although packages for most server tasks are available.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}}

PCLinuxOS is distributed as a [[Live CD]], which can also be installed on a local [[hard disk drive]] or [[USB flash drive]]. Beginning from version 2009.1 PCLinuxOS provides a USB installer to create a [[Live USB]], where the user's configuration and personal data can be saved if desired.  A live USB of older versions of PCLinuxOS can be created manually or with [[UNetbootin]].<ref>[http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/ UNetbootin - Homepage and Downloads] Retrieved on 2009-5-1</ref> The entire CD can be run from memory, assuming the system has sufficient [[RAM]]. PCLinuxOS uses [[APT-RPM]], based on [[APT (Debian)]], a [[package management system]] (originally from the [[Debian]] distribution), together with [[Synaptic Package Manager]], a [[Graphical user interface|GUI]] to APT, to add, remove or update [[Modular programming|packages]]. If there is enough memory on the machine, and an active network connection, the Live CD can update packages. PCLinuxOS is also designed to be easy to [[Software remastering|remaster]] after installation, creating one's personalized Live CD, using the [[List of remastering software|mylivecd]] tool.

PCLinuxOS maintains its software repository, available via the Advanced Packaging Tool (APT) and its Synaptic front-end, completely replacing Mandriva's [[urpmi]]. This means that an installation could be continuously updated to the latest versions of packages, hence sometimes forgoing the need to re-install the entire distribution upon each successive release. Other differences include its menu arrangement, custom graphics and icon sets.

===End of official support for 32-bit version===
On May 10, 2016, main developer Texstar announced<ref>{{cite tweet|user=iluvpclinuxos|author=pclinuxos|number=730077720957198343|date=10 May 2016|title=Official announcement since some don't seem to want to accept what I've been saying for the past 6 mos. PCLOS 32bit is dead dead dead!}}</ref> the end of support for 32-bit versions of PCLinuxOS.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-05-12 |title=PCLInuxOS Dropped 32-bit Support |url=https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=showheadline&story=462 |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Distrowatch}}</ref> As a result, 32-bit ISOs of the distribution, official 32-bit package updates, and forum support became unavailable. While this doesn't prevent unofficial support, following the announcement only 64-bit ISO images and package updates are available through the official webpage and channels.

== Other versions ==
There are several community projects associated with PCLinuxOS.

===[[Trinity (desktop environment)|Trinity]] edition===
The Trinity edition of PCLinuxOS comes in two flavors. "Mini" is a minimalist ISO intended for those who want to customize their desktop with only the programs they want. "Big Daddy", on the other hand, comes with many programs pre-installed, including, but not limited to multimedia codecs and office software.

===[[LXQt]] edition===
The LXQt edition on PCLinuxOS comes with LXQt's suite of applications and several third-party applications pre-installed.

===[[KDE Plasma 4|KDE4]] FullMonty (FM) edition (Discontinued)===
KDE FullMonty (Live & Install DVD) was a regular PCLinuxOS KDE4 installation but was modified to include a special desktop layout and many additional applications and drivers preinstalled. PCLinuxOS officially discontinued the FullMonty edition in 2017 due to KDE developers discontinuing support for KDE4.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-30 |title=Distribution Release - KDE4: FullMonty DVD edition |url=https://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,73118.0.html |access-date=2023-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930111335/http://www.pclinuxos.com/forum/index.php/topic,73118.0.html |archive-date=2018-09-30 }}</ref>

===Third-party distributions===

Because PCLinuxOS includes the [[mklivecd]] script, there have been several third-party distributions over the years based on PCLinuxOS, though they are permitted to mention that connection only if they follow strict guidelines.

==Release history==
Almost all major releases have been accompanied by new boot-up and login screens, along with some changes in icon sets, and login sounds.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-----
! | Version
! | Date
|-
|2023.07 KDE, MATE, and XFCE<ref>{{Cite web |title=PCLinuxOS 2023.07 Release » PCLinuxOS |url=https://www.pclinuxos.com/?p=5601 |access-date=2023-08-01}}</ref>
|July 30, 2023
|-
|2022.12 KDE, MATE, and XFCE
|December 12, 2022
|-
|2022.01 KDE, MATE, and XFCE<ref>{{Cite web|title=Distrowatch|url=https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=pclinuxos|access-date=2022-03-01|website=distrowatch.com}}</ref>
|January 8, 2022
|-
|2021.11 KDE, MATE, and XFCE<ref>{{Cite web|title=FTP archive directory /os/Linux/distr/pclinuxos/pclinuxos/live-cd/64bit/|url=https://ftp.nluug.nl/os/Linux/distr/pclinuxos/pclinuxos/live-cd/64bit/|access-date=2021-11-07|website=ftp.nluug.nl}}</ref>
|November 5, 2021
|-
| 2020.1015 KDE || October 15, 2020
|-
| 2020.01 KDE || January 14, 2020
|-
| 2019.06 KDE<ref name="lastrelease201906">{{Cite web |date=2019-06-17 |title=PCLinuxOS 2019.06 latest Stable Release is ready for Download |url=https://www.linuxtechnews.com/pclinuxos-2019-06-latest-stable-release-is-ready-for-download |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714145854/https://www.linuxtechnews.com/pclinuxos-2019-06-latest-stable-release-is-ready-for-download/ |archive-date=2019-07-14 |website=LinuxTechNews}}</ref>|| June 16, 2019
|-
| 2018.06 MATE<ref name="lastreleasemate">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pclinuxos.com/get-pclinuxos/mate/ |title=Mate Desktop » PCLinuxOS |access-date=2018-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828012319/http://www.pclinuxos.com/get-pclinuxos/mate/ |archive-date=2018-08-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> || June 1, 2018
|-
| 2018.06 KDE<ref name="lastrelease">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pclinuxos.com/get-pclinuxos/kde/ |title=KDE Desktop » PCLinuxOS |access-date=2018-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819203209/https://www.pclinuxos.com/get-pclinuxos/kde/ |archive-date=2018-08-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> || June 1, 2018
|-
| 2017.07 KDE<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ljubuncic |first=Igor |date=2017-11-04 |title=PCLinuxOS 2017.07 KDE - Majestic and horrible |url=https://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/pclinuxos-2017-07.html |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Dedoimedo}}</ref>|| July 2017
|-
| 2017.03 MATE 64 Bit<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jesse |date=2017-04-10 |title=DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 707, 10 April 2017 |url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20170410#pclinuxos |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Distrowatch}}</ref>|| March 17, 2017
|-
| 2017.03 KDE Plasma 5 64 Bit || March 2, 2017
|-
| 2017.02 KDE Plasma 5, MATE 64 Bit || February 10, 2017
|-
| 2016.07 MATE 64 Bit || July 6, 2016
|-
| 2016.03 KDE, FullMonty 64 Bit<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Jesse |date=2016-03-28 |title=DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 654, 28 March 2016 |url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20160328#pclinuxos |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Distrowatch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2016/06/an-everyday-linux-user-review-of_23.html |title=An Everyday Linux User Review Of PCLinuxOS 2016 MATE |access-date=2018-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141828/http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2016/06/an-everyday-linux-user-review-of_23.html |archive-date=2018-06-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref> || March 8, 2016
|-
| 2014.12 KDE, FullMonty, KDE, LXDE and MATE 32 & 64 bit||  December 18, 2014
|-
| 2013.12 KDE, FullMonty, MiniMe, LXDE and MATE 32 & 64 bit||  December 3, 2013
|-
| 2013.7 KDE 32 & 64 bit||  July 17, 2013
|-
| 2013.7 LXDE 32 & 64 bit||  July 7, 2013
|-
| 2013.7 Mate 32 & 64 bit||  July 15, 2013
|-
| 2013.7 KDE-MiniME 32 & 64 bit||  July 7, 2013
|-
| 2013.7 Mate 32 & 64 bit||  July 3, 2013
|-
| 2013.6 Full Monty 64 bit||  June 17, 2013
|-
| 2013.6 LXDE 64 bit||  June 17, 2013
|-
| 2013.4 64 bit||  April 10, 2013
|-
| 2013.4 ||  April 4, 2013
|-
| 2013.2 ||  February 1, 2013
|-
| 2012.8 ||  August 22, 2012
|-
| 2012.2 ||  February 2, 2012
|-
| 2011.9 ||  September 23, 2011
|-
| 2011.6 || June 27, 2011
|-
| 2010.12 || December 15, 2010
|-
| 2010.10 || October 28, 2010
|-
| 2010.7 || July 5, 2010
|-
| 2010.1 || May 5, 2010
|-
| 2010 || April 19, 2010
|-
| 2009.2 || June 30, 2009
|-
| 2009.1 || March 11, 2009
|-
| 2008 "MiniMe" || January 7, 2008
|-
| P.94 "2007" || May 21, 2007
|-
| P.93a "Big Daddy" || August 21, 2006
|-
| P.93a "Junior" || August 9, 2006
|-
| P.93a "MiniMe" || August 4, 2006
|-
| P.93 "MiniMe" || April 21, 2006
|-
| P.92 || November 21, 2005
|-
| P.91 || July 7, 2005
|-
| P.81a || 2005
|-
| P.8 || 2005
|-
| P.7 || 2004
|-
| P.5 || 2004
|-
|Original Release || October 2003
|}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Free and open-source software|Linux}}
* [[APT-RPM]]
* [[Mandriva Linux]]
* [[Rolling release]]
* [https://www.pclosdebian.com/home/about/ PCLinuxOS Debian Edition]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [http://pclosmag.com/ PCLinuxOS Magazine]
* {{DistroWatch|pclinuxos|NAME=PCLinuxOS}}

{{Linux distributions}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pclinuxos}}
[[Category:Linux distributions offering KDE desktop environment]]
[[Category:Live CD]]
[[Category:Live USB]]
[[Category:Mandriva Linux]]
[[Category:Operating system distributions bootable from read-only media]]
[[Category:RPM-based Linux distributions]]
[[Category:Linux distributions without systemd]]
[[Category:X86-64 Linux distributions]]
[[Category:Rolling release Linux distributions]]
[[Category:Linux distributions]]