Zenwalk 5.0 is here !

Since the conception of Zenwalk the decision was made to focus on simplicity and optimum performance. You will be happy to learn that Zenwalk 5.0 even while being a major release continues to follow those very same principles.

The Zenwalk GNU/Linux OS continues to provide bleeding edge system focusing on optimal performance and ease of use. This latest release now features the 2.6.23.12 Linux kernel, includes modern hardware detection based on HAL, and continues it's tradition of showcasing the powerful XFCE 4.4.2 desktop.

Being a major release, Zenwalk 5.0 introduces several new systems.
Firstly, version 5.0 is the first Zenwalk release to introduce the Freedesktop HAL system (Hardware Abstraction Layer). In the past Zenwalk had provided its own hardware hotplug system, but HAL has now been deemed mature enough to fit within Zenwalk's stability guidelines while giving unbelievable flexibility to hotplug and hardware detection in general. One of the first things you will notice is that icons representing any plugged or removable media and devices will appear on the desktop with a name matching the device or media type. You will also notice the LSHW (Hardware Lister) which provides detailed information on the hardware configuration of the machine. LSHW can also report exact memory configuration, firmware version, mainboard configuration, CPU version and speed, cache configuration, bus speed, etc... To top it all off, all HAL-aware applications, such as Thunar (the XFCE file manager) have been configured to provide new features including custom actions, in example when a camera is wired, and many more.

Noticeable enhancements to Zenwalk found in version 5.0 are the numerous software updates including the latest Xorg 7.3 suite of X servers, drivers, fonts and other software packaged in a modular and easily manageable fashion. Other updates include the latest version of the Iceweasel web browser, the Icedove email client and hundreds more!

Wifi support in Zenwalk 5.0 is probably the very best of what you can expect to find in the GNU/Linux world (according that many cards manufacturers have not yet provided driver specifications to kernel developers). The modern and powerful Wicd wifi-browser and configure application replaces Wifi-radar, while the Intel' (TM) wireless device firmware is provided out of the box.

Following tradition Zenwalk's default desktop environment is based on XFCE, which is now at version 4.4.2 sporting the legendary Zenwalk desktop layout with a completely new artwork design making Zenwalk 5.0 visually and functionally the most sober and elegant release to date. Of course Zenwalk 5.0 adopts the usual "summer-beach-blue-orange" color scheme.

In addition to the hundreds of software packages included in the standard install thousands more can be found in the peer built and tested Zenwalk packaging community repositories hosted on Zenwalk server and mirrors. If there is a software you need and cannot currently find in the repositories a simple request in the support forum will land you a smiling face and a person willing to help you usually in the same day.

Zenwalk's community continues to grow strong and is centered around it's users. The developers of Zenwalk remain always accessible to the public via email and the support forums. Within the Zenwalk community every person is important and there is always an endless stream of people willing to help, discuss new features and share artwork and ideas with.
Zenwalk's public support forum has places for advanced users as well as places for people new to Linux or Zenwalk such as 'Beginners Island' to ensure every problem is addressed.

Zenwalk and it's community provide the best of GNU/Linux software, beautiful artwork, endless system possibilities and support. In short, you need look no further, Zenwalk 5.0 is here.

Have fun :)

JP