Just what is up with PCLinuxOS anyway?

PClinuxOS is a Linux distribution that gets mentioned quite a bit actually. It often is mentioned in the same breath and at the same table when we discuss the "big boy" or commercially supported distributions, like ubuntu, Fedora, OpenSuse, etc...

This is pretty good when considering that PCLinuxOS is not commercially funded or supported in any way. Of course, they are not alone in that regard, Debian and Mint, Gentoo and others are not commercially supported either.

There is something about PCLinuxOS that keeps it at the forefront of discussion though. It has an appeal to many users and enjoys community support like only a few active distros ever see.

First of all, let's take it's basic position. At it's roots, the originator and lead developer of PCLinuxO, often known as "Texstar", did something that was a step away from most other distros.

He followed the advice that one should "do one thing and do it well".

PCLinuxOS is a home/user desktop. That's it's primary focus and intention. Every aspect of it is geared toward and directed at being just that.

So many other distros in Linux follow a somewhat cardboard cutout plan that says a Linux distro must be everything to everyone. They include in their repositories and offerings every kind of application that could possibly be available.

From business apps to servers and web apps, to school apps and games and educational programs and music editing, video editing, CAD and artistic design, etc... Every kind of app under the Linux sun is made available.


When people discuss the "confusion" of what apps to pick from, this is part of that predicament. This inclusion of not just so many presentations of one type of app, but the selection from so many user markets as well.

Texstar started out different. I have watched the development of PCLinuxOS since I first discovered it at release 0.92

It really was a marvel at that early point in it's development because it positively shined as a home user desktop. Considerations were made both cosmetically and functionally to be one of the best performing nd best "out of the box" Linux user experiences around. To this day, the only other distro I have seen accomplish that feat is Mint. A standout distro by anyone's standards.

Other distros come close and are even now beginning to be able to match it, but from it's inception, PCLinuxOS was ahead of it's time.

One of the main reasons for that is Texstar and his helpers focused almost solely on it's intended purpose. They did not try to throw everything in. The servers, the business apps and the special video and graphical apps. They searched for those apps they knew would be most used and most appreciated by the majority of users. Those apps that would be used by 75% or more of home and "general" users.

Because of that focus and attention to detail, PCLinuxOS has become known for it's presentation. It's forward looking and user focused "heart'. It has heart, I think that is exactly the word I want to use.

If one reads through the user forums and reviews, the people who use PCLinuxOS aren't, for the most part, just content with it's performance or delighted with it's image and presentation.

They are Proud. They actually feel pride and take a bit of ownership in their choice of distro. They are pleased as punch to wait until Tex and the development team release an updated ISO, because they know that due to PCLinuxOS having a rolling repo, they will soon benefit from those new pkgs as well without having to do a new install at all. They reap the benefits of patience.

Waiting for a team who epitomizes the old wine commercial that proclaimed " there will be no wine before it's time."

The majority of users of PCLinuxOS perpetuate a notion of this distro as being "refined'. It offers a customized presentation of a KDE desktop environment and carries with it tools it inherited from it's origins in Mandriva, chiefly the PCLinuxOS Control Center.

The artwork in PCLinuxOS is widely and often proclaimed as inspired and artistic.Often having an overall look that is well coordinated, sleek and pleasurable to view as default artwork goes. Most people will customize things like wallpapers and iconsets ,etc to their preference anyway.

Another sterling example of utility within PCLinuxOS is it's use of "remasterme" a tool that makes use of "mklivecd" and allows a user to install PCLinuxOS, customize it to their preference, install those apps and files they feel are "must haves" as a starting point for their needs then 'remaster' or make an installable duplicate of their customized version of PCLinuxOS.

So if one were ever in the need to reinstall for any reason, or to provide a common, customized install to several computers in their area, it can be accomplished by using that remaster instead of customizing each one individually.

There have been users who have tried PCLinuxOS and not found it to their personal interests. If one reads the list of complaints, it is that they do not want to be patient and wait for what is waiting in the wings. Moreso, they are seeking immediate gratification in their search for the latest, greatest in apps and features. For those who are seeking the newest and "bleeding edge" in Linux offerings, they are not content for the methodical, slower pace of PCLinuxOS.

The one thing that Linux as a whole promises and delivers on is choice. There are several hundred "distros" or remasters of distros made to appeal to wide market groups and very specific ones.

I liken it to cheese or wine perhaps. You can walk into a store and buy a perfectly good cheddar or 'american' cheese. it doesn't cost a lot and it gives you what you want. that taste of cheese. Then some people who like a particular taste or flair will look into a good swiss or ricotta perhaps. There are not only several types of cheese, but several qualities of it as well. You can buy a $4.00 swiss or you can buy a $20.00 piece of Swiss that is the same size, but of a different 'quality' or taste.

Linux distros can be said to be similar. There are those that are "common" which try to appeal to the widest group of people and uses possible, thereby extending their reach and 'popularity'.

There are others who specialize. They offer a focus on a specific area or group that takes time, consideration and creativity. the focus of these 'specialty' distros isn't to gain the broadest acceptance or common usage. They are appealing to a particular, smaller segment of the community who is seeking a unique and more focused experienced.

I believe PCLinuxOS falls into this latter category. It isn't that they are trying to ignore any specific group or segment of the larger Linux community, but instead put a fine point on what they want to offer. Because there will be such a fine point, it will be of appeal to a more limited number of people.

But those people will not just value it and appreciate what it offers. They will embrace it because it meets some special interest to them. Something that the others do not.

Much the same can be said about Apple computers, their community and users. Those who use Apple don't just "use' them, they embrace them.

Before I finish, there are those who will take this discussion out of context and try to say I am describing 'elitism' here. When in actuality, elitism describes those who think they or what they have is "better" than everyone else around them.

What I am describing is 'Pride'. The level of appreciation for something that so uniquely fills a need that is not commonly found as to make someone think it is "custom made" for them.

PCLinuxOS offers that 'Pride' to it's users.