Solus

Overview

Solus is a free, open source Linux distribution designed for home desktop computing. It is independently developed and is not based on other distributions (such as Ubuntu or Arch). It is based on the Linux kernel, supports the x86_64 architecture, and provides four desktop versions: Budgie (flagship desktop environment), GNOME, KDE Plasma and MATE. Solus uses the eopkg package manager (based on Pardus Linux's PiSi), adopts a rolling update model (Rolling Release), and updates the stable repository every Friday to ensure that users continue to get security and software updates. Solus emphasizes user-friendliness, performance optimization and beautiful interface. The goal is to provide a smooth experience for personal computer users. It does not contain enterprise or server-specific software.

History and Development

• Origin:
  • Solus was originally named Evolve OS, founded by Ikey Doherty in 2013 and renamed Solus in 2015.
  • Solus 1.0 "Shannon" was released on December 27, 2015, named after the Irish river (such as Shannon River), and subsequent versions continued this naming tradition (see Web Result 0).
• Development history:
  • 2016: Solus 1.2 (September 2016) introduced a rolling update model, and 1.2.1 (October 2016) was the last fixed version.
  • 2019-2021: Solus 4 "Fortitude" series (2019-2021) was released, optimizing Budgie 10.5.2, new hardware support and software stack.
  • 2023: Solus 4.4 "Harmony" (July 2023) was released to enhance the desktop environment and hardware compatibility.
  • 2024-2025: Plans to explore reconstruction based on Serpent OS and continue rolling updates.
  • X post says "Solus 4.4's Budgie desktop is incredibly smooth".
• Community and support:
  • Maintained by the Solus team and community, hosted on getsol.us and GitHub.
  • Provides forums (discuss.getsol.us), Google+, IRC and X communities.
• Open source license:
  • Adopts GNU GPL v2 (core components), MIT and other free software licenses.

Main features

Solus is known for its user-friendliness, performance optimization and beautiful desktop, suitable for home desktops and development environments. Here are its main features:

1. Desktop environment
   • Budgie (Flagship):
     • A modern desktop developed by Solus, similar to macOS, integrated with Raven (notification and settings center).
     • Provides smooth animations and taskbars (Budgie Panel).
   • Other desktops:
     • GNOME: modern desktop experience.
     • KDE Plasma: suitable for customization enthusiasts.
     • MATE: lightweight, suitable for old hardware.
2. eopkg package management
   • Features:
     • PiSi based on Pardus Linux, fast, supports source code and binary installation.
   • Tools:
     • ypkg: converts the build process into package operations.
     • ferryd: binary repository manager.
3. Rolling update model
   • Features:
     • Update the stable repository every Friday, without worrying about the system reaching the end of its life cycle.
     • "Curated Rolling Release", more conservative than Arch Linux's "cutting-edge update", reduces the risk of crashes.
4. Default software
   • Pre-installed software:
     • Firefox: fast and secure browser.
     • Celluloid: video player.
     • Rhythmbox: music and podcast management.
     • Files: file manager.
5. Ease of use
   • Live USB:
     • No installation required to try.
   • Graphical installation:
     • Uses Calamares installer, similar to Garuda Linux.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• User-friendly:
  • Budgie desktop and Calamares installer simplify operations, suitable for Linux novices.
  • X post said "Solus's Budgie is as intuitive as a Mac".
• Rolling updates:
  • Continuous updates, no need to reinstall, better than Ubuntu's fixed version.
• Performance optimization:
  • Fast startup and shutdown speed, better than Ubuntu 15.10.
• Beautiful interface:
  • Budgie provides a modern and smooth desktop experience.
• Independent development:
  • Not dependent on other distributions, strong innovation.

Limitations

• Resource usage:
  • Budgie and KDE Plasma require higher hardware (minimum 4GB RAM, recommended 8GB+).
• Software Ecosystem:
  • The number of eopkg packages is less than Arch (80,000+) and FreeBSD (30,000+).
  • Solution: Use Flatpak or Snap to supplement the software.
• Community size:
  • Smaller than Ubuntu and Arch, with limited commercial support.
• Server support:
  • Focused on desktop, not suitable for enterprise-level servers (such as database clusters).

Summary

Solus is a free, open source Linux distribution designed for home desktops, independently developed, and provides Budgie, GNOME, KDE Plasma and MATE desktop environments. It adopts eopkg package management and rolling update model, emphasizing user-friendliness and beautiful interface. Solus is more suitable for desktop development and multimedia presentation.