| Simply MEPIS 6.5 speeds to first release candidate |
Mar. 09, 2007
 Linux distributions are known for evolving quickly, but it looks like MEPIS is trying to set a new speed record. Yesterday, MEPIS announced the release of the feature-complete RC1 (release candidate) of SimplyMEPIS 6.5.
Available for both 32- and 64-bit processors, RC1 includes an improved MEPIS Network Assistant, the latest ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) sound drivers, and various small fixes.
Warren Woodford, MEPIS founder, said in a statement that "The updated MEPIS Network Assistant adds manual configuration for WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) security as an alternative to the automatic configuration via networkmanager." MEPIS has been noted in the past for its good WiFi support, and it seems intent on maintaining that reputation.
The new MEPIS also includes the latest ALSA version, 1.0.14.rc3, which includes support for new sound chips. The company says this will be especially helpful for some MacTel users.
"Due to the hard work of the community," Woodward reported, "a serious issue with desktop performance was brought to my attention. Fortunately they also had the solution. It seems the package that synchronized the GTK theme with the KDE theme was using a lot of processor resource. When I used Firefox on YouTube without the package, I saw a difference of a factor of four." Woodford said that when he "revcovered from the shock," he removed the package from the MEPIS master images and built a custom GTK theme for MEPIS -- a solution which "the community" apparently recommended. According to users, he says, the pairing of Firefox and MEPIS has a much better response time now.
As for minor fixes, the MEPIS Beryl 3D desktop theme was adjusted to be more consistent with the default MEPIS look and feel. MEPIS is also now directly supporting the latest edition of Quicken-substitute GnuCash 2.05. In addition, MEPIS says that the RC1 is compliant with the new Daylight Savings Time regulations, which go into effect this Sunday.
ISO images of RC1 are available for download in the "testing" subdirectory at the MEPIS Subscriber's Site and at the MEPIS public mirrors.
For more information about the features of SimplyMEPIS 6.5, refer to the related stories below, and visit the MEPIS website.
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