Introduction

This is the KDE Community Edition for Linux Mint 5, codename Elyssa,based on Daryna and compatible with Ubuntu Hardy and its repositories.

The packages and kernel were updated to be on par with Ubuntu 8.04.1.

List of new features

1. mintUpdate improvements

MintUpdate was introduced inDaryna and quickly became one of the most popular tools on the LinuxMint desktop. It came to our attention that a lot of people weren'taware of how it worked internally (for instance, the difference betweenits user and admin runtime modes). For this reason we developed aninformation screen from which the active logs can be read, and theruntime mode and process id can be seen.

The auto-refresh feature is now more flexible. You can configure itto the minute but now also all the way up to a year.

Whenyou log in and mintUpdate starts in user mode it now checks for anInternet connection. If none is found it waits for 30 seconds beforeretrying to connect and eventually reporting the lack of connection.This new feature is particularly interesting for people whoseconnection to the Internet is activated at log in and sometimes aftermintUpdate is started.

You can now manually refreshmintUpdate, and directly access its preferences and information screensby right clicking on the icon in the system tray.

A mintUpdateinstance running in admin mode kills all other instances of mintUpdate.One running in user mode is only allowed to start if no admin-modemintUpdate is already running. In a multi-user environment this createdproblems. MintUpdate now fails quietly in user mode and running it fromthe menu (admin mode) takes priority over all other instances.

2. mintInstall improvements

.mint files can be quitecomplex as there's almost nothing you can do in a terminal that a .mintfile can't do. In practice though, 99% of the .mint files present inthe Software Portal consist in describing the installation of anapplication using APT. Most of these files describe the installation ofonly one package, and in most cases this package is present in thedefault repositories. In Daryna mintInstall used to backup the localsources.list, define its own, and then restore things as they were.This resulted in APT being told to update twice. In Elyssa, themintInstall client checks if the packages are present within therepositories defined on your system, if they are the client gives youthe choice of whether you want to use your sources.list ("localrepositories") or the one coming with the file ("defaultrepositories"). The default selection is "local" and as it basicallysaves 2 APT updates the installation of the application via mintInstallis consequently much faster.

The search dialog now supportsthe GetDeb.net software portal. GetDeb uses raw DEB packages and nometa-information so downloads can be slow and dependencies (if any)won't be solved automatically, but it features packages that aren'tavailable anywhere else on the Internet. The portal can be searcheddirectly from mintInstall and the installation of the .DEB packages ishandled by GDebi.

The search dialog now also supports APTitself. This is a convenient shortcut as mintInstall is much lighterthan synaptic and more user friendly than the APT command lineutilities. From mintInstall you can now search for a particularpackage, show its description (which also lists the files it contains)or even install it.

Improvements were made to the layout andthe navigation within the Linux Mint Software Portal. A batch .mintmaker was developed and the portal should feature about 10 times moreapplications than it did for Daryna. Applications are also organized insub-categories and almost all of them now come with a screenshot.

Release-specificinformation was moved to a new package called mintsystem, somintInstall is now release agnostic. This should make it easier forfuture versions of mintInstall to be backported on older releases oreven used on compatible distributions (all distributions directly orindirectly based on Debian Testing or Debian Unstable).

3. Desktop improvements

MP3 could be decoded out of thebox in Daryna. In Elyssa you can now also encode in this format withouthaving to install any extra codecs.

Making things easier onthe desktop means you don't need to rely on the terminal that often.But don't get us wrong, we do like our terminal! It's faster, more tothe point, and the commands (not like the buttons and menus ingraphical interfaces) are the same no matter what language you use.With each release of Linux Mint we improve the user experience with theterminal and this time we've added two things...

... morecolors (see how the results of the grep are highlighted and how userand root modes use green and red so you know exactly in which mode youare?) ...

... and as it wasn't enough for the terminal toshow light-hearted fortunes, we now have them said by a koala, a moose,or even Tux himself! (Don't worry, if you don't like this you can turnit off in mintAssistant, in fact it's one of the first thing you'll beasked by Linux Mint once it's on your hard drive.).

Mintupload's email feature was removed and replaced with a "Copy"button, which simply copies the shared URL to the buffer.

4. Performance improvements

MintUpdate was refactored andits memory usage was drastically reduced. On some systems the amount ofRAM used by mintUpdate after a few days went from 100MB to 6MB.

Mozilla also greatly improved the memory usage in Firefox betweenversion 2 and 3 (Read more).

Elyssa comes with kernel version 2.6.24 which features a brand newscheduler called CFS (Completely Fair Scheduler, Read more).The kernel scheduler is responsible for the CPU time allocated to eachprocess. With CFS the rules have changed. Without proper benchmarksit's hard to actually tell the consequences of this change but thedifference in behavior is quite noticeable from a user's point of view.Some tasks seem slower, but overall the system feels much snappier.

LinuxMint is growing and acquired a second dedicated server. The Linux Mintrepositories (starting from Elyssa) are now hosted on a distinct serverso updating and installing mint packages is now much faster.

5. Better Localization and documentation

All Mint toolswere internationalized and are being actively translated by thecommunity. 11 languages are already fully supported. The most importanttools (mintInstall, mintUpdate, mintMenu) already support 21 languages.Members of the community also translate the User Guide, which isalready available in 4 languages.

The Firefox start page nowbrings news directly from the development team, links to the releasenotes and to the User Guide. Security warnings and major announcementswill also take place on the start page which acts as an informationgateway between the development team and the Linux Mint community ofusers.

6. More software available

Linux Mint 5 Elyssa is supported by CNR.com which featurescommercial services and applications which are not available via thetraditional channels.

The Software Portalintroduced in Linux Mint 4.0 Daryna is receiving more focus as itrepresents the easiest way to install applications. About 10 times moreapplications were made available for Linux Mint 5 Elyssa.

The way we handle repositorieshas changed and we're now in a position to take advantage of thesections introduced in Linux Mint 4.0 Daryna. For instance, we activelyimport packages within the "import" section. The community is alsoallowed to provide packages for the distribution which are added to the"community" section (Note: The community section is commented out bydefault in /etc/apt/sources.list).

7. Changes in the default software selection

A new Minttool called mintBackup was developed and added to Elyssa. This toolprovides an easy way to save the content of your home folder into asingle .backup file. You can then restore this content later on orsomewhere else by double clicking on it (provided mintBackup isinstalled on the target system).

EnvyNG replaces Envy Legacy (which was simply called "Envy").

PPPOE was added.

8. Upstream improvements

Linux Mint 5 Elyssa comes with KDE 3.5.9

Ifyou're behind a proxy you'll be happy to know that Ubuntu improved theUbiquity installer. You can now define your proxy settings in theadvanced section.

Upstream improvements from Ubuntu include the addition of aneasy-to-use command line firewall called "ufw".

Other important upstream improvements come from OpenOffice 2.4,Firefox 3, Linux 2.6.24and Xorg 7.3.

Known issues

• The release notes link on the first page of the installer do notopen Firefox.
• If you use a separate partition for /boot you will not get agraphical boot. To fix this copy /etc/grub/message.mint to /boot/grub/edit /boot/grub/menu.lst and chage gfxboot=/grub/message.mint
• Because of compatibility problems PulseAudio was not included inthis release.
• Because of lack of time and resources the Mint tools come withGTK interfaces instead of the planned native QT interfaces.
• Because of compatibility problems between KDE and GTK.StatusIcon(systray) and the way it handles transparency GTK apps are not renderedwith the QT theme.

Install with an old home partition

• Boot off the live DVD
• Start the install
• At the partitioning screen choose manual
• Format the old / partition, now called /media/sda?
• Set the old / partition to be the new /
• Next
• Continue to the end and start the install
• After the install has finished reboot the system
• Login
• Open a terminal window to setup your old /home partition
• Check your partitions (df -h)
• Check your old /home partition for home directories (ls/media/sda?)
• Un-mount your old /home partition (sudo umount /media/sda?)
• Update your /etc/fstab file to mount your old /home at boot (sudovi /etc/fstab (or use another editor))
• add the /home partition for /media/sda? to /home
• save and exit
• Reboot to have your old /home back again
• Remember if you want to reset an applications config or KDE's,delete the application's hidden config file/directory in you homedirectory. eg rm -rf /home/boo/.kde
• Your sound will no longer work. To fix open up kmix, check youroutput is not muted or the level is set to low and check the PCM level(I had to nearly max mine out).

Many items are available on a variety of media.  Below in more information about these options:

In addition to optical CD/DVDs, USB Flash Drives are very popular.  They can be used in nearly any computer built since 1999, and are very useful on newer netbooks and computers without optical drives.

There are currently two major types of USB Flash Drives we currently use.  The standard USB 2.0 drives from Kingston shown on the left, and the next generation USB 3.0 Flash Drives from ADATA shown on the right.
 
Both types of drives can be used in any USB port from the early 1.1 specifications of the late 1990s through to the latest USB 3.0 specifications that came out in 2010.  The only practical difference between the two is their speed when plugged into a USB 3.0 port, which allows the ADATA USB 3.0 Drives to save data at 2-3 times faster, and read 5-6 times faster than the Kingston USB 2.0 Flash Drives.

The Mobility Kit, shown here on the left, consists of a small "Micro" SD Card which inserts into a small USB Flash Drive adapter, or standard SD adapter. This allows it to also be used as a standard SD Card, or USB 2.0 Flash Drive. This is a great option if you want to be able to use it in the widest variety of computers and hand-held devices, or if you just want a nearly invisible USB Flash Drive that doesn't stick out.

When ordering flash media it is strongly recommended to select either the Priority Mail or Express Mail delivery option.  Although you are allowed to select first class mail at checkout time, we will not replace any items lost in the Postal System.  In most instances undelivered orders are returned to us and we can contact the customer, let them know, and arrange re-shipment, but not always. Priority and Express Mail packages can be tracked Online so if something goes wrong we can track them down.

32 Bit, and x86 refer to Intel, and Intel Compatible, computers. These include computers using Intel, AMD, and VIA processors.

64 bit, x86_64, and AMD64 designations refer to a 64-bit extension to the existing x86 architecture. A 64 Bit Intel, or Intel Compatible, computer can run either a standard 32 bit operating system, or a 64 bit optimized version.

The performance gain from using a 64 bit operating system is virtually imperceptible in most instances. Where we could possibly notice a difference would be when the computer is under a heavy load such as when running high-end applications which may require massive system resources, or a highly over-tasked Internet Server. This is because the majority of the performance gain is due to the road the internal data travels on being twice as wide as on 32 Bit hardware, as well as newer/faster hardware that supports it. In normal computing environments, very little performance increase can be attributed to the CPUs enhanced 64 bit instruction set itself.

One remaining drawback to using a 64 bit operating system is that there are still instances where hardware support or software may not be available.

PowerPC, often abbreviated as PPC, was used by Apple's Macintosh lines from 1994 to 2006 (before Apple's transition to Intel). If you have an older Apple, or Apple Compatible, computer from this time period look for products offering PPC options.

Software:

The computer type option on software pages (not operating systems) is fairly easy to select. Just match the computer type with the operating system installed on your computer. If you are not sure if you have a 32 or 64 bit installation use one of the methods below:

• Microsoft has a guide for Windows 2000 and newer versions: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;827218 All older versions of Windows are all 32 bit.
  

• Under Linux run uname -a in a terminal window.
  

• Computers without a working operating system: Pay attention to the display when the computer is turned on, it will normally show one of the designations listed above. Otherwise you may need to press whatever key it tells you to use to enter the BIOS (AKA startup options). Once in the BIOS the type of CPU should be displayed.

Basic Shipping Info:

Orders are processed in the order in which they are received, not based upon the shipping option selected during checkout.

We do not work weekends or holidays.  Any other times the office may be closed will be posted on the shopping cart page so that no orders are placed without prior knowledge of possible delays.

Basic Shipping Costs:

(note: Orders of 3 or more items will be slightly more. Their actual cost is shown during checkout.)

• USPS First-Class Mail to US addresses - $2.07US for 1 disc in basic package, $2.36 for 2 discs. Delivery for most addresses is within 4 business days. Military and outlying possessions may be longer.

• First Class Mail International to Canada - $2.07US for 1 disc in basic package, $2.36 for 2 discs. Most orders will arrive within 7 business days, but a minimum of two weeks should be allowed for shipping.

• First Class Mail International to anywhere else in the World - $3.30US for 1 disc in basic package, $3.55 for 2 discs. Most orders will arrive within 2 weeks, but consideration should be given to the distance, Customs and the postal service in your country.

Flash Drive Shipping:

Flash Drives,  SD Cards, and CF Cards are ordered from distribution weekly, and normally ship from On-Disk.com in anywhere from 1-7 days.

When ordering flash media it is strongly recommended to select either the Priority Mail or Express Mail delivery option.  Although you are allowed to select first class mail at checkout time, we will not replace any items lost in the Postal System.  In most instances undelivered orders are returned to us and we can contact the customer, let them know and arrange re-shipment, but not always. Priority and Express Mail packages can be tracked Online so if something goes wrong we can track them down.

Returns and Exchanges:

Every order placed at On-Disk.com is a custom made product.  We make it specifically for you after you order it.  With this in mind, once the media has been created it can not be returned, exchanged or canceled. Certain exceptions can be made depending upon the circumstances.  This is left up to the sole discretion of On-Disk.com

Replacement Guarantee:

If a disk or other media arrives at your location and is un-readable due to shipping damage or quality of the burn and or data load, we will replace the damaged items. If the damage is due to shipping, we may ask that you return the items to us in it's original packaging so that we can asses our shipping procedures to ensure disks arrive at their location safely. If it's not apparent that un-readable media was damaged in shipping it may be returned in any appropriate media packaging.

There is no Replacement Guarantee for free Quick Ship discs, or other free promotional or courtesy items we may periodically offer throughout the year. We simply don't have the manpower to help troubleshoot or re-send free disc products.

21-Day Limit:

You must notify us within 21 days (3 weeks) from the ship-to date if there are any problems with your order. There will be no refunds or replacements made after 21 days.

If you're not sure what the ship date is, you'll find it within your order history. Simply visit the "My Account" link at the top of this page.

Help Ordering:

If you need help ordering please contact us so that we may assist.

More Information:

If you need more information about a product please contact the product Developer.  Their homepage information will be linked to from the Developer box in the menu on the left.

In some instances items are added to our catalog per customer request.  In such instances there will be no Developer Info box showing in the menu on the left, and any product information included in the listing was found on the product developers website, which you may want to visit for updated information. These Custom Requested listings are not maintained or updated by On-Disk.com.

Technical Support Options:

No-cost technical advice and support is available for nearly any piece of software, including operating systems. In many instances you will also have support available locally. The key is to know these options exist, and have enough basic information to be able to find them.
 
Whether looking for assistance with a computer operating system, or software running on the computer, there are outstanding free options available.
 
The first place we can begin seeking help is Online. Most operating system and software developers have Online forums in place specifically to assist you. These Online support forums allow you live and on-demand access to a wide range of technical guidance from industry experts. You can usually find support forums by visiting the developer's website. In some cases you can just do an internet search for the item you are needing help with, followed by the word "forum" to find relevant information. In most instances, for the products we have available, a link is provided for you under the "Support" tab on the listing page for that particular item.
 
The advantage of support forums is in the numbers and expertise...your situation can be viewed by many people, and only one needs to know the answer for you to find a solution. Online support forums are also followed, in most instances, by those who actually write the piece of software, or have a hand in developing the operating system. These folks are the "real-deal", not just an hourly paid employee on the other end of a phone somewhere.
 
Nearly every Linux, BSD, and Open Solaris distribution has a user forum to help with any problems that may come up. There are also several very good general content forums such as :http://www.linuxquestions.org and the Nixcraft Linux Tech Support Forum - great places to get help with just about every operating system other than Microsoft Windows, as well as applications that run on them. For the more technically adventurous there are forums such as The UNIX and Linux Forums and http://www.unixforum.co.uk/.
 
MAC users have the great MAC OSX support forum available to them, as well as the Apple Discussions, and MAC Forums.

And don't feel left out if you use Microsoft Windows, you have Online support forums at your disposal as well, but you do need to be on the lookout for forums created just to sell you antivirus or spyware solutions. The most reputable is the Microsoft Forums. For assistance with a non-microsoft product under Windows you may sometimes get better results at other locations such as the Tech Support Forums.
 
Another great place to get free technical support is through local user groups. Since the early days of computing groups of people have been getting together to explore all the geeky things they can do with their computers. In the past few years the number of user groups, and members of existing groups, has exploded fueled by the growing popularity of Linux and and open source software.
 
There are several types of computer user groups, and to find ones that meet near you. A quick internet search can help find a group near you. For instance a simple search like linux user group gives excellent results. I selected Linux User Group (also known as LUG) because from my experience a Linux user group can, and usually will, assist with just about any computer or gadget related problem you might have. LUGs normally have regular meetings which everyone is welcome to attend, as well as "Install Fests" periodically throughout the year. An install fest is an event where they will even install your Linux selection onto your computer for you, as well as give you advice on which distribution may best suit your circumstances.
 
Although it's great to have face to face conversations with the people who are helping you, the majority of assistance members give each other usually takes place on a mailing list, which offers real-time answers to questions. Using the mailing list for support can be a great lifeline if you happen to live some distance from the nearest group and can't attend regular meetings.

Product Licensing:

Product Licensing terms are set by the individual software developers.  Please see the Developer's homepage for complete licensing information.  Their Developer's homepage is linked to from the Developer info box in the menu on the left.

In some instances items are added to our catalog per customer request.  In such instances there will be no Developer Info box showing in the menu on the left, and any product information included in the listing was found on the product developers website, which you may want to visit for updated information. Licensing terms of all Custom Requested items appearing in our catalog allow for re-distribution under their terms which we must honor.

Disclaimer (CYA)::

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE OWNER, DEVELOPERS, CONTRIBUTORS, ON-DISK.COM, OR WEBPATH TECHNOLOGIES BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.