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ZDNET's key takeaways
Asmi Linux is based on Debian and uses the Xfce desktop.
This distribution makes it easy to switch between layouts.
You don't have to have Linux experience to enjoy this OS.
Confession time: I don't give the Xfce desktop environment the attention it deserves. To date, there has been a reason for that. I tend to focus mainly on desktop environments suited for all types of users (from those with no Linux experience to those with tons of experience). The reason for this is that Xfce can often be a bit overwhelming for new users. It has a lot of configuration options… more than most average users are accustomed to.
Of course, there are always different Linux distributions that approach Xfce differently, and some of them opt to make the desktop environment easy and appealing to new users. Asmi is one such distribution. I'm not saying that Asmi offers the most elegant desktop on the market, because it doesn't.
But the Debian-based Asmi does present Xfce in a way that not only makes it easier for the new user to figure out, but it also offers four different layout options, so having the desktop just as you like it doesn't require a degree in computer science to figure out.
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For example, when you first log into the desktop, you are greeted by the Asmi Settings window on the Theme section, where you can select from Asmi Classic (single panel on the left), Asmi Modern (top panel with Plank dock), Like Windows (bottom panel), or Like Ubuntu (left and top panels). Each layout has its pros and cons, but I would suspect that most users will opt for the Windows-like layout.
I do have a couple of nits to pick with the theme/layout configurations. Unless you go through the Change Wallpaper app in the system tray, it seems Asmi Linux only includes one desktop wallpaper image, which is better suited to dark themes than light. If, however, you go through the Change Wallpaper app, you can cycle through the various wallpapers. This isn't as intuitive as the developers might think, because most users are accustomed to right-clicking on the desktop and selecting something like Change Background. If you go that route, you'll only see the one included wallpaper.
Second, why do so many Linux distributions default to a dark theme? My only guess is that many developers prefer the dark theme, so distribution maintainers assume that's their biggest audience. It's time Linux distribution maintainers start thinking outside of that geeky box and target the average user.
Although it might not be obvious, changing your wallpaper is easy. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
OK, let's migrate beyond the look of Asmi and talk about something else that lifts this distribution above some others.
Flatpak and Snap
Flatpak and Snap are both universal package managers. Out of the box, Asmi Linux has Flatpak enabled and Snap disabled. Because Asmi Linux is based on Ubuntu, Snap isn't just a viable option; it's a very good option, and this distribution makes it easy to enable/disable either/both. If you open the Asmi Settings app, you'll see both Snap and Flatpak listed in the left sidebar. Click on Snap and you'll see that it's disabled by default.
Asmi makes installing/enabling Flatpak and Snap a breeze. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Click Enable and then click Apply when prompted, type your user password, and Snap will be installed and ready for you to use.
The Asmi Settings app also gives you quick and easy access to a Drivers section, which allows you to install drivers for the likes of NVIDIA graphics cards, Wine, MS TrueType fonts, and the Steam client. Click to enable any of those options (followed by Apply and your user password).
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You see, Asmi goes out of its way to simplify the experience for new users, and that's a crucial component, what with more and more people adopting Linux.
In that same app, you can do things like:
Install a different web browser
Install a different kernel
Install Gtk3 and Gtk4 applications with the click of a slider
View system restore points
Installing drivers and compatibility layers is easy. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Is Asmi Linux for you?
The answer to this question boils down to a few factors:
Do you want a lightweight desktop environment suitable for old and new hardware?
Do you want a desktop environment that offers 4 different layouts that can easily be selected at any time?
Do you want a desktop operating system based on Debian (one of the most stable OSes on the planet)?
Do you want an efficient and easy-to-use desktop environment?
Do you want the ability to easily install a different kernel?
If you answered "yes" to more than one of the above (or all of the above), then Asmi Linux might be for you. From my perspective, the ideal Asmi Linux user is someone who's looking to migrate away from Windows and doesn't mind a minimal learning curve. If that's you, download Asmi Linux 13 (which is based on Debian 13), burn it to a flash drive, and install it on that Windows 10 machine that's about to lose support. If you do that, however, please make sure you first back up your data to an external drive, so you don't lose anything.
Also: The best Linux distros for beginners
Asmi Linux is a great option for those who are new to Linux, don't mind having to learn a few new tricks, and are ready to abandon Windows (like all the cool kids are doing these days).
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