Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Back in 2022, I reviewed ExTiX with the idea of using it to get the Deepin desktop experience, without the possible security/privacy issues associated with Deepin Linux.
Now ExTiX has a new release, based on Deepin 25 Stable. This new release vastly improves on the experience to deliver a desktop with a layout that would make any Windows 11 user feel right at home, only there are no intrusive ads, unexpected reboots, or concerns that something will come crashing down. When you first log into ExTiX, you'll think you're using a Microsoft OS. You're not... this is definitely Linux. And although the installation can be slightly tricky, once it's up and running, ExTiX as as user-friendly as most operating systems.
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There's even the UOS AI tool, which can be used with local models (for free), by first installing the Embedding Plugins too (you'll be prompted to install this when you open the UOS AI tool settings under Model Configuration.
You must first install this plugin before you can use localized AI. Jack Wallen/ZDNET
Once the Embedding Plugins app is installed, you can add local models like ULLM-1.5B, ULLM-7B, and DeepSeek-R1-1.5B. I added DeepSeek to try the UOS AI app to see how it fared, and the end result was decidedly impressive. Do keep in mind that if you opt to go the local AI route, make sure you're hardware has the power for it because localized AI can be a system drain.
ExTiX ships with Deepin Browser (based on Chromium), Firefox, and all the Deepin apps (Mail, Music, Terminal, Calendar, etc.). The one thing ExTiX doesn't include is an office suite. Fortunately, you can open the App Store, search for whatever it is you need, and install it.
Speaking of which, there are two package manager front ends found in Deepin - the default (which I believe comes from Deepin Linux) and Synaptic. Both work well, but keep in mind that system updates are handled within the Deepin App Store, so you will want to use it.
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