Updated Operating System Version 2.5: The Debian spin-off drawing influence from various desk setups throughout the home

In the realm of Linux operating systems, a new player has emerged, offering a refreshing take on the Debian-based distros: RefreshOS 2.5.

This distribution, developed by Jordan Tyler Burchett of eXybit Technologies, stands out with its unique and colorful appearance, a stark contrast to many of its counterparts. It is based on Debian 12, making it effectively Debian 12.11.

One of the most notable features of RefreshOS 2.5 is its curated selection of apps. The assortment is more thoughtful than in most distros, providing a consistent user experience as most apps share the same UI.

The web browser in RefreshOS 2.5 is Brave, a departure from the usual Debian-based distros that often use Firefox or Chromium. Brave's Basic Attention Token reward scheme is offered on the browser's first run, adding an interesting aspect to the browsing experience.

The desktop Calendar and Calculator apps in RefreshOS 2.5 come from Deepin, while the terminal emulator is the latest LXTerm from LXDE. The app launcher is the simpler Avalon menu, offering an uncategorized list of apps.

The text editor in RefreshOS 2.5 is Pluma, from MATE, and the file manager is Nemo, from the Cinnamon desktop. The optical disk writer is Xfburn, from Xfce, and the text editor is Pluma, from MATE.

RefreshOS 2.5 uses KDE Plasma 5, specifically version 5.27.5, and some of Plasma 5.27 has been replaced. However, it still uses KMail, the KDE address book, the KDE archive manager, the Plasma System Monitor, the Discover graphical software manager, and the System Settings control panel.

The distribution uses the Calamares cross-distro installer for installation, setting it apart from many other Linux distros. Interestingly, RefreshOS 2.5 does not support Flatpak or Snap packages.

It's worth noting that RefreshOS 2.5 does not use Thunderbird for email, unlike some users' preferences. This could be a point of contention for some users, but the distribution makes up for it with its unique offerings.

The distribution uses 8 GB of disk space and 1.1 GB of RAM when idle, making it a relatively lightweight OS. However, due to its status as a minority remix, there may be a risk of finding less community support for RefreshOS 2.5.

Looking ahead, RefreshOS 3 will be built on Debian 13 stable and will introduce the distro's own repositories alongside Debian's. This could potentially increase the distribution's support and attract more users.

In conclusion, RefreshOS 2.5 offers a unique and refreshing take on the Debian-based distros, with its curated app selection, distinctive appearance, and lightweight footprint. While it may not be for everyone, it certainly caters to those seeking a different Linux experience.

Updated Operating System Version 2.5: The Debian spin-off drawing influence from various desk setups throughout the home