Sensei GNU/Linux

Sensei GNU/Linux is an open source and freely distributed operating system based on the well known Porteus Linux distribution and built around the lightweight Xfce desktop environment. A Porteus Xfce edition is also available for download on Softoware.

Distributed as 32-bit and 64-bit Live CDs

The project is a stripped-down version of Porteus with only a few packages installed, specifically designed for users who want to start with a barebone installation and add as many packages as they want. It is distributed as two Live CD ISO images, one for each of the supported hardware platforms (32-bit and 64-bit).

The ISO images can be easily deployed to USB sticks or CD discs. You will be able to run the live environment directly from the boot medium or copy the entirely to RAM (system memory), ejecting the media.

Boot options

From the boot menu it is also possible to access the PLoP boot manager, which provides users with a handy tool for booting from USB drives on machines that don’t support such technology, boot from the first hard disk drive, as well as to run the system as a PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) server.

If running the system from a USB flash drive, it will allow you to save your session and reuse the boot medium whenever you want (persistent mode). To delete previous saves and start a new session, choose the “Always Fresh” option from the boot prompt.

Built around the Xfce desktop enviornment

As mentioned, the distribution uses the Xfce desktop environment. On the first run, users will be asked if they want to go with the default configuration, comprised of a top panel and a dock (application launcher), or with one empty panel.

Default applications

Default applications include Pacman Express for installing, updating or removing packages from the system, PupDial modem dialer, Wicd network connection manager, Avahi SSH, VNC and Zeroconf browsers, as well as Porteus’ persistent mode tool.

Bottom line

In conclusion, Sensei GNU/Linux is a very minimalistic operating system that features a handful of applications. It you want more apps, you will need to install them yourself, even a file manager, terminal emulator, email client or web browser!