The New Generation

UBUNTU DERIVATIVES ARE A DIME A DOZEN. Some you could probably recreate yourself by installing a desktop and changing some default applications. But some are simply outstanding, taking the rock-solid Ubuntu base and adding unique and powerful features on top.

One example is Elementary OS which, through its own Pantheon desktop, brings a sleekness and simplicity that rivals Mac OS. Instead of forcing users to read manuals (which in many cases just raises more questions), one of Elementary OS’s aims is to have minimal documentation. It aims to be sufficiently intuitive that users should be able to figure things out for themselves. Another of its design aims is “concision,” keeping things simple and avoiding bloat. Finally, it strives for “accessible configuration”—not