CrunchBang Linux

For other uses, see Shebang (Unix).

CrunchBang Linux

CrunchBang 9.04.1
OS family	Unix-like
Working state	Current
Source model	Free and open source
Latest stable release	10 Statler R20110207 / 7 February 2011; 9 months ago (2011-02-07)[1]
Latest unstable release	10 (Statler) r20110105 / 6 January 2011; 10 months ago (2011-01-06)[2]
Update method	APT
Package manager	dpkg, with several front-ends
Kernel type	Linux
Default user interface	Openbox or Xfce
Official website	crunchbanglinux.org

CrunchBang Linux (often referred to simply as "#!") is a lightweight Debian based Linux distribution, created by Philip Newborough, designed to offer a good balance of speed and functionality.

Features

CrunchBang uses either the Openbox or the Xfce window manager with GTK+ applications^[3] and is especially suitable for low-end hardware with limited resources^[4] (e.g. the ASUS Eee PC).^[5]

It is provided as an installable Live CD.^[4]

Editions

CrunchBang Linux currently provides an Openbox and Xfce version for i686, i486, and amd64. Previously, there was a Lite version with a limited number of installed applications, and a special version known as "CrunchEee" optimised for the ASUS Eee PC. The CrunchEee edition was discontinued because the Lite version eventually included support for EeePCs. Due to the removal of #! 9.04 from the website, after the Ubuntu release it was based on ceased to be supported, the Lite edition is no longer available.

Each CrunchBang Linux release is given a version number as well as a code name, using a name of a Muppet Show character. The first letter of the code name also corresponds to the first letter of the upstream Debian release. Currently Debian Squeeze and CrunchBang Statler.

Comparison with Ubuntu

CrunchBang has been reported to boot faster than Ubuntu^[6] while still including a larger number of applications by default than a standard Ubuntu installation.

It operates better under low resources than Ubuntu and is faster than a normal GNOME-based Ubuntu distribution.^[4] By default, it comes with a minimal panel and system information pane on the right side of the screen and nothing more.^[7]

CrunchBang Linux (before the switch to Debian sources) has been developed completely from Ubuntu sources with the exception of a few packages.^[4]

Unlike Ubuntu, CrunchBang includes several non-free or patent encumbered applications and libraries such as out-of-the-box support for several multimedia formats, including MP3 and Adobe Flash, as well as DVD playback. CrunchBang also replaces some applications that are included with default Ubuntu (or Debian with GNOME), such as:^[4]

• Openbox Window Manager instead of the GNOME Desktop Environment
• Tint2 panel instead of the GNOME-panel
• Thunar is used as file manager instead of Nautilus
• AbiWord and other GNOME Office components instead of LibreOffice
• VLC media player instead of Totem media player and Banshee
• CrunchBang also uses a different GTK theme, icon set, and default wallpapers.

Move to Debian

The developer has announced that, as of CrunchBang 10 ("Statler"), the distribution will be based directly on Debian and no longer on Ubuntu.^[8] As of 7 February 2011 (2011 -02-07)^[update], the final CrunchBang 10 is available for live CD download on i686, i486, or amd64. (Based on Debian 6.0 stable, that was released on that day.)^[1]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} CRUNCHBANG 10 “STATLER” R20110207
2. ^ CrunchBang 10 “Statler” r20110105
3. ^ CrunchBang Linux Review
4. ^ ^{a b c d e} About CrunchBang Linux
5. ^ CrunchEee
6. ^ CrunchBang – A faster Ubuntu
7. ^ CrunchBang Linux - a day's usage review
8. ^ CrunchBang 10 Alpha 1 release

External links

• Official website

Download Crunchbang 10 Statler