View source for HandyLinux

{{Infobox OS
| name                   = HandyLinux
| logo                   = HandyLinux-logo circle.png
| logo_size              = 90px
| screenshot             = Handymenu4-desktop-en.png
| screenshot_size        = 280px
| caption                = HandyLinux Desktop
| developer              = thuban, Starsheep, arpinux and users community.
| family                 = [[Linux]]
| source_model           = [[Open source]]
| released               = {{Start date and age|2013|09}}
| latest_release_version = HandyLinux 2.5
| latest_release_date    = {{Start date and age|2016|06|11|df=yes}}
| language               = Multilingual<ref>Debian derivatives [https://wiki.debian.org/Derivatives/Census/HandyLinux HandyLinux available in French and English]</ref>
| kernel_type            = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] [[Linux kernel]]
| supported_platforms    = [[I586]], [[I686]] et [[amd64]]
| updatemodel            = [[Advanced Packaging Tool|APT]]
| package_manager        = [[dpkg]] ([[Synaptic (software)|Synaptic]])
| userland               = [[GNU Core Utilities|GNU]]
| ui                     = [[Xfce]]/[[Compiz]]
| license                = [[Free software]] licenses<br>(mainly [[GPL]])
| working_state          = Current
| website                = {{URL|handylinux.org}}
}}

'''HandyLinux''' is a [[Linux distribution]] originating in [[France]] and derived from the [[Debian]] stable branch.<ref>Wiki Debian [https://wiki.debian.org/Derivatives/Census/HandyLinux HandyLinux Debian Derivatives Census]</ref> It is designed especially with inexperienced computer users in mind.<ref>dokuwiki HandyLinux [http://wiki.handylinux.org/doku.php/en/begin Getting started with HandyLinux] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518082354/http://wiki.handylinux.org/doku.php/en/begin |date=2015-05-18 }}</ref>
The distribution has low system requirements, allowing it to be used on a range of older hardware that is no longer supported by the latest versions of proprietary [[operating system|operating systems]]. It is aimed particularly at older people with dated hardware who do not need or possess the skill to use many features afforded by state-of-the-art operating systems. It may also be useful for computer users with disabilities, such as the [[Visual impairment|visually impaired]].<ref>{{fr}}Handimobility [http://www.handimobility.org/blog/handylinux-la-distribution-gnulinux-avec-accessibilite-au-handicap/ HandyLinux, la distribution Gnu/Linux avec accessibilité au handicap (fr)] 2014-01-06</ref>

== Goals ==

The goal of the HandyLinux project is to provide a "stable" [[Debian]]-based OS for the [[old age|elderly]], [[newbie|novices]] and people seeking freedom and full functionality on a user-friendly desktop. HandyLinux is an official Debian derivative with a simple and clear [[graphical user interface]] called the HandyMenu.<ref>[http://wiki.handylinux.org/doku.php/en/handymenu HandyMenu documentation]</ref>

It features built-in tools that facilitate the handling of home computing.<ref>{{fr}}Techandtux [http://techandtux.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/handy-linux-la-derivee-de-debian-a-portee-de-main/ Handylinux la dérivée de Debian à portée de main (fr)] 2014-01-10</ref>

Documentation teaches users desktop navigation and helps them to learn the HandyLinux distribution.<ref>[https://handylinux.org/wiki/doku.php/en/handylinuxlight Handylinux light documentation]</ref><ref>[https://handylinux.org/wiki HandyLinux Documentation]</ref> Prospective users are encouraged to browse the HandyLinux online forum<ref>[https://handylinux.org/forum HandyLinux Forum]</ref> and ask questions about the operating system.

== Features ==
HandyLinux can be installed on any modern computer, with a processor [[Pentium 4]] or higher and 512&nbsp;MB<ref>[https://www.debian.org/releases/stable/i386/ch03s04.html.fr Debian configuration minimum]</ref> of [[Random-access memory|RAM]], and the system requires 3.7&nbsp;GB of available [[hard disk drive|hard drive]] storage.<ref>{{fr}} Frédéric Bezies [http://frederic.bezies.free.fr/blog/?p=10411 Test de Handylinux 1.0] 2013-10-02</ref>

The distribution can be run as either of  two "live" versions, [[live CD]] (handylinuxlight) or [[live USB]], to sample the prepackaged software and test its compatibility with the installed hardware.<ref>{{fr}} documentation handylinux [http://wiki.handylinux.org/doku.php/en/matos the material tested and certified for HandyLinux] Retrieved 2014-03-25</ref> Alternatively it can be installed on a [[netbook]] equipped with at least 4&nbsp;GB memory<ref>{{fr}} Cyrille Borne [http://cyrille-borne.com/post/2014/03/11/des-distributions-pour-eee-episode-9-handylinux Handylinux pour eeepc] Retrieved 11 March 2014</ref> on computers built before 2005 (handylinux [[i486]] non pae)<ref>{{fr}} @bc l'actualité [http://jc.etiemble.free.fr/abc/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=57&cntnt01origid=15&cntnt01returnid=20 installation sur un pc de 2002 avec le CD handylinuxlight] Retrieved 2014-02-21</ref> and on computers built from 2005 onward (handylinux [[I686]]-[[Physical Address Extension|PAE]]).

If they choose, users can "remove castors", i.e., remove the default HandyMenu and substitute the classical menu of the [[Xfce]] [[desktop environment]],<ref>{{fr}} La Fabrique du Web [http://www.lfdw.fr/handylinux-debian-sans-se-prendre-la-tete HandyLinux : Debian sans se prendre la tête] 2014-04-20</ref> add software packages, and customize the look and feel of the distribution after becoming more experienced with the OS by reading the documentation.<ref>[http://wiki.handylinux.org/doku.php/en/start Documentation HandyLinux] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416000922/http://wiki.handylinux.org/doku.php/en/start |date=2015-04-16 }}</ref>

All the software needed for a functional desktop is included in the [[disk image]], and an [[Internet]] connection is not necessary<ref>{{fr}} Alain Bach [http://www.alainbach.fr/handylinux/ Installer handylinux] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422132255/http://www.alainbach.fr/handylinux/ |date=2014-04-22 }} 2014-01-31</ref> to install the program bundle prepackaged  for the HandyLinux operating system.<ref>{{fr}} Léa-linux [http://lea-linux.org/documentations/Installer_HandyLinux Installer Handylinux]</ref>

== Applications ==

* [[File manager]]: [[Thunar]]
* Internet: [[Firefox]], [[Mozilla Corporation software rebranded by the Debian project#Icedove|Icedove]], [[Transmission_(BitTorrent_client)|Transmission]]
* Multimedia: Clementine, [[VLC media player]]
* Office: [[LibreOffice]]
* Remote Assistance: [[TeamViewer]] (optional with graphic installer)
* [[Printer (computing)|Printer]] installation by: [[CUPS]]

Tools have been integrated for improving [[accessibility]]: an inverter color, a filter screen, direct access to documentation, a screen magnifier, copy and paste button, a virtual keyboard and voice synthesis integrated into the browser.

Small practical programs are also included: screenshot, calendar, file search, automatic sorting download folder, Bleachbit for cleaning, archive manager "[[Archive Manager]]", Disk Utility for formatting, Hardinfo for system information, Xl-wallpaper wallpaper changer.

== Desktop environment ==
HandyLinux's native [[desktop environment]] is based on [[Xfce]], and the [[Compiz]] [[compositing window manager]] is optional.<ref>softpedia [http://linux.softpedia.com/get/Linux-Distributions/HandyLinux-Compiz-103541.shtml HandyLinux Compiz]</ref> Users may switch to the more traditional [[Xfce]] [[Menu (computing)|menu]] if they prefer it to the HandyMenu.<ref>[http://wiki.handylinux.org/doku.php/en/evolution#replace_handymenu_with_regular_xfce_menu menu in the Raiders section]</ref>

A seven-tab [[Menu (computing)|menu]] with a large [[computer icon]] enables users to graphically launch applications,<ref>{{fr}} Solidrnet.fr [http://www.solidrnet.fr/v2/2013/12/handylinux-linux-sans-se-prendre-la-tete/ HandyLinux, Linux sans se prendre la tête] 2013-12-23</ref> and only a [[Point and click#Single click|single click]] is necessary to open files and folders or run a program.

<gallery>
File:Handymenu4-latest-en.png|latest
File:Handymenu4-internet-en.png|internet
File:Handymenu4-files-en.png|files
File:Handymenu4-office-en.png|office
File:Handymenu4-multimedia-en.png|multimedia
File:Handymenu4-games-en.png|games
File:Handymenu4-adventurers-en.png|adventurers
</gallery>

== Releases ==
HandyLinux updates generally follow  updates of the Debian stable branch.<ref>Softpedia [http://linux.softpedia.com/progChangelog/handylinux-Changelog-102730.html Handylinux Changelog]</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! '''Name''' !! '''Release date''' !! '''Megabytes''' !! '''Base''' !! '''32 bits''' || '''Supported platform'''
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.5-i386}}<ref>[http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/83677.html HandyLinux Is a Great Toolbox for Linux Newbies]</ref> || 2016-06-11 || 1344 || Debian based 8.5 || 32bits || [[I586]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.5-amd64}} || 2016-06-11 || 1212 || Debian based 8.5 || 64bits || [[amd64]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.4-i386}} || 2016-04-10 || 1367 || Debian based 8.4 || 32bits || [[I586]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.4-amd64}} || 2016-04-10 || 1240 || Debian based 8.4 || 64bits || [[amd64]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.3-i386}} || 2016-01-24 || 1378 || Debian based 8.3 || 32bits || [[I586]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.3-amd64}} || 2016-01-24 || 1244 || Debian based 8.3 || 64bits || [[amd64]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.2}} || 2015-09-06 || 1359 || Debian based 8.2 || 32bits || [[I586]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.2-amd64}} || 2015-09-06 || 1182 || Debian based 8.2 || 64bits || [[amd64]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.1}} || 2015-06-09 || 1335 || Debian based 8.1 || 32bits || [[I586]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-2.0}}<ref>Softpedia [http://news.softpedia.com/news/HandyLinux-2-0-Officially-Released-Based-on-Debian-8-Jessie-481355.shtml HandyLinux 2.0 Officially Released, Based on Debian 8 Jessie]</ref> || 2015-05-16 || 1325 || Debian based 8.0 || 32bits || [[I586]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinuxlight-2.0}}<ref>wiki handylinux [http://wiki.handylinux.org/doku.php/en/handylinuxlight handylinuxlight 2.0]</ref> || 2015-05-23 || 697 || Debian based 8.0 || 32bits || [[I586]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-1.9 wheezy}}<ref>Softpedia [http://news.softpedia.com/news/HandyLinux-1-9-Out-Now-the-Last-Release-Based-on-Debian-7-Wheezy-478228.shtml HandyLinux 1.9 Out Now, the Last Release Based on Debian 7 Wheezy]</ref> || 2015-04-11 || 1250 || Debian based 7.8 || 32bits || [[I486]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinuxlight-1.8}}<ref>[http://linux.softpedia.com/get/Linux-Distributions/HandyLinux-Light-103520.shtml HandyLinuxLight on Softpedia]</ref> || 2015-01-17 || 656 || Debian based 7.8 || 32bits || [[I486]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
| {{green|handylinux-compiz 1.6.1<ref>Softpedia [http://linux.softpedia.com/get/Linux-Distributions/HandyLinux-Compiz-103541.shtml HandyLinux Compiz]</ref>}} || 2014-08-16 || 1160 || Debian based 7.6 || 32bits || [[I486]] & [[I686|I686-pae]]
|-
|}

A development [[fork (software development)|fork]] of HandyLinux in the [[Finnish language]] was published May 29, 2014.<ref>[http://puolanka.info/2014/05/29/handy-linux-puolanka-edition/ HandyLinux Puolanka Edition]</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Free software|Linux}}
* [[Comparison of Linux distributions]]
* [[elementary OS]]
* [[List of Linux distributions]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons Category}}
* [https://handylinux.org/wiki HandyLinux Documentation]
* [http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=handy HandyLinux] on [[DistroWatch]]
* [https://dflinux.frama.io/thebeginnershandbook/ The beginners handbook]

{{Debian}}
{{Linux-distro}}

[[Category:Debian]]
[[Category:Debian-based distributions]]
[[Category:Operating system distributions bootable from read-only media]]