Cub Linux
Cub Linux was a computer operating system designed to mimic the desktop appearance and functionality of Chrome OS.[2][3][4] It was based on Ubuntu Linux LTS 14.04 "Trusty Tahir". It used Openbox as the window manager and tools taken from LXDE, Gnome, XFCE as well as a number of other utilities. It was a cloud-centric operating system that was heavily focused on the Chromium Browser. Cub Linux's tagline was "Cub = Chromium + Ubuntu".
Cub Linux displaying its desktop | |
Developer | RichJack[1] |
---|---|
Written in | C (core), C++ |
OS family | Unix-like |
Working state | Discontinued |
Source model | Open source |
Initial release | 1 January 2016 |
Latest release | Chromixium_1.5 / 1 January 2016 |
Marketing target | PC |
Available in | English |
Update method | Unattended-upgrades |
Package manager | dpkg APT Synaptic |
Platforms | x86, x86 64 |
Kernel type | Monolithic (Linux) |
Userland | GNU |
Default user interface | Openbox |
License | GPL 3.0 |
Preceded by | Chromixium OS |
Official website | cublinux |
History
Cub Linux was originally called Chromixium OS. The developer, RichJack, initially announced[5] the project on the Ubuntu user forums on September 19, 2014. Since then, the project released the first stable version, Chromixium 1.0 as a 32 bit live ISO on April 26, 2015. This was followed by a service pack to address a number of issues such as screen tearing and slow menu generation. In July 2015, a number of updates were rolled into a new release, version 1.5. This was initially 32 bit only, but was followed by a 64 bit release in November 2015.
At some point towards the end of 2015, Google, who owns the rights to the Chrome OS and Chromium trademarks, requested that RichJack cease use of the Chromixium mark and related websites and social media presences. On January 17, 2016, RichJack announced[6] that Chromixium would be changing name to Cub Linux with immediate effect and that the Chromixium name would be completely dropped by 31 March 2016.[7]
Towards the end of 2016, the Cub Linux website mysteriously disappeared. Their GitHub page is still open. User d4zzy, who was involved in Cub Linux's development had this to say about its sudden end: "Cub was killed due to private life restrictions - that was all and there was no one at the time to pick it up." [8]
On July 19, 2017, the developer of Feren OS announced[9] that he would be "bring[ing] back Cub" in the form of Phoenix Linux. The page has not been updated since the release of Alpha 2 in March 2018.[10]
Receptions
Jesse Smith from DistroWatch Weekly reviewed Chromixium OS 1.0:[11]
My point is that people who are likely to enjoy Chromebooks and use their computers almost solely for accessing the web will probably find Chromixium quite useful. However, while it is technically possible to access more features and off-line software through Chromixium's application menu, the process is slow and awkward when compared with other desktop Linux distributions. Granted, Chromixium is still in its early stages, it just hit version 1.0, so the standalone features will probably improve in time. For now, I think Chromixium offers an interesting web-focused environment with the fallback option of using locally installed applications. The implementation has some rough edges at the moment, but I suspect it will get better in future releases.
See also
- SUSE Studio#Notable appliances
- List of Linux distributions#openSUSE-based
- Ubuntu
- Chrome OS
- Chromium Browser
References
- "About Cub Linux". Archived from the original on 2016-10-05. Retrieved 2016-02-11.
- Which Linux Chrome OS Clone is Right For You? | Linux.com | The source of Linux information
- Chromixium OS Adds Polish to Chrome | Reviews | LinuxInsider
- Cub Linux Is a Worthy Chromixium Offspring | Reviews | LinuxInsider
- "Initial announcement of Chromixium OS".
- "Announcement that Chromixium is changing name to Cub Linux". Archived from the original on 2016-08-21. Retrieved 2016-02-11.
- Google Asks Chromixium OS Devs to Cease Use of the Name, Cub Linux Is Born, Softpedia News
- "Phoenix Linux Development - Let's bring back Cub! · Issue #4 · CubLinux/one". GitHub. Retrieved 2017-12-25.
- "Phoenix Linux Development - Let's bring back Cub! · Issue #4 · CubLinux/one". GitHub. Retrieved 2017-07-27.
- "Phoenix Linux - Browse Files at SourceForge.net". SourceForge. Retrieved 2019-03-05.
- DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 614, 15 June 2015