distribution release , positioned as a fast, open and privacy-respecting alternative to Windows and macOS. The main focus of the project is on quality design, aimed at creating an easy-to-use system that consumes minimal resources and provides high startup speed. Users are offered their own Pantheon desktop environment. For loading bootable iso images (1.48 GB) available for amd64 architecture (when booted from , for a free download, enter 0 in the field with the amount of the donation).
The original Elementary OS components are developed using GTK3, the Vala language, and the proprietary Granite framework. As the basis of the distribution, the developments of the Ubuntu project are used. At the level of packages and repositories support, Elementary OS 5.1.x is compatible with Ubuntu 18.04. The graphical environment is based on its own Pantheon shell, which combines components such as the Gala window manager (based on LibMutter), the WingPanel top panel, the Slingshot launcher, the Switchboard control panel, the bottom taskbar (an analogue of the Docky panel rewritten in Vala) and the Pantheon Greeter session manager (based on LightDM).
The environment includes a set of applications tightly integrated into a single environment that are necessary to solve user problems. Among the applications, most of them are the project's own developments, such as the Pantheon Terminal emulator, the Pantheon Files file manager, a text editor and Music (Noise) music player. The project also develops the photo manager Pantheon Photos (an offshoot of Shotwell) and the email client Pantheon Mail (an offshoot of Geary).
Key innovations:
- Parental control tools have been renamed from "Parental Controls" to "Screen Time & Limits" and expanded with the ability to define rules related to limiting screen time, Internet access and application use. Similar rules can now be set for your own account, for example, for self-organization, so as not to sit too long in front of the computer.
- The application menu has been optimized to improve the usability of touch screens, as well as to reduce lag and ensure smooth navigation with trackpads. Closer to the classic menu is the mode of viewing application categories, which is now presented as a scrollable list instead of a grid. Improved keyboard control and improved performance.
- The settings search system has been completely redesigned, which is closer to the implementation of the search in the application menu, can be used to search for individual settings and shows the path to each found parameter.
- In the desktop settings, the size of the icons provided to choose from is clearly illustrated. The problem with duplicate desktop wallpapers has been fixed. The settings available for searching have been expanded (text size, window animation, panel transparency).
- In the screen settings, the correct centering of displays for which the screen rotation mode is applied is ensured. More precise explanations of the reasons for the availability of a particular setting only to the administrator have been added to the account settings. The request for confirmation of administrator rights is now made directly when choosing a privileged operation, for example, when activating or deactivating accounts.
- Performance improvements have been made to the Application Install Center (AppCenter) by checking for updates no more than once a day at boot and login, and every time a user launches the AppCenter.
The interface for managing add-ons has been modernized, installed add-ons are now shown only if there is an update for them. Selecting an add-on on the application information page will take you to the add-on information page. Keyboard navigation has been simplified - the input focus is now set on the search bar and you can immediately use the cursor keys to navigate through the search results.
- The video player remembers the last played video and the last position.
- Fixed a crash in the Gala window manager when changing the virtual desktop and having certain types of windows open.
- Added an "Open In" menu to the photo viewer, making it easier to use it to preview before launching another viewer.
- The Granite library has been updated to include a new method for sharing application settings.
Source: opennet.ru