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- When it's Ready
When it's Ready
Submitted by cassidyjames on Thu, 06/21/2012 - 01:23The number one question on everyone’s mind is, “When is Luna going to be released?” The answer is of course, “When it’s ready.” But how do we know when that is? You’re about to find out.
As you may or may not know, elementary doesn’t have a timed released cycle. Other popular operating systems like Ubuntu have decided to make a release at a certain time every year. But for elementary, we’ve decided that we will choose a set of goals to achieve during the cycle, and we release when all of those goals are met and the related bugs are squashed. We track our goals in the form of Blueprints (see: How to See What’s Up Our Sleeves) and assign bugs to milestones.
The first thing to keep in mind is that Luna is in active development; as soon as you finish reading this article, it’ll probably be out of date. To keep the most up to date with our ever-shrinking To-Do List, you should visit launchpad here. Having said that, let’s get specific.
The Underlying OS
Branding
Luna is built on an Ubuntu core. Doing this allows us to inherit a lot of the under-the-hood work that Canonical and the Ubuntu community put in. However, this can also mean that we sometimes inherit their branding on accident.
Granite
Our developer framework has a couple of small issues to iron out, including better use of system resources and better translation support.
Booting Up and Logging In
Before you get to the Pantheon desktop, you have to go through the boot and login process. For Luna we needed a nice Plymouth boot screen and LightDM login. We have a design for our boot screen, but it still needs to be coded. However, only a couple of minor cosmetic fixes are required for our Login screen.
The Desktop
Visual Design
The elementary GTK theme has changed a lot since Jupiter, undergoing a complete redesign to take advantage of the powerful new GTK3. We still have some visual tweaks to make, but it's coming along nicely. We plan to have one more major release before Luna.
Our icon theme has also undergone a major overhaul. Some small issues remain around providing icons in the optimal sizes and colors.
Our default set of wallpapers has been decided (stay tuned for an upcoming post).
WingPanel
WingPanel has been pretty stable for a while now, though a couple of bugs related to multi-monitor and handy shortcuts still remain.
Slingshot
Slingshot, our app launcher, has a couple of touch related and keyboard driven issues to sort out.
Plank
Our favorite dock Plank is being developed by the folks behind Docky with some special tweaks made for elementary. We need the drag-and-drop work thoroughly tested, and we need to sort out a few other outstanding bugs.
Contractor
In Contractor, the nifty service that enables apps to seamlessly pass data back and forth, we need to track down any crashers and iron them out. After squashing the remaining bugs we’ll be all set.
Switchboard
Switchboard is our settings app in Luna and an important part of the OS. Our aim for the release of Luna is to make Switchboard rock-solid both visually and functionally.
In addition to the app itself, we have some work yet for the Plugs that are in Switchboard. With all of the major and extensive changes in Luna, we decided it would be best to focus on getting the Switchboard protocol, developer documentation, and core app as solid as possible before we go bananas writing our own plugs for the desktop. Lucas built a compatibility layer between Switchboard and the existing GNOME settings modules, so that they will work nicely within Switchboard itself.
We did write a few plugs ourselves this cycle, for Pantheon, such as Plank and the wallpaper service. These plugs could use some more polishing for Luna.
The Apps
Files
Files, the file manager app for elementary, is coming along incredibly well. Since announcing it just three weeks ago, it’s had over a hundred bug reports and a handful of blueprints filed, making for some exciting and fast-paced development. The remaining issues are mostly small UI tweaks.
Terminal
Pantheon’s terminal app has been stable development-wise for a while now. The only outstanding bugs are related to shortcuts.
Scratch
Scratch—the text editor that works—has become quite stable, especially with its recent official release. It only has a few outstanding bugs for the Luna test cycle. Another release is likely to happen soon, in which case we’ll be completely good to go.
Maya
Maya is another one of the brand new apps that will make its debut in Luna. It could use some more thorough testing, but as it stands, it only needs better translation support before it’s ready to go.
Noise
Noise is a big step for this release. In Jupiter, we didn’t feel any of the existing music players really lived up to the standards of elementary. With Noise, we’re solving that problem at the source. Its developers are still plugging away, and as such it has over a dozen open bugs to be squashed before its next release.
Midori
Though Midori’s development cycle is technically independent from elementary OS (like many web browsers, they release every couple months), there are a few things we’d like to see, like a stable GTK3 release.
Public Beta
After all of these issues have been wrapped up and the Luna Beta1 milestone is all clear, we can release our very first public beta of Luna. This means a much wider stage for testing while we march towards our release. If the beta testing goes well and we’ve solved all major issues, we can move to release candidates and then finally the actual release of Luna and the beginning of the Luna +1 cycle.
How You Can Help
Bug Squashing
Since we’re an open-source project, the source code of every app in Luna is available for you to download, change, and redistribute. We’re very open to any help from developers willing to squash any of the bugs blocking beta release.
Translations
If you speak more than one language, we could use your help providing localization. We’ve begun to set up teams of translators and it’s never too late to join a translation team.
This post was collaboratively written and edited by Daniel Foré, Cassidy James, and other members of the elementary community.
I am working to provide loacalization to Hebrew. Hope you will make the right changes to provide RTL support in each softwrae
Love the UI, very smooth, such a beautiful name. I'm loving elementary OS :D
why this version still cannot make a screenshot? no tools can make it!
have you tried turning your computer on and off again?
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Hi,
i just got the Samsung Chromebook (ARM Processor) and was wondering if elementaryOS would run on this device; if yes then would it be able to install on a SD card or a USB drive (in order to dualboot with ChromeOS)?; if yes again would you guys provide a howto guide? Thanks!! Keep up the good work:)
I came upon this distro in a comment on the Pear Linux forum so thought I'd give it a whirl. I've tried all the 'major' distro's and there has always been something I dislike or make it not user friendly enough, particularly for Windows converts. I've installed this on my desktop and running on an SSD it is very responsive. I love the user interface more than any other I have tried. It's simple yet very elegant and it is clear the developers have spent a lot of time producing and integrated design concept. I've seen comments complaining at the length of time development seems to be taking and I would hope to see a final version before too long. I do think though that the usual 6 monthly release schedules of the other distros are far too short. I'd really like to see this distro mature and for it to become my default OS. At that point I would be perfectly willing to 'pay' for this distro.
Congratulations to the devs for a superb job and keep up the good work.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! This distro by farrrrrr the most attractive distro around! Please continue the amazing work and please don't be another Fuduntu(developer quit!) Linux Mint, to the recycle bin you go!
I think you guys are doing just perfect with your release plan. Firstly, i happen to believe that most linux distros are just a commutation and combination of opensource applications, and that most of them are not tackling the issues that really matter; issues like beauty, stability and usability. I think it is so not cool to find a media player on linux mint that cannot repeat a single track or even save a playlist. Of all things that can lag on linux mint, must the launch panel also delay in showing up? All these being said, i think you guys should just take your time to come out with something that realy works because in the end that is what we really want. As to your choice of a web browser, i really dont see the point in reinventing the wheel.
Good morning,
I find this wonderful distribution, unlike anything that has been done with Linux distributions.
The concept of being ready when it is in fact ready also pleases me greatly.
I have a channel on Yutube already devoted two videos where about your distribution (http://www.youtube.com/user/1960serva).
Also i participate in the Linux community Portuguese , have thoroughly done your work and praise the applications produced by your team.
Your equip is to be congratulated
Accept my sincere regards
Any plans to have something like Ubuntu Brainstorm for elementary OS???
Could you please improve the dock in appearance. Every thing else is just awesome!!
I think you guys start thinking hitting on kickstarter. And selling dvds from 5-10$ could fund the project and speed things up as well . May be u can have new team members etc. Just sayin.
Bonjour @ tous,
Juste pour vous dire " BRAVO " pour le boulot accompli,
Je test " elementary Os Luna Beta1 " depuis un petit moment et elle fonctionne très bien sur ma vieille machine,
Je trouve l’environnement PANTHEON et le gestionnaire de fenêtres GALA très léger et fonctionnant à merveille ( UBUNTU commence a devenir très lourd.....)
Bonne continuation à toute l’équipe d'elementary Os.
Blog Francais traitant d'elementary Os: http://devil505.lenezir.fr/
Magazine " Linux Pratique Essentiel " n° 31 Avril/Mai 2013 traitant de votre distribution
http://www.unixgarden.com/index.php/linux-essentiel/linux-essentiel-n31-...
Jacques FAVREAU
LE MANS
FRANCE
I'm soo sick of Msoft I cannot wait to try elementary!
This looks amazing. Has the team ever considered trying for crowd funding to take elementary OS and all these amazing apps to the next level? This looks so slick and amazing I would think people would support it. Also has a software store ever been considered for elementary OS? Just some thoughts.
I am using Luna as my main OS. It is very stable and fast. And looks awesome! All the other Linux distros look awful after trying elementary. The only thing that makes me sad is that I can't show my Luna desktop to the others because screenshot programs show only black screen. I know that this is AMD driver problem, I hope it will be fixed soon.
Keep up the good work, I am looking forward to the next release!
Epic distro guys, fast as lightening and completely solid to say it's in beta...
Is there any option to hide the top panel when maximizing a program? It usually doesn't bother me at all, but when I am watching a movie in full screen I would like it (the panel) to be hidden...
That's planned for L+1; we're far past feature freeze for Luna. Thanks for the suggestion, though!
Unfortunate spam problem here. Is there a reason that Kubuntu with the plasma desktop runs faster than elementary OS Luna in VirtualBox? I would think the opposite. Clicking icons on the dock seem to lag, whereas everything in Kubuntu runs smoothly.
We're cleaning up the spam. ;)
Regarding the VirtualBox issue, I think it has to do with libmutter's compositing and VirtualBox's drivers not being that great. I've noticed it's a bit laggy in a VirtualBox as well, though it flies when installed natively.
im in love with the os, Previously i had ubuntu but swapped it out for windows 8.. sadly i hated windows8 and couldn't find my ubuntu live cd so i look out for a new os... i stumbled across elementary os and thought id give it a try and my god i couldn't have picked better!! so easy/simple to use.. thanks again!!
Thank you for good job...
i liked very much.
Thanks! It's awesome! (:
You are doing a great job! But I think you should allow some users who would like to try something new to download some going "alpha" versions, so that they don't have to wait for years before the next beta version releases.
We're on it.
Thank you for the great job !!!
I have a question: I'm gonna buy a Dell Inspiron One 2330 (All-in-one) and I want to install elementary OS, could be Luna or Jupter, I dont know. Anyone know if it will recognize all my devices, such as Wirelles, Bluetooth, ?????
Just joined this forum....
i was and am a big fan of elementary since the day i installed elementary icons on my earstwhile ubuntu (jaunty i think)
with the Luna preview that i read... i downloaded the 32 bit as well as the 64 bit live iso.. unfortunately 63 bit failed to create the live usb stick and 32 bit succeeded...
i was test driving it on the live session and i came across a few issues that i wish to clear and understand...
a) i was not able to connect to the windows computer at work (using Files > Network)(which i usually do using pcbsd and arch...) is it necessary that the elementary OS should be locally installed for this operation?
the pleasing desktop look and feel is sure to make first timers keep this OS for good ! Awesome is the word... Hats off to the team who must ve put in hours and weeks of sleepless nights !
Thx for this great job. I tried it inside virtualbox but i couldn't wait for more time. I like very much archlinux, but I'm tired ... I need a change. I tried linuxmint, ubuntu, I need a distro based in ubuntu beacause I'm a gamer. I tried steam in linux, another great program. Thx a lot both. Sorry for my bad english, I'm studing english.
Thank you for creating such a beautiful and responsive OS! I've never had such a smooth and fast user experience. I've been using elementary OS as my primary OS for a couple of weeks now, and I must say: What the HECK?! This is a beta release and still I practically haven't experienced any bugs or crashes, in comparison with Ubuntu's stable releases, where I basically had bugs and crashes every other day.
A big WOW to all the people who make this great OS happen. Be proud of yourselves, because I am! :)
Hi! I need some help with installing this Linux! .. I am new in this kind of stuff and I want to give a try to this one which seems rly good and that people talk good about it. My problem is that I can't install it on my HD because it does not read it and I don't know why! :( My disk is a WD 10.000rpm 150gb. If you guys have any idea WHY this may be! pls pls! let me know!! (sry for my English)
Hi! In case you didn't figure out yet... Here, on the site, I've found a good tutorial on making bootable USB drive with an utility called Unetbootin. Google for it, it's a portable app, just check the box in the bottom left to ISO option and select your iso file, then just press Burn or smth similar and then just boot from it.
The first distro that held me completely to Linux. It is simple, intuitive and very promising. Keep up the good work guys!
Cumps from Portugal :)
I just installed the 32bit beta and having one major issue, when I start the pc it wont go to LightDM or even load X it goes straight to console login. How can I fix this?
Hey, you there, you should login via the console with your username and your password. After successful login you have to update/upgrade the elementary OS system to the current software release. Follow these instructions and enter the following commands:
sudo apt-get update <return key>
sudo apt-get upgrade <return key>
Reboot your system. During the next boot sequence the login screen (lightdm) will appear - I hope so :)
Anyone have a answer?
I just installed elementaryOS but Pantheon was too slow for my aging laptop so I downloaded Xfce and installed Slingshot in the Xfce panel. I really think Xfce should come pre-installed as a backup DE for people with older computers.
I am very glad to see a Linux Development which takes notice of the userunfriendliness in gtk3 and gnome3 ... I think it is the best I seen by far to make this new "Big Three" workable ...
I think this journal should be updated to show up-to-date pics of the apps.
I thought I previously stated this last night, but as far as I can tell, the 64bit ISO posted on this, is highly corrupted, both the direct download, and the torrent. I have tried downloading both, various times, with various computers, and various connections, and no matter what, the ISO file comes out corrupted and problematic. Is there any chance a clean copy could be uploaded in place of the current one? Also, I've tried the 32bit, and that file is entirely fine and works great. It is the 64bit only, that is problematic and seemingly damaged. Just thought you guys should know!
Install it from USB, It was the only way to make it work for me :)
i think thrash is missing and when we minimize any app its does not minimize as shown in the video !! and while log in when i swipe user at first there will be a back ground image and after swiping the will turn blank . and there was a problem connecting a CDMA data card . and please add an app that automatically changes wallpaper and some widgets and it will be great it we find app line "wine" in it just after the install.
and it is a very clean destro and easy to use !! but there are still some rectification to be made !!!
and after that it will rock ....
Have you guys thought of implementing a sound recognition system into the operating system? I would like to help with that or fixing bugs
Been using this beta distro as my main operating system for around a month now and not really found many problems at all! There are a few little niggles, such as the lack of easy customisation, such as the dock. It would be nice to have access to different themes. I also appreciate that you're trying to make it require less system resources, but there are occasions when it is noticeably slower than say, Luninux? I hope that this will be resolved as I love the look of this distro a lot.
Other than that, I am most impressed with this distro and can't wait until the final, 'stable' version is released!
There are two things that would cause this to start steamrolling other distros and making inroads into the Mac and Windows sphere: 1) easy Active Directory support, and 2) Microsoft Exchange support in whatever email/calendar solution it uses.
Is this possible?
what? Are you on "e" ... ?
I wish... heck, I'd just like the OS released sometime. With all the things I've read on the net lately, no one thinks this distro will ever be completely finished. I hope that's not the case. I like it a lot.
Nothing is ever completely finished.
I had a look at elementary OS on a live CD and liked it so much I decided to do an install.
I am running elementary OS on a USB drive attached to an iMac 27in 3.6GHz. After a few early wobbles it is working like magic. I tried to install the "Third Party Drivers" for the iMacs video card (ATI Radeon HD 5670) but this resulted in a black screen, so I reinstalled and will stick with the stock elementary OS drivers for now.
I like the GUI. It is very much like OS X. Clean and tidy without all the baggage in Windows 7. I also like the fact that you can install software easily, just like in Ubuntu.
I have never liked Ubuntu's Unity interface very much. I experimented earlier on with alternative "classic" guis in Ubuntu but eventually gave up and stuck with Unity because it just worked. But elementary's GUI is a breathe of fresh air.
If Apple were now looking for a new OS, as they were when they bought Steve Jobs NeXTStep OS, then this is what they would take.
Excellent work guys!