The openKylin Linux distribution from China has achieved a major accomplishment by launching version 1.0, nicknamed “Yangtze.” Based on Ubuntu, openKylin provides an easy-to-use desktop interface and includes unique features. This tutorial will delve into openKylin 1.0, highlighting its important features, notable applications, and the significance of China’s innovation in desktop Linux.
Installation of openKylin 1.0 💻🔧
If you’re excited about trying openKylin 1.0 but don’t understand Chinese, don’t worry! The developers have made it accessible for non-Chinese users. You can use the hotkeys [T]ry and [I]nstall as helpful guides during the installation process.
To begin the installation, press [I] on your keyboard. The first screen will prompt you to choose a language, and you can select English. However, if you choose [T], the live system will be in Chinese, making it challenging to switch to English.
Once you’ve established your preferred language, timezone, and user account, you’ll be presented with an installation method selection menu. Here, you have the option to choose between a full installation or a custom installation.
If you opt for the custom installation, you’ll be able to select the storage device for bootloader installation and create new partition tables to suit your needs.
Once the installation method is confirmed, the installation process begins. A progress screen displays the usual elements including a progress bar, log, and features banner.
Once all the settings are complete, you’ll be directed to a stunning desktop that has a familiar appearance. The bottom of the screen features a taskbar with several useful widgets.
openKylin - The Desktop Environment 🖥️
The openKylin operating system utilizes the UKUI desktop environment, which stands for “Ultimate Kylin User Interface.” This interface manages all graphical user interactions and enhances the OS’s capabilities by offering a variety of key applications.
The openKylin app launcher resembles Windows and is easy to navigate. It includes all the necessary apps and tools in convenient locations. Additionally, users can choose to pin their favorite apps to the right-hand side for quick access.
UKUI offers both light and dark modes, as well as accent colors for additional customization of openKylin to suit your preferences. You can also choose from a variety of cursor themes to give your desktop a unique touch.
The device’s taskbar includes a sidebar menu that provides helpful options for controlling the device and accessing various tools.
Applications and Features 📚🛠️
When it comes to browsing the web, openKylin 1.0 has integrated Firefox as its default browser. This release comes with Firefox 102. For productivity needs, it includes WPS Office, a freeware suite that is highly compatible with Microsoft Office formats.
The presence of a Chinese language app store, complete with a dedicated Mobile section for Android applications, showcases the distribution’s focus on providing a comprehensive software ecosystem. The range of bundled tools, including diagnostic utilities, biometrics support, and the Kylin Code IDE (based on Microsoft’s VSCode), further enhance openKylin’s appeal.
openKylin uses a mix of native and widely used open-source apps. The terminal is “MATE Terminal” from the MATE desktop environment. The file manager is Peony file manager, which is homegrown. There are others as well, which you can explore after installing.
I was curious about the app store, but I encountered some difficulties. Previously, installing GNOME Software (which is the same as the Ubuntu Software store) was a simple process. However, it now appears to be more complicated. The default app store is clearly designed for Chinese users, and I have found it difficult to install the applications I need using this tool.
Performance ⚙️🚀
When running a few apps like a media player, browser, file manager, and WPS office, the system uses around 68% of the available memory, which is approximately 2.6 GB. This seems a bit high to me.
The majority of the memory is taken up by the UKUI desktop environment and its components. The CPU usage is at an average of 4%. The default installation takes up 10 GB of disk space.
I believe that the performance could use some improvement. However, considering the numerous visually appealing features in the UKUI desktop and the lack of proper optimization, this metric is understandable.
Conclusion 📝🎯
The openKylin 1.0 is making a name for itself in the Linux distribution world with its Arm, RISC-V, x86-64 hardware, Android runtime, and other features. The sleek and user-friendly UKUI desktop surpasses mainstream Western alternatives and showcases China’s increasing impact on desktop Linux innovation. In fact, the desktop reminds me of CutefishOS, which caused a stir last year.
Although non-Chinese users may find this distribution suitable for casual use, it may be an appealing option for users in China. To download this version, visit the official website at the link provided below (please note that it may take longer to download).
