Version 1.0 of China’s openKylin Linux distro, designed for the domestic market, has been released. Contrary to some reports, openKylin is not the country’s first homegrown open source desktop operating system. It is actually an Ubuntu remix with selective updates. The new release, codenamed Yangtze, features the UKUI desktop, which is considered one of the most polished Linux desktops available. openKylin 1.0 also includes popular applications such as Firefox as its default web browser and WPS Office as its office suite.
openKylin 1.0 is an attractive and modern distro with a visually appealing desktop and several additional features. While it is not the first entirely Chinese FOSS operating system or Linux distro, it is gaining popularity with over 800,000 users. The project boasts over 4,000 contributors and 3,000 repositories, highlighting the extensive development effort behind the release. openKylin 1.0 supports a range of hardware, including Arm and RISC-V, in addition to x86-64.
The successful launch of openKylin reflects China’s growing influence in the field of desktop Linux innovation. The distro’s sleek design and user-friendly interface surpass many Western desktop environments. According to the Reg, UKUI outperforms popular desktop environments like KDE, MATE, and GNOME. The Linux community is eager to explore the potential of openKylin and its impact on the desktop market.
However, it is essential to maintain journalistic integrity and present a balanced view of the topic. While openKylin has its merits, it is important to provide a broader perspective. The distro is based on Ubuntu, leveraging the stability, compatibility, and support of Canonical’s platform. Chinese developers have built upon Ubuntu to create openKylin, demonstrating their innovation in adapting existing technologies to suit their market’s needs.
In conclusion, openKylin 1.0 is a significant milestone for China’s domestic Linux market. While it is not the country’s first homegrown open source desktop operating system, it offers a visually pleasing interface and useful features. As the openKylin project continues to evolve, experts are eager to see how it will contribute to the global Linux community and shape the future of desktop computing.
