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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Both BunsenLabs Boron and Bohdi Linux are outstanding distributions.
- These distros take advantage of similar layouts, but are quite different.
- Neither distro is an ideal choice for new Linux users.
One of the many things I love about the Linux operating system is the vast array of choices available. If you don’t like a distribution, find another one. If the desktop environment you’re using doesn’t suit your style or needs, consider installing a different one. If you need something faster, try a lightweight distribution.
Given the vast number of distros available, there’s almost no end to the combinations you can find. Additionally, many distributions tend to add their own spin and flair to the desktop to make them stand out.
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Such is the case with the two distributions I want to compare today: BunsenLabs Boron and Bohdi Linux.
When you first look at these distributions, you might see some similarities, but they are quite different in nearly every aspect.
Let’s take a look at each and see which could be the right choice for you.
Meet BunsenLabs Boron
I’ve written about BunsenLabs Boron before and have always found it a treat to use. The first time I installed this Linux distribution, it seemed as if I was using a customized version of the Enlightenment desktop.
I was wrong.
BusenLabs Boron uses a tweaked version of Openbox window manager to make it look quite unique.
This take on Openbox places a panel on the left side, adds Conky to the right side — and that’s it. It’s minimal, discreet, and fast. When you combine that with Openbox’s right-click desktop menu (although BunsenLab’s desktop menu is activated with a left mouse click), I immediately assumed it was using the Enlightenment desktop.
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It took me a moment to realize that what the BunsenLabs developers have done is configure Openbox to be something unique and highly efficient. BunsenLab’s take on Openbox is reminiscent of Ubuntu’s take on GNOME, and I’m 100% on board with both. I think the layout works very well to get out of your way, so you can do what you need to do.
In fact, BunsenLabs Boron is designed specifically for multitasking; if you like to work with multiple windows/apps at once, you’ll love this distribution. There’s even a middle-mouse click that brings up a simple manager, allowing you to quickly switch between workspaces.
But that’s not all.
BunsenLabs uses a fairly vanilla Debian base, but doesn’t include a universal package manager. Instead, BunsenLabs depends on the Synaptic package manager. Synaptic is a front-end for the default package manager (in this case, apt) and may seem somewhat outdated to some users. Fear not, however, because Synaptic does work very well. Would I suggest Synaptic for a new Linux user? Probably not.
Of course, you can always install either (or both) Snap and Flatpak. What you can’t do is add support for either universal package manager to Synaptik. As a result, installing applications via Snap or Flatpak must be done from the command line. (I installed Bazaar — the GUI app for installing Flatpak apps — only to find out it won’t work.)
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What else does BunsenLabs Boron bring to the table?
- Openbox window manager with the tint2 panel, Conky system monitor, and jgmenu installed for efficient use.
- Several GTK2/3 themes, wallpapers, and Conky configurations are available to choose from.
- Various tools are included to maintain this system.
- Several multimedia and hardware-related packages for a better out-of-the-box experience.
Who is BunsenLabs Boron for?
If you’ve never used Linux, BunsenLabs Boron is not for you because the Openbox window manager isn’t exactly new-user-friendly. Although the desktop is quite easy to use, it would trip up plenty of people as they try to get used to this new way of interacting with a PC.
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If you happen to like the Debian distribution, and you want a desktop environment that’s a bit old-school, BunsenLabs Boron could be just what you need. This distribution is lightning-fast, making it perfectly suited for both new and old hardware.
Also: Unless you’re handy with the command line, BunsenLabs Boron is probably not a distribution you want to start with.
Meet Bohdi Linux
Moksha’s Green theme is now the default.
Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET
At first blush, it could be easy to mistake Bohdi Linux for BunsenLabs Boron. Although the desktop themes are quite different, the mouse-click menu is similar on both. However, Bohdi Linux takes a step into familiar territory by introducing a bottom panel, which could make it a viable Linux distribution for new users.
I wouldn’t exactly go that far.
Bodhi Linux is based on Ubuntu, which in turn is based on Debian, so both distributions share the same pedigree. If you can use Ubuntu, you can use Debian (although there are some differences).
Generally, I find that Debian-based distributions can gain a slight edge in performance over those based on Ubuntu. The difference, however, is slight, so you might not notice it.
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Although Bodhi Linux is easy to use, its desktop menu system may cause confusion for new users. Because of that, I would say that Bodhi Linux is best suited in the hands of those who feel comfortable using something a bit different.
Where BunsenLabs uses the Openbox window manager, Bodhi uses the Moksha desktop, which was inspired by the Enlightenment window manager. Moksha is every bit as fast as Openbox, but it’s also much more configurable.
That high level of configurability is one of the reasons I don’t typically recommend Bodhi Linux to those new to Linux. For me, the Moksha desktop is like the perfect combination of old and new. While Moksha might seem like a modern take on the Linux desktop, it remains grounded in the past.
Other features in Bohdi Linux include the following:
- A bare-bones system with only essential tools.
- Leverages Ubuntu’s stability and vast software repositories.
- A browser-based app store for easy installation of curated software.
- Low system requirements: 500 MHz CPU and 256MB RAM.
- Users have total control over nearly every aspect of customization.
- Designed for responsiveness and low memory usage.
- Includes apps such as Chromium, Thunar file browser, the terminology app, Leafpad, ePhoto, and Synaptic package manager.
Yes, this is yet another Linux distribution that makes use of the Synaptic package manager front-end.
Who is Bohdi Linux for?
In a similar fashion to BunsenLabs Boron, Bohdi Linux isn’t perfectly suited for new users. Although the desktop layout should be instantly familiar, even to those with little to no experience, it is extremely configurable. Change the wrong setting, and you wind up with a desktop that no longer boots properly. That reason alone prevents me from recommending Bohdi Linux to users.
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If, on the other hand, you want something a bit different that also builds on what present desktop distributions have to offer, and you need speed and efficiency, Bohdi is a brilliant option.
Which distro is right for you?
If you are new to Linux, walk away.
If you have some Linux experience and aren’t afraid of breaking things, either one of these distributions would be a great fit for you.
No, they are not typical, but they work like champs and make using Linux fun again.
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If you want something different and don’t care about a traditional desktop layout, go with BunsenLabs Boron.
If you want something different but prefer to stick with a similar layout to your current desktop, consider Bodhi. Either way, you’ll be a winner in many people’s eyes.