NepaLinux is a Debian and Morphix based GNU/Linux Distribution focused for Desktop usage in Nepali language computing. It contains applications for Desktop users like: OpenOffice.org, Nepali Gnome Desktop, Nepali input systems etc. The development and distribution of Nepalinux is done by Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya (www.mpp.org.np). The official site for NepaLinux is www.nepalinux.org

NepaLinux 2.0

NepaLinux 2.0 comes up with additional choices to the end-users in the sense that it offers two different localized working Desktop Environments, respectively, GNOME and KDE. The NepaLinux 2.0 package comprises two separate CDs with GNOME Desktop Environment bundled in one of them whereas KDE Desktop Environment in the other.After having looked at the Desktop Environments via the Live CD facility, users may then decide finally which one to install in his/her computer. The introduction of the localized KDE Desktop Environment, which is popular for wide range of available software is one of the chief attractions of NepaLinux 2.0 package.

Special Features of NepaLinux 2.0
1. Linux Kernel 2.6.18
2. Localized and updated GNOME Desktop Environment 2.14
3. Localized KDE Desktop Environment 3.5.5 with all the major applications included
4. Localized OpenOffice.org 2.2 with upgraded Nepali Spell Checker.
5. Localized Seamonkey Suite
6. XKB and SCIM input systems
7. Better hardware detection and compatibility
9. Enhanced and consistent translation
10. Support for SATA harddisk, Wifi Cards and Bluetooth devices.

Some of the packages included in NepaLinux 2.0 are:

GNOME Desktop Environment CD:

• Linux Kernel 2.6.18
• Gnome 2.14 Desktop Environment
• Xserver-xorg
• XKB, SCIM Input Method
• OpenOffice.org 2.2
• Nepali SpellChecker and Thesaurus
• Gimp Graphics Editor
• Xsane Scanner Utility
• GnuCash Accounting Software
• XChat IRC software
• Gaim Messenging Tool
• Development Tools ( Includes C and C++ )
• SeaMonkey
• GnomeBaker CD/DVD Burning Utility
• Firewall Security
• Antivirus
• Totem
• XMMS
• Gnome games
• GEdit
• AbiWord

KDE Desktop Environment CD

• Linux Kernel 2.6.18
• KDE Desktop Environment 3.5.5
• Xserver-xorg
• XKB, SCIM Input Method
• OpenOffice.org 2.2
• Nepali SpellChecker and Thesaurus
• Konqueror Browser
• SeaMonkey Browser
• Development Tools ( Includes C and C++ )
• VLC Player
• KPDF Viewer
• Firewall Security
• Antivirus
• Kooka Scan and OCR program
• Kopete Instant Messenger
• Krita painting and image editing
• K3b
• ksirc
  

Targeted end-users of NepaLinux

A. Individual Desktop users
B. Ministries, government officesand corporate houses
C. Schools, colleges, universities, cyber-cafes and telecenters

Further works on NepaLinux include NepaLinux 3.0, scheduled to get released in March 2008.In the future releases of NepaLinux, several new features and applications are being planned to develop. Besides, a major focus would be on making the system administration(installation and troubleshooting part) as less technical as possible.


NepaLinux is an effort of promoting Free/OpenSource Software (FOSS) especailly GNU/Linux. There are several immediately available places to look for assistance :

• Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya support forum  www.mpp.org.np/forum,
• NepaLinux Mailing List  www.nepalinux.org/lists
  
• NepaLinux Wiki  www.nepalinux.org/wiki
  
• IRC for realtime queries (#nepalinux on irc.freenode.net)
• The Debian Documentation  www.debian.org/doc
  
• The Debian mailing lists  lists.debian.org
• Community Resources
  • forums.debian.net
  • www.debianplanet.org
  • www.debianhelp.org
  • www.linuxquestions.org