ALT Linux Wiki:SeventhPlatform: Difference between revisions

From ALT Linux Wiki
No edit summary
 
(5 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:


[[Category:Branches]]
[[Category:Branches]]
[[ru:Седьмая платформа ALT Linux]]
'''On April 29 2013 ALT Linux announced the release of the Seventh Platform.'''
'''On April 29 2013 ALT Linux announced the release of the Seventh Platform.'''


Line 7: Line 8:


== What's new? ==
== What's new? ==
=== ARMv7 architecture fully supported ===
=== Full support for ARMv7 architecture ===
ARMv7 repository (armh) is now integrated into the Seventh Platform, and, thanks to the newest server equipment from Marvell (Marvell Technology Group Ltd), the package versions are now synchronized with the p7 i586/x86_64 repository.
ARMv7 repository (armh) is now integrated into the Seventh Platform, and, thanks to the newest server equipment from Marvell (Marvell Technology Group Ltd), the package versions are now synchronized with the p7 i586/x86_64 repository.


Line 13: Line 14:


=== New features in the installation utility ===
=== New features in the installation utility ===
The installation utility is now upgraded to support [[UEFI]]. Additionally, it now allows to create and install onto the LUKS encrypted partitions.
The installation utility is now upgraded to support UEFI. Additionally, it now allows to create and install onto the LUKS encrypted partitions.


=== Support for systemd with continuing support of sysvinit ===
=== Systemd support with continuing support of sysvinit ===
The Seventh Platform supports the new initialization system [[systemd]]. This system is recommended for advanced desktop environments deployed within the p7 framework. sysvinit, a legacy initialization system that has been used in Linux/Unix system over several decades, is still supported for simpler server and GUI solutions.
The Seventh Platform supports the new initialization system systemd. This system is recommended for advanced desktop environments deployed within the p7 framework. Sysvinit, a legacy initialization system that has been used in Linux/Unix system over several decades, is still supported for simpler server and GUI installations.


=== Support for IPv6 ===
=== IPv6 support===
Support for IPv6 protocol is implemented in the core server and client network services.
Full IPv6 protocol support is implemented in the core server and client network services.


=== Extended features of ALT Linux network domains ===
=== Extra features of ALT Linux network domains ===
The Seventh Platform introduces streamlined authentification of Microsoft(R)Windows(tm) systems. It is now possible to work on a computer using a domain account even when the domain is not available. Domain management within the unified configuration management utility alterator has been substantially improved. Full migration to Samba 4 has been accomplished.
The Seventh Platform introduces streamlined authentification of Microsoft(R)Windows(tm) systems. It is now possible to work on a computer using a domain account even when the domain is not available. Domain management within the unified configuration management utility alterator has been substantially improved. Full migration to Samba 4 has been completed.


=== Provisional implementation of the Deepsolver package management system ===
=== Provisional implementation of Deepsolver package management system ===
The first beta releases of the [http://deepsolver.altlinux.org/ Deepsolver] project are being tested in the package building infrastructure and are accessible in the experimental system images.
The first beta releases of the [http://deepsolver.altlinux.org/ Deepsolver] project are being tested in the package building infrastructure and are accessible in the experimental system images.


=== Redesigned biarch subsystem ===
=== Redesigned biarch subsystem ===
[[Arepo]] 2.0, a new subsystem for execution of 32-bit applications on 64-bit platforms, now eliminates the possibility of desynchronization of repositories. Arepo 2.0 has been integrated into the Sixth Platform alongside Arepo 1.0, and after a period of comprehensive testing now becomes the only available subsystem.
Arepo 2.0, a new subsystem for execution of 32-bit applications on 64-bit platforms, now eliminates the risk of desynchronization of repositories. Arepo 2.0 has been integrated into the Sixth Platform alongside Arepo 1.0, and, after a period of comprehensive testing, it now becomes the only available subsystem.


== Subsystem and package versions ==
== Versions of subsystems and packages ==
The Seventh Platform repositories will be updated over the course of the support period. For the initial p7 release date, they include:
The Seventh Platform repositories will be continually updated over the course of the support period. As of the initial p7 release date, they include:
* Linux 3.8.9 kernel (std-def as the default option, un-def), 2.6.32 with [[OpenVZ]] and up-to-date patches (ovz-el), 3.4.42 (led-ws, alternate)
* Linux 3.8.9 kernel (std-def as the default option, un-def), 2.6.32 with OpenVZ and up-to-date patches (ovz-el), 3.4.42 (led-ws, alternate)
* systemd 201
* systemd 201
* GNU Libc 2.17, GCC 4.7.2, python 2.7.4 and 3.3.1, perl 5.16.3
* GNU Libc 2.17, GCC 4.7.2, python 2.7.4 and 3.3.1, perl 5.16.3
Line 42: Line 43:


== Faster time to production with pre-configured system images for the Seventh Platform repositories ==
== Faster time to production with pre-configured system images for the Seventh Platform repositories ==
Users who prefer to customize the components and graphical layout of their systems will certainly appreciate the possibility to use the compact installation images with different desktop environments that are sufficient to quickly start working with the Seventh Platform and implement further customisations. Several [http://ftp.altlinux.ru/pub/distributions/ALTLinux/p7/images/starterkits/ starter kits] have been created and published to facilitate this style of work. They support i586 and x86_64 architectures (Enlightenment, GNOME, Icewm, KDE, LXDE, MATE, Razor-qt, Trinity, and Xfce desktop environments), and ARMv7/Nexus7 architecture (Englightenment, KDE). The Nexus7 platform for ARMv7 has been chosen as the most widespread and sufficiently open.
Users who prefer to customize the components and graphical layout of their systems will appreciate the possibility to use the compact installation images with different desktop environments that are sufficient to quickly start working with the Seventh Platform and implement further customisations. Several [http://ftp.altlinux.ru/pub/distributions/ALTLinux/p7/images/starterkits/ starter kits] have been created and published to facilitate this style of work. They support i586 and x86_64 architectures (Enlightenment, GNOME, Icewm, KDE, LXDE, MATE, Razor-qt, Trinity, and Xfce desktop environments), and ARMv7/Nexus7 architecture (Englightenment, KDE). The Nexus7 platform for ARMv7 has been chosen as the most widespread and sufficiently open.


The choice of starter kits for p7 will continue to expand in future, and the images will be updated after any significant changes in the repository.
The choice of starter kits for p7 will continue to expand in future, and the images will be updated after any significant changes in the repository.


[[Insallation_on_Nexus_7|Installation of images on Nexus 7]] still requires carefulness and qualification.
Installation of images on Nexus 7 still requires carefulness and qualification.


It is notable that ''' p7 starter kits are not OS distributions''' as they do not contain neither full-fledged software solutions, nor consistent look-and-feel.
It is notable that ''' p7 starter kits are not OS distributions''' as they do not contain neither full-fledged software solutions, nor consistent look-and-feel.
Line 53: Line 54:
=== Centaurus 7.0 ===
=== Centaurus 7.0 ===


ALT Linux 7.0 Centaurus is a free multi-functional distribution for servers and workstations with easy-to-use configuration and management tools. MATE 1.6 is optionally provided as a graphic environment for workstations, and FVWM is optionally provided as a minimalist graphic environment for server administration.
ALT Linux 7.0 Centaurus is a free multi-functional distribution for servers and workstations with easy-to-use configuration and management tools. MATE 1.6 is optionally provided as a graphic environment for workstations, and FVWM is optionally provided as a minimalist graphic environment for server administration purposes.


In addition to the new p7 features described above, the new version of Centaurus provides out-of-the-box integration of moodle, mediawiki and owncloud with ALT domains.
In addition to the new p7 features described above, the new version of Centaurus provides out-of-the-box integration of moodle, mediawiki, and owncloud with ALT domains.


Release date: May-June 2013.
Release date: May-June 2013.
Line 63: Line 64:
=== KDesktop 7.0 ===
=== KDesktop 7.0 ===


KDesktop 7.0 is a universal multi-purpose end-user system that includes everything necessary for office productivity, authoring of various graphics and animations, processing of sound and video, as well as software development and educational tools. Users can customise their systems and select the desired functionality during installation. This new version of KDesktop is based on KDE 4.10.
KDesktop 7.0 is a universal multi-purpose end-user system that includes everything necessary for office productivity, authoring of various graphics and animations, processing of sound and video, as well as software development and educational needs. Users can customise their systems and select the desired functionality during installation. This new version of KDesktop is based on KDE 4.10.


Release date: June 2013
Release date: June 2013
Line 87: Line 88:


== Upgrading to the Seventh Platform ==
== Upgrading to the Seventh Platform ==
Before upgrading to the Seventh Platform from a previous version, please read the [[Update/p7|upgrade instructions]] carefully. In case of any problems, please do not make any hurried decisions, instead please ask your questions at our [http://forum.altlinux.ru/ forum] or [https://lists.altlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/community-en/ mailing list].
<!-- Before upgrading to the Seventh Platform from a previous version, please read the [[Update/p7|upgrade instructions]] carefully. -->
In case of any problems, please do not make any hurried decisions, instead please ask your questions at our [http://forum.altlinux.ru/ forum] or [https://lists.altlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/community-en/ mailing list].


== Known problems ==
== Known problems ==
* Old version of TeXlive (2008.0).
* Old version of TeXlive (2008.0).
* At the time of release, the Seventh Platform includes the supported production-quality version of PHP: 5.3.24. Upgrade towards php 5.4 has been delayed due to a large number of currently used applications that do not support the new version.
* As of the initial release date, the Seventh Platform includes the supported production-quality version of PHP: 5.3.24. Upgrade towards PHP 5.4 has been delayed due to a large number of actively used applications that do not support the new version.
* Migration of Java subsystems to the new build system has not been fully completed. Therefore, eclipse-cdt and eclipse-changelog packages remain the only packages that cannot be rebuilt within the p7 environment.
* Migration of Java subsystems to the new build system has not been fully completed. Therefore, eclipse-cdt and eclipse-changelog packages remain the only packages that cannot be rebuilt within the p7 environment.

Latest revision as of 16:31, 8 July 2013

Seventh Platform Logo

On April 29 2013 ALT Linux announced the release of the Seventh Platform.

The Seventh Platform (p7 Trientalis) is a new stable branch of ALT Linux repositories designed for development, testing, distribution, updating and support of all kinds of complex IT systems, ranging from embedded and mobile devices to enterprise servers and data-centers. The Seventh Platform is created by the ALT Linux Team as part of the Sisyphus project and is maintained by the ALT Linux company.

What's new?

Full support for ARMv7 architecture

ARMv7 repository (armh) is now integrated into the Seventh Platform, and, thanks to the newest server equipment from Marvell (Marvell Technology Group Ltd), the package versions are now synchronized with the p7 i586/x86_64 repository.

The armh repository within the Seventh Platform contains approximately 10000 source packages that allow to create integrated server, desktop, mobile and embedded systems within the unified framework of the Seventh Platform based on the ARMv7 architecture.

New features in the installation utility

The installation utility is now upgraded to support UEFI. Additionally, it now allows to create and install onto the LUKS encrypted partitions.

Systemd support with continuing support of sysvinit

The Seventh Platform supports the new initialization system systemd. This system is recommended for advanced desktop environments deployed within the p7 framework. Sysvinit, a legacy initialization system that has been used in Linux/Unix system over several decades, is still supported for simpler server and GUI installations.

IPv6 support

Full IPv6 protocol support is implemented in the core server and client network services.

Extra features of ALT Linux network domains

The Seventh Platform introduces streamlined authentification of Microsoft(R)Windows(tm) systems. It is now possible to work on a computer using a domain account even when the domain is not available. Domain management within the unified configuration management utility alterator has been substantially improved. Full migration to Samba 4 has been completed.

Provisional implementation of Deepsolver package management system

The first beta releases of the Deepsolver project are being tested in the package building infrastructure and are accessible in the experimental system images.

Redesigned biarch subsystem

Arepo 2.0, a new subsystem for execution of 32-bit applications on 64-bit platforms, now eliminates the risk of desynchronization of repositories. Arepo 2.0 has been integrated into the Sixth Platform alongside Arepo 1.0, and, after a period of comprehensive testing, it now becomes the only available subsystem.

Versions of subsystems and packages

The Seventh Platform repositories will be continually updated over the course of the support period. As of the initial p7 release date, they include:

  • Linux 3.8.9 kernel (std-def as the default option, un-def), 2.6.32 with OpenVZ and up-to-date patches (ovz-el), 3.4.42 (led-ws, alternate)
  • systemd 201
  • GNU Libc 2.17, GCC 4.7.2, python 2.7.4 and 3.3.1, perl 5.16.3
  • xorg-server 1.14.1, Mesa 9.1.1
  • GNOME 3.8.1, KDE 4.10.2, MATE 1.6, Xfce 4.10, Enlightenment 0.17.2.1
  • Firefox 20, LibreOffice 4.0.2.2

Components and versions of other packages can be checked on the Prometheus project website.

Faster time to production with pre-configured system images for the Seventh Platform repositories

Users who prefer to customize the components and graphical layout of their systems will appreciate the possibility to use the compact installation images with different desktop environments that are sufficient to quickly start working with the Seventh Platform and implement further customisations. Several starter kits have been created and published to facilitate this style of work. They support i586 and x86_64 architectures (Enlightenment, GNOME, Icewm, KDE, LXDE, MATE, Razor-qt, Trinity, and Xfce desktop environments), and ARMv7/Nexus7 architecture (Englightenment, KDE). The Nexus7 platform for ARMv7 has been chosen as the most widespread and sufficiently open.

The choice of starter kits for p7 will continue to expand in future, and the images will be updated after any significant changes in the repository.

Installation of images on Nexus 7 still requires carefulness and qualification.

It is notable that p7 starter kits are not OS distributions as they do not contain neither full-fledged software solutions, nor consistent look-and-feel.

ALT Linux distributions based on the Seventh Platform

Centaurus 7.0

ALT Linux 7.0 Centaurus is a free multi-functional distribution for servers and workstations with easy-to-use configuration and management tools. MATE 1.6 is optionally provided as a graphic environment for workstations, and FVWM is optionally provided as a minimalist graphic environment for server administration purposes.

In addition to the new p7 features described above, the new version of Centaurus provides out-of-the-box integration of moodle, mediawiki, and owncloud with ALT domains.

Release date: May-June 2013.

A current beta version built with p7 is available.

KDesktop 7.0

KDesktop 7.0 is a universal multi-purpose end-user system that includes everything necessary for office productivity, authoring of various graphics and animations, processing of sound and video, as well as software development and educational needs. Users can customise their systems and select the desired functionality during installation. This new version of KDesktop is based on KDE 4.10.

Release date: June 2013

A beta version built with p7 will be available before May 20, 2013.

Simply Linux 7.0

Simply Linux 7.0 is a simple distribution for enterprise and home users. This new version is based on XFCE 4.10.

Release date: May 2013

A current beta version built with p7 is available.

Others

Development of new security-enhanced solutions based on the Seventh Platform is currently underway.

New integrated solutions for educational institutions are currently being co-developed with the State Institute of Information Technologies and Telecommunications "Informika".

Download images

http://torrent.altlinux.ru/

Upgrading to the Seventh Platform

In case of any problems, please do not make any hurried decisions, instead please ask your questions at our forum or mailing list.

Known problems

  • Old version of TeXlive (2008.0).
  • As of the initial release date, the Seventh Platform includes the supported production-quality version of PHP: 5.3.24. Upgrade towards PHP 5.4 has been delayed due to a large number of actively used applications that do not support the new version.
  • Migration of Java subsystems to the new build system has not been fully completed. Therefore, eclipse-cdt and eclipse-changelog packages remain the only packages that cannot be rebuilt within the p7 environment.