Linux Deepin

Linux Deepin (formarly Hiweed GNU/Linux) is an open source and freely distributed operating system based on the Ubuntu Linux distribution and featuring its own desktop environment, theme, icons, and login manager.

Availability, boot options and system requirements

It is available for download as installable-only DVD ISO images, one for the 32-bit architecture and another one for 64-bit hardware platforms. The ISOs can be deployed to USB flash drives of 2 GB or higher capacity, as well as on blank DVD discs.

From the boot prompt, users can only install the operating system. Recommended system requirements include an Intel Pentium IV 2GHz processor or better, at least 1 GB of RAM (2 GB recommended for best performance), at least 10 GB of free disk space, a modern video graphics card from Intel, AMD or Nvidia, an AC97, SoundBlaster or HDA sound card, and a CD/DVD-ROM devices or USB port.

Astonishing desktop environment, powerful applications

As mentioned, Deepin uses its own desktop environment, which is very futuristic and provides users with an astonishing graphical session comprised of a single dock located at the bottom edge of the screen, from where users can launch applications.

Among the includes software, we can mention Google Chrome web browser, Nautilus file manager, Mozilla Thunderbird email client, Pidgin instant messenger, Remmina remote desktop client, Gedit text editor, Kingsoft office suite, as well as Deepin Software Center, Deepin Game Center, DMusic audio player, DPlayer video player, and DSnapshot screenshot utility.

Bottom line

Summing up, Deepin is a great Linux distribution that boots fast, looks really amazing and unique (something never seen in a Linux OS before), and uses a stable Ubuntu base that runs well only on high-end machines. It really deserves ten stars!

What is new in this release:

• deepin 15 Alpha 2 is thoroughly changed with a brand new system architecture. System performance and resources occupation have been significantly improved. Meanwhile, significant attention has been paid in internationalization for this system. Not only multi-language display has been improved, but also the mirror acceleration(CDN acceleration) function has been added for the first time. So you can experience the infinite charm of deepin wherever you are!
• Thanks to the comprehensive optimization of the system internal architecture, deepin 15 Alpha 2 has become more light and keen. A new window manager has been adopted in this edition, performance and compatibility has reached perfect balance.
• Deepin Store has been simplified. Uninstallation function now is moved to launcher and system update is integrated in control center. Each perform its own functions and do their best.
• For details in experience, pressure response function has been added to digital tablet. It will be more handy for you to draw on PC. Optimized bluetooth function can automatically switch the audio device to bluetooth loudspeaker after connecting.
• While emphasis on internal improvement, we also enhanced system interaction. For the first time we added sound effect for system startup, shutdown, wakeup and so on.
• WPS Office will be the default office software for all language editions. Thus to provide a unified smooth office experience;
• Wubi input method (simplified Chinese) and Cangjie input method (traditional Chinese) are newly added. Now there are more possibilities for text input;
• Deepin Store now has been upgraded to V4.0. It is specialized in indexing and recommending excellent software;
• Upgraded commonly used software such as QQ, Google Chrome, File Manager and Text Editor to enhance experience of core software;
• Deepin Translator, Remmina and Brasero are removed. Some rarely used software also are reduced.

What is new in version 2014.3:

• Bugs Fixed:
• The light-colored theme has been added in the system and the display problem of the dark-colored theme has been fixed.
• The bug that there is a low probability of preview error on Dock has been fixed.
• The problem of dealing with the desktop size on Dock in different modes has been fixed.
• The bug that the information like Bluetooth and Time plugin in the notification area on Dock doesn't synchronize in time has been fixed.
• The bug that on Dock the notification area automatically restarting after crashing causes that the input methods can not be used has been fixed.
• The bug that when Launcher is started for the first time, the input method is Chinese by default has been fixed.
• The bug that the icons of the newly installed applications aren't shown in Launcher in time has been fixed.
• The bug that Bluetooth is not stable in Control Center has been fixed.
• The bugs in Time and Time Zone settings in Control Center have been fixed.
• The bugs in VPN connection and components and other problems in Control Center have been fixed.
• The bug that the touch screen cannot be used has been fixed.
• ...
• Apps Fixed:
• The interface of Deepin Boot Maker has been adjusted: Display of image files and the drive letter of USB flash drive is newly added.
• Deepin Music has been fixed: The bug that the language shown in douban plugin is English has been fixed.
• Deepin Store has been fixed: The problem of system update detection failing has been fixed.
• Deepin Movie has been fixed: The bug that getting the preview of part of special videos failed has been fixed.
• Deepin Movie has been fixed: The bug that the display of Portuguese and some other languages is incomplete has been fixed.
• The bug that QQ crashes frequently has been fixed (only limited to the Simplified Chinese versions).
• ...
• System Optimization:
• The performance of Dock is optimized: The RAM usage is reduced.
• Part of the code of Control Center is reconstructed to optimize the performance.
• The triggering time of the prompt messages on desktop hot zones and Dock has been optimized to reduce misoperation.
• The stability of plugins in the notification area on Dock has been optimized.
• The interactive performance of the Volume plugin in the notification area on Dock has been optimized.
• The interactive performance of Wi-Fi password input box in Network module in Control Center and in the notification area on Dock has been optimized.
• The other UI interfaces have been adjusted slightly.

What is new in version 2014.2:

• Enabled brand-new Deepin themes, making the system interface more beautiful;
• newly added the feature of drag and drop re-ordering to the residing icons in Dock;
• newly added four kinds of re-ordering modes in the Launcher (by name, by category, by installation time and by frequency of use);
• newly added the functions of Icon, Cursor and Fonts setting in the Personalization Setting module;
• improved multi-screen display function;
• strengthened the network function and added the function of state memory;
• simplified the operation of choosing time zone in Control Center;
• newly added the function of daylight saving time.

What is new in version 2014.1:

• Fast and Stable:
• In this version, we focus on enhancing the system stability. Meanwhile, the system performance has been optimized thoroughly and the major improvements are as follows:
• Dock:
• In this version, in order to ensure the stable running of Dock on all computers, the main improvements are as follows:
• Added the anti-frozen function of Dock in background;
• Fixed the system frozen bugs caused by Dock.
• Desktop:
• For desktop, we have resolved the problems of right-click menu and multiple screen display:
• The response speed of right-click menu has been improved significantly and its memory has been reduced 90% than before;
• Muti-display function has solved the problems of novice guide malposition and wrong display of wallpapers.
• Control Center:
• The control center is mainly to strengthen the display and the stability of network module function, and also solves the splash screen problem of some computers.
• The soft control function of screen brightness has been added in display module, and solved the problem that most computer can't adjust the brightness;
• The wireless hardware switch prompt has been added in network module, and a series of bugs, such as some wired network can't show the real hardware have been fixed.
• Built-in Software:
• We have improved or ungraded the software built in our system.
• The problem that the downloading speed becomes slower and slower when users download installing software in Deepin Store has been solved.
• Some functions like subtitle display have been strengthened and some new functions, like supporting folders' recursively being read, are newly added in Deepin Movie.
• Sogou input method and WPS have been upgraded to their latest versions.
• More Perfect Internationalization:
• Thanks to the steady promotion of Deepin Internationalization Project, the translation of the 10 kinds of languages officially offered by Deepin 2014.1 is more accurate. The community supports more than 60 kinds of languages, the translation progress of which has also been significantly improved. Deepin 2014.1 already contains all the achievements achieved after Deepin Internationalization Project was promoted, so as to facilitate the users to use it directly.
• Meanwhile, with the help of contributors from different countries, we have conducted a more comprehensive test to some internationalization functions, such as the time zone, calendar and keyboard layout, which solves the problem of mistakes in some time zones and calendar.
• More Intimate Functions:
• The two new modes--"Efficient Mode" and "Classical Mode" are added in the Dock program, which is a great progress of Deepin Desktop Environment continuing to improve the user experience. The three modes can be switched seamlessly to meet the individualized needs of different users to Dock.
• On reducing interferences, the functions of screen hotspots automatically being disabled and intelligent power management are added to Deepin Desktop Environment, which can avoid problems such as the users being interfered by screen hotspots when they operate in full screen and screen becoming automatically black when there are no operations.
• On smart tips of the system, Deepin Desktop Environment is newly added some desktop tips like multi-screen display. Users can choose the mode they need in the prompt window.
• In addition, Deepin Project has nearly 70 software sources in the world. Using the best source detecting function in Deepin Store can help you quickly choose the best software source so that you can quickly update the system and install the software.
• Friendly Reminder:
• Since Compiz has poor performance in virtual machines (Deepin 2014.1 uses Compiz as the window manager), we strongly recommend that you directly install Deepin 2014.1 on real machines, so as to experience the gorgeous effects of Deepin 2014.1.

What is new in version 2014:

• Multi-language Support:
• Thanks to efforts of the translators from various countries in Deepin Community, Deepin 2014 officially offers 10 languages. And all the languages are integrated in an ISO mirror to facilitate the users' installation.
• Deepin Desktop Environment 2.0:
• Deepin 2014 brings a brand-new Deepin Desktop Environment 2.0, with a specially designed Deepin theme, which makes the overall style and appearance of Deepin 2014 unified, neat and tidy.
• Compared with the previous distribution, Deepin Desktop Environment 2.0 newly adds convenience features, such as user guide, starter Chinese phonetic search, intuitive hot zone settings, which makes users at home when they initially use Deepin system.
• Meanwhile, we have made a comprehensive optimization to Deepin Desktop Environment 2.0 and the internal of the system with a boot memory of only 500M, and the internal prompt mechanism has been improved, which makes Deepin 2014 more lightweight and sensitive.
• Deepin Control Center:
• The system settings in Deepin Desktop Environment 2.0 have been comprehensively
• upgraded into Deepin Control Center. And in appearance the panel pops up on the right of the screen, which makes the Deepin Control Center more efficiently and beautifully used.
• At the same time when some functions of important modules, such as display, network and personalization are comprehensively improved, more functions that can be set are newly added, like system theme management and program start menu management.
• Software Management:
• The brand-new pieces of software such as Deepin Movie, Deepin Translator, Deepin Boot Maker and so on are added in Deepin 2014. And the commonly used pieces of software like Sogou input method and Google browser are updated, to facilitate the use for daily entertainment and work.
• Based on Deepin 2013 depot, we added a lot of third-party software, which could be installed directly by opening Deepin Software Center. Meanwhile, the system supports uninstalling programs directly by the right key in the starter. Now, no tedious Root certification is needed whether in installing or uninstalling software under Deepin. And there is strict control in the whole operation, and thus security problems won't happen.
• In addition, Deepin Project possesses more than 70 mirror sources in the world. The function of Deepin Software Center detecting the best source has returned. Physical location judgement is added in this function. This function can help you quickly choose the best software source for your quickly updating system and installing software.
• Community Involvement:
• The development of Deepin Project is inseparable from the efforts of Deepin Community members.
• Deepin 2014 is equipped with award-winning works in Deepin 2014 Wallpaper Contest and Deepin Internationalization Project results by default, which makes Deepin 2014 have more beautiful wallpaper and have become the first comprehensive international version of Deepin Project.

What is new in version 2014 RC:

• Deepin 2014 RC system has been fully optimized with a boot memory of 500M, and the internal prompt mechanism has been improved, which makes Deepin Desktop Environment be more light weight and sensitive.
• To unify Deepin2014 RC overall style and appearance, we improved Deepin system theme. Meanwhile, a vivid and simple user guide is added, which helps new users to quickly grasp the common operations.
• Control Centre:
• Deepin2014 RC brings a comprehensive and perfect Control Centre.
• We comprehensively improved some functions of important modules, such as display, network,Bluetooth and personalization. Meanwhile, many useful functions of network proxy , switching system language built-in themes have been added.
• Software Management:
• Deepin2014 RC makes software management easier than ever in Linux.
• Depth Desktop Environment has supported to directly uninstall applications in launcher and drag the application icons to trash for uninstall in launcher. Based on the original repository,we added a lot of third-party software, which could be installed directly by opening Deepin Software Center.
• Now, no cumbersome Root certification and complex operations required to install or uninstall software in Deepin.
• In addition,Deepin Project possesses more than 60 mirror sources in the world,you can open Deepin Software Center - Options, select the source with fastest connection speed, so that you can quickly update the system and install the software.
• Community Involvement:
• Deepin Community Involvement makes Deepin 2014 RC more attractive.
• Deepin2014 RC carries winning works from Deepin 2014 Wallpaper Contest in default and absorbs software translation and patches submitted by a large number of community users at home and abroad. More stronger Deepin Community promotes the continuous development and growth of Deepin projects.

What is new in version 2014 Beta:

• Deepin 2014 utilizes Compiz for composite effects, which is infamous for its poor performance on virtual machines. You may wish to install Deepin on your hard disk or try it with a DeepinWin installer (an equivalent of Ubuntu's Wubi utility). The two options mentioned are tested and are considered as the preferable choice to experience Deepin's real elegance.
• To solve the performance issue with virtual machines, we have planned to write a new window manager and replace Compiz for future releases.

What is new in version 2014 Alpha:

• Desktop:
• Kept the convenient function of the original desktop, the new desktop now has a new Corner Navigation item on the context menu for setting the function of the desktop corner, so that users can easily customize their desktop corner now.
• And the new Dock has merged the functionality of the original dock and the old system tray, as well as pinned its default position to the bottom center, to make it both elegance and practical.
• Launcher:
• The new launcher has added the Favorite interface to display the Recently used App. It also added the Uninstall item to the context menu of the apps, making it easier to uninstall an app.
• The Control Center:
• The Deepin System Setting in the version 2.0 of the Deepin Desktop Environment has now renamed to the Deepin Control Center.
• After hearing from user's feedback, this brand new Widget has adopted a more clear way of classification to the setting items. the Deepin Control Center now provide a powerful Theme Manager, a Boot Screen Manager (GRUB), an enhanced multi-screen display and an improved network settings from this new version on. For the version Deepin 2014 Beta, we planned to attach more features like Wi-Fi hotspot share.
• Login Manager:
• The Login Manager (technically known as the Display Manager) is developed based on LightDM with HTML5 technology. Now the background image of the login screen is an starry sky animation, and the Login Manager can also perform actions to the music that played in the background when the screen locked.
• Deepin Theme 2.0:
• The Deepin Design Team has redesigned the theme for the Deepin Desktop Environment. The main color of the theme is black, and the icon style is compactness and skeuomorphism, and now the system is full of colorful elements.
• Deepin Installer:
• Starting from this version, the Deepin Installation Image has shipped with the Deepin Installer made by the Deepin Team. Users can quickly finish the Deepin 2014 installation process by just simply follow the two steps: to fill in the user/locale info form and choose install location.
• And what's more, the Deepin Installer support both BIOS and UEFI firmware.

What is new in version 2013:

• New features:
• Deepin Terminal
• Deepin Game Center
• Face Recognition
• An improved Deepin Software Center
• DSnapshot: Let's get it moved!
• The window manager comes with a new appearance. We changed the default color from blue to black. So you can see Linux Deepin did/does not look like or mimic Windows 7 except its color was the "sad" blue.
• Files dragged from removable devices to hard disk will be copied rather than moved.
• Improved power management. When you are watching videos fullscreen in your web browser, your system won't be detected as idle, The display won't be turned off and the system won't sleep automatically, which lets you focus on your video.
• Docked applications will enable access to more operations. For example, You can either select to either open a new window for Firefox, or a new private window when you right click on your docked icon for Firefox.
• The default key to bring up the launcher (application menu) is set to the "Windows" key.
• Improved automount of removable devices. Users can choose whether removable devices should be mounted when plugged in.
• DMusic sometimes failed to save its playlists when the system was rebooted.
• Bug fixes:
• No sound when DMusic's progress bar was dragged.
• Comment submission failed in the Deepin Software Center.
• Bluetooth could not be disabled.
• Weird window behavior when iptux was resized.
• The battery icon notification always displayed "charging" status when it was not always true.

What is new in version 12.12:

• After a year of hard work, we are happy to bring you a free operating system with the unique Deepin touch - stable, easy and elegant.
• Linux Deepin 12.12 features a brand new desktop environment, called DDE or the Deepin Desktop Environment, an enhanced Deepin Software Center, and the more delicate DMusic, DPlayer and DSnapshot ...
• Unlike its previous versions, Linux Deepin 12.12 ships the independently developed Deepin Desktop Environment, which brings you a unique experience.
• Application Launcher:
• An overview of all applications is given when the Application Launcher button is pressed. You can quickly find and start your application from here.
• Launching applications: all installed applications sorted by categories are displayed here. Press the Launcher button or the combination key of Alt + F2 to see an overview of all applications and press the Esc key to quit.
• Searching applications: applications can be searched by names or keywords.
• Creating shortcuts: right click on an application icon, a brief menu will be displayed. You can create shortcuts on the dock panel or on the desktop from the menu, in which you can also hide the icon of an application.
• Application Group:
• Drag one icon of an application on to another on the Desktop to create an App Group. Applications can be organized in such a way to improve your desktop for better efficiency.
• Click on the App Group icon and a drop-down menu will be shown to display all applications in the group.
• Right click on the App Group icon, you can open, rename, ungroup (which means all applications in the App Group will be expanded and restored to the desktop), or delete the App Group from the menu.
• The Dock Panel:
• The dock panel, which is located on the bottom of your screen, includes the Launcher button, the Show/Hide Desktop button, shortcuts for applications and the system tray area.
• Creating or deleting shortcuts: applications can be docked or undocked which means a shortcut for a running application can be created on the dock panel or deleted when it is no longer considered useful.
• Previewing opened windows: opened applications can be previewed when hovering over the icons on the dock panel.
• Dragging to move shortcuts: the docked icons for applications on the panel can be dragged and moved to change their locations.
• System Settings:
• The System Settings is an indispendable part of the Linux Deepin operating system, which is introduced in this version for the first time. Comparing to similar components (whatever their names might be) in other operating systems or Linux distribtutions, the System Settings in Linux Deepin is more straightforward. It is used to configure displays, sound, wallpapers, power, date and time, keyboard, network on Linux Deepin.
• Deepin Software Center 3.0:
• Since its first version, the Deepin Software Center has drawn much attention from Linux users. In its new version, the back end has been completely reworked and you can see distinct improvement in its performance. New features include:
• Recommendations and download rank is added to the home page.
• The categories has been carefully examined and various adjustments are made where necessary.
• Users can now log in using their Linux Deepin forum account to comment or rate applications.
• Users can set their preferred mirror in Preferences-Mirrors.
• DMusic, DPlayer and DSnapshot:
• We believe you have seen those handy and fun applications in our previous releases, didn't you;)
• Yes, their names has been changed from long ones and now they have more compact names. Meanwhile, much attention has been paid to details and they have been greatly improved.
• DMusic 2.0:
• The new version of DMusic:
• is extensible with add-ons. The DoubanFM and Network Redio add-ons are provided by default and can be enabled in Preferences - Add-ons.
• can be toggled to a minimal interface called mini mode.
• adds playback support for audio CD and lossless formats (WAV, FLAC, APE, etc.).
• supports conversion between different audio formats.
• supports multimedia buttons.
• DPlayer 2.0:
• Version 2.0 of DPlayer:
• supports choosing and switching sound tracks and subtitles for multiple languages.
• supports format conversion so that they can be watched on your mobile devices.
• supports DVD/CD playback.
• allows multiple instances.
• DSnapshot
• DSnapshot 2.0:
• supports sharing screenshots to your friends on Twitter.
• adds a context menu to selected area, which includes many handy tools for editting pictures.
• supports taking screenshots across multiple displays.
• fixed issues which occurred when taking screenshots on other desktop environments.