Linux Deepin 12.12 Released

The last time Mrkvonic reviewed a Chinese distribution based on Ubuntu was... YLMF OS, a Linux clone of Windows XP - meh - in spite of the thumbs up review he gave. I felt at the time it was too derivative and one is better off NOT copying someone else's work. That was nearly 3 years ago!

This summer the Chinese distro Linux Deepin has finally released stable version 12.12 as always of course - based on Ubuntu but it comes with its own unique desktop environment. Announcement is here:

http://planet.linuxdeepin.com/2013/06/19/linux-deepin-12-12-is-released/

Some details of the work in overhauling it are here for one's reading pleasure:

"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 … DDE – Deepin Desktop Environment

Deepin Desktop Environment

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 indispensable 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 distributions, 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

Deepin Software Center

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."


How well does this new desktop environment (Deepin Desktop Environment) compare to Unity, GNOME Shell, Cinnamon or Pantheon Shell? We all eagerly await a review. Until then - Ni Hao!