Boston University Linux

Presenting: BU Linux 4.5 (Velouria) Beta Print
Written by Matthew Miller   
Thursday, 07 April 2005
This is already shaping up to be a very solid BU Linux release, and we'd like to ensure that everything is perfect by getting as much testing as possible. If you can help, we'd really appreciate it.

Download an install CD image from our FTP server:

  <ftp://linst.bu.edu/velouria/i386/images/velouria-installer.iso>

burn to disc, and boot from it. (If you're using a GUI CD creator program, make sure to use the "create from disc image" feature rather than just copying the file -- otherwise, it won't be bootable.)

Then, please drop us a message to let us know that you'll be testing, and a quick description of the hardware you're using. This will let us better know what all is covered by our test, and will make it possible for us to contact all testers if a serious problem makes that necessary.

As with previous BU Linux releases, the installation is network-based -- the CD just contains the installer. Until the final release, we're limiting installation to on campus except by special case -- please let us know if you'd like to test off campus.

As we noted in the earlier Roadmap message, this release is desktop-focused, so we'd most appreciate testing in desktop/workstation/lab use areas. (There will be a server version later this year.)

There's a few issues that are still in progress:

  • Upgrade installations probably won't work. We suggest doing a clean new install for your testing. However, if you want to *try* an upgrade installation, we could definitely use any feedback from your experiences.

  • The graphics aren't done -- you'll see quite a few bright orange placeholders. Pay them no mind.

  • There's a new automatic update system in place, but it doesn't yet have all of the features of aptomatic, and may in fact break now and again -- please make sure you keep a watch on this and report any problems.

If you come across any further problems (and we're sure you will), or have suggestions, please send us a message. If something is clearly a downright repeatable bug, it's nice if you can file it in the BU Linux Bugzilla: <http://lbugs.bu.edu/>.

If you have suggestions for large additions, it's probably too late for this cycle, but please let us know anyway, so we can get them in for the next release (or perhaps slip in an update between releases).

And one more important thing: during the beta test process, we may make changes to the installer or initial packages which can't be picked up by automatic updates. You should be prepared to reinstall any systems on which you've installed the beta from scratch when the final Velouria version is released.

Thanks for your help!
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 24 May 2005 )
 
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