# Elive > Linux distribution **Wikidata**: [Q930714](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q930714) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elive) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/elive ## Summary Elive is a Linux distribution based on the Linux kernel and GNU components, designed as a Unix-like operating system that utilizes the Enlightenment window manager as its graphical interface. First launched on January 24, 2005, it is distributed under the GNU General Public License and is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Russian. The software is packaged using the dpkg system and serves as a free, non-tangible executable component of a computer. ## Key Facts * **Inception Date:** The project was established on January 24, 2005. * **Classification:** It is an instance of a Linux distribution and a subclass of a Unix-like operating system. * **License:** The software is released under the GNU General Public License. * **Latest Versions:** Version 3.8.34 beta was released on July 13, 2023, while the stable version 3.0.6 was released in 2021. * **Graphical Interface:** The distribution uses the Enlightenment GUI toolkit or framework. * **Package Management:** It utilizes the dpkg package management system. * **Official Website:** The primary domain is https://www.elivecd.org, with content available in English. * **Identifiers:** The project holds the Freebase ID `/m/0h6vcd`, the Distrowatch ID `elive`, and the Golden ID `Elive-DBE6Y9B`. * **Aliases:** The software is also known as "Enlightenment live" and "elivecd". * **Multilingual Support:** Wikipedia articles exist in 19 languages, including Arabic, Catalan, Czech, French, Italian, and Ukrainian. * **Copyright Status:** The software is copyrighted. * **Media Assets:** A logo is hosted at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Elive.png, and a screenshot of version 3.8.4 is available at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Elive_3_8_4.png. * **Product Category:** It is classified as software and a product or material produced. ## FAQs **What is the primary graphical interface used by Elive?** Elive distinguishes itself by utilizing the Enlightenment window manager as its core GUI toolkit or framework. This choice defines the visual experience and interaction model for users of the distribution. **Which package management system does Elive rely on?** The distribution is built upon the dpkg package management system to handle software installation and maintenance. This aligns it with other Debian-based Linux environments. **How many languages is the Elive Wikipedia documentation available in?** Documentation and community resources for Elive are accessible in 19 different languages. These include major languages such as English, Spanish, French, and Russian, as well as others like Catalan, Persian, and Swedish. **What are the specific version numbers and release dates for Elive?** As of the latest data, the stable release is version 3.0.6 from 2021, while a beta version 3.8.34 was published on July 13, 2023. Both versions are referenced with specific publication dates and download links. **Under what license is Elive distributed?** Elive is distributed as free software under the terms of the GNU General Public License. This ensures the software remains open and modifiable by the community. ## Why It Matters Elive represents a specialized approach to the Linux ecosystem by prioritizing the Enlightenment window manager, offering a distinct aesthetic and functional experience compared to standard desktop environments. Its longevity, having been in development since 2005, demonstrates a sustained commitment to providing a lightweight and visually unique Unix-like operating system. By adhering strictly to the GNU General Public License, it contributes to the broader free software movement, ensuring that users retain the freedom to study, modify, and distribute the code. The distribution's availability across 19 languages highlights its global reach and accessibility, making it a relevant option for users seeking alternatives to mainstream desktop environments. ## Notable For * **Unique GUI Framework:** It is notable for being built specifically around the Enlightenment window manager rather than GNOME or KDE. * **Longevity:** The project has maintained active development since its inception in 2005. * **Multilingual Accessibility:** It supports a wide array of 19 languages, including less common ones like Persian and Norwegian. * **Specific Versioning:** The project maintains distinct beta and stable tracks, with version 3.8.34 beta released in mid-2023. * **Open Source Compliance:** It strictly adheres to the GNU General Public License, ensuring full software freedom. * **Cross-Platform Documentation:** Extensive documentation exists across multiple Wikipedia language editions and the Wikimedia Commons. ## Body ### History and Origins Elive was officially launched on January 24, 2005, establishing itself as a dedicated Linux distribution. The project has maintained a continuous presence in the open-source community for nearly two decades. Its inception marks the beginning of a specialized effort to combine the Linux kernel with the Enlightenment desktop environment. The project is cataloged with the Golden ID `Elive-DBE6Y9B` and the Freebase ID `/m/0h6vcd`, the latter of which was referenced in a publication from October 28, 2013. ### Technical Architecture and Specifications The core of Elive is a Linux distribution, meaning it is an operating system based on the Linux kernel and often includes core GNU components. It functions as a Unix-like operating system, behaving in a manner similar to traditional Unix systems. The graphical user interface is powered by the Enlightenment GUI toolkit or framework, which is a defining characteristic of the distribution. For software management, Elive utilizes the dpkg package management system. The software is classified as a non-tangible executable component of a computer and is categorized as a product or material produced. ### Licensing and Legal Status Elive is distributed under the GNU General Public License, a series of free software licenses that guarantee user freedoms. The software is copyrighted, ensuring legal protection while maintaining its open-source nature. This licensing model allows the project to be freely shared and modified within the constraints of the GPL. The legal framework supports its status as free software, aligning with the values of the broader GNU project. ### Versions and Release History The distribution has a documented history of version releases with specific qualifiers. The stable version 3.0.6 was released in 2021, serving as a reliable baseline for users. A more recent development is version 3.8.34 beta, which was published on July 13, 2023. This beta version is noted with the qualifier "beta version" and is associated with the publication date of the release. Both versions are referenced with specific download URLs and publication dates, such as the stable release link from August 8, 2023. ### Community and Global Presence Elive has a significant international footprint, with Wikipedia articles available in 19 languages. These languages include Arabic, Catalan, Czech, English, Spanish, Persian, French, Indonesian, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Simple English, Swedish, and Ukrainian. The project also has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons. The official website, https://www.elivecd.org, serves as the primary hub for information and downloads, with content primarily in English. ### Media and Identifiers Visual assets for the project are hosted on Wikimedia Commons, including a logo at `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Elive.png` and a screenshot of version 3.8.4 at `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Elive_3_8_4.png`. The project is identified by several unique IDs, including the Distrowatch ID `elive` and the AlternativeTo software ID `elive`. These identifiers help in cataloging the software across various databases and directories. The sitelink count for the project is 19, indicating the number of language-specific Wikipedia pages linked to the main entity. ### Classification and Relationships Elive is an instance of a Linux distribution and a subclass of a Unix-like operating system. It is related to the broader category of software and is connected to the GNU General Public License. The project is part of the larger ecosystem of free software licenses and operates within the class of non-tangible executable components. These relationships define its place in the hierarchy of operating systems and software products. ## References 1. [Elive 3.8.34 Beta. 2023](https://www.elivecd.org/download/stable/) 2. [Elive 3.0.6 Stable. 2021](https://www.elivecd.org/download/stable/) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. National Software Reference Library