# GeeXboX

> Media centre Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q1497802](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1497802)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GeeXboX)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/geexbox

## Summary
GeeXboX is a Linux distribution designed specifically to function as a media center for home theater PCs. It is an open-source operating system licensed under the GNU General Public License that enables users to transform standard computer hardware into a dedicated multimedia player. The software is available in multiple languages and its source code is hosted publicly on GitHub.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** GeeXboX is an instance of both a **Linux distribution** and a **Home Theater PC** system.
*   **License:** The software is distributed under the **GNU General Public License**.
*   **Latest Stable Release:** Version **2019.04.27**, released on **April 27, 2019**.
*   **Previous Releases:** Version 3.1 (released October 9, 2013) and Version 3.0 (released September 18, 2012).
*   **Source Code:** The repository is hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/GeeXboX/geexbox`.
*   **Website:** The official site is accessible via web archives at `https://www.geexbox.org/`.
*   **Alternate Names:** The software is also known as GeeXboX media center, Linux GeeXboX, and Linux media center.

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly is GeeXboX?
A: GeeXboX is a free and open-source Linux distribution that turns a computer into a Home Theater PC (HTPC). It functions as a standalone media center system for playing multimedia content.

### Q: Is GeeXboX free to use?
A: Yes, GeeXboX is released under the GNU General Public License, making it free and open-source software.

### Q: When was the last time GeeXboX was updated?
A: According to structured data records, the most recent stable version is 2019.04.27, dated April 27, 2019.

### Q: Where can the source code for GeeXboX be found?
A: The source code and release history for GeeXboX are maintained in a public repository on GitHub.

## Why It Matters
GeeXboX holds significance in the open-source ecosystem as a specialized Linux distribution tailored for the specific purpose of home theater computing. While many Linux distributions serve as general-purpose operating systems for servers or desktops, GeeXboX targets the multimedia entertainment niche, functioning distinctively as a Home Theater PC (HTPC) system. This classification distinguishes it from standard desktop environments, as it is architected to manage and play multimedia content directly on dedicated hardware.

Its relevance is further established by its licensing under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which promotes software freedom and community-driven development. This licensing model allows users and developers to inspect, modify, and distribute the software, ensuring transparency and adaptability for various hardware setups. Although the official website is now archived, indicating a period of inactivity or maintenance mode, the availability of its source code on GitHub preserves its utility and potential for future forks or study. GeeXboX represents the movement towards specialized, single-purpose distributions that optimize system resources for specific tasks—namely, high-quality media playback—without the overhead of a full desktop operating system.

## Notable For
*   **Specialized Function:** It is distinct for being a Linux distribution built exclusively for media center capabilities rather than general computing.
*   **Open Source Commitment:** It is fully licensed under the GNU General Public License, ensuring it remains free for public use and modification.
*   **HTPC Classification:** It is officially classified as a Home Theater PC system, bridging the gap between standard computing and consumer electronics.
*   **Active Development History:** The project maintained a release history spanning from 2012 to 2019, with version logs preserved on GitHub.

## Body
### System Identity and Classification
GeeXboX is identified structurally as a "Media centre Linux distribution." It operates as an "instance of" a Home Theater PC and a Linux distribution. The system relies on the Linux kernel and core GNU components, aligning with standard Linux architecture but specialized for multimedia playback. It is copyrighted software available under the GNU General Public License.

### Version History
The development of GeeXboX is documented through several stable releases found in structured data:
*   **Version 3.0:** Released on September 18, 2012.
*   **Version 3.1:** Released on October 9, 2013.
*   **Version 2019.04.27:** Recorded as a stable version released on April 27, 2019.

### Technical Resources
The project's source code is maintained in a repository located at `https://github.com/GeeXboX/geexbox`. The official website, `geexbox.org`, is currently accessible via the Internet Archive (web.archive.org). The project has a Wikipedia presence across multiple languages including English, German, Spanish, French, and Finnish, among others, and maintains a category on Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/GeeXboX/geexbox/releases)
2. [Release 3.1. 2016](https://github.com/GeeXboX/geexbox/releases/tag/v3.1)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013