# MEPIS

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q823184](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q823184)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MEPIS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mepis

## Summary
MEPIS is a Linux distribution created by Warren Woodford in 2003, designed to be user-friendly with a focus on stability and ease of use, based on the Debian operating system.

## Key Facts
- Created by Warren Woodford, a computer scientist, in May 2003
- Based on Debian (specifically the Debian distribution)
- Uses the GNU General Public License
- Current stable version is 11.9.92 as of August 10, 2013
- Designed for IA-32 architecture
- Uses the dpkg package management system
- Has a Wikipedia sitelink count of 25

## FAQs
### Q: What is MEPIS?
A: MEPIS is a Linux distribution created by Warren Woodford in 2003, designed to be user-friendly with a focus on stability and ease of use.

### Q: What is the current version?
A: The stable version is 11.9.92 as of August 10, 2013.

### Q: Who created MEPIS?
A: Warren Woodford, a computer scientist, created MEPIS.

### Q: What license does it use?
A: MEPIS uses the GNU General Public License.

### Q: What platform does it run on?
A: It runs on IA-32 architecture.

## Why It Matters
MEPIS was significant as one of the early user-friendly Linux distributions that aimed to provide a stable and easy-to-use operating system for beginners. It was created to address the learning curve often associated with other Linux distributions and to offer a reliable alternative for users transitioning from Windows or other operating systems. The distribution's focus on stability and ease of use helped it gain a dedicated community of users who appreciated its approach to Linux adoption.

## Notable For
- It was one of the first Linux distributions specifically designed for user-friendliness and ease of installation
- It maintained a strong focus on stability and reliability
- It was known for its approach to providing a complete desktop environment with minimal configuration requirements
- It had a dedicated community forum where users could discuss and support each other
- It was developed with a clear emphasis on being approachable for new users

## Body
### Technical Specifications
MEPIS is a Linux distribution that utilizes the IA-32 architecture and employs the dpkg package management system. It is built upon the Debian operating system and uses the GNU General Public License. The GUI toolkit is based on GTK+, providing a traditional desktop environment.

### Development History
The project was initiated by Warren Woodford in May 2003, with the first release occurring on that date. The distribution has maintained regular updates, with the stable version 11.9.92 being released as of August 10, 2013. The development process involves community contributions and regular forum discussions.

### Community and Support
MEPIS maintains an active community forum where users can discuss technical issues, share tips, and provide support to each other. The distribution supports multiple languages including Arabic, Catalan, German, English, Spanish, Persian, Finnish, and French, making it accessible to a diverse user base.

### Relationship to Other Distributions
As a Debian-based distribution, MEPIS inherits Debian's reputation for stability and robust package management. It positioned itself as an alternative to other mainstream Linux distributions like Ubuntu, focusing on user-friendliness and ease of use while maintaining the technical reliability of Debian-based systems. The distribution's approach to desktop environment configuration was designed to minimize complexity for new users.

## References

1. [MX & MEPIS Community Forum - View topic - M12 11.9.92](http://forum.mepiscommunity.org/viewtopic.php?f=77&t=34928&sid=6b110cf96ce1886dd95c06687d4387f8)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013