It comes with a highly modified version of XFCE called the Unicorn Desktop.
Rhino Linux uses a single package manager wrapper called rhino-pkg to handle multiple package managers simultaneously.
Rhino Linux is an Ubuntu-based distribution launched back on August 8th, 2023.
It follows therolling release modelwhich many Ubuntu users have been wanting for years.
The current version as of writing this is 2023.2 released on August 28th, 2023.
If youre interested in trying it out,the ISO is available for download.
Zunaid Ali / How-To Geek
But is a rolling release of Ubuntu enough for someone to migrate to a totally new Linux distribution?
As a Linux user who hops around new distros all the time, it got me interested.
So I powered up VirtualBox and tried out this cute purple distribution.
Let me share my findings with you.
What Does Rhino Linux Offer?
Before trying out a new distro, you should know everything that it has to offer.
So what else does Rhino Linux offer that sets it apart from other Ubuntu derivatives?
Unicorn Desktop
Rhino Linux uses a highly customized version of XFCE they named Unicorn Desktop.
Since its based on XFCE, its lightweight and fast.
But this version makes your desktop more modern and sleek.
The developers put some good effort into the UI/UX aspect, providing an elegant feel to your desktop.
The modified ULauncher allows you to launch apps and navigate through directories rapidly.
It also has fuzzy search support.
Rhino Linux uses Lightpad for its system grid.
You get a full overview of all the installed applications on a single screen.
No need to scroll through to find the app youre looking for.
Its also compatible withWayland.
Another notable feature is the inclusion of intuitive keyboard shortcuts.
If youre more comfortable operating through the system using your keyboard, this should be something you may consider.
Some shortcuts include:
A Unified Package Management System
Rhino Linux takes a unified package management approach.
That is, it allows you to use multiple package managers at the same time.
Flatpak is enabled by default, and you’re free to enableSnap packagesandAppImagesmanually.
But what makes it more interesting is that you wont need multiple utilities to handle all the package managers.
Pacstall facilitates the distro by distributing up-to-date packages fast.
Most distro-specific applications and modifications done by Rhino Linux are shipped through Pacstall.
When booting for the first time from the ISO, youre welcomed to a live environment.
it’s possible for you to explore around to get a feel for it.
EXT4 is the default installation file system.
you’re able to opt for other options as you’ll see later in the installation process.
You will be welcomed with the home screen.
In the top left corner of the screen, you should see the installation option.
Double-poke the icon to start the installer.
Choose your preferred language for installation.
Then press the Next button.
After you set them, press the Next button.
Now you have to select your keyboard model, keyboard language, and the keyboard layout.
Well go with the default options.
Press the Next button.
This next window is about partitioning.
From the top dropdown menu, choose your storage equipment.
Then you have two options.
you’re able to either erase the whole selected disk or perform manual partitioning.
If youd like to encrypt the system, it’s possible for you to tick the checkbox for that.
After that, press the Next button.
Now you’re gonna wanna create a user for the system.
Fill in the blanks with your appropriate information.
If you want to access automatically without a password, tick the checkbox for that.
Then press the “Next” button.
The next screen will give you an installation summary.
peek if all the parameters are correct.
If so, then proceed by pressing the “Install” button.
You will get a final confirmation prompt.
If everything looks fine, press the “Install Now” button.
This should start the installation process immediately.
it’s possible for you to follow the progress bar to see what’s happening currently in the process.
When the installation finishes, you’ll see an option to start your system.
Tick that checkbox and press the “Done” button to reboot.
After the reboot, you will be taken to the login page.
pop in in your password to enter.
Through this wizard, you might perform some quick customization and set your preferences.
Press the “Let’s Start” button.
The first option is to choose a color theme.
You only have two choicesdark and light.
We’ll choose the light theme.
Choose your preferred theme and press the “Next” button.
After that, you better choose your package managers.
you could choose one or multiple options from here.
After choosing your package managers, press the “Next” button.
The Rhino Linux team recommends you install Nala, so we’ll check that box.
Then press the “Next” button.
When done, you’ll be asked for your password.
pop in in the password and press the “Authenticate” button.
After finishing the process, you’ll be required to reboot one last time.
Press the “Reboot Now” button to continue.
And you’ll be welcomed to a fully functional Rhino Linux.
The very next thing you should do is revamp your system.
For that, initiate the terminal by pressing Alt+Ctrl+T.
Then spin up the below command:
Once you’ve done that, let’s now upgrade the system.
From the applications tray on the right side, hit the desktop icon at the bottom.
Now press the “System Upgrade” button at the bottom.
pop in in your password into the prompt.
The system upgrade should start immediately.
When the upgrade is complete, you’ll get a message.
Press the “Exit program” button to exit.
And that should take care of the post-installation setup.
Feel free to explore the operating system and customize it.
Should You Use Rhino Linux?
At least, not yet.
Then you have Rhino Linux, which usesits “Unicorn” color scheme for its brandingthroughout the distro.
For many users, this may require some getting used to.
Especially due to the flashy nature of the design.
Some users would much prefer a non-customized XFCE.
But these are mainly preference issues.
So rest assured, the team behind this OS is working to improve it based on user feedback.
And of course, it’s a rolling-release distro, so you get updates frequently.
Rhino Linux seems to target a niche audience.
Want to learn more about Rhino Linux?
Check outtheir official websiteto follow the latest development news.
