This Linux distro offers a handy DNS switcher – but there’s more to it that I like

ZDNET Highlights

• iDealOS is an MXLinux-based distribution.
• You’ll find an easy-to-use DNS switcher and content filtering in Firefox.
• It comes with plenty of preinstalled software to get you started.

Blink, and a new Linux distribution will hit the market, which I think is fantastic. Choice is good, and Linux embodies the spirit of choice at every imaginable level.

Here, iDealOS. This MXLinux-based distribution ditches the KDE Plasma desktop (in favor of Xfce), and offers two different editions: Emerald and Diamond. The difference is:

The Emerald Edition is completely free and fully functional.

The Diamond version is available to those who support the project with a small donation. This version includes pre-installed applications for creating audio, video and images, and professional tools to support your business, your imagination and your creativity.

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As far as I can tell, there are no differences between the two versions, except that the Diamond flavor makes it easier to donate to the project.

After installing and texting iDealOS over the weekend, I came across something that was less about the OS and more about the ideal.

Is there a future for paid Linux OS?

This is a challenging question to ask, especially considering how open-source has functioned for as long as it has existed. Open-source is free and open, and I stand firmly behind it. But does this mean Is to be free?

There are several distributions I can think of that previously asked for donations or offered payment options: ElementaryOS, Alive, Zorin OS Pro, Archcraft Premium, RHELS, SLES, and now iDealOS.

I’m not saying that every distribution should adopt a paid model. But I think there are some options that could make those projects more viable for the future, like:

• Premium versions that include features like optimized kernel, pre-installed audio/video codecs, and special editions (like video editing, development, AI, etc.).
• Early access to new releases or access to beta versions.
• Versions with additional desktop layouts (or even desktop environments).
• Versions with additional features (e.g. additional themes, FX, etc.).
• Access to certain online forums/discussions where paying users can suggest new features, get support, or interact with the development team.

There are various ways to create revenue streams for Linux distributions.

With that being said, let’s get back to iDealOS. Here, you have a KDE Plasma desktop, which adds a little clutter to the desktop (which can be deleted or removed with a right-click > “Move to Trash”), a subtle but effective Conky configuration, and a unique collection of preinstalled software and even content filtering.

When you explore the iDealOS menu, you’ll find a lot of preinstalled apps, some of which you’ve probably never heard of, and some that are exclusive to this distribution. Those iDealOS-specific apps include:

• iDeal DNS Switcher – to quickly change DNS providers.
• iDeal Secure File – Easy file encryption.

MX Tools – A large collection of tools brought over from MX Linux, including Disk Manager, MX Cleanup, MX Conky, MX Network Assistant, MX Samba Config, MX Snapshot, NVIDIA Driver Installer, and more. These tools make it very easy to manage your iDealOS instance (and give you a lot of power, so use some of these with caution).

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There are a lot of apps available on iDealOS, some of which you will use regularly and some you will never touch. iDealOS also mentions content filtering, which is configured within the default web browser, Firefox. The developers of iDealOS have included the BlockNSFW – Adult Content Blocker extension, which blocks adult websites and inappropriate/adult websites before they load. It also blocks NSFW keywords in titles, meta descriptions, and forums.

DNS hub takes up space

If one of the tools is available on iDealOS. In fact Appreciate, this is iDeal DNS Switcher. This app allows you to change DNS providers instantly. You can choose from plenty of DNS providers, some of which offer additional features, like ad and tracker blocking.

This is one of those tools that I believe every distribution should offer. I will occasionally change DNS providers, especially if the one I’m using becomes slow. With iDeal DNS Switch, instead of editing your network connection, all you have to do is select the DNS provider you want to use from the drop-down.

This is convenient, and will make it possible to use such a feature even for users who are new to Linux or the importance of a good DNS provider.

Display

Although I don’t believe that iDealOS has much in the way of unique performance enhancements, it is still really fast. Some of these are brought by KDE Plasma; I threw the usual kitchen sink at the OS, and it didn’t even blink once.

What is iDealOS for?

In truth, the best situation for iDealOS is a home environment where there are children who need to use the computer. With iDealOS, you can be confident that they won’t use the default web browser to view content they shouldn’t. That doesn’t mean they can’t survive it. You just have to install a different browser, and that NSFW content will be accessible.

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Still, the addition of the DNS switcher is a nice addition, and with the amount of curated software, you can get started as soon as the OS is installed.

iDealOS may not be the ideal OS for everyone, but if you want an easy-to-use, family-friendly Linux distribution, it’s perfect for you.

If you are interested, Download ISO of iDealOSBurn it to a bootable USB drive, and install it on a spare PC to see if it’s right for you.