 Visitor Reviews |
CROWZ
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Reader supplied reviews for CROWZ
Average rating
8.1 from 17 review(s)
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-09-02
Votes: 32
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I installed Crowz linux about a month ago, and it was a great choice being it was based on Devaun. I started using linux this year in February, when a friend suggested me to use LinuxMint. After that I tried endeavourOS and Arch, and I didn't liked systemD, it was slow and it felt old. Arch was not for me, and I wanted something light for daily use that dosn't break. I distrohopped a lot, I used debian, Opensuse, ubuntu and many more. I found Crowz, and I didn't know what it was, so I tried it in a virtual machine. At first I had trouble with partitions, then I heard that Crowz has a poor repository and many other things but pretty much same as Debian. After this long distrohop Crowz linux was my last choice for a distro.. After months, in June I decided it was time to change and gave another shot to install another Crowz, JWM this time. This time I had better knowledge on linux, and I had 0 trouble whit partitions and the desktop. After using Openbox for a long time on Debian and arch I decided to go for Fluxbox, which I personally love the simplicity of it. Synaptic is so good, I think it's better than pacman. The site is straight to the point whit a really good interface and I downloaded the iso in 1 minute. After I installed and tweaked Fluxbox as I liked, I was really shocked to see that the boot and the shutdown were really fast, and the webcam and the brightness worked after a clean install. I'm on Crowz Fluxbox for a month and everything worked fine, nothing broken after an update, got all the stuff I need. I never thought of using Fluxbox as my daily driver, and here I am. Crowz was the perfect distro for me, I had a minimal Fluxbox install, whit just the basic stuff, a browser, a file manager and a terminal, and I installed later other applications I needed. If I never risked trying something new I would not be here, so my advice is to give a shot to this distro. Maybe it isn't right for you, but at least you know something new, Crowz is simple, if you use it for work or as a daily driver, use a window manager and then nice it not as bloated as a DE, put a window manager like Openbox or JWM and it will never break. I think it can improve a lot, white more packages on the non-free repos, because let's be honest, not everyone wants to use only free open source software, but overall it's a 10/10 for a great experience as a daily driver. I have changed sysVinit for Runit, very easily and quick.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-08-02
Votes: 43
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Crowz Linux may not be bleeding edge, but it's still leading edge as a point release distribution. stays stable without sacrificing recent updates and new software releases. It's that "just right" distro you've been looking for all this time.
also provides an essential foundation for building your system on top of it. No extraneous bloat, apps, branding, or unnecessary libraries. The runit init system boots incredibly fast, and the xbps package manager is easy to learn and use. While documentation is a bit sparse, it will get the job done having just what you need to get up and running.
I would recommended as a beginner distro, however do utilize the README file where you download Crowz on Sourceforge. Crowz does allow for a hands-on, undiluted, roll-your-own type Linux learning experience. Once you stare into the , it will start staring back at you! I highly recommend it for intermediate to advanced Linux users, those that are self-learners, welcome some challenges, prefer a more stable rolling release cycle, and want an overall lightweight and fun Linux operating system.
Remember to use “live” for Calamares installer, it’s in the README file which can also be downloaded.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-07-19
Votes: 21
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I finally found a Linux that met my expectations and wishes. I have been using Devuan and Crowz as my daily and almost only operating system for almost 4 years now. Even games on Steam Games run flawlessly.
Runit as an init system is not only simple but also fast. I love having full control over the system. I no longer had that feeling with Systemd.
Crowz requires very little attention when installing using Calamares, which should be a one-time process. Thanks to very good documentation and countless video tutorials on the Internet, anyone should be able to do it.
The maintenance of the packages is extraordinary. I never had the feeling that I was using any outdated or old software. The amount of packages is also impressive. If a package is not in the repository or the dependencies of the packages become too much for me, I use don’t use Appimages or Flat packs. The Devuan repos are equal to Debian, and a super broad amount of software and apps.
The package manager Synaptic is a special attribute in the operating system. It is highly flexible, simple and fast. I particularly like apt. It's so easy to locate installable packages for an operating system.
I haven't had any problems with the operating system so far and I still love it.
Crowz is simply the best Devuan derivative using JWM, best window manager out there and simple to maintain.
The themes and icons are spot on, very attractive and yes easy on the eyes if you are on your machine for a while. For one will not complain about appearance, if I did, takes a second or two to customize it the way you choose.
It is important o be able to follow simple instructions and utilize the README file where the isos are located on Sourceforge.
(Note: To launch Calamares installer for Crowz Daedalus, PCManFM manager menu://applications/System Tools... double click Install.
(if prompted for password use "live".
For other older Crowz releases prior to Chimaera and all 32-bit isos use, username "crowzlive" and default live passwd is "live"
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 1
Date: 2024-07-18
Votes: 0
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I put this on a USB stick using MX's live USB maker and booted into it.
Selected the live option and watch it load.
The end.
Does anyone know the user name and password needed to even run the live distro, because I don't?
What a stupid idea; needing a password etc. to run the live install, or even a full install.
Yet another distro falls flat on its face.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-07-11
Votes: 9
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Thank you Devuan for teaching me so much about so many aspects of Linux. Crowz is an excellent lightweight distribution.
And yup, other people call it difficult. Or they don't like the terminal/shell. It's not for everyone.
That's fine though!
But for me it's simply a need to have a system that gives me so much room to customize it all myself.
It does that job perfectly. While it does still very much those things that it needs to do. Synaptic package manager is really great and simple to use.
Devuan is probably the best Linux related piece of documentation on the internet. Especially on how easy to use and read it is. It's very important here.
I'm using Devuan for 6 months in a notebook, and the hardware is modern, but weak and I have only 4gb DDR4 ram I wanted something lighter so it does not feel lagging or freezes so I searched for minimal installs, many of them do not have so much packages to work with, some are very good, but it is not so light so I used a minimal install and put some Window manager it does not freeze at all with Openbox wm.
The Calamares installer is very noob friendly, Debian is also using it now and hope to see more of Devuan distro’s use Calamares as well.
I have ordered a Ryzen desktop machine, monitor and keyboard and mouse. Extra SSD to install a fresh copy of Crowz. This is a great daily driver, very stable and robust.
May new Daily Driver
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-07-02
Votes: 4
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I've been running various flavors of Linux for years but I am new to Devuan and Crowz. I wanted to try something new and I loaded it on my spare system.
Install was easy being a Debian derivative or fork, the first time I tried. The installer, Calamares was a quick installation that would grub booted correctly. The install was smooth and painless.
Once installed, the system has been stable and responsive. It's nothing fancy, but it also isn't cluttered and bogged down with a tone of stuff right out of the gate either. Very low memory usuage was surprising. I have been able to install additional packages without issue and so far the repositories have had everything I want.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the welcome-screen was as an option.
So far I am pleased with Crowz though I am still getting familiar. Once I am content that it's solid and what I need, I will load it up on some of my other systems.
Without question, this is definitely my all time favorite Debian based Linux distro. It has everything I need from a totally minimalist desktop. I love JWM, and the way this distro looks is beautiful. This distro is very fast. Has up to date kernnel, up to date Firefox (available), the newest version of Libreoffice (available). Synaptic package manager, but has lots of software. The Devuan website isn't the best, but it's informative, and lets you know what to do.
English is not my native language but speak and write well enough, thank you!
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-06-04
Votes: 3
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Crowz is truly an exceptional lightweight distribution. Followed Crowz from when it was Zephyr, it has become a daily driver for me.
Pros: Low memory foot print and with a minimal count of apps running at login. My RAM usage is 485Mb after bootup and login. Very impressed with that. Not a bloated distro, enough appls to get any user up and going out of the box.
Openbox in it's self is quite a phenomena, originated from Blackbox, and Fluxbox shares a history of forking. Personnally choose a Window Manger (WM) vs a Desktop Environment (DE). Openbox on Crowz allows a user to perform a customized task with Obmenu.
Crowz has been carefully complied with some of the best and simplest applications. There is also a Welcome-Screen (crowz-welcome) for additional software. Crowz is far from being a bloated distribution.
Crowz themes and icons are about comfort from eye strain, dark colors has been recommended to help reduce the brightness and it negative effect on ones eyes.
Crowz is easy and light on hardware resources. Found having DeaDBeeF as an default audio player is quite nostalgic and yet still one of the best and fully maintained. Nitrogen is used for wallpaper background, have found FEH works nicely too.
Great configuration possibilities, easy to set themes and icons, wallpaper and Crowz has one of the best menu's to use, easy to learn.
Cons: I think it would be great to have an option during install for runit, or OpenRC and/or S6.
Crowz also has Fluxbox and JWM, configured just was well as Openbox. Highly recommend anyone to take a test drive,
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-02-28
Votes: 9
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Crowz is not a DE (desktop environment) but a window manager, in many ways superior in speed and its unbloated personality. I have found Crowz to be one of the best for any beginner, or seasoned user. Styled very much like Crunchbang with simplicity.
Pros: only a few applications to get any user up and going / secondly the Calamares installer has become widely used by many developers, DE's and Wm's all benefit from the quick and easy installation. /Third, not bloated with a lot of uneeded applications and programs, just a few to get the user familiar, the user has a vast vault of applications to choose from, and easy to install.
Cons: It cannot be for everybody, many are very confused with it either not being an easy install, much easier than Windows or Ubuntu.
Really no cons, Crowz is exactly what it was intended to be. It's free, made with someone else time, effort and money. A little maturity, a little savvy for Linux would be my best advice who complain about an extremely easy to install free distro.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-12-29
Votes: 3
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Found Crowz a breath of fresh air regarding Linux, small, simple and extremely fast. Not a loated distro, not filled with applications I don't need or use. Very simple, configuration dream come true. Using the familiar application lxappearance, changing the theme, icons, and other aspects like even the cursor color or type. Fonts, anything and everything practically configurable. My choice was Openbox, but have downloaded both Fluxbox and JWM. My soon is 11 and uses Fluxbox, lies the sharp colorful styles and it being much like Openbox. With Openbox and Fluxbox having a parent being Blackbox.
Crowz has always been with Devuan, but also note that it once was Zephyr with Debain. It's a lightweight distro, doesn't pack in the kitchen sink to try and make only a portion of Linux users happy, it is so easy to use Apt or Synaptic to install a plethora of applications and of course all free. I found several CLI programs om Crowz, nnn and ncdu, along with audio mp3blaster and pmrp (poor mans radio program).
Crowz also sports a welcome-screen, quick prompt and access to numerous downloads, office suite Libreoffice, and graphic apps, GIMP, Darktable, and Inscape, with Gcolor2 by default installed application.
Crowz is a simple, and easy to use. Should not be difficult for anyone to install and use this delightful, and robust distribution. It's one of the best!
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-11-11
Votes: 6
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I started using Crowz Linux after reding a review here in Distrowatch. The distribution is minimalist and consumes few hardware resources. However, many aspects that were defined as "difficult" in Crowz are due to a comparison with Desktop Managers (click and go). Crowz brings a Window Manager, in this case Openbox (the distribution provides other isos with other managers: JWM and Fluxbox). The design of Openbox on Crowz aims to be minimalist, without "bells and whistles", which in my opinion is an excellent choice.
The installation is done through Calamares: simple and straightforward. To install, once in the live you must access the thunar file manager, system applications and click on the "install" icon, Calamares will open. It is not a standard action, but this information is given to us on the distribution website. Once installed, and shown at the login screen (lightdm?) we are presented with a script (as in Crunchbang++ and Bunsenlabs) in text mode. In this script we are given the opportunity to update and upgrade the system and install some more things like Libreoffice, Openjdk, multimedia, etc.
Crowz has the advantage of being initialized by SisvInit and not by sistemd, however, I didn't notice a difference in startup time. The Devuan base does not stand in our way and we have access through synaptic to all Debian base software. Therefore, there is no shortage of the best-known software, if anyone is afraid of that.
As for design: I prefer window managers and not Desktop Managers, Openbox is a great choice. The theme is black and in some applications it lacks some contrast. The creator of the distro included Conky, which provides shortcut keys and at the bottom of the screen we have information about memory usage, disk space and the name of the distribution. Crowz perfectly suits my needs.
The work put into building the design and choosing the software included is worthy and commendable, as it is done by just one person and avoids being bloatware. The system as a whole is very light and after learning a bit more about Openbox it becomes easier. I didn't find negative points in the system or problems with my hardware. Crowz seeks to be a minimalist distribution in appearance too, without excesses; Nitrogen is used to manage wallpapers. The difficulties I encountered are due to my lack of knowledge on how to adjust what I want in Openbox.
One point that should be noted is that usbsticks are not automatically mounted or automatically dismounted: you need to right-click and access "mount usb" or "unmount usb". Software that is installed later does not appear in the menu, but we can access it through the "run command" which has a shortcut key in conky, we must have to learn how to edit the Openbox menu. I consider Crowz to be a great Linux distribution; that doesn't aim to imitate anything from the recreational operating system that predominates on desktops today. Congratulations to the creator of Crowz and thanks for the work.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 3
Date: 2023-11-09
Votes: 0
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I don't know what I downloaded here. I was NOT able to find an installer, I could NOt change the keyboard - or time, date etc and I didn't know the password to find out what goodies are in synaptic package manager. I was NOT able to hook up a printer, the internet was unusable because of wrong keyboard. Many programs would have to be installed to make the distro usable, such as gome-disks and a USB writer.
With so few prgrams I would expect the distro to be somewhat faster ---
---- but everything else was allright :))
D.O.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 5
Date: 2023-10-15
Votes: 1
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Having read the positive review in this weeks Distrowatch I put the Openbox iso on my Ventoy stick and took a two hour live tour.
My experience has been somewhat different: the look is grey-in-grey, leaving me in a melancholic autumn mood. As with most dark themes it takes some effort to get a brighter look at my computer monitor, and on life.Fonts were not really sharp.
I could not confirm the "low on resources" either. Almost 900 MB shown by `top` after startup made me wonder why.
Not all is bad, the effort of the creators is commendable. I though had much better experiences with "lite distros", my favourite being WattOS (~ 300 MB after boot & open terminal). Lubuntu is a good - and less exotic - choice as well.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-10-12
Votes: 13
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Started using Crowz when it was called Zephyr and running Debian. Since the fork to Devuan and rebranded to Crowz this minimalistic powerhouse has remained much as it has always been, small and robust, not bloaded at all. Just a few basic applications to jump-start a new user.
Pros: It is a minimalist dream, easy to configure, and has systemVinit, not systemd. Also base built on Debain/Devuan, simply the best although do like Arch. Always nice themes, and icons. Uses lxappeance with all 3 window managers, making it easy to configure appearance for the taste of the individual. Welcome-Screen takes me back to CrunchBang, and other older distros, nice touch and a lot to offer to help the new user.
This is a very good distro, not a release that does everything for you, learn Linux and be richer for it.
Does includes every bit of information that could possibly be asked, however, most Linux users would find a solution quite easily.
Cons: Not going to criticize something I have used since Devuan Jessie, I wanted a minimalistic distro I could customize and build on and simply not bloated, slow, and hangs up!
Best Linux distro I've used!
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 6
Date: 2023-10-11
Votes: 0
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Doesn't play well with other distros on the same computer. Impossible to read--everything is black.
Can't figure out how to change to Openbox or something visible--who the hell likes these dark screen desktops?
Hogs Grub and doesn't recognize the other distros. Boots quickly, but nothing is really intuitive.
Full points for using Calamares and the whole .deb world, much easier to figure out.
I expect this minimal OS will remain minimal; nobody is likely to keep it except some hard core hobbyists.
Using Synaptic as a package manager is pretty sensible and functions well.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 3
Date: 2023-10-10
Votes: 0
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This distro offers simplicity and quickness, both very good things, once one overlooks CROWZ's faults.It is hard to like something that one can barely read. One might as well provide just a console and command line interface.A lack of documentation and the difficulty with installation do not add to the appeal of the distro to even a somewhat competent Linux user. With the minimalistic design and unreadable dark theme, this distribution has every chance to remain minimalistic in terms of the number of its users.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-10-09
Votes: 2
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Crowz is for those people who like minimalism, & I'm one of them.
It has all 'necessary' software for a basic computer setup, including wifi & web browser.
Add a couple of 'timewaster' games, & it's the perfect solution, to my mind.
Having a dark theme is a pleasant change from all those gaudy desktops you see in other distros, no eye strain here.
Runs happily in just 2GB ram, & although it wants 10GB disk space to be able to install it, that leaves a sizeable portion for your files.
Being based on Devuan, means no systemd, which is good for us old timers who started out on the command line.
No bells & whistles with this distro, just solid usability.
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Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-09-22
Votes: 6
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If you like Openbox and the 'bang' distros, then highly recommend checking out this little gem.
CROWZ is from the same devs behind the better known Star distro, and like Star also offers other wm's to choose from. It's systemd free running on Devuan 5.0 Daedalus, and provides a lightweight, fast and dependable system.
Comparing it with the latest Crunchbangplusplus, the iso is more than half the size as is normal startup memory consumption. Ok it has less pre-installed packages, but all the essentials and more are present as well as some really nice touches for a minimal system. Surprisingly it includes the Calamares installer for easy & familiar installation, and no issues found installing on various older machines.
Anyway, it's a straight 10 from me as CROWZ does everything I want in a minimal system brilliantly!
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Latest Reviews
Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-09-02
Votes: 32
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I installed Crowz linux about a month ago, and it was a great choice being it was based on Devaun. I started using linux this year in February, when a friend suggested me to use LinuxMint. After that I tried endeavourOS and Arch, and I didn't liked systemD, it was slow and it felt old. Arch was not for me, and I wanted something light for daily use that dosn't break. I distrohopped a lot, I used debian, Opensuse, ubuntu and many more. I found Crowz, and I didn't know what it was, so I tried it in a virtual machine. At first I had trouble with partitions, then I heard that Crowz has a poor repository and many other things but pretty much same as Debian. After this long distrohop Crowz linux was my last choice for a distro.. After months, in June I decided it was time to change and gave another shot to install another Crowz, JWM this time. This time I had better knowledge on linux, and I had 0 trouble whit partitions and the desktop. After using Openbox for a long time on Debian and arch I decided to go for Fluxbox, which I personally love the simplicity of it. Synaptic is so good, I think it's better than pacman. The site is straight to the point whit a really good interface and I downloaded the iso in 1 minute. After I installed and tweaked Fluxbox as I liked, I was really shocked to see that the boot and the shutdown were really fast, and the webcam and the brightness worked after a clean install. I'm on Crowz Fluxbox for a month and everything worked fine, nothing broken after an update, got all the stuff I need. I never thought of using Fluxbox as my daily driver, and here I am. Crowz was the perfect distro for me, I had a minimal Fluxbox install, whit just the basic stuff, a browser, a file manager and a terminal, and I installed later other applications I needed. If I never risked trying something new I would not be here, so my advice is to give a shot to this distro. Maybe it isn't right for you, but at least you know something new, Crowz is simple, if you use it for work or as a daily driver, use a window manager and then nice it not as bloated as a DE, put a window manager like Openbox or JWM and it will never break. I think it can improve a lot, white more packages on the non-free repos, because let's be honest, not everyone wants to use only free open source software, but overall it's a 10/10 for a great experience as a daily driver. I have changed sysVinit for Runit, very easily and quick.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-08-02
Votes: 43
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Crowz Linux may not be bleeding edge, but it's still leading edge as a point release distribution. stays stable without sacrificing recent updates and new software releases. It's that "just right" distro you've been looking for all this time.
also provides an essential foundation for building your system on top of it. No extraneous bloat, apps, branding, or unnecessary libraries. The runit init system boots incredibly fast, and the xbps package manager is easy to learn and use. While documentation is a bit sparse, it will get the job done having just what you need to get up and running.
I would recommended as a beginner distro, however do utilize the README file where you download Crowz on Sourceforge. Crowz does allow for a hands-on, undiluted, roll-your-own type Linux learning experience. Once you stare into the , it will start staring back at you! I highly recommend it for intermediate to advanced Linux users, those that are self-learners, welcome some challenges, prefer a more stable rolling release cycle, and want an overall lightweight and fun Linux operating system.
Remember to use “live” for Calamares installer, it’s in the README file which can also be downloaded.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-07-19
Votes: 21
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I finally found a Linux that met my expectations and wishes. I have been using Devuan and Crowz as my daily and almost only operating system for almost 4 years now. Even games on Steam Games run flawlessly.
Runit as an init system is not only simple but also fast. I love having full control over the system. I no longer had that feeling with Systemd.
Crowz requires very little attention when installing using Calamares, which should be a one-time process. Thanks to very good documentation and countless video tutorials on the Internet, anyone should be able to do it.
The maintenance of the packages is extraordinary. I never had the feeling that I was using any outdated or old software. The amount of packages is also impressive. If a package is not in the repository or the dependencies of the packages become too much for me, I use don’t use Appimages or Flat packs. The Devuan repos are equal to Debian, and a super broad amount of software and apps.
The package manager Synaptic is a special attribute in the operating system. It is highly flexible, simple and fast. I particularly like apt. It's so easy to locate installable packages for an operating system.
I haven't had any problems with the operating system so far and I still love it.
Crowz is simply the best Devuan derivative using JWM, best window manager out there and simple to maintain.
The themes and icons are spot on, very attractive and yes easy on the eyes if you are on your machine for a while. For one will not complain about appearance, if I did, takes a second or two to customize it the way you choose.
It is important o be able to follow simple instructions and utilize the README file where the isos are located on Sourceforge.
(Note: To launch Calamares installer for Crowz Daedalus, PCManFM manager menu://applications/System Tools... double click Install.
(if prompted for password use "live".
For other older Crowz releases prior to Chimaera and all 32-bit isos use, username "crowzlive" and default live passwd is "live"
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 1
Date: 2024-07-18
Votes: 0
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I put this on a USB stick using MX's live USB maker and booted into it.
Selected the live option and watch it load.
The end.
Does anyone know the user name and password needed to even run the live distro, because I don't?
What a stupid idea; needing a password etc. to run the live install, or even a full install.
Yet another distro falls flat on its face.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-07-11
Votes: 9
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Thank you Devuan for teaching me so much about so many aspects of Linux. Crowz is an excellent lightweight distribution.
And yup, other people call it difficult. Or they don't like the terminal/shell. It's not for everyone.
That's fine though!
But for me it's simply a need to have a system that gives me so much room to customize it all myself.
It does that job perfectly. While it does still very much those things that it needs to do. Synaptic package manager is really great and simple to use.
Devuan is probably the best Linux related piece of documentation on the internet. Especially on how easy to use and read it is. It's very important here.
I'm using Devuan for 6 months in a notebook, and the hardware is modern, but weak and I have only 4gb DDR4 ram I wanted something lighter so it does not feel lagging or freezes so I searched for minimal installs, many of them do not have so much packages to work with, some are very good, but it is not so light so I used a minimal install and put some Window manager it does not freeze at all with Openbox wm.
The Calamares installer is very noob friendly, Debian is also using it now and hope to see more of Devuan distro’s use Calamares as well.
I have ordered a Ryzen desktop machine, monitor and keyboard and mouse. Extra SSD to install a fresh copy of Crowz. This is a great daily driver, very stable and robust.
May new Daily Driver
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-07-02
Votes: 4
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I've been running various flavors of Linux for years but I am new to Devuan and Crowz. I wanted to try something new and I loaded it on my spare system.
Install was easy being a Debian derivative or fork, the first time I tried. The installer, Calamares was a quick installation that would grub booted correctly. The install was smooth and painless.
Once installed, the system has been stable and responsive. It's nothing fancy, but it also isn't cluttered and bogged down with a tone of stuff right out of the gate either. Very low memory usuage was surprising. I have been able to install additional packages without issue and so far the repositories have had everything I want.
I was pleasantly surprised to see the welcome-screen was as an option.
So far I am pleased with Crowz though I am still getting familiar. Once I am content that it's solid and what I need, I will load it up on some of my other systems.
Without question, this is definitely my all time favorite Debian based Linux distro. It has everything I need from a totally minimalist desktop. I love JWM, and the way this distro looks is beautiful. This distro is very fast. Has up to date kernnel, up to date Firefox (available), the newest version of Libreoffice (available). Synaptic package manager, but has lots of software. The Devuan website isn't the best, but it's informative, and lets you know what to do.
English is not my native language but speak and write well enough, thank you!
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-06-04
Votes: 3
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Crowz is truly an exceptional lightweight distribution. Followed Crowz from when it was Zephyr, it has become a daily driver for me.
Pros: Low memory foot print and with a minimal count of apps running at login. My RAM usage is 485Mb after bootup and login. Very impressed with that. Not a bloated distro, enough appls to get any user up and going out of the box.
Openbox in it's self is quite a phenomena, originated from Blackbox, and Fluxbox shares a history of forking. Personnally choose a Window Manger (WM) vs a Desktop Environment (DE). Openbox on Crowz allows a user to perform a customized task with Obmenu.
Crowz has been carefully complied with some of the best and simplest applications. There is also a Welcome-Screen (crowz-welcome) for additional software. Crowz is far from being a bloated distribution.
Crowz themes and icons are about comfort from eye strain, dark colors has been recommended to help reduce the brightness and it negative effect on ones eyes.
Crowz is easy and light on hardware resources. Found having DeaDBeeF as an default audio player is quite nostalgic and yet still one of the best and fully maintained. Nitrogen is used for wallpaper background, have found FEH works nicely too.
Great configuration possibilities, easy to set themes and icons, wallpaper and Crowz has one of the best menu's to use, easy to learn.
Cons: I think it would be great to have an option during install for runit, or OpenRC and/or S6.
Crowz also has Fluxbox and JWM, configured just was well as Openbox. Highly recommend anyone to take a test drive,
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2024-02-28
Votes: 9
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Crowz is not a DE (desktop environment) but a window manager, in many ways superior in speed and its unbloated personality. I have found Crowz to be one of the best for any beginner, or seasoned user. Styled very much like Crunchbang with simplicity.
Pros: only a few applications to get any user up and going / secondly the Calamares installer has become widely used by many developers, DE's and Wm's all benefit from the quick and easy installation. /Third, not bloated with a lot of uneeded applications and programs, just a few to get the user familiar, the user has a vast vault of applications to choose from, and easy to install.
Cons: It cannot be for everybody, many are very confused with it either not being an easy install, much easier than Windows or Ubuntu.
Really no cons, Crowz is exactly what it was intended to be. It's free, made with someone else time, effort and money. A little maturity, a little savvy for Linux would be my best advice who complain about an extremely easy to install free distro.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-12-29
Votes: 3
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Found Crowz a breath of fresh air regarding Linux, small, simple and extremely fast. Not a loated distro, not filled with applications I don't need or use. Very simple, configuration dream come true. Using the familiar application lxappearance, changing the theme, icons, and other aspects like even the cursor color or type. Fonts, anything and everything practically configurable. My choice was Openbox, but have downloaded both Fluxbox and JWM. My soon is 11 and uses Fluxbox, lies the sharp colorful styles and it being much like Openbox. With Openbox and Fluxbox having a parent being Blackbox.
Crowz has always been with Devuan, but also note that it once was Zephyr with Debain. It's a lightweight distro, doesn't pack in the kitchen sink to try and make only a portion of Linux users happy, it is so easy to use Apt or Synaptic to install a plethora of applications and of course all free. I found several CLI programs om Crowz, nnn and ncdu, along with audio mp3blaster and pmrp (poor mans radio program).
Crowz also sports a welcome-screen, quick prompt and access to numerous downloads, office suite Libreoffice, and graphic apps, GIMP, Darktable, and Inscape, with Gcolor2 by default installed application.
Crowz is a simple, and easy to use. Should not be difficult for anyone to install and use this delightful, and robust distribution. It's one of the best!
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-11-11
Votes: 6
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I started using Crowz Linux after reding a review here in Distrowatch. The distribution is minimalist and consumes few hardware resources. However, many aspects that were defined as "difficult" in Crowz are due to a comparison with Desktop Managers (click and go). Crowz brings a Window Manager, in this case Openbox (the distribution provides other isos with other managers: JWM and Fluxbox). The design of Openbox on Crowz aims to be minimalist, without "bells and whistles", which in my opinion is an excellent choice.
The installation is done through Calamares: simple and straightforward. To install, once in the live you must access the thunar file manager, system applications and click on the "install" icon, Calamares will open. It is not a standard action, but this information is given to us on the distribution website. Once installed, and shown at the login screen (lightdm?) we are presented with a script (as in Crunchbang++ and Bunsenlabs) in text mode. In this script we are given the opportunity to update and upgrade the system and install some more things like Libreoffice, Openjdk, multimedia, etc.
Crowz has the advantage of being initialized by SisvInit and not by sistemd, however, I didn't notice a difference in startup time. The Devuan base does not stand in our way and we have access through synaptic to all Debian base software. Therefore, there is no shortage of the best-known software, if anyone is afraid of that.
As for design: I prefer window managers and not Desktop Managers, Openbox is a great choice. The theme is black and in some applications it lacks some contrast. The creator of the distro included Conky, which provides shortcut keys and at the bottom of the screen we have information about memory usage, disk space and the name of the distribution. Crowz perfectly suits my needs.
The work put into building the design and choosing the software included is worthy and commendable, as it is done by just one person and avoids being bloatware. The system as a whole is very light and after learning a bit more about Openbox it becomes easier. I didn't find negative points in the system or problems with my hardware. Crowz seeks to be a minimalist distribution in appearance too, without excesses; Nitrogen is used to manage wallpapers. The difficulties I encountered are due to my lack of knowledge on how to adjust what I want in Openbox.
One point that should be noted is that usbsticks are not automatically mounted or automatically dismounted: you need to right-click and access "mount usb" or "unmount usb". Software that is installed later does not appear in the menu, but we can access it through the "run command" which has a shortcut key in conky, we must have to learn how to edit the Openbox menu. I consider Crowz to be a great Linux distribution; that doesn't aim to imitate anything from the recreational operating system that predominates on desktops today. Congratulations to the creator of Crowz and thanks for the work.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 3
Date: 2023-11-09
Votes: 0
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I don't know what I downloaded here. I was NOT able to find an installer, I could NOt change the keyboard - or time, date etc and I didn't know the password to find out what goodies are in synaptic package manager. I was NOT able to hook up a printer, the internet was unusable because of wrong keyboard. Many programs would have to be installed to make the distro usable, such as gome-disks and a USB writer.
With so few prgrams I would expect the distro to be somewhat faster ---
---- but everything else was allright :))
D.O.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 5
Date: 2023-10-15
Votes: 1
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Having read the positive review in this weeks Distrowatch I put the Openbox iso on my Ventoy stick and took a two hour live tour.
My experience has been somewhat different: the look is grey-in-grey, leaving me in a melancholic autumn mood. As with most dark themes it takes some effort to get a brighter look at my computer monitor, and on life.Fonts were not really sharp.
I could not confirm the "low on resources" either. Almost 900 MB shown by `top` after startup made me wonder why.
Not all is bad, the effort of the creators is commendable. I though had much better experiences with "lite distros", my favourite being WattOS (~ 300 MB after boot & open terminal). Lubuntu is a good - and less exotic - choice as well.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-10-12
Votes: 13
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Started using Crowz when it was called Zephyr and running Debian. Since the fork to Devuan and rebranded to Crowz this minimalistic powerhouse has remained much as it has always been, small and robust, not bloaded at all. Just a few basic applications to jump-start a new user.
Pros: It is a minimalist dream, easy to configure, and has systemVinit, not systemd. Also base built on Debain/Devuan, simply the best although do like Arch. Always nice themes, and icons. Uses lxappeance with all 3 window managers, making it easy to configure appearance for the taste of the individual. Welcome-Screen takes me back to CrunchBang, and other older distros, nice touch and a lot to offer to help the new user.
This is a very good distro, not a release that does everything for you, learn Linux and be richer for it.
Does includes every bit of information that could possibly be asked, however, most Linux users would find a solution quite easily.
Cons: Not going to criticize something I have used since Devuan Jessie, I wanted a minimalistic distro I could customize and build on and simply not bloated, slow, and hangs up!
Best Linux distro I've used!
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 6
Date: 2023-10-11
Votes: 0
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Doesn't play well with other distros on the same computer. Impossible to read--everything is black.
Can't figure out how to change to Openbox or something visible--who the hell likes these dark screen desktops?
Hogs Grub and doesn't recognize the other distros. Boots quickly, but nothing is really intuitive.
Full points for using Calamares and the whole .deb world, much easier to figure out.
I expect this minimal OS will remain minimal; nobody is likely to keep it except some hard core hobbyists.
Using Synaptic as a package manager is pretty sensible and functions well.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 3
Date: 2023-10-10
Votes: 0
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This distro offers simplicity and quickness, both very good things, once one overlooks CROWZ's faults.It is hard to like something that one can barely read. One might as well provide just a console and command line interface.A lack of documentation and the difficulty with installation do not add to the appeal of the distro to even a somewhat competent Linux user. With the minimalistic design and unreadable dark theme, this distribution has every chance to remain minimalistic in terms of the number of its users.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-10-09
Votes: 2
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Crowz is for those people who like minimalism, & I'm one of them.
It has all 'necessary' software for a basic computer setup, including wifi & web browser.
Add a couple of 'timewaster' games, & it's the perfect solution, to my mind.
Having a dark theme is a pleasant change from all those gaudy desktops you see in other distros, no eye strain here.
Runs happily in just 2GB ram, & although it wants 10GB disk space to be able to install it, that leaves a sizeable portion for your files.
Being based on Devuan, means no systemd, which is good for us old timers who started out on the command line.
No bells & whistles with this distro, just solid usability.
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Project: CROWZ
Version: 5.0
Rating: 10
Date: 2023-09-22
Votes: 6
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If you like Openbox and the 'bang' distros, then highly recommend checking out this little gem.
CROWZ is from the same devs behind the better known Star distro, and like Star also offers other wm's to choose from. It's systemd free running on Devuan 5.0 Daedalus, and provides a lightweight, fast and dependable system.
Comparing it with the latest Crunchbangplusplus, the iso is more than half the size as is normal startup memory consumption. Ok it has less pre-installed packages, but all the essentials and more are present as well as some really nice touches for a minimal system. Surprisingly it includes the Calamares installer for easy & familiar installation, and no issues found installing on various older machines.
Anyway, it's a straight 10 from me as CROWZ does everything I want in a minimal system brilliantly!
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