Welcome To Pearl Linux OS

Pearl's latest releases series 7 (Rolltide) is build from the 18.04 LTR Ubuntu Release. Pearl 7 is available in both 32 and 64 bit versions.

Coming October 19, 2017, the Ubuntu 17.10 release date, we release Pearl MATE 6.0.  Both 64 bit and 32 bit version will be available.

With this release are many changes over our previous releases. The big change is as with Ubuntu MATE,  the complete changeover to GTK 3 from GTK 2 has been made. This effects alot of the applications and all of the themes  previously used on previous releases.

As requested Pearl MATE 6.0 will also include the German, Dutch and Russian language packs.

One of many Pearl tweaks that set Pearl appart from our Ubuntu/Mint backend is our tweaks to the Mate Tweak tool, which include many extra layouts which include some that include the new to Pearl the "Panther Menu". This menu is similar to the Elementary OS Linux distro.  Between to Mate Tweak Tool and the Appearance Tool you can switch the whole layout of the system very easily with just a few clicks. Along with the Many OS X and Windows styled themes that are apart of the base install makes Pearl one the most customizable, user friendly distros available today.

The Ubuntu 17.10 is not a LTR (long term release) model, meaning the support does not last nearly as long as say 14.04, 16.04 and the soon to be released, April 2018, 18.04. As Ubuntu has stated you can always upgrade to the next version easily.  This means there is no reason to wait for 18.04 either, for Ubuntu MATE or Pearl MATE as we will also be supporting Ubuntu MATE as our backend including all system security updates, as well as the differences between the two distros.  The major changes were made between 17.04 to 17.10 for a much smoother transition into the long term release of 18.04.

We (I) , lol, have been very slack in keeping up with support emails and the message board . In the near future .... like tomorrow.. I will be tackling the hangout. So my intent is to actually support the Pearl project way better than previously. That at least my mission.

Dec. 25, 2016 Pearl MATE 5.0 64 bit version was released.  This release is very different from previous Pearl releases in that many desktop utilities including the updating of software and new software installations plus many other features that are similar to Linux Mint.  What makes Pearl different however are some added features found with the Ubuntu MATE distribution such as MATE Tweak.  Tho Pearl is in no way associated with either Linux Mint or Ubuntu MATE,  with some minor code changes we were able to enjoy the best from both these fine distributions as well as incorporate it into the basic Pearl system.

On every Pearl Linux release what you can always expect is the overall default themeto be as close to the Snow Leopard OSX system as possible according to the  desktop environment which release was built on the appearance and feel may vary slightly.  Compiz Effects is also something you can expect from Pearl on all releases.  We also provide PinguyBuilder which is software used to make an image of your live system that you have customized, and make your own  LIVE Linux USB installer. Just as in the past with Remastersys, PinguyBuilder has stopped support for their software. Under most conditions PinguyBuilder still works on Ubuntu 16.04 and most distros modeled after that release however we changed some code to make it work with 5.0 which due to running the Linux Mint style utilities were needed to not have installer issues. Also with all Pearl releases we use Thunar file manager with our standard extra right click customized command pre installed. This is a feature aimed torward the advanced user as well a newbees.

Pearl MATE 5.0  comes with many themes. New to Pearl 5.0 are a few Flat icon themes and Windows 10 7, 8 and XP themes.

As with Pearl 4.0 series as well as 3 it's base is build from the Ubuntu 16.04 LTR core so long term support is provided both from the Ubuntu repository as well as our own repository. 

Our release Pearl Linux OS 4.0 (neeko) is now available in both 32 and 64 bit versions. 4.0 features our custom desktop environment PearlDE. PearlDE is a blend of LXDE XFCE4 and Compiz.  This desktop environment has 5 pre-configured sessions to choose from at login screen. PearlDE-FX (default) - OS X style layout with desktop effects, PearlDE - OS X style using XFWM without desktop effects, and LXDE -  Windows XP style, Gnome Flashback Compiz -OS X style with effects Gnome Flashback Metacity - OS X  style without effects. Each session is also cutomizable through the Pearl System Control. Pearl Linux OS 4.0 relies on our own repository for base system and included software however include the full Ubuntu 16.04 repositories for adding additional software. Adding PPA's is also supported.
Many people complain about the large downloads when doing an update on Ubuntu based distros with Pearl 4.0 once you have customized your system to your liking you may choose to un check the Ubuntu repository info using "Software and Updates" in your Pearl System Settings.

Pearl MATE Lite 4.0  (neeko) is now also available for download here.

The latest release Pearl OS 3.0 (tooey) is available in 3 desktop environments; PearlDE both 32 and 64 bit , MATE 32 bit, MATE Lite 32 bit and Gnome 64 bit.  This version is also based on 16.04 however it relies on Ubuntu repositories primarily with no updates from the Pearl Repo and less customized code from the Pearl repository.