We should be talking about Satux Linux in mid-2022

One of the costs built into the price of a computer that we rarely consider when buying is the cost of an operating system license. But, you know that computer with pre-installed “Linux” that you found a little cheaper?

So there could be a hack called “Satux Linux” behind it.

What is Satux Linux?

Satux Linux is a stable Brazilian distribution derived from Debian with the Gnome desktop environment, which appeared in 2007 and was discontinued a few years later, probably between 2010 and 2012, i.e. it no longer receives updates and is no longer supported by developers. It was initially distributed on CDs produced by Digibras in the Zona Franca de Manaus, a company belonging to the same family that owns CCE, the Sverner family.

In 2010, development was transferred to the Instituto de Tecnologia JRSC (ITJRSC), a research and development institution based in Manaus and São Paulo. Most likely, with the sale of CCE in 2012, the operating system ended up in several models of Lenovo computers, such as the IdeaPad 3.

“Problems” of Satux Linux

It’s hard to imagine why Lenovo sells a computer with this distro, since they also ship with Fedora and Ubuntu. With this attitude, she ends up doing a disservice to the Linux and free software community:

• The official website has been down for some time and it is not possible to download Satux Linux;
• Manuals and supporting materials are outdated and of low quality;
• Marked as discontinued on the Distrowatch website, it released only two versions: 1.8, dated 1/20/2009. and 3.0, published on March 21, 2011;
• On the support pages for desktop or laptop models with this distribution installed, you can find only old and very outdated versions, for example, the Gnome environment is 3.8.4 with Compiz transparency effects, based on Debian Stable from 2013, the interface is similar to Windows XP, technologies are already obsolete or have been discontinued;
• Designed for end users with little or no technical knowledge, who use the computer for common activities such as text editing and Internet browsing, the distribution does not come as pre-installed applications and can no longer be downloaded from repositories, such as disabled;
• The distribution comes with pre-installed drivers and proprietary drivers on Lenovo, Multilaser, CCE, Bluesky, Nextera and Acteon Digital brand computers.

Advertisements for Linux computers should always include more information about the version of the operating system installed, especially when ordinary users think that there is only “one Linux”, just as there is only “one Windows”: since it is free software, any Linux distribution can fully customizable and it can be said that there are “infinite” operating systems that use the Linux kernel.

When you decide to buy a device with Linux, ask the seller which Linux distribution is preinstalled and, if possible, avoid buying a model with Satux Linux. Do not under any circumstances confuse this distribution with other Brazilian distributions whose development is active and they provide good support to their users, such as BigLinux and Regata OS.

I already bought a computer with Satux Linux: what to do?

If you’ve ever bought a Satux Linux device, you’ve probably noticed that it’s not receiving updates. If you received a warranty statement, please read it carefully to find out if installing another operating system will void your warranty.

In any case, if you’re thinking of formatting and installing another distro, it’s worth trying on a live CD or USB stick; check if everything works (sound, video card, touchpad, mouse, keyboard, etc.); and, as always, back up your personal files to the home partition of your installation. Back up your entire system with Clonezil, as you can save a recovery partition so you can restore your original system later if needed.

In general, distributions in active development are more likely to have the drivers your computer needs. However, the eventual lack of any specific driver may require a little more research: I suggest testing the system directly on the CD or USB stick (Live Mode) of the distribution you want to install, before removing Satux Linux. It might also be useful to watch the video on our channel.

Have you bought or would you buy a computer with Satux Linux? Comment your experience and help other members on our forum.