I have used Deepin Linux earlier but never got time to actually pen down a review. It is based on Ubuntu but uses the GNOME shell rather than Unity and comes with great support for Chinese language. I am no expert in Chinese and hence, downloaded the 32-bit English version of Linux Deepin for this test.
Originally, Linux Deepin 12.12 was based on Ubuntu 12.10. However, the present release 12.12.1 is based on Ubuntu GNOME 13.04 with same Linux kernel 3.8.0 and GNOME 3.8 as desktop environment (though heavily tweaked in Deepin). Files 3.8.1 is the default file manager and possibly it is the best file manager available now for Linux.
The release announcement of Deepin 12.12.1 talks of several bug fixes from the previous release:
Aesthetics
Linux Deepin is simply mesmerizing as far as the aesthetics are concerned. Attention to details is evident right from the boot splash with Linux Deepin logo to the application interfaces. I don't know how to express it, but there is something very soothing about the color combination used in Deepin. It is absolutely pleasing to the eyes. Also, font rendering is quite beautiful and soothing to the eyes.
Desktop, what I observed, is quite simple - blank one with a dock below. There is a launcher on the left hand corner of the dock. At a high level the launcher is similar to GNOME launcher but the Deepin launcher looks prettier. By right clicking on the applications in the launcher menu, I could add them to the dock for easier access.
The default wallpaper looks really nice and gels well with the overall theme.
Additionally, I found Deepin trying to give Windows 7 like experience to users. You get personalization option when you right click on the desktop. From personalize option, I could see the available wallpapers as well as option to add custom user wallpapers. Further, I could set up wallpaper change every 10 min. Definitely more efficient than GNOME 3!
Application interfaces gel very well with the overall theme, except LibreOffice. Special mention must be made of Deepin media players, their splash is extremely eye-catching. However, LibreOffice has the default interface and it kind of fails to gel with the overall theme. The developers of Deepin can take a leaf or two from Sabayon developers on how to integrate LibreOffice to the overall theme.
The login screen looks elegant with lightDM greeter. I didn't want to miss it's snapshot and hence, took this from virtualbox.
Hardware recognition
Like any other Ubuntu based distro, Deepin recognizes my laptop hardware to perfection and without any manual intervention. Display, touchpad, wifi, sound card, etc. work out of the box without any manual intervention. Only horizontal and vertical scroll didn't work for me. Funny thing is that the touchpad option in Deepin Settings manager too doesn't have that option. Possibly a minor bug which Deepin developers can take care of easily. Otherwise, double tap and single tap works.
Applications
Linux Deepin has most of the utility applications pre-installed, viz.
I used Kingsoft office on Android mobiles before but not on Linux. After using it for a week, I really like Kingsoft and functionally it is closer to MS Office than LibreOffice. Also, aesthetics wise, specially LibreOffice calc looks a bit ugly whereas Kingsoft spreadsheet sports more elegance. I am thinking of using it on my production laptop as well.
Chmsee is another cool application for comics lovers.
Multimedia codecs and Adobe flashplugin is pre-installed in the distro. I could play my favorite videos and listen to music right after live boot.
Deepin media players are real cute to look at and the music player particularly works well. Both have changeable skins like winamp.
Dplayer is good but VLC is better in terms of playing all types of video files. I could not play 3gp files in Dplayer.
Similarly, Dspanshot, though not in the visible application list and gets activated only when you press print screen button, is very limited in functionality. Especially when you need to take snapshot after an interval (say 3 sec.), GNOME snapshot offers more functionalities.
Deepin has compiz pre-installed but the latest version of compiz doesn't have the ability to create desktop cube or cones. So much so in the name of advancement!
Linux Deepin retains some of the good features of GNOME 3.8 like integrated settings manager. However, features like social network integration is not there in Deepin, which I felt, should have been there.
Installation
Installation is typical Ubuntu and pretty simple. Just choose your language, keyboard type, geographic location, location to install and finally create your user ID. Installation gets over within 30 minutes including downloading updates. One thing I noted, the installation interface looks much more appealing than the default Ubuntu or Linux Mint installation GUI. Good customization by the developers here.
Repositories
Linux Deepin sources packages from Ubuntu Raring repositories. There is no synaptic package manager in Linux Deepin.
Applications can be downloaded via a Deepin Software Center (version 3.0). I like it's colorful interface and categorization of application into clearly defined categories. It works similar to Ubuntu software center and looks better. Deepin is 100% compatible to Ubuntu and every Ubuntu app works here.
Using Deepin Software center, I downloaded some applications like Chromium browser, Gnome snapshot, VLC player, etc. and all got downloaded quite fast and worked as expected.
Performance
Deepin scores high on resource utilization - it is a bit more efficient than the other two GNOME 3.8 distros I have used, Ubuntu 13.04 GNOME and Fedora 19 GNOME. All the numbers given below are recorded on the same machine (Asus K54C) and from 32-bit version of the operating systems in purview. I tried comparing them under identical conditions but you know, everyday may not be the same.
In overall, Deepin is very smooth to use. The effects are subtle and never hamper with productivity. The Deepin desktop feels lighter than stock GNOME 3.8 desktop.
Also, Deepin doesn't hog a lot of space on the hard drive. The distro takes about 4 GB of space, which I find to be decent and almost at par with Ubuntu and Fedora.
Zorin is distro with which Deepin directly competes in terms of aesthetics and performance. However, Zorin doesn't come with GNOME 3.8, which is a plus point for Deepin. Also, Zorin looks more like Win7 and Deepin looks very different with it's launcher and docky.
Overall
Linux Deepin is one of the smoothest GNOME 3 desktops I have used. Aesthetically it is very soothing to the eyes and much more appealing than quite a few of the prominent GNOME 3 distros. Rough edges are there, I agree, like horizontal and vertical scroll options are not there in touchpad management settings. But at an overall level, Deepin impressed me with a judicious combination of functionality and attractiveness. Attention to details is evident from every bit of the distro, including the application list, where packages have been very thoughtfully chosen. The distro tries to provide Windows 7 experience and succeeds to a certain extent. It can be a good option for Linux novices who are switching from Win7.
However, I judged it purely from a Linux distro point of view and not as some Win7 close. As a Linux distro, Linux Deepin is a beautiful one which blends Chinese aesthetics to Ubuntu's efficiency. From my side, it gets a 4.5/5 - some marks deducted for lack of social network integration.
Also, thanks to the developers for creating an English version of this amazing Ubuntu spin. You can download 32 and 64 bit English versions of Linux Deepin from here.
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
"Linux Deepin 12.12.1 was announced today as an enhancement (and also a bug-fix) of the previous 12.12 release. New functions include the deepin-notifications plugin for the desktop, where users can check the notifications sent by utilities or the OS. As an important component of the desktop, Deepin System Settings now supports wallpaper selection via the personalization module and automatic login via the accounts configuration module. The Software Center has been upgraded for more convenient software installation/uninstallation. The dmusic-plugin-baidumusic plugin has been developed for better online music experience."I downloaded the English version 32-bit ISO, about 1.2 GB in size and first did a live boot followed by installation on my Asus K54C laptop with 2.2 Ghz Core i3 processor and 2 GB RAM. It is a 64 bit machine but 32-bit Linux performs better than 64 bit on it. I used Unetbootin to create a live USB.
Aesthetics
Linux Deepin is simply mesmerizing as far as the aesthetics are concerned. Attention to details is evident right from the boot splash with Linux Deepin logo to the application interfaces. I don't know how to express it, but there is something very soothing about the color combination used in Deepin. It is absolutely pleasing to the eyes. Also, font rendering is quite beautiful and soothing to the eyes.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
The default wallpaper looks really nice and gels well with the overall theme.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
The login screen looks elegant with lightDM greeter. I didn't want to miss it's snapshot and hence, took this from virtualbox.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Like any other Ubuntu based distro, Deepin recognizes my laptop hardware to perfection and without any manual intervention. Display, touchpad, wifi, sound card, etc. work out of the box without any manual intervention. Only horizontal and vertical scroll didn't work for me. Funny thing is that the touchpad option in Deepin Settings manager too doesn't have that option. Possibly a minor bug which Deepin developers can take care of easily. Otherwise, double tap and single tap works.
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Applications
Linux Deepin has most of the utility applications pre-installed, viz.
- Office: LibreOffice 4.0.2.2 Writer, Calc, Impress & Draw, Kingsoft Office (spreadsheet, Powerpoint, Word), Document viewer, Chmsee
- Internet: Firefox 23.0, Chrome 28.0, Pidgin IM, Remmina desktop sharing, Skype 4.2, Thunderbird 17, iptux lan messenger
- Graphics: Image viewer, simple scan
- Multimedia: Brasero, Dmusic 2.0, Dplayer 2.0, Sound recorder
- Accessories: Archive manager, Calculator, Compiz, terminal, User manual, gedit, gdebi package installer
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
I used Kingsoft office on Android mobiles before but not on Linux. After using it for a week, I really like Kingsoft and functionally it is closer to MS Office than LibreOffice. Also, aesthetics wise, specially LibreOffice calc looks a bit ugly whereas Kingsoft spreadsheet sports more elegance. I am thinking of using it on my production laptop as well.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Chmsee is another cool application for comics lovers.
Multimedia codecs and Adobe flashplugin is pre-installed in the distro. I could play my favorite videos and listen to music right after live boot.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Deepin media players are real cute to look at and the music player particularly works well. Both have changeable skins like winamp.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Dplayer is good but VLC is better in terms of playing all types of video files. I could not play 3gp files in Dplayer.
Similarly, Dspanshot, though not in the visible application list and gets activated only when you press print screen button, is very limited in functionality. Especially when you need to take snapshot after an interval (say 3 sec.), GNOME snapshot offers more functionalities.
Deepin has compiz pre-installed but the latest version of compiz doesn't have the ability to create desktop cube or cones. So much so in the name of advancement!
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Linux Deepin retains some of the good features of GNOME 3.8 like integrated settings manager. However, features like social network integration is not there in Deepin, which I felt, should have been there.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Installation is typical Ubuntu and pretty simple. Just choose your language, keyboard type, geographic location, location to install and finally create your user ID. Installation gets over within 30 minutes including downloading updates. One thing I noted, the installation interface looks much more appealing than the default Ubuntu or Linux Mint installation GUI. Good customization by the developers here.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Linux Deepin sources packages from Ubuntu Raring repositories. There is no synaptic package manager in Linux Deepin.
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| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Applications can be downloaded via a Deepin Software Center (version 3.0). I like it's colorful interface and categorization of application into clearly defined categories. It works similar to Ubuntu software center and looks better. Deepin is 100% compatible to Ubuntu and every Ubuntu app works here.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Performance
Deepin scores high on resource utilization - it is a bit more efficient than the other two GNOME 3.8 distros I have used, Ubuntu 13.04 GNOME and Fedora 19 GNOME. All the numbers given below are recorded on the same machine (Asus K54C) and from 32-bit version of the operating systems in purview. I tried comparing them under identical conditions but you know, everyday may not be the same.
| Operating System | Size of ISO | Base | Desktop | Linux kernel | CPU Usage | RAM usage |
| Zorin OS 7 | 1.5 GB | Ubuntu | Gnome 3.6, tweaked | 3.8.0 | 1-10% | 195 MB |
| ROSA 2012 Fresh Gnome | 1.1 GB | Mandriva | Gnome 3.6.2 | 3.6.10 | 1-10% | 235 MB |
| Linux Deepin 12.12.1 | 1.2 GB | Ubuntu | GNOME 3.8 | 3.8.0 | 1-10% | 240 MB |
| LuninuX 12.10 | 1500 MB | Ubuntu | Gnome 3.6 | 3.5.0 | 1-5% | 280 MB |
| Ubuntu 13.04 Gnome | 1 GB | Ubuntu | Gnome 3.8 | 3.8.0 | 1-10% | 280 MB |
| Fedora 19 GNOME | 964 MB | Fedora | GNOME 3.8 | 3.9.8 | 1-10% | 297 MB |
| Zorin 6 Core | 1.4 GB | Ubuntu | Gnome 3.4.1 | 3.2.0 | 1-10% | 300 MB |
| OpenSUSE 12.2 Gnome | 704 MB | OpenSUSE | Gnome 3.4.2 | 3.4.6 | 1-10% | 310 MB |
| Pinguy OS 12.04 | 1.8 GB | Ubuntu | Gnome 3.4.1 | 3.2.0 | 1-5% | 325 MB |
In overall, Deepin is very smooth to use. The effects are subtle and never hamper with productivity. The Deepin desktop feels lighter than stock GNOME 3.8 desktop.
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
 |
| From Deepin 12.12.1 http://mylinuxexplore.blogspot.in |
Also, Deepin doesn't hog a lot of space on the hard drive. The distro takes about 4 GB of space, which I find to be decent and almost at par with Ubuntu and Fedora.
| Operating System | Installation Size |
| Fedora 19 GNOME | 3.28 GB |
| Linux Deepin 12.12.1 | 4.0 GB |
| Zorin OS 7 | 5.0 GB |
Zorin is distro with which Deepin directly competes in terms of aesthetics and performance. However, Zorin doesn't come with GNOME 3.8, which is a plus point for Deepin. Also, Zorin looks more like Win7 and Deepin looks very different with it's launcher and docky.
Overall
Linux Deepin is one of the smoothest GNOME 3 desktops I have used. Aesthetically it is very soothing to the eyes and much more appealing than quite a few of the prominent GNOME 3 distros. Rough edges are there, I agree, like horizontal and vertical scroll options are not there in touchpad management settings. But at an overall level, Deepin impressed me with a judicious combination of functionality and attractiveness. Attention to details is evident from every bit of the distro, including the application list, where packages have been very thoughtfully chosen. The distro tries to provide Windows 7 experience and succeeds to a certain extent. It can be a good option for Linux novices who are switching from Win7.
However, I judged it purely from a Linux distro point of view and not as some Win7 close. As a Linux distro, Linux Deepin is a beautiful one which blends Chinese aesthetics to Ubuntu's efficiency. From my side, it gets a 4.5/5 - some marks deducted for lack of social network integration.
Also, thanks to the developers for creating an English version of this amazing Ubuntu spin. You can download 32 and 64 bit English versions of Linux Deepin from here.
The problem is that they use china's repos instead of world's (so slow for me.) They have a lot of bugs, the 64 bit version was unusable for me because of a severe Qt package corruption on the repos. I'm not an enlish spoken person, so it would be great to have internationalization. There is a lot of little problems here and there but if they can sort them out i think deepin should be an example for other lazy devs that only change wallpapers, colors and names.
ReplyDeleteHi MacLone:
DeleteVery valid point you raised. I guess me being in Asia, didn't face any lag in downloading apps or updates. I checked out the 32 bit version and it is relatively bug free. And also on international customization, I understand your point - Deepin supports only English and Chinese but not other languages. But, I guess, you can download the language of your preference by adding ubuntu raring ppa's to the /etc/apt/sources.list.
Also, I agree with you on Deepin being example for other lazy developers. The hard work by the developers is evident from every bit of the distro.
Thanks,
Arindam
Hi, Arindam !
ReplyDeleteI use its previous version (12.12) both in my Thinkpad X20 and my desktop though it is nearly useless to me with wireless and my evdo card not connecting there is a applet spinning in the task bar but nothing happened,so I return to my Zorin ..Hope they fixed it now!
with regards,
vaithy
Hi Linxbot:
Delete12.12.1 is much better - wifi issues sorted out and now it connects readily. On my system, it worked as good as Zorin.
Regards,
Arindam
Thanks for the clarification.. How is firefox? still with Baidu search engine ?
ReplyDeleteredards
vaithy
It has all the commonly used search engine options (incl. a couple of Chinese search engines as well) and the default search option is google (luckily!).
DeleteI loaded it in Virtual box (64 bit edition)..No splash screen...a message appear to be 'plymouth cann't be loaded' then go to darkness for couple of minutes.. frustrated itched to close virtual Box,deepin desktop magically appeared...first clicked the firebox icon in the taksbar, after taking the compatability test firefox sent two message cann't connect to 'deepin linux.com' and second message appear to be 'i.firefox.china.chn' cann't be found. though internet is working in main desktop, the 'network applet' icon is indicating wired - on' . After refreshing and hit the enter in google search bar it finally brought out google page and news etc..,,then firefox simply freeze...try to launch 'deepin launcher..After several seconds a applet inticating'launcher not responding' appeared. This forced me close the virtualbox since whole desktop is not reponding.. this happened at mid night.. why I am saying is for the previous 'deepin' version same Virtual box provided the same experience as you wrote in your blog about version 12.12.1.. minus network issues..Now network is solved..
ReplyDeleteThis is not the criticsm of 'Deepin'.. for me deepin software center is best ever package developed out of 'Ubuntu' universe and now its theming make windows -7 in to shame.. not all of us use the same hardware.. so each one has different experience on each distros.. that is why Linux can be enjoyed in diversity but not in unity..(forget Android--it is not linux)
I 'll try again but actually installing in the Hard disk instead of virtual box..keep your good work!
Regards,
vaithy
Hi Vaithy:
DeleteVirtualbox normally don't have the graphic memory and hence, the booting screen won't load. Also, experience on virtualbox would depend on how much RAM and display memory allocated. Otherwise, I checked on a laptop with Core i3 processor and 2 GB RAM, Deepin runs smoothly. Yes, now network works right from the word go!
Do let me know your experience in proper hard drive installation, how did Deepin fare.
Regards,
Arindam
12.06 was very good, though Firefox plays up on one of my systems, but 12.12 is awful in comparison, with much higher memory usage and simple things that just don't work.
ReplyDeleteIn Deepin 12.06, add a wallpaper from your own image folders, then change at what proportions the wallpaper is displayed.
Easy.
Now try doing the same in 12.12 or 12.12.1
how about to add additional keyboard layout and choose the keys to switch it? there was such possibility in previous deepin 12.06 LTS
ReplyDeleteIt should be there in 12.12.1 as well.
DeleteThanks,
Arindam
could you be more precise, where?
DeleteSystem Settings -> Keyboard -> Keyboard layout -> Replace current layout. There are about 30-40 European and Asian language options there.
DeleteAlongside Shortcuts option is there to add own custom shortcuts. Are you referring to these two? I haven't used Deepin 12.06 much - so don't know exactly what was there for additional keyboard layout.
"replace" does not mean "add" the additional keyboard layout. i need to switch between two layouts i used to work with. to instal xneur to automate the process, besides... "replace" does not save the situation really, it's a big fault of the team.
DeleteAgree, not there. Can you post in the Deepin forum (english one), if there's a way to include it. Also, sending a tweet @linux_deepin may be helpful.
Delete