Linux Lite 3.0 Final is now available for download.  A lot has changed since Series 2.  We have a new Login Manager, new Boot Theme, Lite Software has had an overhaul, new System Theme (Arc), we've added Share Hardware Configuration (Lite Info), Folder access from the Menu and Upgrades are now automated and seamless in Series 3.  In addition, there has been a lot of bug fixes and adjustments since the Beta release, thanks again for your feedback. 

Lite Software - Lite Software has had an overhaul.  We've added icons where there were Select boxes (thank you Misko).  This helps people who identify with images and branding to easily locate their favorite software.  You can select multiple programs to install by holding down Ctrl or Shift.  We've also added Audacity (audio editor), Calibre (eBook reader and manager) and Pinta (Windows Paint. Net look-a-like) thanks to your suggestions. 

Folders access from the Menu - Another community suggestion that fits perfectly with those transitioning from Windows, our target audience.  Menu, My Computer. 

New Login Screen - By common request, the new Login Screen is now keyboard navigable.  Press Tab (for the login box) and F10 (for the Shutdown/Reboot menu).  You can also now customize the Login screen.  Open the Menu and type in 'lightd' and select LightDM GTK+ Greeter settings. 

Share Hardware Configuration (Lite Info) - With this new addition, we've already had 600+ submissions to the Linux Lite Hardware Database (1800+ computers in total since the beginning).  Now included starting with Series 3, this software helps those who are potentially looking to install Linux Lite, to see what computers other people are running Linux Lite on.  Just a note, if you're using VirtualBox, please don't submit any reports with Share Hardware Configuration, the last thing we need is a hardware page full of virtual machines Menu, System, Share Hardware Configuration. 

New Theme - We've adopted the popular Arc theme for several reasons.  It looks great, it's regularly maintained, because it's a part of Lite Themes (see below) we can easily adapt it to our needs, there are three themes within, Arc, Arc-Dark and Arc-Darker so if you want the all out dark look, it's easy to select, and the theme is light.  Firefox also carries the Arc theme in the aforementioned 3 options. 

Lite Themes - A new package that incorporates, themes, icons, mouse themes and wallpapers.  This allows us to easily deploy updates without using complex bash code.  If other system packages make changes that affect our themes, we can quickly adapt with an updated package.  There have been a number of theme enhancements since the Beta and we will continue to refine this theme based on your feedback in future updates. 

Lite Upgrade - You'll now receive upgrades from within Series 3 automatically.  Upgrades are a serious necessity in terms of security and bug fixes.  If we add something you don't like, we'll make sure you can easily remove it.  This has to be one of the most streamlined upgrades for any LTS distro. 

New Boot Theme - Updated to new look, prompt to eject DVD or USB now appears at the end of the installation. 

Less PPA's - Means faster Updates, and increased reliability.  The Google saga experienced this year has proved to be a valuable lesson (see below).  The only PPA's are for Gimp, Wine and Systemback - they have not let us down to date. 

Google Software - Once burned, twice shy.  The Google PPA issues this year has left a sour taste in my mouth.  No Google products will appear in Lite Software for the entirety of Series 3.  You can still get Chrome etc from the internet.  A huge thank you to those who helped people who's Updates were not working.  I know this has been a p.i.t.a.  and I would like to recognize this community for assisting people with the Google fix.  We'll look at reintroducing Google software in Lite Software in Series 4.  Let's see how things pan out over time.  Chromium is a more than capable Chrome replacement. 

UEFI - Will not be supported in Series 3.  People already know my position on this, we've had our discussions here on UEFI.  We can still bring people to Linux Lite, with a little BIOS guidance.  There are a lot of resources both in these Forums and in video tutorials in regard to working with UEFI in Linux Lite. 

Kernels - All previous, current and future Linux Lite Kernels will be available throughout Series 2 & 3, 4 and so on...

Indicator Plugin - Is back.  Volti shows promise, but is not ready for reliable deployment yet. 

Numlock - Is enabled at the Login screen. 

SystemD - You can manage services that start up in Linux Lite similar to the way you manage services that start up in Windows.  We have packages for both 32bit and 64bit for SystemD Manager.  This application was excluded from Linux Lite 3.0 to gauge public feedback first.  To install SystemD Manager:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install systemd-manager -yNOTE: Please be careful with this application.  Only stop services that you know you don't need through the research you have done on that service.  This application is suitable for experienced, power users only.  Once installed, you can find SystemD Manager at:

Menu, System, Systemd Manager

Screenshot - Now has the ability to upload to our preferred image hoster, Imgur. 

ISO size - Software grows in size, it happens with time.  We will always look for ways to 'trim the fat'.  At the moment, this is the best we can do. 

Games Menu - Dropped in Series 3.  Steam is now installable via Lite Software for both 32bit and 64bit.  It made sense not to include gaming software in the Menu that only a few people would use.  The majority of our users just want a basic Internet, Office and Multimedia operating system. 

sudo apt-get install usb-creator-gtkLogin is automatic, no credentials required.  The image can be written to a 2gb or larger USB stick, or a writable DVD.  Alternatively, you can use the dd command: sudo dd if=linux-lite-3.0-xxbit.iso of=/dev/sdx bs=4M where 'x' is the letter of your usb stick.  In linux to find out the letter of your usb stick, open a terminal and type: df -h It is usually listed as 'media' or similar.  Please see the built in Help Manual if you require a more detailed explanation of this procedure. 

The first thing you MUST do after a fresh install of Linux Lite is run Menu, Favorites, Install Updates. 

There is NO upgrade from Series 2 ( 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8 ) to Series 3. 

Known Issues:

- Wine.  If Wine is installed, it takes control of all html files.  For example, if you click on Menu, Favorites, Help Manual with Wine installed, Wine will attempt to open it and nothing will happen.  To correct this, go to Menu, type in Mime, click on MIME Type Editor, search in the Filter for html, and change the drop down in text/html to Firefox or whatever your preferred browser is at the time. 

jerry@jerry-vb-32:~$ software-properties-gtk /usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/softwareproperties/gtk/SoftwarePropertiesGtk.py:40: PyGIWarning: Gdk was imported without specifying a version first.  Use gi.require_version('Gdk', '3.0') before import to ensure that the right version gets loaded.  from gi.repository import GObject, Gdk, Gtk, Gio, GLib/usr/lib/python3/dist-packages/softwareproperties/gtk/SoftwarePropertiesGtk.py:40: PyGIWarning: Gtk was imported without specifying a version first.  Use gi.require_version('Gtk', '3.0') before import to ensure that the right version gets loaded.  from gi.repository import GObject, Gdk, Gtk, Gio, GLibGtk-Message: GtkDialog mapped without a transient parent.  This is discouraged.jerry@jerry-vb-32:~$Bug reported here - https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/software-properties/+bug/1576193

I changed to the Arc-Dark theme but there is no Dark version of the Faenza Icons.  When I try to install Faenza-Icon-Theme it says it can't install it because of the Faenza plain icons already installed. How do I get the Faenza Dark icons to go with the Arc-Dark theme?  The system tray icons will not show properly without it. 

I copied the dark versions form another distro and put them in the /usr/share/icons folder. Worked like a charm, and no dependency issues.  Once that worked, I then added some other icons that I like, and all are showing fine in the Appearance menu. 

Now if only I could find a way to install the Linux Lite Control Center! 

I don't really understand the removal of Lite Control Centre either, it was a well liked feature.  Also the removal of the Games menu is a detriment to me, although it can be created manually it is a disappointment it's not there by default.  Not too keen on the new login screen either, the old one was much better. I'm sticking with 2.8 for now I think, although I may install 3.0 on a separate drive to try out.  If I still don't like it I'm afraid it's back to distro hopping after 2.8 is no longer supported. 

I don't really understand the removal of Lite Control Centre either, it was a well liked feature.  Also the removal of the Games menu is a detriment to me, although it can be created manually it is a disappointment it's not there by default.  Not too keen on the new login screen either, the old one was much better. I'm sticking with 2.8 for now I think, although I may install 3.0 on a separate drive to try out.  If I still don't like it I'm afraid it's back to distro hopping after 2.8 is no longer supported. 

Same here.  The Lite Control Center really made Linux Lite stand out from the rest. I agree I think I will stick with 2.8, the changes in 3.0 aren't very significant and actually take it back a step.