In late 2011, the SparkyLinux project was founded with the purpose of creating a lightweight operating system based on Debian.



It included customized scripts for improved system performance and additional software unavailable in Debian repositories. Initially, it was only used within a small circle but eventually expanded to the wider community. The main goal of SparkyLinux is to provide an easy-to-install open-source operating system based on Debian with a growing database of software and programs from external sources.

SparkyLinux offers several branches such as Stable, Testing, and Oldstable, each geared toward different user preferences. The stable version is recommended for beginners as it provides only stable versions of packages with a technical support period of five years. The semi-rolling version, based on the Debian testing branch, is not recommended for novice users and transitions to stable when Debian becomes stable. The oldstable version is not under active development but still receives security updates for five years from the release of the stable version. Additionally, SparkyLinux offers different desktop environments, including Xfce, LXQt, KDE Plasma, and MATE.

For advanced users, SparkyLinux offers two minimal versions: MinimaGUI equipped with the ultra-light Openbox window manager and MinimalCLI, which works in text mode. These allow users to install SparkyLinux without changes or install it with a different graphical desktop.

One of the most important programs is Sparky APTus AppCenter, which has over 3000 popular programs divided into thematic categories, making it easy to find programs for specific tasks. SparkyLinux also includes a discrete System Updater that notifies users of available updates and allows them to install them quickly.

SparkyLinux is a lightweight Linux distribution that doesn't consume many computer resources and has various editions, including a minimal one without a graphical interface. It is based on Debian and includes pre-installed sets of necessary software, multimedia codecs, and plug-ins. The distribution supports most wireless WiFi controllers and network cards.

The developers mention that despite its user-friendliness, SparkyLinux is not suitable for beginners. It requires some Linux skills to master and may have difficulties setting up the screen resolution and keyboard layout.

SparkyLinux provides different desktop environments such as LXDE, LXQt, XFCE, and MATE, among others. Similarly, it also offers specialized editions such as GameOver for gamers, Multimedia for audio and video enthusiasts, and Rescue for broken operating systems.

MinimalGUI edition is available for those who want to install the desktop environment themselves and configure their Debian-based system. On the other hand, MinimalCLI is a revision without any graphical environment intended for users who want to build their system fully.

The main edition of the distribution is based on the LXDE desktop environment, while other graphical shells are also available for download. Preinstalled programs for everyday use and multimedia codecs are included in the system.

SparkyLinux is a lightweight Linux distribution that offers several desktop environment options. It aims to be user-friendly and provide a fast and stable operating system.

Some of the desktop environments available in SparkyLinux include:

1. Xfce: Xfce is a lightweight and customizable desktop environment that provides a balance between functionality and speed. It has a traditional layout with a panel at the bottom and offers a range of customization options.

2. LXQt: LXQt is a lightweight and modern desktop environment that combines the best features of LXDE and Razor-qt. It is built using the Qt framework and provides a clean and minimalistic user interface.

3. KDE Plasma: KDE Plasma is a powerful and feature-rich desktop environment known for its flexibility and customization options. It offers a modern and visually appealing interface with a wide range of applications and tools.

4. MATE: MATE is a fork of the classic GNOME 2 desktop environment. It provides a familiar and intuitive layout with a traditional panel-based interface. MATE is known for its stability and resource efficiency.

5. Enlightenment: Enlightenment is a unique and lightweight desktop environment that focuses on providing a visually stunning experience. It offers a minimalistic and highly configurable interface with eye-catching effects and animations.

6. Openbox: Openbox is a lightweight window manager that provides a minimalistic and highly configurable desktop environment. It is known for its simplicity, speed, and low resource usage. It allows users to customize their desktop experience by adding panels, themes, and various plugins.

7. JWM (Joe's Window Manager): JWM is another lightweight window manager that aims to be fast and simple. It is designed to be easy to use and offers basic features like virtual desktops, menus, and automatic window placement. JWM is known for its small memory footprint and compatibility with older hardware.

8. i3wm: i3wm is a tiling window manager that focuses on efficient window management and keyboard-driven navigation. It organizes windows in a tile-like manner and allows users to easily switch between different workspaces. i3wm is highly customizable and suitable for users who prefer a minimalist and keyboard-centric workflow.

9. Budgie: Budgie is a modern and elegant desktop environment developed by the Solus project. It features a sleek and visually appealing interface with a panel at the top and a menu system similar to GNOME. Budgie provides a user-friendly experience with integrated applets, a notification center, and a focus on simplicity.

10. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a popular desktop environment developed by the Linux Mint team. It offers a traditional layout with a bottom panel, a start menu, and a system tray. Cinnamon aims to provide a classic desktop experience while incorporating modern features, smooth animations, and customizable settings.

11. LXDE: LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is a lightweight and energy-efficient desktop environment suited for older or low-end hardware. It offers a simple and intuitive design with a traditional layout, a panel at the bottom, and an emphasis on speed and resource efficiency.

12. Fluxbox: Fluxbox is a highly configurable and lightweight window manager that focuses on providing a minimalistic and efficient desktop environment. It offers a tabbed-based window management system, a customizable menu, and extensive keyboard shortcuts. Fluxbox is known for its speed, stability, and high degree of customization.

Each desktop environment in SparkyLinux has its own strengths and characteristics, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences and hardware capabilities. It's worth noting that SparkyLinux provides a minimal base system, and users can install additional software and customize their desktop environments as needed.