SimplyMEPIS 8.0, a debian based gnu/linux OS, was released recently.

The ISO file with SimplyMEPIS is available at the official site. You can follow our guide to create a bootable usb stick easily. The live OS will have an installation icon on the desktop.
I did install it on my Eeebox’ hard drive, on the 3GB recovery partition Asus left. The installer is comprehensive, with details about each step. You can choose to install the OS on a pendrive, or the hard disk. Be cautious with the bootloader’s location at the final step.
A nice grub menu will greet you. SimplyMEPIS has detected XP and Ubuntu without problems.

The Eeebox’ hardware was well recognized, except the wifi adapter. Here’s how to fix the problem.

First, prepare your wireless drivers for windows. I have uploaded my eeebox’ wireless drivers in this archive. If you have another netbook, the CDs provided with your computer should have the necessary drivers.
SimplyMEPIS has a dedicated network application, you will find it in System/Mepis/Mepis Network Assistant. Under Troubleshooting, select Add driver, and locate your driver’s information file (in my case, rt2860.inf). Apply the settings. Under Interfaces, select wlan0, check start at boot and start when plugged.

After a reboot, your wireless card should be functional. I tested mine with an unencrypted and a WPA encrypted connection, and it works fine.

SimplyMEPIS is based on KDE 3.5, which is still a better choice compared to KDE 4, as far as I’m concerned. The desktop is simple, functionnal and stable.

On the software side, you will find the Open office 3 suite, firefox 3, KMail, Amarok, K3B and many other standard applications.

SimplyMEPIS left me a strong first impression. This linux distribution is stable, well-rounded, and deserves adoption.