AV Linux is a versatile, Debian-based distribution featuring a large collection of audio and video production software.

AV Linux is a non-GPL custom shop modded and rodded Linux based Operating System built from a hand-picked selection of available tools including Debian/GNU Linux, the LXDE Desktop Environment and Remastersys.

AV Linux is first and foremost a well-rounded OS suited for most common daily computer tasks and runs on most Windows PC's and Intel Macs.

On top of this versatile base is a full complement of the best Linux Audio and Video creation software encompassing both open-source excellence and commercial demos. AV Linux can be operated in a variety of ways including running from a LiveDVD, LiveUSB or installed to the Hard Drive either by itself or as a Dual-Boot with another Operating System.

As an installed Operating System AV Linux differs from many other Desktop Linux Distributions in that it provides a complete, stable pre-tested and state- of- the-art user experience free from constant pestering for superflous system updates. AV Linux employs an annual release schedule and a well maintained packages archive to balance reliable performance and timely important individual program updates.

The engine of AV Linux is a customized i686 2.6.39.1 Linux Kernel featuring many performance and tuning enhancements to effectively maximize operating effiency. The most notable feature is the IRQ threading and rtirq-init functions of the Kernel being activated dy default which creates an optimal low latency audio production environment. For those with newer computers using more than 4GB of RAM an optional custom PAE post-install Kernel is also available. here.

**PLEASE NOTE: Many Pentium "M" mobile processors do not support PAE**
**Check the manufacturers data sheet to confirm whether your CPU has PAE support**

Keep an Older PC Productive:
Computer Operating Systems continue to become more and more resource intensive, many times people upgrade their Operating Systems in the hope of improving their system only to be terribly disappointed when their existing hardware isn't sufficient to even run the supposed "upgrade". PC's have actually been powerful enough for Multitrack Audio and DVD Video Editing since the late 1990's but with the latest Operating Systems wasting precious CPU and RAM on superficial eye candy many potentially productive computers end up being relegated to closets, basements, garages and even worse to garbage dumps and landfills. The chilling legacy of our "disposable" societal mindset is already evident in so-called "tech dumps" in rural China and many other places intentionally well hidden from the comforts of the developed world. By combining the general efficiency of Linux and enhancing it further with a light Desktop Environment like LXDE it is an AV Linux mandate to keep older PC's in daily use.

Hardware Support.

In addition to supporting most onboard and common Audio Cards AV Linux also has OOTB Support for many common Pro Audio/MIDI Interfaces like M-Audio, Tascam, Echo and RME. A growing list of Firewire Audio Interfaces are also working with FFADO. For Video DV Camcorders and other Firewire Video devices (Canopus) as well as many Hauppage Conexxant based Capture Cards are also supported.

A Robust Development Environment.

AV Linux employs the "teach a man to fish" adage. It has been created to assist users in taking the next step and moving from simply using software to building their own software updates if they so desire. If you are an experienced Linux user, packager or developer you will be at home with the large number of development libraries, compilers, build utilities and packaging helper applications available and ready to use. Obtain source code easily through Mercurial,GIT, SVN, BZR, and CVS. Most main applications included in AV Linux have the necessary build dependencies pre-installed for your convenience.

Updates (via Distrowatch):

Glen MacArthur has announced the release of AV Linux 5.0, a Debian-based distribution with a collection of audio and video production software and running on the LXDE desktop: "After more than five months of daily development following the release of 4.2, AV Linux 5.0 is here. This release balances the rock-solid reliability of Debian's stable release and fortifies it with some carefully selected packages to make it a state-of-the-art multimedia content creation powerhouse. Features and improvements: 2.6.39.1 Linux kernel with IRQ threading and rtirq-init activated; complete full-featured desktop package selection including LibreOffice 3.4; RTC (Real-Time Clock) permissions set by default on the live DVD; FFADO SVN Firewire drivers with daisy-chaining on the new Juju stack...."