ZevenOS is very close to Xubuntu: you add software from the Ubuntu repository. So what makes it different?

1. It aims at good multimedia support. Codecs are provided by default and the unreliable Totem is replaced by Parole. It also includes a video editor, a format converter, and a video-clip downloader.

2. It aims to run in 256MB, where Ubuntu recommends 512.

3. It tries to look like the BeOS operating system. In fact, it comes with a tool for installing Haiku (the BeOS clone) on a spare partition and another for accessing its bfs filing system.

Running ZevenOS is basically little different to running Xubuntu. You get a BeOS-style deskbar, but that can be replaced by a conventional panel. The installer is impressive, for it multitasks with the live CD: you can browse the web while waiting for the installation! The one problem is configuration. Although using Xfce, they have used the Sawfish window manager. The two tools to configure keyboard shortcuts are both broken, and Sawfish is so little used these days that googling for help only recovers ten-year-old posts from when it was used with Gnome.

Basically, you could achieve the same sort of system by starting with Xubuntu and adding some software. But it's great if you're nostalgic for your BeBox!