Parsix is one of the unsung heroes of Linux. It originates in Iran, but there are few signs of this: the English on the web site is excellent.

It’s supplied as a DVD which can be used live, as an installer, or to update an existing installation. Like Fedora, it offers to check itself: a good beginning. Language, keyboard, and screen resolution can all be customised before the live session is started. This is reasonably fast to load and pleasantly responsive to use. The installer is easy to use and very fast.

The system comes with a traditional Gnome desktop and will run in 512MB. There’s a generous selection of software on the disk; this, and the provision of dial-up support, make Parsix ideal for those who cannot get broadband. As well as the ‘usual suspects’, one gets less-common items like Inkscape, Grisbi, Avidemux, and Virtualbox. The programs ran from the command line without leaving any serious warnings, except for Evolution and that’s a Gnome problem. Media codecs and Flash are pre-installed and work well: even my ‘mp4 from hell’, which foils so many distros, played perfectly. Other reviewers have reported success with wifi and proprietary video drivers.

The web site has very good documentation, including advice on partitioning and computer security.