Rhino Linux 2023.3 has been released, offering a distribution that implements the Ubuntu version with continuous delivery of updates. This allows users to access the latest program versions. The new versions primarily come from the Devel Vead Ubuntu repository, where packages with new versions of applications are synchronized with Debian Sid and Unstable. The project distributes desktop components, Linux nucleus, loading screensavers, design topics, Firefox browser, and utilities through a separate repository called pacstall. The installation images are available in Live-mode for architectures x86_64 (2 GB) and ARM64 (1.9 GB), as well as for ARM devices including Pinetab, Pinetab2, Pinephone, and Raspberry Pi.
The distribution’s package management is carried out using its own package manager called Rhino-PKG (RPK), which provides a binding over APT, Pacstall, Flatpak, and Snap package managers. Rhino-PKG allows users to use a single utility to perform standard operations with various packages, such as installing, removing, updating, and searching for packages. The distribution is built using Livebuild tools borrowed from the Debian project with modifications from VanillaOS. The installation process involves the Calamares installer.
The distribution features its own user environment called Unicorn, which is a modified version of XFCE. Unicorn combines a more modern design with a traditional approach to building a desktop. The side panel of applications uses Plank Dock, while the top panel uses the standard XFCE panel. App Grid mode based on Lightpad is used for navigating the installed applications.
The navigation on open windows and virtual desktops is organized using the packet xfdashboard, which provides an interface similar to Gnome Shell and Mac