Elive
Linux distribution

Elive is a non-commercial Linux distribution based on Debian. It uses the Enlightenment desktop environment, offering a live DVD and a persistent USB image for 32- and 64-bit computers with Intel or AMD x86 processors.
History
Elive was established in early 2005 as a customized Knoppix Live DVD running the Enlightenment desktop. The first version to appear publicly was called Elive and referenced multiple times by DistroWatch's Ladislav Bodnar and Susan Linton. It was also distributed by UK-based LinuxFormat magazine in 2007, as well as being offered on their cover-disc.
In July 2007, Susan Linton wrote for Distrowatch, "I love Elive and version 1.0 is a wonderful first full release. Just about everything works and works well." At the time, the review was somewhat mixed, with certain criticisms pertaining to laptop usage, such as (at that time) lack of CPU throttling, or WEP when connecting to WiFi.
Controversy regarding payment model
In 2010, version 2.0 was released with improvements like upgrade mode, the "nurse" and more. Linux Magazine and Linux Journal especially touted the tight integration of the E17 window manager in their reviews. However, this version required a payment for installation to hard disk which seriously impacted the initial popularity and was subsequently changed to a voluntary donation.
Begin with the source’s own compact description: “Elive” is linux distribution. The dossier treats that line as a proposition to test through Elive, Linux and distribution, not as a finished interpretation.
Why this record matters
The phrase “linux distribution” supplies a clear boundary for inquiry. It also exposes the unanswered questions: who defined that boundary, when it became stable and which sources sit outside it.
Vocabulary and entity names are the principal evidence signals here, because they determine the precision of every later search. The source revision retrieved here is dated Aug 12, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q930714. 1 of 2 selected statements include explicit references; 1 carry qualifiers and 0 use preferred rank. The first chronological checks are 2005, 2007 and 2010.
The absence of detail may reflect summary conventions rather than a lack of surviving documentation. The source lead contains qualifying language; that uncertainty should survive quotation, summary and reuse. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Use the entry as an orientation point, then follow its citations and revision history. Names, dates and institutional relationships should be checked against the original record.
- Subject orientation
- Search vocabulary
- Locating named sources
The closest primary source, responsible institution and strongest cited specialist reference.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Elive”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Elive primary sources, Elive archive and Elive research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Elive”?
- Which cited source is closest to the event, object or claim?
- What terminology or title could unlock a more precise catalogue search?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Elive” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.