To continue introductions for new AROS distributions, Velocity is set to make it's debut very soon in a lite version called whatelse, Velocity Lite! I wanted to find out more about Velocity and Velocity Lite, so I asked Velocity creator Fishy_fis to provide us with more information.

"Velocity and Velocity Lite are fairly similar. The main differences are that Velocity has more software and is a bit more flashy in terms of presentation (introduction videos after 1st install and whatnot). Actually, I guess the biggest difference is what I've been calling EUAE "mock integration". Which is basically a combination of AROS scripts and some 68k Amiga software, launching software I wrote and EUAE in a semi invisible way. Obviously I cant include the Kickstart ROMs or Amiga OS files, so I've just made a simple to use installer that does all the work and prompts you when it needs to. It's far from proper integration, but its an easy way to take advantage of some of OS3.x's software for now. That is the main differences I guess. As for what Velocity itself is, its basically my attempt to give people an idea of where AROS, and it's software is at these days. Aimed at both end users and developers, it contains a reasonable mix of software types,... gcc dev env, gfx programmes, audio software, irc clients, editors, games, emulators, etc, etc."

Velocity Lite is set to be released soon. Fishy_fis had this to say about it's debut.

"I've been busy tinkering away trying to get Velocity finished, but as it progresses it also evolves. It is still going to take a little time to get completed to a level I'm happy with, even as an early beta release. Because of this I've decided to make a Lite version. Despite the "Lite" suffix it still contains a considerable amount of pre-configured software and it definitely gives the flavor of what Velocity will be. Expect to find it available for download before the end of the weekend."

Velocity Lite screen shot

If you want to keep track of Velocity development there is a forum on AROS-Exec.org devoted to it. With two new AROS distributions being released, it is a win win situation for AROS lovers!

VmwAROS was just recently released by Paolo Besser. It is a VMWare AROS distribution. Paolo has been keeping the web site for VmwAROS very active. He just posted about a fun contest today. He is asking for your VmwAROS screenshots! This is your chance to show off your favorite backgrounds and apps. Paolo would like to gather a nice collection of screenies, so please help him out and make some good ones for him.

VmwAROS is a great way to play around with AROS. I just downloaded it myself and had it up and running in VMWare within minutes. There is a nice little pdf included that will help you set it up. It also includes instructions on how to share files with VmwAROS. If you want to play with an AROS application you have heard about or just want to play with AROS for the first time, this is an easy way to do it. Please keep in mind, this is a beta version of VmwAROS. There is a VmwAROS forum on AROS-Exec.org for any suggestions or bugs you may have to report. Feel free to ask any questions there as well.

Stay tuned to The AROS Show for information coming from VmwAROS as it develops.