Kader⁴² is an Arch-based Linux distribution created specifically for convertible notebooks and 2-in-1 devices.
The project is aimed at making this class of hardware work better out of the box under Linux, with support for screen rotation, launcher behavior that changes between notebook and tablet use, touch-friendly gestures, and an on-screen keyboard in tablet mode. The developer describes it as a personal project inspired by the Framework 12, which is currently the project’s stated working reference machine.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Designed for convertible laptops and tablet-style Linux workflows.
- Hybrid KDE mode with a Dash menu in tablet mode and a classic menu in laptop mode.
- Display rotation support for devices with rotating screens.
- Preconfigured swipe gestures similar to those used on mobile platforms.
- On-screen keyboard support for tablet mode operation.
- Distributed as downloadable ISO images for live use and installation.
| Working state: | Active |
| Desktop: | KDE Plasma |
| Init Software: | systemd |
| Package Management: | Pacman |
| Release Model: | Rolling |
| Platforms: | x86_64 |
| Home Page: | kader42.de |
| Developer: | Thomas Wernike |
| This article is part of our Big List of Active Linux Distributions. |
What's a Linux distribution ("distro")? |
| A distro provides the user with a desktop environment, preloaded applications, and ways to update and maintain the system. Each distro makes different choices, deciding which open source projects to install and provides custom written programs. They can have different philosophies. Some distros are intended for desktop computers, some for servers without a graphical interface, and others for special uses. Because Linux is an open source operating system, combinations of software vary between Linux distros. |