Just in time for the holidays, Warren announced that the first release candidate of MEPIS 8 is available for testing. Important changes include an updated kernel and wireless driver (wl), along with many improvements by Debian developers.

The Documentation Team has completed the User's Manual for the forthcoming MEPIS 8 and it is now in the repos. This large effort by the Community involved not only thoroughly checking and testing everything against the new release, but also writing new sections on such items as bluetooth, scripts and the kernel.

Anticapitalista has announced the first public test release of antiX-M8, a fast and light complete desktop and LiveCD based on MEPIS and Debian Testing, along with a little bit of sidux. Features include an improved Control Centre, phonebook, extended themes and artwork and much more.

The MEPIS Community is being asked to support the HeliOS Project. This Project spreads the word of Linux by providing computers for kids who are either financially disadvantaged or exceptional students. A small donation not only gets you a chance at the December 20 drawing for a new computer, it helps the Project meet the challenge of a tough year.

Another (and hopefully the last) beta of MEPIS 8 has been released. In his announcement, Warren emphasized the important role of the Community in reporting problems and suggesting fixes.

MepisCommunity.org has initiated its series of tutorials with a primer on how to use RSS feeds available from MEPIS websites. If you look at the Menu Bar, you will now see a new entry at the end for Tutorials where others will be added as they are developed.

Warren has upgraded the kernel most likely to be used in M8. As he announced, the upgrade contains fixes and patches, including those triggered by Community testing.

Warren announces the release of a fifth beta of MEPIS 8.0. It features an updated kernel and boot loader, and continues to keep in sync with Debian Lenny. Community members who want to test--keeping in mind that this is still a beta--should post bug reports in this thread.

The Packaging Project Team has announced that the community repository for MEPIS 8 is now operational. Congratulations and thanks from the whole community to the Team! Users wishing to take advantage of this critical long-term support feature are advised to read the announcement carefully for details about adding the repo, testing packages, using caution, etc.

Warren has announced a new beta with some additional modules not long after releasing the last one. Testing has started and community members are posting bug reports in the usual location.