They are
- 01Micko progression toward a full-featured replacement for 32bit Windows without the need to install anything (similar to what TaZoC has given this community with his 64bit LightHouse64). The significance of the works by these 2 is the inclusion of SAMBA so that a Puppy distro can be used on a LAN which may or may not have MACs and Windows as well as other Linux distros. These distro share its resources in exactly the same way(s) that MACs and Windows share resources, transparently.
- Iguleder's latest approach to building 64bit Linux OSes. This is very significant in providing a new guiding light for newer PC built since 2007 that provide 64bit operation.
- FUN500 trying to gather feedback from current Puppy users. This has tremendous benefit if, for no other reason, we look at this survey as a means to open our eyes to technology changes continuing to occur and how community members are responding to it.If you have not taken his survey, yet, take a moment.
But, from the outside looking into the Puppyland, this is what is beginning to "jell" into definitive entities.
- There is Puppy packaging that addresses old 32bit PC that are older than 2005
- There is Puppy packaging that addresses 2006-to-now PCs operating in 32bit mode
- There is a new Puppy packaging that addresses 64bit platforms
This is a great jelling that is occurring, because now, its becoming very apparent which OS a user can select by simply picking the one which most closely matches the platform(s) they have. (The community now needs documentation which helps guide those new to Puppy its structure and offerings...classified)
Not only is this a defining moment in time, but it makes clear the community one addresses when looking for support or answers to any issues that arise. This does NOT erode in any way how things get addressed, but, it expands because much confusion is subsided giving way to more time in understanding the specific category based upon its intended usage. Thus, making it much easier for newcomers to start off with clear understanding while veterans have better understanding of intended missions of developments and the contributions they make in support.
The creative aspects of this community is poised to propel this Puppyland into great prominence this year. Its no longer a toy that we're just goofing around with, its taken on a new behavior as we race to embrace missing technology and technology changes. This is starting off at such a rapid pace, I almost think we are moving from propellers to jets to rockets within a single time-span.
If one can remember what it was like growing up. We expanded, grew taller, filled out, got smarter. This is maturity.
Yes, for those of us in Puppyland, its a great day in the neighborhood. The skies are becoming clearer and clearer as we soar thru the clouds.