SimplyMEPIS 8.5 starts with the stable Debian Lenny core, utilizes a 2.6.32 kernel, the KDE 4.3.4 desktop, and the MEPIS Assistants graphical tool suite. The new MEPIS Welcome Center guides users through their first steps with MEPIS including finding documentation, connecting with the community, and optionally installing additional apps and language packs.