 DistroWatch Weekly |
| DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 187, 29 January 2007 |
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Welcome to this year's 5th issue of DistroWatch Weekly! The first test build of the newly revamped Fedora Project's version 7 is scheduled for release on Tuesday. This will mark the start of a new and long development period that many popular distributions launch around this time and don't complete until the promised new features are implemented and most known bugs squashed several months later. In the meantime, Linspire has announced an expanded CNR software installation service for popular distributions, Mandriva has launched a new live CD with the Metisse 3D desktop, a Debian developer has investigated the usability of Debian Etch, and the PC-BSD team has answered questions about their recently released version 1.3. In the review section we'll take a quick look at Foresight Linux 1.0, the project's first stable release after nearly two years of development. Happy reading!
Content:
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| First Look |
First look at Foresight Linux 1.0
Have you noticed how Linux desktops are getting more and more beautiful? Until a few years ago, we were lucky if our distributions came with anything other than a bland wallpaper and default KDE or GNOME theme, but in recent years much effort has been spent on delivering breathtaking graphics to our desktops in order to create that favourable first impression. Custom bootsplash graphics, login screens, wallpapers, icon sets, colour schemes and window decorations have become an essential part of many projects, even those without the money to employ professional graphics artists.
Foresight Linux is one of those pretty distributions. This is especially true when compared to rPath Linux, a project it is based on and which, like Slackware Linux or FreeBSD, comes with no custom branding at all. Luckily, the developers of Foresight pride themselves in delivering a Linux desktop that is not only functional, but also includes the latest bells and whistles - both technical and visual.
First, a warning: if you don't like GNOME, you won't like Foresight Linux. This distribution has embraced the popular GTK+ desktop like no other - it uses GNOME and GTK+ applications almost exclusively and was one of the first projects to include the growing number of Mono-based software packages, such as Beagle, F-Spot or Tomboy. In the past the project often released a test build of Foresight Linux on the day when a new stable version of GNOME was unveiled to the public, which makes it an ideal distribution on which to check out the latest GNOME features. Although the project has hinted at a possibility of creating a KDE edition of Foresight Linux in the future, for now it breathes GNOME and GNOME only.
The Foresight Linux desktop
(full image size: 460kB, screen resolution: 1280x1024 pixels)
The long awaited version 1.0 was finally released over the weekend. After downloading the 1.1 GB ISO image, I burnt it to a DVD and started the installation, expecting to be able to admire the new release in a few minutes. This, however, wasn't meant to be. Firstly, the installation with (an older version of) Anaconda took a long time, much longer than I'd expect from a distribution of a similar size. Secondly, when it came to booting the newly installed product, I found that the GRUB bootloader wouldn't cooperate as it froze without giving a clue as to what went wrong. I had installed Foresight Linux on /dev/hda26, which could have been the problem - some distributions don't expect a hard disk to have more than a handful of partitions and end up with misconfigured bootloaders if they do.
Being under all sorts of deadline pressures, I decided to re-install Foresight Linux on the second hard disk rather than attempting to fix the GRUB problem. This went better and finally I had a bootable system. There was still one more problem, however - Foresight Linux refused to complete its initial screen configuration and hanged - until I killed the X window and re-configured the screen resolution manually.
Fortunately, these were the only two problems I encountered during my brief session with Foresight Linux 1.0. After the system was finally up and running, I found it a pleasure to use and look at, and I enjoyed the experience of having the very latest GNOME and Mono applications available on the desktop. Beagle was active by default and my (wired) Internet connection was also detected automatically. The GNOME panel's system tray included an icon to activate "GL desktop" with Compiz for those users who enjoy wobbly windows and other 3D effects (the latest NVIDIA and ATI proprietary graphics drivers are available in the rPath repositories).
On the application side, Foresight Linux 1.0 comes with the F-Spot photo manager 0.3.1, Firefox 2.0.0.1 (with Flash, Java and several media plugins installed by default) and Epiphany 2.17.90 web browsers, and OpenOffice.org 2.0.3. Other GTK+ applications, such as GIMP (2.3.13), Inkscape (0.44.1) or GnuCash (2.0.4) are also present, while Banshee Music Player and Totem Movie Player are available from the Sound & Video menu folder. GNOME is the very latest 2.16.2, but Mono is the older 1.1.18 version.
One innovative feature of Foresight Linux is the Foresight System Manager. This Webmin-like application provides the ability to configure various aspects of the computer, including networking or time zone, as well as users, services and packages. The package management features are particularly useful, since they offer a simple way to perform automatic security updates or search for packages, and even allow for subscribing to package updates via an RSS feed. This is a solid, intuitive application that should provide even new users with all they need to set up and manage their computers.
The Foresight System Manager
(full image size: 80kB, screen resolution: 980x681 pixels)
While on the subject of packages and package management, it's worth mentioning that many other applications are available online in the rPath repositories, both the official and the "contrib" ones. One can search for them in the Foresight System Manager and install them with a few clicks or use the "conary" command in a terminal window. In fact, it is the little known Conary package management system which is the star feature of Foresight Linux and which is being developed by a number of ex-Red Hat engineers who founded rPath Linux in 2003.
Overall, despite a few early glitches while installing Foresight Linux 1.0, this distribution has turned out to be very usable system with an excellent package management utility and a unique, web based system configuration manager. It is clearly designed for users who enjoy GNOME and Mono software on their desktops or those who want to try the latest versions of these applications. Its user community is rather small, but the project has just launched a new discussion forum where users can exchange ideas and help each other if they get stuck. The presence of browser plugins is a welcome bonus for new Linux users, while the ability to load a 3D desktop with a single mouse click is an interesting idea I haven't seen elsewhere. Foresight Linux is likely to generate favourable reviews, especially for its system management features and the user-friendliness of the distribution.
For more information about Foresight Linux please visit the project's web site at ForesightLinux.org.
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| Miscellaneous News |
Linspire's expanded CNR, Mandriva Metisse, Debian usability, PC-BSD interview, Solaris
 Linspire, a company which develops the Linspire and Freespire family of Linux distributions, has announced that its one-click download and installation software repository will be made available to users of several other distributions. Known as Click 'N Run (or CNR), this web-based applications has been a flagship feature of Linspire and a major attraction for many newcomers to Linux. CNR offers a wide range of features, but its main characteristic, the one-click installation of software packages, is considered to be one of the simplest and most intuitive ways of installing new applications in any Linux distribution.
The service will now expand to cover Debian GNU/Linux, Fedora, OpenSUSE and Ubuntu. CNR itself is a free service, but the company generates income by providing many commercial applications in its repositories, including a licensed DVD player for Linux. Technical details about the expanded service have not been announced, but CNR promises to deliver a number of popular non-free applications to Linux users, such as the Flash player plugin, or the Opera browser, while maintaining the original attraction of CNR - the one click installation procedure. As for free software, it's not yet clear whether Linspire will package these by themselves, but given the enormity of task, it's more likely that the company will simply integrate the packages that are available elsewhere on the Internet into its CNR service.
For more information about the expanded CNR, please read the official press release, as well as this commentary by Linux.com and this interview with Kevin Carmony by DesktopLinux.com.
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 It is always a pleasure to report about distributions that don't just follow the latest fads, but implement their own ideas for a good-looking and functional desktop. Last week it was the turn of Mandriva which demonstrated a new 3D desktop in its new live CD called Mandriva One 2007 "Metisse" edition. The difference between Metisse and other 3D desktops available today, such as Compiz or Beryl, is that Metisse does not focus solely on eye candy (although there is plenty of that too), but tries to implement useful features that would increase one's productivity on the desktop. The 9-window pager idea, the folding of top windows when selecting text from the bottom one, and some of the keyboard shortcuts have the potential to speed up many common operations. As with any other software, Metisse requires a fair amount of learning and practice, but those who make the effort will be rewarded with an interesting and productive desktop environment.
Mandriva One 2007 "Metisse" with a new 3D desktop
(full image size: 2,052kB, screen resolution: 1680x1050 pixels)
What do the DistroWatch readers think? Have you tried the new Mandriva Metisse? If so, what were your impressions and experiences? Please discuss below.
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 Have you ever tried to convert a less technical friend or family member to Linux? Lars Wirzenius, a Debian developer, reports about "Project Ummikko", which he used as an experiment to test the usability of Debian GNU/Linux and GNOME on a female friend. Some six month later he summarises the experiences in his blog: "I was pleasantly surprised by the results. I had expected much worse problems, but I'm happy to report now that Linux really does seem ready for the average Windows user." That's not to say that the transition went completely without problems. In the words of the newly converted user: "The things that make me want to return to Windows are gaming, flash and other multimedia, and a feeling of helplessness. I want to play Alpha Centauri and adventure games I can borrow from friends. Flash doesn't work, and installing software from Debian via Synaptic is difficult, I'm not comfortable with it." Read the entire report here.
Still on the subject of Debian GNU/Linux, Computerworld has published an interview with the current Debian Project Leader Anthony Towns about Dunc-Tank, the project's controversial experiment intended to fund the most critical parts of the distribution whenever necessary. On the subject of Debian Etch not being released in December as originally planned, Towns gives specific technical reason (delays with the removal of certain firmware from the kernel and problems with the Debian Installer), but also hints at increased "bug-finding" activity by some developers who disliked the Dunc-Tank idea and which caused further delays. This is a good, honest interview about the Dunc-Tank experiment and its effect on the release of Debian Etch. Read it here: Dunc-Tank: Success or failure?
* * * * *
 Speaking about interviews, FreeBSD's Dru Lavigne has invited the leading developers of PC-BSD -- Kris Moore, Andrei Kolu and Charles Landemaine -- to talk about their work and the recently released PC-BSD 1.3: "The biggest portion of our coding went into the new system installer. Our old installer was the original one I wrote back for 0.3 beta and was really showing its age. This new installer has been written from scratch in C++/Qt, and offers many new features over the previous version. One of the features is the ability to setup all your preferences before the actual install takes place. This includes setting up multiple users, firewall settings, network settings, and more. The new installer also has the ability to search for previous PC-BSD installations and upgrade them to 1.3." Read the rest of the interview in ONLamp's Inside PC-BSD 1.3.
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 Finally, here is something for those readers who enjoy a good operating system fight. In Seven ways Solaris can beat Linux Infoworld's Neil McAllister argues that Solaris has a good chance of winning over Linux users if Sun Microsystems follows a simple, 7-step plan: "Solaris has been open source for two years now, and Sun is slowly but surely moving its entire software portfolio to an open source model. And yet, all the momentum still seems to be behind Linux. True, Solaris is the technologically superior OS, but plainly that's not enough. If Solaris wants to win back the market share it enjoyed in the 1990s, it needs to make a splash. Here are a few ideas for how Sun can woo Linux customers back into the fold." Read the rest of the article here.
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| Released Last Week |
gNewSense 1.1
Brian Brazil has announced the release of gNewSense 1.1, an Ubuntu-based distribution containing Free Software only: "I am pleased to announce the 1.1 release of the gNewSense distribution and tools. This release brings a number of improvements: support for arbitrary meta packages; added optional support for updates and backports; added support for multiple live CDs; produce torrent files for live CDs; support for tracking mirror freshness; KDE variant live CD; fixed NTPL issue; enabled eepro100 driver (e100 was non-free); recompiled and re-branded Firefox so we could disable the offering of non-free plugins; new artwork; various other minor fixes and improvements." Read the rest of the release announcement for further information.
Finnix 89.0
Ryan Finnie has announced a new release of Finnix, a Debian-based, bootable Linux CD distribution for system administrators: "Today marks the release of version 89.0 for the x86 (and now AMD64), PowerPC, and UML/Xen platforms. Finnix 89.0 features Linux 2.6.18, a new 'finnix64' AMD64 boot profile, netboot support with a built-in netboot setup wizard, MD RAID and LUKS crypt auto-detection. An AMD64 kernel is now included on the Finnix x86 CD. While the Finnix userland is still 32-bit, using an AMD64 kernel on a supported platform yields several advantages: more than 4GB memory can be utilized natively; statically-compiled AMD64 applications can be executed; you can chroot into native 64-bit AMD64 file systems." See the release announcement and release notes for additional details.
Astaro Security Gateway 7.0
Astaro Security Gateway 7.0 has been released: "Astaro is pleased to announce the availability of the Astaro Security Gateway V7 GA. Version 7 contains a huge number of advanced features and enhancements, like transparent e-mail encryption, SSL VPN, active/active clustering and control of instant messaging, and peer-to-peer file sharing traffic. Key features of this latest release include: enhanced GUI and usability improvements; end user portal; customizable end user messages; configurable alerts; improved reporting; improved packet filter logging; active/active high availability (cluster); VoIP optimized QoS support...." Read the full release announcement for more information.
Mandriva One 2007 "Metisse"
Mandriva has announced the availability of a new live CD edition with a unique 3D desktop environment - Mandriva One 2007 "Metisse": "Metisse is a window manager developed by the In Situ project. Available under the General Public Licence exclusively for Linux, Metisse differs from a classic 3D desktop ('the cube') in the way that it offers innovative windows interactions, thus enforcing work efficiency." Originally released to the members of the Mandriva Club only, the CD image with GNOME and Metisse is now available for free download from Mandriva mirrors. For more information please visit the Metisse product pages to see screenshots and download videos of Metisse in action.
ParallelKnoppix 2.3
Michael Creel has announced the release of ParallelKnoppix 2.3: "Version 2.3 is released. This version synchronises all packages to current Debian unstable and fixes some bugs. In particular, the annoying hang at boot time that sometimes occurred has been solved. Also, the compute nodes can be booted using copies of the CD. This is useful if you can't get PXE boot to work for some reason and your cluster is not too large." Read the brief release announcement on the project's home page.
BinToo GNU/Linux 2007.1
BinToo GNU/Linux is a Gentoo-based Linux distribution designed for the desktop. A new version was released a few days ago, but we delayed the announcement until the installation DVD image starts showing up on download servers. From the release announcement: "I am pleased to announce the 3rd release of BinToo GNU/Linux - BinToo 2007.1 and the new installation method. In this release: new installation method contains 4 profiles for installation (full, basic desktop, minimal or server, and custom); kernel 2.6.18; glibc 2.5; GNOME 2.16.2; KDE 3.5.5; OpenOffice.org 2.0.4; Firefox 2.0...." Read the rest of the release announcement for further details, installation instructions and known issues.
openSUSE 10.2 Live DVD
Adrian Schröter has announced the release of the live DVD edition of openSUSE 10.2: "openSUSE 10.2 live DVD available. The last piece of the openSUSE 10.2 distribution got released today. The Live DVD image has a size of 1.7 GB and can be used on every x86 compatible system with at least 512 MB of memory. It contains a base desktop system (KDE and GNOME) with applications for office, multimedia and Internet usage." Here is the brief release announcement.
Foresight Linux 1.0
Ken VanDine has announced the release of Foresight Linux 1.0, the first stable release of the rPath-based desktop Linux distribution after nearly two years of development: "Foresight Linux is a desktop-focused Linux system that just works. Our mission is to provide a truly useful desktop system that is friendly for the novice user, as well as flexible for the power user. Foresight comes with the GNOME desktop, Banshee for your music, F-Spot for your photos, and OpenOffice.org for your office needs. Great attention has been paid to making things simple and integrated. For example, NetworkManager makes it simple to connect to wireless access points. Foresight System Manager handles keeping your system updated." Read the rest of the release announcement for more details.
Nonux 4.1
Nonux, a Dutch Linux distribution based on Slackware with Dropline GNOME and optimised for desktop use in Dutch business environments, has reached version 4.1. What's new? Upgraded the Linux kernel to version 2.6.18.6; upgraded Mozilla Firefox to 2.0.0.1; upgraded OpenOffice.org to 2.1.0; replaced WiFi Radar with NetworkManager, which simplifies network detection and configuration considerably; several small upgrades of Slackware and GNOME packages. Users with Nonux 4.0 installed on their hard disk can upgrade to version 4.1 directly from the live CD. Please visit the project's news page (in Dutch) to read the full release announcement.
* * * * *
Development and unannounced releases
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| Upcoming Releases and Announcements |
openSUSE 10.3
The openSUSE project has announced that the first alpha build of openSUSE 10.3 will be released on 15 February, with the final product expected some 7 months later - at the end of September 2007: "Next version Thursday, February 15: openSUSE 10.3 Alpha 1. The 10.3 schedule is still discussed. Subsequent alpha releases are planned every four weeks. As for the date of the final release of openSUSE 10.3 the end of September is considered." Please visit the openSUSE roadmap page for more information.
Linux Mint 2.2
Linux Mint continues its fast development cycle. According to this announcement, the upcoming version 2.2, code name "Bianca", will go into beta testing later this week, while the final release is expected on 20 February: "Here's the release schedule for Bianca (Linux Mint 2.2): BETA release: 01/02/2007, FINAL release: 20/02/2007. We encourage people who want to help to download and install the BETA as soon as it is released. With your feedback and the 20 days gap between the two releases we have an opportunity to find issues and bugs and to tackle them the best we can to make the final release of Bianca one of the best distributions there is."
* * * * *
Summary of expected upcoming releases
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| DistroWatch.com News |
DistroWatch in Tamil
Many thanks to Thangaraj Karuppuswamy who helped translating the DistroWatch menus and common phrases that appear in distribution tables into Tamil. Tamil now joins Bengali and Hindi as the third Indian language DistroWatch has been translated into. If any readers with the knowledge of other Indian languages are willing to help translating the roughly 200 phrases into their language, please contact us (see the bottom of this page for contact details). Your help would be much appreciated!
* * * * *
New distributions added to database
- JackLab Audio Distribution. JackLab Audio Distribution is an openSUSE-based Linux distribution designed for musicians, producers and media creators. It is based on a low-latency, real-time Linux kernel and features the Jack Audio Connection Kit (JACK) for professional audio/midi controlling interface. The distribution uses Enlightenment 17 as its default desktop.
- sidux. sidux is a desktop-oriented distribution and live CD based on the unstable branch of Debian GNU/Linux. It was originally created by a group of developers who split from the KANOTIX project and launched their own distribution.
* * * * *
New distributions added to waiting list
- Gamix. Gamix, a product of the Pennsylvania-based Gamix, Inc, is a Mandriva-based distribution that facilitates the creation of boot CDs so developers may create Gamix versions of their original software. Gamix has been established to provide an open gaming alternative to proprietary platforms such as Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft Xbox.
- uL (Microlinux). uL (Microlinux) is a tiny Linux distribution providing essential command line utilities. It fits in a few megabytes and can be installed on the smallest USB pen drive or on older hard disks.
- UBERYL. UBERYL is a new Spanish distribution based on Ubuntu.
* * * * *
DistroWatch database summary
And this concludes our latest issue of DistroWatch Weekly. The next instalment will be published on Monday, 5 February 2007. Until then,
Ladislav Bodnar
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| Archives |
| • Issue 1100 (2024-12-09): Oreon 9.3, differences in speed, IPFire's new appliance, Fedora Asahi Remix gets new video drivers, openSUSE Leap Micro updated, Redox OS running Redox OS |
| • Issue 1099 (2024-12-02): AnduinOS 1.0.1, measuring RAM usage, SUSE continues rebranding efforts, UBports prepares for next major version, Murena offering non-NFC phone |
| • Issue 1098 (2024-11-25): Linux Lite 7.2, backing up specific folders, Murena and Fairphone partner in fair trade deal, Arch installer gets new text interface, Ubuntu security tool patched |
| • Issue 1097 (2024-11-18): Chimera Linux vs Chimera OS, choosing between AlmaLinux and Debian, Fedora elevates KDE spin to an edition, Fedora previews new installer, KDE testing its own distro, Qubes-style isolation coming to FreeBSD |
| • Issue 1096 (2024-11-11): Bazzite 40, Playtron OS Alpha 1, Tucana Linux 3.1, detecting Screen sessions, Redox imports COSMIC software centre, FreeBSD booting on the PinePhone Pro, LXQt supports Wayland window managers |
| • Issue 1095 (2024-11-04): Fedora 41 Kinoite, transferring applications between computers, openSUSE Tumbleweed receives multiple upgrades, Ubuntu testing compiler optimizations, Mint partners with Framework |
| • Issue 1094 (2024-10-28): DebLight OS 1, backing up crontab, AlmaLinux introduces Litten branch, openSUSE unveils refreshed look, Ubuntu turns 20
| | • Issue 1093 (2024-10-21): Kubuntu 24.10, atomic vs immutable distributions, Debian upgrading Perl packages, UBports adding VoLTE support, Android to gain native GNU/Linux application support |
| • Issue 1092 (2024-10-14): FunOS 24.04.1, a home directory inside a file, work starts of openSUSE Leap 16.0, improvements in Haiku, KDE neon upgrades its base |
| • Issue 1091 (2024-10-07): Redox OS 0.9.0, Unified package management vs universal package formats, Redox begins RISC-V port, Mint polishes interface, Qubes certifies new laptop |
| • Issue 1090 (2024-09-30): Rhino Linux 2024.2, commercial distros with alternative desktops, Valve seeks to improve Wayland performance, HardenedBSD parterns with Protectli, Tails merges with Tor Project, Quantum Leap partners with the FreeBSD Foundation |
| • Issue 1089 (2024-09-23): Expirion 6.0, openKylin 2.0, managing configuration files, the future of Linux development, fixing bugs in Haiku, Slackware packages dracut |
| • Issue 1088 (2024-09-16): PorteuX 1.6, migrating from Windows 10 to which Linux distro, making NetBSD immutable, AlmaLinux offers hardware certification, Mint updates old APT tools |
| • Issue 1087 (2024-09-09): COSMIC desktop, running cron jobs at variable times, UBports highlights new apps, HardenedBSD offers work around for FreeBSD change, Debian considers how to cull old packages, systemd ported to musl |
| • Issue 1086 (2024-09-02): Vanilla OS 2, command line tips for simple tasks, FreeBSD receives investment from STF, openSUSE Tumbleweed update can break network connections, Debian refreshes media |
| • Issue 1085 (2024-08-26): Nobara 40, OpenMandriva 24.07 "ROME", distros which include source code, FreeBSD publishes quarterly report, Microsoft updates breaks Linux in dual-boot environments |
| • Issue 1084 (2024-08-19): Liya 2.0, dual boot with encryption, Haiku introduces performance improvements, Gentoo dropping IA-64, Redcore merges major upgrade |
| • Issue 1083 (2024-08-12): TrueNAS 24.04.2 "SCALE", Linux distros for smartphones, Redox OS introduces web server, PipeWire exposes battery drain on Linux, Canonical updates kernel version policy |
| • Issue 1082 (2024-08-05): Linux Mint 22, taking snapshots of UFS on FreeBSD, openSUSE updates Tumbleweed and Aeon, Debian creates Tiny QA Tasks, Manjaro testing immutable images |
| • Issue 1081 (2024-07-29): SysLinuxOS 12.4, OpenBSD gain hardware acceleration, Slackware changes kernel naming, Mint publishes upgrade instructions |
| • Issue 1080 (2024-07-22): Running GNU/Linux on Android with Andronix, protecting network services, Solus dropping AppArmor and Snap, openSUSE Aeon Desktop gaining full disk encryption, SUSE asks openSUSE to change its branding |
| • Issue 1079 (2024-07-15): Ubuntu Core 24, hiding files on Linux, Fedora dropping X11 packages on Workstation, Red Hat phasing out GRUB, new OpenSSH vulnerability, FreeBSD speeds up release cycle, UBports testing new first-run wizard |
| • Issue 1078 (2024-07-08): Changing init software, server machines running desktop environments, OpenSSH vulnerability patched, Peppermint launches new edition, HardenedBSD updates ports |
| • Issue 1077 (2024-07-01): The Unity and Lomiri interfaces, different distros for different tasks, Ubuntu plans to run Wayland on NVIDIA cards, openSUSE updates Leap Micro, Debian releases refreshed media, UBports gaining contact synchronisation, FreeDOS celebrates its 30th anniversary |
| • Issue 1076 (2024-06-24): openSUSE 15.6, what makes Linux unique, SUSE Liberty Linux to support CentOS Linux 7, SLE receives 19 years of support, openSUSE testing Leap Micro edition |
| • Issue 1075 (2024-06-17): Redox OS, X11 and Wayland on the BSDs, AlmaLinux releases Pi build, Canonical announces RISC-V laptop with Ubuntu, key changes in systemd |
| • Issue 1074 (2024-06-10): Endless OS 6.0.0, distros with init diversity, Mint to filter unverified Flatpaks, Debian adds systemd-boot options, Redox adopts COSMIC desktop, OpenSSH gains new security features |
| • Issue 1073 (2024-06-03): LXQt 2.0.0, an overview of Linux desktop environments, Canonical partners with Milk-V, openSUSE introduces new features in Aeon Desktop, Fedora mirrors see rise in traffic, Wayland adds OpenBSD support |
| • Issue 1072 (2024-05-27): Manjaro 24.0, comparing init software, OpenBSD ports Plasma 6, Arch community debates mirror requirements, ThinOS to upgrade its FreeBSD core |
| • Issue 1071 (2024-05-20): Archcraft 2024.04.06, common command line mistakes, ReactOS imports WINE improvements, Haiku makes adjusting themes easier, NetBSD takes a stand against code generated by chatbots |
| • Issue 1070 (2024-05-13): Damn Small Linux 2024, hiding kernel messages during boot, Red Hat offers AI edition, new web browser for UBports, Fedora Asahi Remix 40 released, Qubes extends support for version 4.1 |
| • Issue 1069 (2024-05-06): Ubuntu 24.04, installing packages in alternative locations, systemd creates sudo alternative, Mint encourages XApps collaboration, FreeBSD publishes quarterly update |
| • Issue 1068 (2024-04-29): Fedora 40, transforming one distro into another, Debian elects new Project Leader, Red Hat extends support cycle, Emmabuntus adds accessibility features, Canonical's new security features |
| • Issue 1067 (2024-04-22): LocalSend for transferring files, detecting supported CPU architecure levels, new visual design for APT, Fedora and openSUSE working on reproducible builds, LXQt released, AlmaLinux re-adds hardware support |
| • Issue 1066 (2024-04-15): Fun projects to do with the Raspberry Pi and PinePhone, installing new software on fixed-release distributions, improving GNOME Terminal performance, Mint testing new repository mirrors, Gentoo becomes a Software In the Public Interest project |
| • Issue 1065 (2024-04-08): Dr.Parted Live 24.03, answering questions about the xz exploit, Linux Mint to ship HWE kernel, AlmaLinux patches flaw ahead of upstream Red Hat, Calculate changes release model |
| • Issue 1064 (2024-04-01): NixOS 23.11, the status of Hurd, liblzma compromised upstream, FreeBSD Foundation focuses on improving wireless networking, Ubuntu Pro offers 12 years of support |
| • Issue 1063 (2024-03-25): Redcore Linux 2401, how slowly can a rolling release update, Debian starts new Project Leader election, Red Hat creating new NVIDIA driver, Snap store hit with more malware |
| • Issue 1062 (2024-03-18): KDE neon 20240304, changing file permissions, Canonical turns 20, Pop!_OS creates new software centre, openSUSE packages Plasma 6 |
| • Issue 1061 (2024-03-11): Using a PinePhone as a workstation, restarting background services on a schedule, NixBSD ports Nix to FreeBSD, Fedora packaging COSMIC, postmarketOS to adopt systemd, Linux Mint replacing HexChat |
| • Issue 1060 (2024-03-04): AV Linux MX-23.1, bootstrapping a network connection, key OpenBSD features, Qubes certifies new hardware, LXQt and Plasma migrate to Qt 6 |
| • Issue 1059 (2024-02-26): Warp Terminal, navigating manual pages, malware found in the Snap store, Red Hat considering CPU requirement update, UBports organizes ongoing work |
| • Issue 1058 (2024-02-19): Drauger OS 7.6, how much disk space to allocate, System76 prepares to launch COSMIC desktop, UBports changes its version scheme, TrueNAS to offer faster deduplication |
| • Issue 1057 (2024-02-12): Adelie Linux 1.0 Beta, rolling release vs fixed for a smoother experience, Debian working on 2038 bug, elementary OS to split applications from base system updates, Fedora announces Atomic Desktops |
| • Issue 1056 (2024-02-05): wattOS R13, the various write speeds of ISO writing tools, DSL returns, Mint faces Wayland challenges, HardenedBSD blocks foreign USB devices, Gentoo publishes new repository, Linux distros patch glibc flaw |
| • Issue 1055 (2024-01-29): CNIX OS 231204, distributions patching packages the most, Gentoo team presents ongoing work, UBports introduces connectivity and battery improvements, interview with Haiku developer |
| • Issue 1054 (2024-01-22): Solus 4.5, comparing dd and cp when writing ISO files, openSUSE plans new major Leap version, XeroLinux shutting down, HardenedBSD changes its build schedule |
| • Issue 1053 (2024-01-15): Linux AI voice assistants, some distributions running hotter than others, UBports talks about coming changes, Qubes certifies StarBook laptops, Asahi Linux improves energy savings |
| • Issue 1052 (2024-01-08): OpenMandriva Lx 5.0, keeping shell commands running when theterminal closes, Mint upgrades Edge kernel, Vanilla OS plans big changes, Canonical working to make Snap more cross-platform |
| • Issue 1051 (2024-01-01): Favourite distros of 2023, reloading shell settings, Asahi Linux releases Fedora remix, Gentoo offers binary packages, openSUSE provides full disk encryption |
| • Issue 1050 (2023-12-18): rlxos 2023.11, renaming files and opening terminal windows in specific directories, TrueNAS publishes ZFS fixes, Debian publishes delayed install media, Haiku polishes desktop experience |
| • Issue 1049 (2023-12-11): Lernstick 12, alternatives to WINE, openSUSE updates its branding, Mint unveils new features, Lubuntu team plans for 24.04 |
| • Issue 1048 (2023-12-04): openSUSE MicroOS, the transition from X11 to Wayland, Red Hat phasing out X11 packages, UBports making mobile development easier |
| • Issue 1047 (2023-11-27): GhostBSD 23.10.1, Why Linux uses swap when memory is free, Ubuntu Budgie may benefit from Wayland work in Xfce, early issues with FreeBSD 14.0 |
| • Issue 1046 (2023-11-20): Slackel 7.7 "Openbox", restricting CPU usage, Haiku improves font handling and software centre performance, Canonical launches MicroCloud |
| • Full list of all issues |
| Star Labs |
Star Labs - Laptops built for Linux.
View our range including the highly anticipated StarFighter. Available with coreboot open-source firmware and a choice of Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro and more. Visit Star Labs for information, to buy and get support.
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| Random Distribution | 
FreePBX
FreePBX (formerly AsteriskNOW) was a Linux distribution with an open-source, web-based graphical user interface that controls and manages Asterisk (PBX), an open source communication server. FreePBX was licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). FreePBX can be installed manually or as part of the pre-configured FreePBX distribution that includes the operating system, Asterisk, FreePBX GUI and assorted dependencies. FreePBX was based on the CentOS distribution while maintaining its own software repositories. The distribution was free to download and install with support offered through a paid subscription.
Status: Discontinued
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| TUXEDO |
TUXEDO Computers - Linux Hardware in a tailor made suite
Choose from a wide range of laptops and PCs in various sizes and shapes at TUXEDOComputers.com. Every machine comes pre-installed and ready-to-run with Linux. Full 24 months of warranty and lifetime support included!
Learn more about our full service package and all benefits from buying at TUXEDO.
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| Star Labs |
Star Labs - Laptops built for Linux.
View our range including the highly anticipated StarFighter. Available with coreboot open-source firmware and a choice of Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro and more. Visit Star Labs for information, to buy and get support.
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