bluestar-linux-6.6.8-2023.12.29-x86_64 has been released and is available for download
New release 22.04.3.10 of Starbuntu, which contains a thorough revision of its "recently used" service and its package manager.
We've removed the codec installer and instead integrated it as part of the 'Update System' app. The goal here was to streamline package updates into one place and give less popups for the user on clean installation. Now, when a user performs a new installation they will receive one pop-up informing them they should update the system. Upon updating they will then be asked a few questions, including updating media codec packages, updating Flatpaks, and updating snaps. There is still a popup for NVIDIA drivers if the user decides to change GPUs and/or did not install using an NVIDIA ISO image and has an NVIDIA GPU. The layout picker has been removed as it was based around GNOME, and we are no longer focusing on GNOME as our primary desktop.
The final stable version of LibreELEC 11.0.4 has been released, bringing Kodi (Nexus) 20.2 with additional fixes. With the final release of LibreELEC 11 we are adding experimental RPi 5 support. The focus of RPi 5 development is on Kodi 21, which will be released in early 2024. The only known issue so far is that updating the EEPROM is not yet supported in the LE setting (run rpi-eeprom-update -a from the shell). Changes since 11.0.3: Kodi updated to 20.2 with additional fixes; Linux kernel updated to 6.1.68. Raspberry Pi - 50/60fps H264 HW decoding may need force_turbo=1 or core_freq_min=500 in config.txt to avoid AV-sync-issues/skipping. Kodi at RPi4 runs in 4096x2160 instead of 3840x2160 on 4k TVs after fresh installation. Configure Kodi as described at the Wiki and optionally add hdmi_enable_4kp60=1 to config.txt and enable HDMI UltraHD Deep Color in your TV's HDMI port configuration to get 4kp60 modes.
Tails 5.21 introduces improvements and fixes to enhance user experience. Notably, it addresses issues related to resizing the system partition on initial startup, providing troubleshooting assistance for users encountering problems. The release includes a translation feature for the date displayed in the top navigation bar, with a specific example of the clock showing the date in Spanish. Updates feature the latest Tor Browser version (13.0.7) and Tor client (0.4.8.10). Several bug fixes include resolving Tor Browser crashes, enhancing time synchronization reliability, and addressing issues in the backup feature of Tails Cloner. Users can perform automatic upgrades from Tails 5.0 or later, with the option for manual upgrades to reduce future download sizes. Installation instructions for new USB sticks are also provided. The release note advises users that installing instead of upgrading will result in the loss of Persistent Storage. The release note was posted on December 22, 2023.
NuTyX 23.12.2 has been released with cards 2.7.2, bringing various bug fixes and updates. The generate-nutyx tool now allows users to choose a kernel other than the default one, addressing a previous issue. Additionally, the size of the linux-firmware package, exceeding 1 GB, has been fixed. Notable updates include SysV 3.06, systemd 253.0, xorg-server 21.1.10, Mesa 3D library 23.2.1, Gtk4 4.12.4, Qt 6.6.1, and Python 3.11.6. Desktop environments like XFCE, MATE, GNOME, and KDE have been upgraded to their respective latest versions. Browsers such as Firefox 120.0.1 and Epiphany 45.1, along with various applications like Telegram-desktop 4.12.2 and Libreoffice 7.6.3.2, have also been updated. The release includes Long Term Support (LTS) kernels and offers 12 desktop environments. The upgrade process can be initiated with a simple "sudo cards upgrade" command. The release notes express gratitude to the BLFS Team for assistance and to Spiky for contributing to the package upgrades, acknowledging user feedback, whether positive or negative.
bluestar-linux-6.6.7-2023.12.19-x86_64 has been released and is available for download
This release note highlights significant changes in Kicksecure 1, including various security improvements that are not detailed in the note. Noteworthy updates involve the Tor Browser downloader (tb-updater) with enhanced security in the curl download progress meter and the resolution of --resume issues. Additionally, onion-grater has been updated, and efforts towards IPv6 support and porting to nftables 1 have been made. The release addresses a warning related to CookieAuthentication, aiming to fix potential vulnerabilities in Tor configuration. Other improvements include HTTPTunnelPort enhancements, kloak updates, progress towards a Windows installer, and Linux installer improvements. Notably, there's a reduction in the boot clock randomization seconds in Qubes Template, adjustments in RAM for Whonix-Gateway in KVM, and a license change to AGPLv3+.
After a long development period we're ready to finish off the year with a stellar release, as well as inform you, the community, of what to expect in 2024. Unicorn 39 has finally been merged, bringing optional auto-tiling to Unicorn. After updating and rebooting, a new applet will appear in the top right section of the panel. To kick start your tiling window experience, you can select the new applet, which will bring up a toggle to enable/disable tiling mode. uLauncher now appears more rounded, and has a slightly different background colour. If Nala is installed, rhino-pkg update no longer auto-removes packages by default. To clean up unneeded packages or broken dependencies on a system, users can run the new rhino-pkg cleanup command. Beginning with Pacstall 4.3.0, packages may now use Debian's priority flag.
Speed has been a top focus in Zorin OS 17, so the desktop runs dramatically snappier on a wide range of hardware, old and new. Performance optimizations have been made at every level of the operating system, from the kernel to the desktop environment. Apps open faster, animations are smoother, and loading times are reduced so you can spend more time being productive. Thanks to these optimizations, we’ve also been able to lower the minimum system requirements of Zorin OS from 2.0GB of RAM to only 1.5GB of RAM. This makes it the perfect option to extend the life of old and low-spec computers, saving you money on upgrades and helping the environment. As the starting point of your Zorin OS experience, the Zorin Menu has been overhauled to make it even faster for you to get where you want. Search for files, calendar appointments, contacts, apps from the Software store, world clocks, and even use the menu search as a calculator.