On January 2, 2024, the Emmabuntüs Collective released Emmabuntüs Debian Edition 5 (EmmaDE5) 1.01, an update based on Debian 12.4 Bookworm and featuring XFCE/LXQt environments. Primarily designed for reconditioning computers donated to humanitarian associations, this release emphasizes software updates, including the replacement of VeraCrypt with ZuluCrypt due to TrueCrypt volume creation issues. Notable features include a fixed live deposit issue, the reinstatement of FileZilla in the 32-bit version, and an updated installation tutorial in English. The distribution aims to introduce beginners to GNU/Linux, extend hardware lifespan, and reduce waste. The release incorporates updates to various software components, such as Firefox, Thunderbird, Warpinator, FreeTube, Ventoy, Deb-get, and Ancestris. Detailed information on developments can be found in release announcements for previous versions. The release is accessible from emmabuntus.org or download.emmabuntus.org.
Uri Herrera has announced the release of Nitrux 3.2.1, the first ISO snapshot for 2024 of this Debian-based, immutable GNU/Linux distribution centered around the KDE Plasma desktop environment. Featuring Linux kernel 6.6.9 LTS with Liquorix flavor, the release includes KDE Plasma 5.27.10 LTS, KDE Frameworks 5.114, and KDE Gear 23.08.4. Updates encompass an enhanced Calamares graphical installer, improvements to the NX Desktop environment, and new components like phodav, Plasma Gamemode, rng-tools, SPICE agent for Linux, pwgen, and a PAM module for password strength verification. Additional additions include the KDE Wacom tablet KCModule, new system fonts, a default wallpaper, the Polonium tiling window manager, Active Blur plugin, and Plasma Drawer launcher. Security measures involve enabling MAC address randomization and IPv6 Privacy Extensions by default. Nitrux 3.2.1 is available for download, primarily intended for new installations, with existing users urged to update using the Nitrux Upgrade tool.
The latest update to the Mainline ISOs, as of December 31, 2023, brings minor PepTools updates without any major changes. The adjustments include centering the Suggested window when it opens and incorporating Kumo updates into the ISO. These updated compilations also include system updates applied up to December 2023. Users can find these updates in the XFCE – BUILDS and GNOME FLASHBACK – BUILDS on the download page. If you are already using Peppermint, there is no need for a reinstall, but you can acquire the updated Kumo by following the provided steps. For any assistance or inquiries, users are encouraged to connect with the support team through the provided links.
ArcoLinux 24.01 introduces the Wayfire desktop, a Wayland-based environment compatible with Intel, AMD, and Nvidia architectures. The release provides installation options for various configurations, allowing users to choose between grub and systemd-boot. Advanced installation and customization choices for ArcoLinuxD are also detailed. Users are encouraged to embark on a holiday project by building personalized ISOs, empowered with the ability to add or remove packages and configurations. Kernel updates include the removal of Xanmod kernels and the introduction of ArcoLinuxS-Hardened. Additional features include expanded Calamares choices, a shift to Hyprland-git for better Nvidia support, alternative Waybar configs, new aliases, and the integration of the ArchLinux Tweak Tool on Mabox Linux. The release also showcases new icon themes, Surfn Numixs and Surfn Numixs Blue, and emphasizes the return of Pamac-aur while discontinuing arcolinux-pamac-all. Users are directed to the arcolinux.info menu and GitHub for more details and updates.
wattOS R13 has been released with Debian 12 Bookworm as the basis for the OS. Giving you a stable and reliable foundation. Based on Debian 12 Bookworm - Stable release. LXDE as a lightweight desktop. Kernel 6.1 for 64bit PC installation. Much better hardware support out of the box. Calamares as the installer for a simple streamined install from a live session. Inclusion of gdebi ease install of .deb packages. Additional configuration to enhance the out of the box experience. Minimal in nature so you can install and build as you like.
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.