IPFire 2.27 - Core Update 180 has been released, featuring an updated toolchain with glibc 2.38, GCC 13.2.0, and binutils 2.41 for improved hardware support and security. Notably, support for ReiserFS has been deprecated in the Linux kernel, impacting IPFire users. This update also includes various bug and security fixes, a patch for a cURL heap buffer overflow, and numerous package updates. In addition, there are cleanup efforts to remove unused functionality from network scripts and monthly rotation of wtmp files. Overall, this release represents a significant step in advancing IPFire as a firewall. Users interested in supporting the project are encouraged to donate.
The 5.5.5 release includes updates to the Kernel, Limine boot-loader, and the TV Panel. New process utilities, iotop-py and Htop, have been compiled in OE. The Linux kernel is now at version 5.15.135, and the Limine boot-loader has been updated to version 4.20231006.0. The release marks a return to NetworkManager and an update to the Global IP TV Panel to MK5. Additionally, a fix for the ROX right-click menu is included in this release. These changes were made on various dates in October 2023.
For Bookworm, we are using a compositor called Wayfire. This uses a standard Wayland library called wlroots, which is used by several modern Wayland compositors. And because Wayfire works a lot better as a Wayland compositor on Raspberry Pi than Mutter did, Wayland is now the default mode of operation for the desktop. (With one caveat - for now, Wayland is only the default on Raspberry Pi 4 and 5. The performance of Wayfire on earlier platforms is still being optimised, so for now they will continue to run the old X11 display server and the Openbox window manager, but at some point these platforms will also be switched to Wayfire.) If you boot Raspberry Pi OS on a Pi 4 or 5, you will now get a Wayfire desktop.
Sparky 2023.10, released on October 11, 2023, introduces several updates and improvements. It features Linux kernel 6.5 as the default, includes updated packages from Debian 'trixie' and Sparky 'sisters' testing repositories, and boasts new additions like the rpi-imager utility to all images. The release also incorporates various desktop environments, such as LXQt, KDE Plasma, MATE, Xfce, and MinimalGUI (Openbox) and MinimalCLI (text mode). Notable software updates include GCC 13.2.0 as the default compiler, Firefox 115.3.0 ESR, Thunderbird 115.3.1, and various desktop environment updates. If you have Sparky rolling installed, updating is sufficient, and a reinstallation is unnecessary. The live user password remains "live." You can find the new semi-rolling ISO images on the download page.
bluestar-linux-6.5.6-2023.10.08-x86_64 has been released and is available for download.
The Fatdog64-901 Final release, launched on October 10, 2023, is the second release in the Fatdog64 GNU/Linux 900 series, based on LFS 11.3. This version primarily addresses the glibc bug CVE 2023-4911 by rebuilding glibc-2.37 with upstream patches. Additionally, it updates tzdata to 2023.c and mdview to 2023.10, while also introducing various bug fixes and optimizations. Notably, there are no new features in this release, and it comes with a couple of known issues related to suspend/resume functionality and certain Radeon-based machines requiring specific boot parameter adjustments to avoid kernel stalling during the boot process.
Debian 11.8, the latest release in the Debian 11 "bullseye" series, focuses on security and problem fixes. This point release doesn't introduce a new version of Debian 11 but updates select packages. Users can easily upgrade their existing installations to this revision through Debian's HTTP mirrors. It's worth noting that those who regularly update from security.debian.org won't require extensive package updates, as most security fixes are included in this release. Additionally, new installation images will be available soon, making it convenient for fresh installations. Debian 11.8 aims to enhance the stability and security of the "bullseye" distribution.
The latest release of SpiralLinux, version 12.231008, is now available for download from their official website. This release, based on Debian 12, includes package updates from Debian 12.2, along with a bug fix. Notably, the release cautions against using Rufus, LinuxLive USB Creator (LiLi), Ventoy, and Unetbootin for creating bootable USB devices due to reported failures. Some key changes in this release include the prevention of installation of the raspi-firmware package, security updates, and bug fixes from Debian 12.2. SpiralLinux continues to emphasize simplicity and out-of-the-box usability across various desktop environments while maintaining reliance on official Debian package repositories. Existing users can upgrade to Debian 12 or other Debian releases as they become available in the Debian repositories. However, there is a note about a bug in the "Software & Updates" GUI tool in Debian 12 and how to address it using SpiralLinux.
On October 7th, 2023, the Debian project released Debian 12.2, the second update for its stable distribution, codenamed "bookworm." This release primarily focuses on addressing security issues and resolving some critical problems. It is important to note that Debian 12.2 does not signify a new version but rather updates certain packages within the existing Debian 12. Users can update their packages post-installation using an up-to-date Debian mirror. The release includes various bug fixes and security updates for a wide range of packages, enhancing the overall stability and security of the distribution. Additionally, new installation images will be made available soon, and existing installations can be updated via Debian's HTTP mirrors.
Debian 12.2, the second update to the stable Debian 12 distribution, "bookworm," was released on October 7th, 2023. This release is primarily focused on enhancing security and addressing critical issues. It's important to understand that Debian 12.2 doesn't introduce a new Debian version but instead brings updates to selected packages within Debian 12. Users can easily update their installed packages using an up-to-date Debian mirror, eliminating the need to obtain new "bookworm" media. Debian 12.2 includes a comprehensive range of bug fixes and security updates for various packages, contributing to the distribution's overall stability and safety. Furthermore, new installation images will be accessible shortly, and existing installations can be kept current via Debian's HTTP mirrors.