Articles about Linux

PorteuX Linux 1.7 released with smaller ISOs and performance optimizations

PorteuX 1.7 has been released, bringing various updates and optimizations to the lightweight Linux distribution. One of the key highlights of this release is the reduced size of the ISOs compared to previous versions, thanks to numerous optimizations that aim to enhance overall performance and stability.

Several fixes have been made, including addressing issues with the run-pipewire and gui-cheatcode-loader scripts, which previously ran indefinitely in the background. The release also resolves problems with LXDE freezing when dragging files from Engrampa over the file manager’s side panel and fixes a notification bug related to ‘sticky keys’ in Xfce 4.18.

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Ubuntu Linux 25.04 is called Plucky Puffin

Canonical took to Twitter today to announce the name of its next Ubuntu release: Plucky Puffin. Sticking with its tradition of alliterative animal names, this moniker for Ubuntu 25.04 joins the ranks of past versions like Groovy Gorilla and Jammy Jellyfish. While no specific details have been shared yet regarding what features or improvements Plucky Puffin will bring, the name alone is enough to generate buzz among Linux enthusiasts.

Ubuntu has consistently delivered updates that focus on performance enhancements, security improvements, and new features. With each release, Canonical strives to make Ubuntu more accessible and powerful for both casual users and enterprise environments. However, it will be interesting to see if Plucky Puffin offers any major new developments or simply improves existing features. The Linux community will undoubtedly be watching closely for any signs of innovation.

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Ready to leave Windows 11? Solus Linux 4.6 is the gorgeous alternative you deserve

The Solus team has officially launched Solus 4.6 “Convergence,” offering a refreshed Linux experience that brings desktop environment updates, kernel improvements, and enhanced hardware support. For those looking for an alternative to Windows 11, Solus 4.6 provides a compelling option, especially for users interested in performance, customization, and open-source software.

In this release, Solus includes updated ISOs with file names that now reflect the release channel and the date of generation. The OS continues to offer popular default applications, such as Firefox 131.0.3, LibreOffice 24.2.5.2, and Thunderbird 128.3.1, ensuring users have the essential tools out of the box. For multimedia, Budgie and GNOME editions come with Rhythmbox for audio and Celluloid for video playback, while XFCE features Parole and Plasma opts for Elisa and Haruna.

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Switching from Microsoft Windows 11 to Linux is like Columbus discovering America

Switching to Linux is like Christopher Columbus discovering America -- but in ways both good and bad. Just as Columbus set sail for uncharted waters in search of something new, users moving from Windows or macOS to Linux are venturing into unfamiliar territory, leaving behind a world they’ve known for something potentially better. However, much like the story of Columbus, this transition can come with its complexities -- and some parallels are worth exploring, including the relationship between Columbus and the Native Americans.

At first glance, making the switch to Linux might seem like entering a brand new land. The user interfaces, package managers, and the open-source philosophy can feel as different as the Americas were to Columbus. For someone who has spent years navigating Windows or macOS, things like the Linux terminal or alternative software solutions might feel like a foreign language. Instead of the Start menu, you’re greeted with new desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, or Xfce. It can feel daunting, much like Columbus’s sailors must have felt when they lost sight of the European coast.

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It's finally time to say goodbye to Windows 11 -- Nitrux Linux 3.7.0 is the OS you've been waiting for!

Let’s be honest. Too many of us use Windows 11 out of habit and convenience, not because it’s any good. If you’ve been thinking about leaving Microsoft’s OS for a while now but aren’t sure where to go for your next step, we have the answer.

Nitrux offers a smoother, more streamlined OS experience without the bloat. This Linux OS is built on a lightweight foundation and offers a stylish system tailored for modern users. With its unique NX Desktop, the OS is fast, responsive, and provides a visually appealing interface, making it a compelling alternative for those tired of Windows’ sluggish updates and resource-heavy performance.

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RTOS vs Linux: The IoT battle extends from software to hardware

Internet of things

There’s certainly something happening regarding operating systems in the Internet of Things (IoT). Chips are getting smarter, devices are getting smaller, and speeds are getting faster. As a result, device developers are more often experimenting with their operating system of choice, moving away from Linux and toward real-time operating systems (RTOS).

This is an evolution on two fronts. On the software side, applications requiring low latency and deterministic responses are turning to Zephyr, FreeRTOS, and ThreadX. And now, on the hardware side, we’re seeing more chip manufacturers entering the fray with RTOS-specific hardware that rivals or surpasses performance of entry-level Linux boards. This is a big deal since these chips optimize hardware-software integration, creating a more thorough ecosystem for purpose-built solutions with RTOS.

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Google expands passkey support to desktop with Google Password Manager

Google has made a move toward a passwordless future by expanding its passkey support to desktop devices. Until now, passkeys could only be saved to Google Password Manager on Android devices, requiring users to scan a QR code from an Android phone to access them on other platforms. However, thanks to a new update, passkeys can now be saved and managed directly on desktop systems running Windows, macOS, and Linux. ChromeOS is also available for testing in the Beta channel.

Passkeys are designed to offer a more secure and user-friendly way of signing in to websites and apps by using biometric methods like fingerprints, facial recognition, or a screen lock instead of traditional passwords. This makes logging in as simple as unlocking your device.

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How to keep using Windows 10 safely after Microsoft ends support

As of October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially stop supporting Windows 10, marking the end of the road for regular security updates and technical support.

This doesn’t mean your Windows 10 machine will suddenly stop working of course, but it does mean that keeping it safe and secure will require more proactive measures. Here’s how you can protect your Windows 10 system after official support ends.

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Linux desktop environment Cinnamon 6.4 aims to fix its outdated look with a fresh default theme

Linux Mint has long been praised for its user-friendly design, with the Cinnamon desktop being a core feature. However, Cinnamon's look outside the Mint distro often leaves users unimpressed. In many distributions, Cinnamon’s default visual style feels outdated and unrefined, giving the impression that its aesthetics have been neglected.

Part of the reason for this is Mint’s focus on the Mint-Y theme, which brings a more polished and modern appearance to the desktop. The default Cinnamon theme, however, is largely left untouched, serving as a fallback option for troubleshooting. With little attention from theme developers, this results in a less-than-appealing experience for users of other distributions that don’t implement Mint-Y.

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Save $43.99! Get 'The Ultimate Kali Linux Book, Third Edition' for FREE

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of Kali Linux -- the central hub for advanced penetration testing, and harness Nmap, Metasploit, Aircrack-ng, and Empire.

Honing your pentesting skills and exploiting vulnerabilities or conducting advanced penetration tests on wired and wireless enterprise networks, Kali Linux empowers cybersecurity professionals. In its latest third edition, The Ultimate Kali Linux Book goes further to guide you on how to setup your labs and explains breaches using enterprise networks.

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Switch from Microsoft Windows 11: Nitrux, Linux Mint, and Linux Lite are your new best friends

As Windows 11 continues to face criticism over its system demands and privacy concerns, many users are exploring alternatives. Linux distributions offer compelling options that not only match but often surpass the Windows experience in performance, customization, and security.

Here are the top three Linux distributions that you should consider when switching from Microsoft Windows 11.

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Forget Microsoft Windows 11, Nitrux 3.6.0 should be your next OS

Nitrux Linux 3.6.0 is the perfect open-source option for those looking to transition from Windows 11 (or any version of Windows, for that matter). The “ie” in its name stands for improved efficiency, with adjustments to the TLP power management tool to optimize energy use when plugged in and conserve battery when not.

Nitrux 3.6.0 includes the latest Linux kernel 6.9.12-1 Liquorix, offering a modern user experience and enhanced hardware support. The OS release comes with numerous updates, bug fixes, and enhancements aimed at improving overall performance, as well as battery life.

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Thunderbird 128 'Nebula' is here -- download the latest version of the free email tool now!

Thunderbird

Mozilla has unveiled Thunderbird 128.0, around a year to the day after the last major release of its email client. Thunderbird 128.0, codenamed Nebula, isn’t just a major new release in its own right, it also heralds a new era for Thunderbird.

Going forward, Thunderbird will adopt the same monthly-release cycle as Firefox, its browser sibling. As a result, Thunderbird 128.0 comes in two major flavors: regular release, and ESR for those who prefer less frequent major updates.

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Linux 6.10 released

Linus Torvalds has announced the release of Linux kernel 6.10, highlighting that the last week of development was somewhat more active than previous weeks, but not enough to necessitate an additional release candidate. The final week’s activities were largely centered around the bcachefs and netfs filesystems, which accounted for about a third of the patches. Another third of the updates involved various drivers, while the remaining patches were categorized as miscellaneous.

This release paves the way for the merge window of Linux 6.11, which is set to open tomorrow. This timing coincides with the start of summer vacations in much of Europe, which may influence the pace of subsequent contributions. Nonetheless, the new release incorporates a wide range of fixes and updates across different subsystems and architectures, underscoring the collaborative efforts of the global developer community.

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No, Linux isn't always best for IoT

Ask a connected device developer which operating system they prefer and most -- about three-quarters to be exact -- will reply with Linux. The open-source system is far and away the king of the Internet of Things (IoT) thanks to its flexibility and support for various architectures.

But there’s a problem. Simple, single-function devices like smart thermostats or connected bird feeders often don’t require the robust processing power of Linux. Loading these devices with multi-tasking capabilities can be inefficient and potentially risky. Recent reports of backdoor vulnerabilities in Linux, for example, raise concerns about its attack surface and open-source origins.

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