Search Results for: linux

While Microsoft’s newest operating system continues to frustrate users with its limitations and updates, Ubuntu has been quietly improving. The latest release, Ubuntu 24.10 “Oracular Oriole”, is the best version yet, giving users a new Linux alternative to Windows 11 that combines cutting-edge technology with enhanced security features. Ubuntu 24.10 (download here), brings the latest Linux kernel, GNOME 47 desktop environment, and improved security tools, making it a serious contender for those considering a shift away from Microsoft’s ecosystem.

This release includes Linux kernel 6.11, which supports the latest hardware and allows for smoother integration with future updates. By adopting this newer kernel, Canonical aims to stay ahead in supporting a wide range of hardware configurations, ensuring compatibility and performance for both desktop and server users. For those running systems on Dell’s Ubuntu-powered PCs, the move promises quicker updates and better support, which is especially beneficial for enterprise deployments.

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The TUXEDO Stellaris 16 (Gen6) is a high-performance Linux laptop designed for users seeking powerful hardware. With a thickness of 2.6 cm and a weight of 2.5 kg, it balances portability with the cooling capacity needed for high-performance components. It’s built with an all-aluminum chassis that aims to combine rigidity with an understated design, making it suitable for gaming and professional environments.

The Stellaris 16 features Intel’s Core i9-14900HX processor, offering 24 cores and 32 threads. Buyers can choose between several NVIDIA graphics options, ranging from the RTX 4060 to the high-end RTX 4090. The laptop’s design supports these GPUs at their maximum power limits, thanks to its efficient cooling system, which includes six heat pipes and dual 12 mm fans, allowing it to handle up to 225 watts of thermal load. For users looking for additional cooling, TUXEDO offers the Aquaris liquid cooling docking station.

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Linux distribution antiX-23.2, dubbed “Arditi del Popolo,” has been released. If you’re already on antiX-23 or antiX-23.1 there is no need to reinstall. This update is all about cleaning things up and keeping things running smoothly, staying true to the antiX tradition of avoiding systemd and elogind altogether. It’s perfect for folks who like to keep their systems lightweight and free from those dependencies.

If you’re familiar with antiX, you know it offers a range of options. antiX-23.2 supports both 32-bit and 64-bit systems and lets you pick between sysVinit and runit. The antiX-full version comes in at about 1.8GB and packs in four window managers: IceWM (which is the default), Fluxbox, JWM, and Herbstluftwm. It comes with LibreOffice too. If you’re rocking the 64-bit version, you’ve got a choice of two kernels -- Legacy 5.10 and Modern 6.1.

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If you’re anything like me, dear BetaNews readers, you are tired of Windows 11’s constant updates and telemetry concerns. If you have the urge to escape the grasp of Microsoft, switching to Linux might be exactly what you need. Linux has matured over the years into a versatile and user-friendly alternative to Windows. Whether you’re a casual user, gamer, or developer, there’s a Linux distribution (distro) out there for you.

Here are 5 Linux distros for those ready to break free from Windows 11.

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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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Manjaro has officially launched its latest release, Xahea 24.1, following its previous Wynsdey version from May 2024. This new version brings updates across its popular GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE editions, offering users more refined desktop experiences.

The GNOME edition of Xahea introduces various improvements through the GNOME 46 series. Users can now enjoy enhanced global search functionality, making it easier to find files across multiple locations and file types. GNOME 46 also includes a revamped remote desktop feature, allowing seamless remote login and display configuration. Additionally, the settings app has been reorganized, consolidating system and app preferences for smoother navigation.

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Google has unveiled two new Chromebooks, loaded with fresh AI-powered features that are set to boost productivity and take the ChromeOS experience to a new level. With ChromeOS being a Linux-based operating system, the introduction of these features could make Microsoft nervous, as Chromebooks continue to gain ground in offering advanced tools at affordable prices. The new computers include the ultra-thin Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus and the versatile Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11”.

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, starting at $699, is the lightest and thinnest Chromebook yet, boasting a sleek 15.6-inch OLED display and an Intel Core 3 processor. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11”, priced from $339, offers a compact design with a convertible form factor that switches between laptop and tablet modes. Both Chromebooks are equipped with AI-driven features that take ChromeOS to new places.

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It’s time to ditch Windows 11 and embrace Nitrux for a smoother, more streamlined experience without the bloat. Nitrux, built on a lightweight foundation, offers a sleek, efficient 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.

Nitrux 3.7.0 has officially launched (download here), offering a variety of updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements, making it an ideal Linux distribution for users looking to switch from Microsoft's buggy OS. Built on the Liquorix kernel version 6.10.12-1 and the updated Debian base snapshot, this release brings several important package updates to ensure an improved user experience.

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Microsoft has provided an important update to its upcoming Recall feature, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, which aims to balance productivity with privacy and security. Recall allows users to retrieve information by capturing snapshots of their activity, such as documents, websites, or apps. This latest update emphasizes Microsoft’s renewed focus on user control and privacy, addressing some of the concerns users have voiced since the feature was first announced.

Recall is designed to enhance productivity by enabling users to quickly find things they’ve seen on their PC. The feature’s AI-driven capabilities take snapshots of user activity, making it easier to return to projects without having to remember where files or webpages were previously accessed. Microsoft stresses that this updated version of Recall processes and stores data locally, which not only improves performance but also allows users to continue using the feature without an internet connection. By keeping data on the device, Recall also aims to reduce latency and improve battery life.

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The Tor Project, a global organization known for developing privacy and anonymity tools, has merged with Tails, a portable operating system focused on protecting users from digital surveillance. By bringing Tails under its operational structure, the Tor Project aims to improve collaboration, simplify operations, and expand outreach efforts.

Both Tor and Tails play crucial roles in countering growing surveillance and censorship on the internet. The merger is intended to better serve individuals seeking online protection, including activists, journalists, and everyday users. Tails, which had been operating independently for 15 years, faced challenges in managing administrative functions such as fundraising and HR. The merger is expected to alleviate these burdens, allowing Tails developers to focus more on maintaining and improving the OS.

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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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Canonical has announced the availability of the Beta release for Ubuntu 24.10, codenamed "Oracular Oriole." This release includes Ubuntu Desktop, Server, and Cloud products, as well as various official flavors. The final version is expected to be released on October 10, 2024.

Ubuntu 24.10 Beta includes updated core packages, including the Linux 6.11 kernel. The Beta is considered stable enough for general testing, though users may encounter bugs, and feedback is encouraged to improve the final release.

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SparkyLinux, a lightweight Linux distribution based on Debian, has released its latest point update, Sparky 7.5, codenamed "Orion Belt." This is the fifth update to the Sparky 7 series and focuses on improving stability and performance. As with previous versions, Sparky 7.5 is built upon Debian 12 "Bookworm," maintaining full compatibility with its parent distro.

For this release, Sparky 7.5 has updated its core components and applications. Notably, it ships with the Linux kernel 6.1.106 LTS for PCs, with other kernel versions, such as 6.11.0 and 5.15.167-LTS, available in Sparky repositories. ARM devices running Sparky can utilize the 6.6.47 LTS kernel. LibreOffice remains a central part of the productivity suite, though users can find newer versions in the backports repo. Other software updates include KDE Plasma 5.27.5, LXQt 1.2.0, MATE 1.26, Xfce 4.18, and Openbox 3.6.1.

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Zorin OS 17.2 has officially launched, bringing a host of enhancements aimed at improving both the desktop experience and under-the-hood performance. With a focus on customization, speed, and security, this new release positions itself as a strong alternative to Microsoft Windows 11.

One of the standout features in Zorin OS 17.2 is the revamped Zorin Appearance, which allows users to personalize their desktop environment more than ever. Users can now change their cursor theme easily, thanks to a new option in the “Themes” section. A new Third-Party Theme Installation Guide has also been introduced, making it easier to install additional themes and apply custom styles to native apps.

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The latest version of the GNOME desktop environment, GNOME 47, is now available, introducing several enhancements and user-focused improvements. This release, nicknamed “Denver,” honors the organizers of GUADEC 2024 and represents six months of dedicated work by the GNOME community.

One of the standout features in GNOME 47 is the addition of accent colors, allowing users to customize the blue interface with a range of alternative hues. Another key enhancement is better support for lower-resolution screens, ensuring that app icons and UI elements are more visible and easier to interact with. GNOME 47 also introduces hardware encoding for screen recording, optimizing performance on Intel and AMD GPUs, and making it easier to capture screencasts without impacting system responsiveness.

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