LibreOffice users can now generate AI art inside Writer and Impress
LibreOffice doesn’t ship with artificial intelligence features by default, but a new extension gives the office suite AI-powered features thanks to a community effort.
While Microsoft Office has started to integrate AI directly into its products, often tied to cloud subscriptions and proprietary tools, LibreOffice follows a different path where volunteers and independent developers can add optional capabilities through open-source extensions.
Install 4MLinux 48.0 to breathe new life into your old computer
Let’s be honest, y’all -- it is pretty easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on these days. Bad news seems to hit from every direction, leaving many people feeling helpless or anxious. But believe it or not, there is a simple, satisfying way to take back a little bit of control -- by breathing new life into an old computer with a refreshing Linux distribution such as 4MLinux.
You see, the new 4MLinux 48.0 series has officially been declared stable (download here), and it brings a whole lot to the table for such a lightweight operating system. Whether you want to write documents in LibreOffice 25.2 or GNOME Office (featuring AbiWord 3.0.5, GIMP 2.10.38, and Gnumeric 1.12.59), this little distro has you covered. Browsing the web is easy too, with both Firefox 137.0 and Chrome 135.0 ready to roll. Thunderbird 128.9 is there if you still prefer handling email the old-fashioned way.
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 brings KDE Plasma 6 and Proton for running Windows games on Linux
The folks behind OpenMandriva have officially released version 6.0 of their Linux distribution. This is the fixed-point “Rock” release, and not the rolling edition, so it is all about stability rather than chasing the latest experimental packages.
KDE Plasma 6 is the star of the show here, serving as the default desktop environment. Users can choose between X11 or Wayland sessions, but there’s a catch. If you plan to run OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 in VirtualBox, X11 is strongly recommended. The team warns about problems with Wayland on VirtualBox’s emulated GPU, though things work fine on real hardware or in QEMU with KVM. For VirtualBox, don’t forget to set VMSVGA to avoid boot issues.
Linux Lite 7.4 is the perfect Windows 11 alternative for older PCs
The developers behind Linux Lite have released version 7.4, and it looks awesome. If you’re stuck with aging hardware or just fed up with Windows 11, this might be the lightweight Linux distro you’ve been waiting for.
Linux Lite 7.4 is based on Ubuntu 24.04.2 and ships with Linux kernel 6.8.0-56. For users with special needs, there’s easy access to alternative kernels in the repository -- everything from 3.13 to 6.14. This makes the OS ideal for breathing new life into computers that Microsoft unfortunately left behind.
Dump Microsoft Windows 11 now and supercharge your PC with 4MLinux 46.0
If you're still using Microsoft Windows 11, it might be time to consider a switch. The newly released 4MLinux 46.0 (download here) offers a lightweight and powerful alternative that can make your computing experience smoother and more efficient.
Switching from Windows 11 to 4MLinux can be a great idea for several reasons. First, 4MLinux is known for being much lighter on system resources compared to Windows 11. This means you can get more performance out of older hardware, and even on newer machines, the system feels snappy and responsive without the usual bloat. This efficiency leads to faster boot times, quicker application launches, and an overall more responsive computing experience.
LibreOffice 24.8 unveils new features and improvements across entire suite
The Document Foundation has released its second major build of LibreOffice for the year with the release of LibreOffice 24.8, the second to sport the new YYYY.MM versioning method.
Highlights include a new Quick Find deck in LibreOffice Writer’s Sidebar, numerous new spreadsheet functions in Calc and the ability to view and edit a slide deck’s notes beneath the slide in Normal view in LibreOffice Impress.
Considering a switch from Microsoft Windows 11? Check out SparkyLinux 7.3
For those of you considering a switch from Windows 11, the latest update from SparkyLinux might just be the ticket. Sparky 7.3 "Orion Belt," the third quarterly update of Sparky 7, has been released, and it's packed with features that make it an attractive alternative to Microsoft's offering.
Based on Debian 12 "Bookworm," Sparky 7.3 offers compatibility and stability. The update brings all packages up to date with the Debian and Sparky stable repositories as of March 13, 2024. It includes the Linux kernel PC 6.1.67 LTS, with other versions like 6.8.0, 6.6.21-LTS, and 5.15.151-LTS available in the Sparky repositories.
LibreOffice 24.2 unveils new features and improvements alongside switch to date-based version numbering
The latest version of popular open-source office suite LibreOffice is here, but its release number may surprise those expecting to see LibreOffice 7.7. Instead, LibreOffice 24.2 makes its bow as developer The Document Foundation switches to a new date-based version numbering system.
Going forward, LibreOffice version numbers will follow the YYYY.MM method, hence 2024.2 (February 2024) for the new release. Adding to the confusion, LibreOffice 7.6.4 remains in existence for those looking for a more stable, older release.
Debian-based antiX-23 (Arditi del Popolo) is the Systemd-free Linux experience of your dreams
If you're one to favor choice, versatility, and independence from the systemd behemoth, then you're in for a treat. Say hello to antiX-23 (Arditi del Popolo), a new release based on Debian Bookworm that stands as a powerful testament to the open-source community's flexibility.
With its myriad flavors and options, this Linux distro invites you to experience computing on your own terms. The new release adds some in-house spices like zzzFM/IceWM as the default desktop and the IceWM Control Centre. Plus, the Onboard virtual keyboard and magnus screen magnifier are now standard.
LibreOffice 7.6 adds support for Document themes, adds navigation panel to Impress
Six months after its last major point release, LibreOffice 7.6 Community Edition makes its bow on Windows, macOS and Linux. The Document Foundation’s open-source, cross-platform office suite offers three major highlights with this new release: document themes, a navigation panel in Impress and the ability to highlight used styles.
The headline new feature is support for document themes, which allows users to apply consistent coloring across documents. A new Theme dialog -- accessible via the Format menu -- makes it easy for Writer users to quickly switch themes (eight are provided by default, but users can click Add to define their own).
Download Debian 12 Bookworm-based Sparky 7.0 'Orion Belt' Linux distro now
If you are a fan of the Sparky Linux distribution, I have some exciting news-- version 7.0 is finally available for download. This release is based on -- and fully compatible with -- the Debian 12 "Bookworm" operating system. For users with ancient hardware, Sparky 7.0 still provides support for x86 (32-bit) machines. But seriously, folks, just buy a 64-bit PC already...
By leveraging the stability and reliability of Debian, Sparky 7.0 inherits a rock-solid base that ensures a smooth and secure user experience. This compatibility allows users to seamlessly access the extensive Debian software repositories, opening up a world of possibilities for software installations and updates.
LibreOffice 7.5 unveils new icons, plus improved PDF export and Bookmarks in Writer
On schedule, The Document Foundation’s open-source, cross-platform office suite gains its first major point release of the year with LibreOffice 7.5. Version 7.5 unveils various design tweaks -- including a new application -- along with another long list of new and improved features right across the suite.
LibreOffice 7.5 opens with some design tweaks -- including "major improvements" to its dark mode support, which basically consist of over 40 bug fixes. There’s also new application and MIME-type icons, described as "more colorful and vibrant".
Behind the Microsoft Office compatibility drive, LibreOffice 7.4 still manages to surprise with more new features
The fourth major point release of The Document Foundation’s open-source, cross-platform office suite has landed. As with the previous release in February, LibreOffice 7.4 is targeted towards improving the experience for those migrating from Microsoft Office.
The focus on improving compatibility with Microsoft Office -- both for those migrating away from the platform and others who need to share documents with MS Office users -- is an ongoing process, and the 7.4 press release focuses a lot of attention on LibreOffice’s "highest level of compatibility in the office suite market segment".
Ubuntu Linux 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish can replace Microsoft Windows 11 on your PC
The developers over at Canonical have been busy baking a yummy new version of Ubuntu recently, and following a brief beta period, it is finally time to take the open-source operating system out of the oven. Yes, folks, the stable Ubuntu 22.04 is finally here!
Code-named "Jammy Jellyfish," Ubuntu 22.04 is an "LTS" version, which stands for "Long Term Support." Yeah, that means exactly what it sounds like. The Linux distribution will be supported for a long time -- five years to be exact. Very nice.
LibreOffice 7.3 delivers new features and performance improvements to improve Microsoft Office compatibility
The Document Foundation has released LibreOffice 7.3, the third major point release for its open-source, cross-platform office suite. Accompanied by the tag line, "More performance, more compatibility", the release boasts several noteworthy new features.
The key focus of this new release is better interoperability with Microsoft Office documents.
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