MX Linux 25 beta arrives with Debian 13 base and updated desktops


The MX Linux team has released the first beta of MX Linux 25, a major update that moves the distribution to a Debian 13 base. The beta is available in multiple editions, including both systemd and SysVInit options for Xfce and Fluxbox. KDE Plasma is offered with systemd only.
The announcement says, “MX-25 beta 1 is now available for testing. MX-25 is built from debian 13 ‘Trixie’ and MX repositories, along with the antiX live system. Systemd and SysVInit editions are provided and supported.”
With Windows 10 support ending soon, Zorin OS 18 Beta arrives as the ultimate alternative to Windows 11


Want to know a secret? If you don’t like Windows 11, you don’t actually have to use it! I know, shocker right? With Windows 10 support ending on 14 October 2025, millions of PCs will soon be left behind. For users who want to keep their existing desktop or laptop, Linux offers another way forward, and Zorin OS is one of the best Windows alternatives around.
Zorin OS 18 has now entered beta, giving Windows 10 users a chance to try a modern desktop that feels familiar without demanding new hardware or chucking you in at the deep end.
Tails 7.0, the privacy-focused Linux OS, arrives with Debian 13 and GNOME 48


Tails 7.0 has just arrived, offering a refreshed version of the privacy-focused operating system built on Debian 13 “Trixie” and GNOME 48 “Bengaluru.”
The OS is faster, core applications have been updated, and hardware support expanded, giving users who depend on Tails for anonymity additional tools and an overall nippier performance.
SparkyLinux 9 'Tiamat' arrives with updated kernel and software packages


SparkyLinux 2025.09 “Tiamat” has been released, offering users a lightweight Debian-based distribution aimed at both modern and older computers. The new version is built on Debian Forky testing and provides updated packages, kernel 6.16.7, and an updated desktop environments for a faster and more configurable alternative to Windows 10.
The release introduces new ISO images of the semi-rolling line, all under the “Tiamat” codename.
Linux Mint 22.2 Zara arrives as a long term support release backed until 2029

GIMP 3.1.4 is here -- the best free Photoshop alternative gains link and vector layers


When people ask whether Linux can run Photoshop, the answer is usually no. But many users discover that GIMP is not only a capable alternative, it offers features that stand on their own. The latest development release, GIMP 3.1.4, moves closer to the upcoming 3.2 milestone, introducing early versions of two highly requested features, along with a wide range of updates across the full application.
GIMP 3.1.4 marks the second development release leading up to GIMP 3.2 and adds link layers and vector layers, both designed for non-destructive editing.
Linux Lite 7.6 is the perfect Windows 11 alternative for older PCs


Linux Lite has released version 7.6, an update to the superb Ubuntu-based distribution aimed at Windows users seeking a simple Linux alternative. If you’re using aging hardware or just fed up with Windows 11, this might be the lightweight Linux distro you’ve been waiting for.
Arriving as Microsoft moves toward ending Windows 10 support, the release introduces a new community-driven Wiki for documentation alongside updates to default applications and desktop tools.
Wine 10.14 released with library upgrades, network improvements, and bug fixes


Wine has released version 10.14 of its popular compatibility layer which makes it easy to run Windows applications on Linux. The update includes an upgraded vkd3d library, now at version 1.17, an updated Mono engine at version 10.2.0, IPv6 ping support, Gitlab CI running on Debian Trixie, and a set of bug fixes.
Wine takes its name from the recursive acronym “Wine Is Not an Emulator,” because although it may seem like it emulates Windows, it actually translates Windows system calls directly into Linux ones. This allows many Windows apps, including games and productivity software, to run almost as smoothly on a Linux OS as they would on Microsoft’s own operating system.
This updated Windows 11 clone is Linux underneath and makes your old PC run faster -- get it now


Windows 10 is edging ever nearer towards the end of its support period, which means no more security patches or updates for millions of PCs. Users will either need to run their systems without protection or upgrade to Windows 11, which has more demanding hardware requirements.
For many older laptops and desktops, Windows 11 is not an option, and this is where Linuxfx comes in. Just updated to version 11.25.09 “NOBLE”, the latest version of the Windows-style Linux distribution offers a familiar environment that runs faster on aging machines.
CachyOS Linux update delivers speed, security and reliability improvements


CachyOS, a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux, has released its sixth update of the year. The OS focuses on speed and stability while offering a wide choice of desktop environments and window managers.
This update introduces a new package dashboard, a fallback kernel for stability, and a range of improvements to its gaming and installer tools, making it a strong option for users looking to switch from Windows 10 in light of the Microsoft OS's impending end of life.
Lightweight Zephix v8 Linux OS focuses on portability and efficiency


Zephix version 8 has just been released, with the lightweight Linux distro taking a new approach.
The OS still focuses on simplicity and speed but moves away from a modular system. With i3 chosen as the sole desktop interface, included firmware for broad hardware support, and a carefully selected software set, Zephix aims to be a fast and easy-to-use daily driver.
LibreELEC 12.2 arrives with Kodi 21.2 'Omega' and better Raspberry Pi support


LibreELEC has released version 12.2 of its lightweight Linux distribution, which is built specifically to run Kodi. The new update focuses on hardware support, removal of older components, and the integration of Kodi 21.2 ‘Omega’.
Users gain access to the current stable build of the popular home theater software in which Kodi developers backported a small set of improvements after the original 21.2 release. No 21.3 version is currently planned.
Say no thanks to Windows 11 and yes please to SparkyLinux 8, the lightweight OS you deserve


You can’t have failed to be aware that Windows 10 is approaching its end of life, meaning security updates will soon stop.
For users who don’t watch to take risks with their system safety, the obvious next step is a move to Windows 11, but the newly released SparkyLinux 8.0 offers a lightweight, fast, and fully configurable alternative that supports both modern and older hardware.
Linux Mint 22.2 'Zara' beta now ready to download -- here's what's new


Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” beta version has been released, giving testers and enthusiasts an early look at the next long term support release of the popular desktop Linux distribution. The final version will be supported until April 2029, but this preview is aimed at testing, so some issues are to be expected.
This update continues Mint’s focus on making small, but noteworthy changes. Sticky Notes now have rounded corners, Wayland support, and can sync with Android devices via the new StyncyNotes app. The login screen gains a blur effect, user avatars, and a cleaner layout.
Kubuntu Focus launches Zr GEN 1 Linux laptop with Nvidia RTX 5090 option


Kubuntu Focus has introduced the Zr GEN 1, a high-performance Linux laptop aimed at users who want maximum mobile power. The 18.0-inch workstation replaces the previous 17.3-inch M2 GEN 5 and brings faster components, more storage capacity, and a brighter display, with shipping now available in the US and Canada.
The Zr GEN 1 runs Kubuntu 24.04 LTS and is built for developers, machine learning researchers, content creators, and others looking for fast hardware with Linux-first support.
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