SparkyLinux 7.7 is the free Windows 11 alternative you didn’t know you needed
Are you tired of the constant updates, ads, and restrictions in Windows 11? Well, folks, you’re certainly not alone. Thankfully, SparkyLinux 7.7 “Orion Belt” just dropped, and this open source operating system might be the escape hatch you’ve been looking for. Built on Debian 12 “Bookworm,” this is exactly the kind of no-nonsense Linux distro that gives users freedom, speed, and stability without all the Microsoft bloat.
Unlike Windows 11, SparkyLinux doesn’t shove AI assistants in your face or lock you into a Microsoft account. Instead, it quietly gets the job done. Quite frankly, that’s what makes it a solid choice for folks who just want their computers to work.
EndeavourOS Linux Mercury Neo refresh arrives with updated ISO and proves Windows 11 isn’t worth the hassle
There’s a new ISO out for EndeavourOS called “Mercury Neo,” and it’s the kind of Linux release that makes you seriously question why you’re still putting up with the annoying Windows 11. Let’s be honest, folks, Microsoft’s flagship product feels more like a roadblock than an operating system at this point. Mercury Neo, on the other hand, just quietly works.
This isn’t some big flashy overhaul, and that’s totally fine; it’s more of a quiet tune-up. Mercury Neo is a refreshed take on the Mercury release from February, and it brings some important fixes, updates, and improvements -- especially for folks doing new installs. If you’ve already got Mercury installed and you update regularly, you’re good. There's no need to reinstall anything.
antiX 23.2 launches with Debian 12 base and no systemd for lightweight Linux experience
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.