Articles about Linux

Today, most organizations and individuals use Linux and the Linux kernel with a “one-size-fits-all” approach. This differs from how Linux was used in the past–for example, 20 years ago, many users would compile their kernel and modify it to fit their specific needs, architectures and use cases. This is no longer the case, as one-size-fits-all has become good enough. But, like anything in life, “good enough” is not the best you can get.

Enter: Extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF). eBPF allows users to modify one-size-fits-all to fit their specific needs. While this was not impossible before, it was cumbersome and often unsecure. 

Continue reading →

postmarketOS v24.06 is now available, targeting Linux enthusiasts who seek more control and flexibility on their devices. This release brings stability improvements and automated testing, though it may not yet match the polish of ChromeOS, Android, or iOS.

The appeal of running Linux on personal devices lies in the freedom it offers. postmarketOS does not require account setups, does not push cloud storage, avoids pre-installed bloatware, and does not follow privacy-invasive AI trends. Instead, it focuses on free software, user control, and extending device usability beyond the original vendor's support.

Continue reading →

The AlmaLinux OS Foundation, a nonprofit managing the community-owned open-source CentOS alternative AlmaLinux OS, has announced support for the Raspberry Pi 5. This has been a while coming as the latest version of the Pi, released in October 2023, has been growing in popularity within the AlmaLinux community.

Koichiro Iwao, an engineer at Cybertrust Japan, played a major role in bringing AlmaLinux Raspberry Pi 5 support to fruition. "In Japan, the Raspberry Pi community is vibrant," he said. "The hardware improvements of the Raspberry Pi 5 over the Raspberry Pi 4 and the community's increasing demand for this support motivated my commitment to building Raspberry Pi 5 support for AlmaLinux OS."

Continue reading →

CachyOS has announced the release of its seventh update of the year, bringing a range of new features and improvements. This latest version (download here) is noteworthy for users looking to switch from Microsoft Windows 11, offering robust support for various devices, including the T2 MacBook and handheld gaming devices.

The June 2024 release adds support for the MacBooks with a T2 security chip. While Wi-Fi and Bluetooth do not work out of the box due to proprietary firmware from Apple, CachyOS provides detailed instructions to get these features working post-installation. This makes it an appealing option for Mac users transitioning to a more open-source platform while still using their existing hardware.

Continue reading →

Developers are always looking to raise their game to the next level, yet most are completely lost when it comes to the Linux command line.

The Software Developer's Guide to Linux is the bridge that will take you to the next level in your software development career. Most of the skills in the book can be immediately put to work to make you a more efficient developer. It’s written specifically for software engineers, not Linux system administrators, so each chapter will equip you with just enough theory to understand what you’re doing before diving into practical commands that you can use in your day-to-day work as a software developer.

Continue reading →

Sabrent’s USB-C Enclosure for M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe SSDs (EC-NE30) offers a straightforward solution for handling your compact drives. Whether you need to prep an M.2 2230 SSD for your Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Surface Pro 9, or other portable gadgets, this enclosure has you covered.

How does it work? Simply insert the SSD, secure it with the latch, and connect via USB-C. This versatile enclosure is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux-based options, ensuring hassle-free setup with its integrated cable and plug-and-play functionality—no drivers needed.

Continue reading →

Deepin, a Linux-based open-source desktop operating system developed in China, has announced the release candidate (RC) of its latest version, Deepin V23 (download here). This RC version introduces numerous new features and improvements, aiming to attract users who are considering a switch from Microsoft Windows 11. However, as this is not the final release, potential switchers should wait for the stable version to ensure a seamless transition.

The Deepin V23 RC comes with a host of new features that enhance usability and user experience. The installer has been optimized with improved UI details, updated carousel images, and a trial mode for users to experience the system without installation. It also reverts pre-installed applications to deb versions, supports 14th generation U terminal devices, and provides dual kernel options of 5.15 and 6.6.

Continue reading →

Windows 11 is far from perfect, and any complaints are usually met with disdain from the Linux community. The advice proffered by Linux users is to switch from Windows 11 to one of the nearly endless number of Linux distros that are available.

This is unhelpful advice because, in the most part, Windows users simply don’t want to use Linux. They chose Windows for specific reasons, and the fact it is not completely ideal is not really a good enough reason to simply abandon it. So it is lovely to see that one Linux fan has put their software development skills to good use and produced OFGB (Oh Frick Go Back), a utility that removes ads from Windows 11.

Continue reading →

This handy cookbook teaches new-to-intermediate Linux users the essential skills necessary to manage a Linux system, using both graphical and command-line tools.

Whether you run Linux in embedded, desktop, server, or cloud or virtual environments, the fundamental skills are the same. This book aims to get you up and running quickly, with copy-paste examples.

Continue reading →

Muse Group has released a major new version of its free, open-source audio editor for Windows, macOS and Linux. Audacity 3.5 adds cloud project saving support, plus adds automatic tempo detection, pitch shifting and more.

The headline new feature in Audacity 3.5 is a new cloud-saving feature, which works in tandem with Muse Group’s free audio hosting platform at audio.com. Users simply select 'File > Save to Cloud…' to save the current project. On first use, they will be prompted to link Audacity to a free audio.com account -- which can be created during the linking process.

Continue reading →

It's been some time since we discussed the initial Spectre security flaw that impacted numerous CPUs, and which was subsequently followed by the Spectre v2 vulnerability. Now there are new concerns following the discovery of the first native Spectre v2 exploit against the Linux kernel.

Researchers from the Systems and Network Security Group at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUSec) have demonstrated that Intel CPUs running Linux are vulnerable to Native Branch History Injection (BHI). VUSec says its InSpectre Gadget tool can be used to "not only uncover new (unconventionally) exploitable gadgets in the Linux kernel, but that those gadgets are sufficient to bypass all deployed Intel mitigations".

Continue reading →

Team Kodi, which has long provided Personal Package Archives (PPA) for Ubuntu users seeking up-to-date and undiluted versions of the hugely popular Kodi media player, has announced the retirement of the service. This decision was apparently made due to the high maintenance overhead associated with its upkeep.

As the Linux world gradually transitions towards packaged deployments and containers, The Kodi Foundation says it is planning to use Flatpak for future applications. This move will not only provide a more maintainable "pure" Kodi application, but also extend its accessibility to more distributions than the PPA ever could.

Continue reading →

The Fedora Project has just rolled out the Beta version of Fedora Linux 40. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the pre-release operating system is its versatility. The release comes in various editions, catering to different user preferences and needs.

Whether you’re looking for a robust workstation, a reliable server, a nimble IoT platform, a streamlined cloud experience, or the cutting-edge Fedora CoreOS, this Beta release has you covered. Additionally, Fedora Linux Spins offers a variety of desktop environments, including KDE Plasma, Xfce, and Cinnamon, for those who prefer a customized user experience.

Continue reading →

While Windows Subsystem for Linux is widely recognized as being one of Microsoft most impressive achievements in recent times, WSL is not without its flaws.

Now in its second iteration, WSL makes it possible to install Linux distros within Windows 11 but it has a major obstacle that is stopping it gaining mass appeal -- it remains a text-based tool. But this could be about to change. Microsoft is exploring the possibility of introducing a new GUI to simplify the installation and management of distros.

Continue reading →

Today, Proton Mail has expanded its secure communication platform with the launch of a dedicated desktop app, which was previously released in beta. The new desktop app complements Proton Mail’s existing web and mobile applications, ensuring users can maintain their email privacy across all devices without being confined to a web browser.

Proton Mail aims to provide users with the ability to access their email in their preferred manner without compromising privacy. The new desktop app addresses the privacy concerns associated with using email services like Outlook, which shares data with numerous external partners, and the risks of accessing emails through browsers like Chrome, which can expose browsing history to advertisers or be exploited by malicious browser extensions.

Continue reading →