Articles about open source software

The Debian project has announced its latest point release for Debian Linux 12, codenamed “bookworm,” marking the eighth update to this stable distribution. This 12.8 update primarily addresses security issues and fixes various critical bugs, enhancing the reliability and security of the system. Importantly, this release is not a new version but an update to existing packages within Debian 12. Users who routinely update via security.debian.org will notice only minimal changes, as most updates are rolled into this point release.

There is no need to replace existing installation media for bookworm; a simple upgrade through an up-to-date Debian mirror suffices to bring systems to the latest versions. The new installation images reflecting these updates will soon be available at Debian’s standard download sites.

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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.

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Peppermint OS has announced updates to its lineup, introducing a new version called “Fully Loaded,” alongside its traditional lightweight Xfce desktop. The original Peppermint OS offers a minimalist interface and is available in 32-bit and 64-bit options, emphasizing efficiency and customization with only essential applications installed.

“Peppermint Fully Loaded” is designed for users who prefer a ready-to-use desktop. This version is pre-equipped with a full suite of applications including Firefox, GIMP, LibreOffice, and Thunderbird, aimed at providing a comprehensive user experience from the start. Additional tools like Btop++ for process monitoring, xDaily for system maintenance, and pfetch for system information are also included.

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As fireworks light up the night sky this July 4, consider celebrating Independence Day by declaring your freedom from the tyranny of Windows 11 and switching to Linux. It's what George Washington would want you to do (probably). Even if you're not based in America, you should consider doing it anyway.

Linux, unlike Microsoft's OS which operates under corporate oversight and restrictive licenses, offers a liberating alternative. The open-source nature of it means users can modify, enhance, and distribute their software freely, avoiding the legal and financial constraints associated with proprietary systems. Most distros can be tried out live without needing to be installed, so if you can't get on with one, you can try another without risk.

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Debian, the open-source and Linux-based operating system, has released its sixth update to the stable distribution of Debian 12, codenamed "Bookworm." This latest release is a crucial point release that primarily focuses on enhancing security and resolving serious issues identified in earlier versions.

Debian 12.6 encompasses several security corrections and other critical adjustments. Users will appreciate that this update does not necessitate the replacement of existing "Bookworm" media. Instead, after installing from existing media, users can update their packages to the latest versions by connecting to an up-to-date Debian mirror.

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Canonical has introduced a new service enabling the creation of custom distroless Docker images under its "Everything LTS" program. This initiative allows customers to include any open-source software in their Docker images, regardless of whether it is packaged in Ubuntu, with a security maintenance commitment of up to 12 years.

Mark Shuttleworth, CEO of Canonical, said: "Everything LTS means CVE maintenance for your entire open source dependency tree, including open source that is not already packaged as a deb in Ubuntu. We deliver distroless or Ubuntu-based Docker images to your spec, which we will support on RHEL, VMware, Ubuntu, or major public cloud K8s."

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The much-anticipated update to Sparky 7, dubbed "Orion Belt," is officially here with its 7.4 version, and it's packed with updates and tweaks.

For those who might not know, Sparky 7 is built on the stable backbone of Debian 12 "Bookworm," ensuring a seamless and reliable experience for its users. This latest update, rolled out as a part of its regular quarterly cycle, brings us up to speed with the freshest developments from both Debian and Sparky’s own repositories.

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Winamp, the iconic music player that defined a generation, is opening its source code, inviting developers worldwide to contribute to its evolution. This could mean a new era for the beloved software, fostering global collaboration to enhance and innovate its features.

On September 24, 2024, Winamp's source code will become available to developers globally. This move will enable the entire community to participate in its development, allowing experts and enthusiasts to bring their ideas and passion to the table. By opening its code, Winamp aims to build on its rich legacy, transforming from a simple music player into a digital culture icon.

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Canonical has revealed the name for its next release: Ubuntu Linux 24.10 will be known as "Oracular Oriole." Beyond the catchy alliteration, what does this name tell us about the upcoming version? The truth is, not much yet.

"Oracular Oriole" is a title shrouded in mystery, much like the oriole bird itself, which is known for its vibrant appearance and elusive nature. The name sparks curiosity and invites speculation about what new features and improvements might be on the horizon for this popular Linux distribution.

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Fedora Linux 40 has officially landed (download here), bringing a slew of updates across its various desktop environments and tools aimed at enhancing user experience and developer capabilities. This release delivers updates to both the GNOME and KDE desktop environments, and the reintroduction of the Fedora Atomic Desktop brand.

In the Fedora Workstation Edition, users will now experience GNOME 46. This update includes a variety of enhancements that aim to improve usability and performance. Those interested in the specifics of what’s new in Fedora Workstation 40 can find detailed updates and features highlighted in the release notes.

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Mozilla has announced Firefox Nightly for ARM64. This release will cater to the growing demand for support on ARM64 platforms, commonly referred to as AArch64.

Feedback from the community has led Mozilla to expand the availability of Firefox Nightly. Users can now access the browser as both .tar archives and .deb packages, depending on their preference and requirements for installation.

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The AlmaLinux OS Foundation has officially released the beta version of AlmaLinux 9.4, codenamed “Seafoam Ocelot,” available for various hardware architectures including Intel/AMD (x86_64), ARM64 (aarch64), IBM PowerPC (ppc64le), and IBM Z (s390x). Enthusiasts and developers can access the beta ISOs here.

As with any beta software, the Foundation advises against using this release in production environments. It is essential to follow this guidance, especially when considering upgrades from previous versions, as beta versions can lead to unexpected issues that could disrupt operational systems.

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Are you tired of the limitations and issues of Microsoft Windows 11? If yes, then it’s time to explore the exciting world of Linux with the latest release of Nitrux 3.4.0 “pl.” This new version promises a refreshing and powerful alternative to traditional operating systems.

Nitrux 3.4.0 “pl” is now available for download, bringing together the latest software updates, bug fixes, and performance improvements. It’s designed to offer users an immediate and ready-to-use experience with hardware support right out of the box.

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Regata OS, the Linux-based operating system known for its user-friendly approach and focus on gaming, has released its latest version, 24 "Arctic Fox." This update introduces several significant enhancements and new features aimed at improving the user experience and compatibility with modern hardware.

One of the key highlights of this release is the integration of KDE Plasma 6, the latest iteration of the popular Linux graphical environment. KDE Plasma 6 brings a refreshed look with increased margins, reduced frames, and a new default sound theme called "Ocean." Improvements have been made to the Wayland session, task switcher, and System Settings application, along with faster and more customizable Plasma Search.

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In a recent announcement, Linus Torvalds revealed the release of Linux 6.8. The latest version of the kernel took a bit longer to finalize due to a higher-than-preferred commit count, primarily attributed to updates in various self-tests, particularly in networking. However, the past two weeks have seen a calming of activities, allowing for the release to proceed without further delay.

Linux 6.8 does not boast the same level of groundbreaking changes as its predecessor but maintains a consistent pace with an average release size, reminiscent of the past few years. The most notable addition in this version is the new Xe DRM driver, although the bulk of the changes are scattered updates and fixes across the board.

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