With Windows 10 support ending, many users are switching to Linux, especially Zorin OS, which saw a record number of downloads. Linux offers a cost-effective, secure, and user-friendly alternative to Windows, making it a compelling choice for those with unsupported Windows 10 machines.
Sparky Linux 7.2, based on Debian, is a fast and reliable Linux distribution that supports various desktop environments and is customizable. It aims to revive older hardware and offers versions for gaming, multimedia, and system rescue. While not ideal for beginners, it provides a familiar, predictable, and efficient user experience, making it suitable for those seeking a stable and fast operating system.
Debian 12.5, the latest stable point release of the "Bookworm" series, has been released with updated packages, security fixes for widely-used software like Chromium and LibreOffice, and general bug fixes, including fixes for the Terrapin Attack, ISL package, PyPDF/PyPDF2, and enabling BerkeleyDB read-only back-end support for RPM.
CachyOS Linux distribution is experimenting with x86-64-v4 repository, offering optimized packages for Intel and AMD systems with AVX-512 support, providing better performance for compute intensive applications. The repository has been trialed since December, targeting AMD Zen 4 and newer Intel hardware, and is currently collecting user feedback. Users interested in trying out the x86-64-v4 packages can find details on the CachyOS blog.
Armbian 23.11, a Linux distribution focused on Arm single board computer support, introduces support for four new boards and includes bug fixes and enhancements. It also offers daily image builds based on Ubuntu 23.10 and Debian Trixie.
Mageia 9, a Linux distribution derived from Mandriva, has been released with updates including a shift to SQLite for its RPM package database, KDE Plasma 5.27 desktop, Linux 6.4 kernel, and Zstd compression for stage 1 images. The release also features reduced minimal install size and improvements to the Mageia rescue system.
ChimeraOS 43 has been released, introducing support for the ASUS ROG Ally handheld, extending the lifespan of the device. The update includes audio support, functional WiFi, face buttons, Bluetooth, and experimental partial TDP control. Other changes include fan control support for the AOKZOE A1 Pro, faster game boot-up times, the ability to switch update channels via the Steam UI, and support for additional handhelds. OpenGamepadUI has been updated with bug fixes and new features, and the AMD P-State driver will now be used on supported devices. Various improvements and fixes have been made, including resolving blackscreen issues and enhancing compatibility for Intel OneXPlayer devices.
Solus Linux founder Ikey Doherty's new Linux distribution project, Serpent OS, has launched its build infrastructure, allowing outside contributors to work on packaging. The team is now focusing on proper GNOME packaging and working towards a new spin as their first "real" ISO release.