 DistroWatch Weekly |
| DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 102, 30 May 2005 |
Welcome to this year's 22nd issue of DistroWatch Weekly! Last week, your DistroWatch staff had the extreme pleasure to meet with Dr Richard M Stallman, a truly fascinating, albeit controversial figure, dedicated to fight for our computing freedom; Robert Storey has summarised the experience. Also in this week's issue - a brief look at Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0 and a call for voting on which new packages you want to see tracked by DistroWatch from next month. Happy reading!
Content:
DistroWatch meets RMS by Robert Storey
I am Saint IGNUsius of the Church of Emacs. A blessing upon your computer, my child.
-- Richard M Stallman
Many things have been said about Richard M Stallman, otherwise known as RMS. "A brilliant programmer and father of the free software movement. Lacking people skills. Fierce defender of freedom. Can't hold a steady job. A great asset to the free software community. A liability to the open source community. A passionate, funny, and very much in demand speaker. In bad need of a haircut and a shave."
Dr Richard M Stallman
RMS is, if nothing else, a controversial figure. His uncompromising, take-no-prisoners approach to freedom and free software offends some, but pleases many. He spends much of his time travelling the world, giving talks to students, businesspeople, IT executives and the occasional politician, broadcasting the message that software should be free, open, and unencumbered by patents and secret protocols.
A little bit of background. RMS is the original author of the GPL (General Public License), also known as "copyleft" - the license under which the Linux kernel (and much other software) has been released. He also wrote Emacs, the Swiss-army knife of text editors. Along with some like-minded friends, he produced the GNU (pronounced "ge-noo") operating system which included, among other things, the crucial GCC compiler which is used today to compile Linux and the BSDs. Though he had help in these fine endeavours, to call RMS the father of free software is not much of an exaggeration. It is also quite possible that he can walk on water.
The downside (if it is indeed a downside) is RMS's unwillingness to compromise in any way. He shows little patience for those who disagree with him - his lack of diplomacy has been commented upon many times. One thing he absolutely insists on is that we all say "GNU/Linux" rather than just "Linux" when referring to a certain popular operating system ("Linux", he points out, is just the name of Linus Torvalds' kernel). Indeed, the fastest way to offend RMS is to congratulate him for all the fantastic work he's done to make Linux possible.
RMS also voices strong objection to the expression "open source" or "FOSS" (free and open-source software). As far as he's concerned, theproper term is "free software", which does not in fact exclude software that costs money. As clearly stated on Stallman's Free Software Foundation web site: Free software is a matter of liberty not price. You should think of "free" as in "free speech".
One thing is for sure - Richard M. Stallman is one of the "big names" that made free software possible, right up there with Linus Torvalds and the pizza delivery guy. Thus, it was with great pleasure that we (Ladislav and Robert) learned that RMS was coming to Taipei on 25 May to deliver one of his famous lectures. In keeping with the GNU tradition, admission to the lecture was free, though donations (to the Free Software Foundation) were to be gratefully accepted.
RMS did not disappoint! His well-rehearsed act is not only highly informative, but downright entertaining. He is, in fact, quite a comedian, while at the same time dealing with a topic that is technical, important, and deadly serious.
The lecture was officially billed as Free Software in Ethics and in Practice, though in fact RMS touched on a wide variety of topics during his two-hour speech. He started out by giving a rough definition of free software as "software that respects the freedom of the user". He then spelled out what he called the "four freedoms" which, in true programmer's fashion, he numbered starting from zero:
- Freedom Zero - the freedom to run the program for any purpose, any way you like.
- Freedom One - the freedom to help yourself by changing the program to suit your needs.
- Freedom Two - the freedom to help your neighbour by distributing copies of the program.
- Freedom Three - the freedom to help build your community by publishing an improved version of the program so that others can gain the benefit of your work.
He then elaborated on these points. Freedom Zero would seem to be a no-brainer. Even proprietary software allows you to run it as you like, right? Actually, not necessarily. More and more, we are seeing programs which - if you bother to read the fine print before you click on "I agree" - impose restrictions on the user. Windows XP, for example, insists on "product activation" which is tied to the hardware - change your motherboard, and it might stop working. Or consider Oracle, popular database software which is licensed "per processor" - buy one copy, install it on a dual-processor machine and you will be in violation of your licensing terms. There are other proprietary programs which expire after a certain date, or can only be run a limited number of times, or are deliberately crippled in some other way (you might as well call it "crippleware").
Freedom One allows you to change the source code. This could be to fix a bug, change the default language of the interface, or port the program to a different hardware architecture. Even if you're not a programmer, somebody could help you make such modifications. However, with proprietary software, you don't even get to see the source code, let alone have the legal right to modify it.
Freedom Two is the right to help your friends and neighbours by distributing copies of the programs you use. With proprietary software, this is called "software piracy" and it's a big no-no - you could wind up being sued and/or imprisoned for doing this.
Freedom Three gives you the right to help the community by modifying programs to make improvements. Literally thousands of GPL-ed programs have been developed this way, including the Linux kernel itself.
After discussing the four basic freedoms, RMS treated us to a little of his personal history. Back in the early days of computing, Stallman and other hackers (as opposed to crackers) gladly shared their programs (including source code) with one another. However, the increasing commercialisation and proprietary nature of software development upset RMS. He was working at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) when, in 1983, he decided that he wanted to create a free operating system. Fearing that MIT could possibly make copyright claims to any project he was working on while employed by the university, he decided to quit his job in 1984. However, the head of the MIT AI lab, Dr. Winston, graciously allowed RMS to continue using the lab's computers even though he was no longer employed there.
Along with several friends and other contributors, RMS began writing GNU (a recursive acronym for "GNU is not Unix," but also another name for wildebeest). He decided to follow Unix standards because Unix is a very portable operating system - important because there was no way to tell what future hardware architectures would be like. Indeed, the early GNU system was written on a Motorola 68000 computer, vastly different from what most of us use today.
The decision to adopt the Linux kernel in 1992 was done for expediency. The GNU Project planned to replace it with their own kernel known as The Hurd. Although work on The Hurd continues (slowly) to this day, interest has fallen off greatly as the Linux kernel has gained wide acceptance and has improved immensely from its humble beginnings.
During the second hour of the lecture, RMS explained the serious threats to free software. "Our community is big, but it's weak," he explained. "And we have powerful enemies. People don't understand that freedom has to be defended." RMS described in detail the two biggest threats the free software community faces - DRM (with the associated DMCA) and software patents. Stallman, who is a citizen of the USA, had harsh words for the US government, which gave birth to the DMCA and software patents, and has tried to foist them on other countries through "free trade" agreements. One also got the impression that he isn't a fan of Microsoft.
The highlight of the show was when RMS donned his guru robes plus a makeshift halo, and blessed our computers.
After the lecture, 30 minutes were set aside for a question and answer session. Robert asked Mr. Stallman which countries he thought were embracing free software most enthusiastically - he answered that Spain, Italy, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and India were particularly bright spots. Ladislav asked about recent proposed changes to the GPL - the changes, which are minor, refer to online distribution of free software and are summed up here.
Nobody asked the classic question, "VI or Emacs?", but Stallman answered it anyway: "Using a free version of VI is not a sin, it's a penance."
* * * * *
New and updated resources for Libranet, Linspire and Slackware
Quality of Linux distributions is measured not only by the stability of the code, but also by the infrastructure behind it - the various community resources and documentation. Last week we were pleased to learn that several distributions and their users were making effort to provide new or updated learning resources, be it printed books or online manuals. One of them is Libranet Basics, a newly-completed comprehensive user guide (with screenshots) to the recently released Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0. The second resource is No Nonsense Guide to Linspire, a printed book that "walks you through all the computing basics and includes a copy of LinspireLive!"; it should be available in a bookstore near you shortly. Finally, The Revised Slackware Book Project has updated its "Slackware Linux Essentials" book to version 2.0; you can view it online or download it in HTML or PDF formats.
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| Featured distribution of the week: Libranet GNU/Linux |
Libranet GNU/Linux
The Debian project has historically been responsible for creating both hope and despair on the commercial Linux distribution market. Many of you probably remember the high-profile launches of Corel Linux and Storm Linux in the late 90s, two excellent distributions that started out with great hopes that Linux will take the word by storm (pun not intended). Unfortunately, the hopes evaporated with the end of the "dotcom" boom as both distributions were buried in the annals of history - simply because they brought very little revenue for the two companies.
The only Debian-based commercial distribution that survived those tough times was Libranet GNU/Linux. Created in 1999 by Jon and Tal Danzig of the Vancouver-based Libra Computer Systems (which, incidentally, was established back in 1984 as a small UNIX company), the distribution has generated decent following among many Linux users. Although Libranet provides excellent graphical tools for system configuration, it is not intended for your average aunt Tilly; instead, its target market is a more sophisticated Linux user who might be put off by some aspects of Debian proper - such as its often rough and unforgiving mailing list culture.
The long awaited version 3.0 is a major upgrade. Both the installation program and Adminmenu, Libranet's star application, have been given complete and much-needed rewrites, which has turned the distribution into a highly competitive product - with its five CDs worth of applications, Libranet is now competing directly with the likes of SUSE or Mandriva. The latest version of Libranet GNU/Linux comes with an excellent installer that has to be among the best in the industry. The Adminmenu includes, among many other features, a module providing a graphical way of reconfiguring and recompiling the Linux kernel - a feature not seen in any other Linux distribution. Another important advantage of Libranet is its easy upgradeability to a newer version, together with its "save update" archive, a repository of new and upgraded packages that have been tested to work with the latest version of Libranet.
As is always the case with commercial Linux distributions, here comes the million-dollar question: is Libranet worth US$90? Many users who have bought the product believe that they've made the right decision; not only have they received an excellent operating system, they have also become part of a friendly and helpful user community on the distribution's mailing lists and user forums. Still undecided? Then feel free to download and install the older version of Libranet GNU/Linux, and join the Libranet community to see for yourself. You might just find that perfect place to exchange views and help with other like-minded Linux users.
(Disclaimer: Libra Computer Systems is one of the sponsors of DistroWatch.com.)
Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0 - the oldest surviving commercial Linux distribution based on Debian
(full image size: 165kB)
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| Released Last Week |
Berry Linux 0.58
Berry Linux 0.58 has been released. The most important changes include the following: the Linux kernel has been updated to version 2.6.11.10 (with SMP support, devfs and bootsplash), X.Org to 6.8.2 (with Bold patch), and KDE to 3.4.0; among other upgraded packages are Mozilla, Firefox, K3B, GIMP, Digikam and tvtime; Midnight Commander has been removed; Aqua font, Mikachan font and YOzFont have been added; the live CD now contains wireless networking tools and NdisWrapper. See the complete changelog for more details.
Lunar Linux 1.5.0
A new version of Lunar Linux, a source-based distribution originally forked from the Sorcerer project, has been released: "After being in the cooker for almost half a year the Lunar-Linux Team is happy to announce the release of the latest install ISO: 'Indium Phosphide'. This ISO marks a radical change in the development of Lunar install ISOs and should be far easier and faster to install for everyone. This release provides the following features: i686-optimized, so no need to do a rebuild after installation; fast installer, typically install time can be as fast as 10 minutes on an average P4; precompiled all-purpose kernels for several applications; seamless LILO and GRUB install into the MBR...." Find more details in the release announcement.
Monoppix 1.0.6
The Monoppix live CD has been upgraded to version 1.0.6: "Stack upgrade release of Monoppix version 1.0.6. What's new in this release: Monodoc, mcs, Mono, libgdiplus, gtk-sharp 1.06; Xsp 1.0.8; Monodevelop 0.51; Cairo 0.2; included DotNetSamples document; improved desktop links." See the project's news page for more information.
StartCom Enterprise Linux 4.0.0 (x86_64)
The first StartCom Enterprise Linux for AMD64 processors has been released: "Based on StartCom Enterprise Linux 4.0.0, this release is compiled for and geared to run on these 64-bit register processors... Roughly four fifths of all applications, including the kernel, are ported and compiled for 64-bit computing and provides two runtime library sets - one for 32 bit and one for 64 bit. Most server applications will run in native 64-bit mode, while some desktop applications will still rely on the 32-bit legacy mode. This release also allows for the development of both modes by providing various backward library sets and compilers." Read the release announcement.
SLAX 5.0.5 Popcorn Edition
A special modification of the SLAX live CD, Popcorn Edition, has been released after a week of beta testing. From the changelog: "Initial release of SLAX Popcorn edition, a 124MB live CD with the XFce desktop; contains Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird, XMMS clone, Gaim and AbiWord; doesn't contain hard disk installer yet, but can be installed manually". MPlayer is also included to play videos and to listen to Internet radio.
aLinux 12.3
A new version of aLinux, formerly known as Peanut Linux, has been released. From the release announcement: "Say you are surfing the net as we all do at some point, come across WMV, M3U, DiVX, etc... aLinux 12.3 has been even more so expanded and perfected upon to play all the media you may click-on, including TV broadcasts, Quicktime, Real Player, Windows Media, Shockwave, DVD vob, Winamp movies/music, etc... We now have the ultimate media experience at our finger tips; aLinux now plays everything inside your fully tabbed web browser making it a simple and unique concept with many thanks to the KDE team, MPlayer, XMMS and others contributing their efforts to the Linux desktop." Find more info on the distribution's home page.
Kaella 2.0.1
Kaella, a French Linux live CD based on KNOPPIX, has been upgraded to version 2.0.1. This version has been synchronised with the recently released KNOPPIX 3.8.2, and includes the following additional changes: fixed the sagemlive script and added a connection script to the KNOPPIX menu; added source packages to the sources.list file; removed and added some applications; translated the start-up interface into French; personalised the graphical environment; added more French documentation; other changes and bug fixes. More information is available in the release announcement and release notes (both links in French).
* * * * *
Development and unannounced releases
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| Upcoming Releases and Announcements |
Debian GNU/Linux 3.0r6 "Woody"
The latest issue of Debian Weekly News informs about the 6th and final revision of Debian GNU/Linux 3.0 "Woody": "Joey Schulze sent in the preparation for the last update to Debian 3.0. As usual, this mostly adds recent security updates to the woody release. He also explained that there can't be another update after the release of sarge due to deficiencies in the archive suite." More details are available on this page.
Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 "Sarge"
There has been a slight delay in the release of Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 "Sarge", originally planned for today (30 May), but which is now expected on 6 June: "Well, just in case it wasn't obvious to everyone from looking at the release-critical bug stats, we should probably come out and say it: the count of release critical issues affecting sarge is still going down, but it's not yet down to zero, which means no release this weekend. But we are *very* close, so we're only pushing the schedule back a week and aiming for a release next weekend." Find more information in this mailing list post.
* * * * *
Summary of expected upcoming releases
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| Web Site News |
Call for package list update
As has become the tradition on this web site, June is the month when we update the list of tracked packages on DistroWatch. As always, the decision is yours - if you'd like to see a particular package tracked, please mention it in the forum below or send us an email (you can find the email address at the bottom of this page). We will count the votes and the most often requested packages will be considered for being included in the distribution tables. Of course, many readers have emailed us already and here is the current list of packages that will likely be included in this round: amarok, curl, sqlite, subversion, udev. Some packages are going to be dropped, the likely candidates include net-tools and sawfish. You can find more information about this process on the tracked packages page.
* * * * *
New distribution additions
No new distributions have been added to DistroWatch last week.
* * * * *
New on the waiting list
- Mono Live. Mono Live is a Linux-based live CD with the Mono Framework and current desktop applications included on the CD. It also contains the files necessary to install Mono on Windows computers.
* * * * *
DistroWatch database summary
- Number of Linux distributions in the database: 408
- Number of BSD distributions in the database: 11
- Number of discontinued distributions: 52
- Number of distributions on the waiting list: 117
* * * * *
That's all for today. We hope that you enjoyed this week's DistroWatch Weekly!
Ladislav Bodnar
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| Archives |
| • Issue 1099 (2024-12-02): AnduinOS 1.0.1, measuring RAM usage, SUSE continues rebranding efforts, UBports prepares for next major version, Murena offering non-NFC phone |
| • Issue 1098 (2024-11-25): Linux Lite 7.2, backing up specific folders, Murena and Fairphone partner in fair trade deal, Arch installer gets new text interface, Ubuntu security tool patched |
| • Issue 1097 (2024-11-18): Chimera Linux vs Chimera OS, choosing between AlmaLinux and Debian, Fedora elevates KDE spin to an edition, Fedora previews new installer, KDE testing its own distro, Qubes-style isolation coming to FreeBSD |
| • Issue 1096 (2024-11-11): Bazzite 40, Playtron OS Alpha 1, Tucana Linux 3.1, detecting Screen sessions, Redox imports COSMIC software centre, FreeBSD booting on the PinePhone Pro, LXQt supports Wayland window managers |
| • Issue 1095 (2024-11-04): Fedora 41 Kinoite, transferring applications between computers, openSUSE Tumbleweed receives multiple upgrades, Ubuntu testing compiler optimizations, Mint partners with Framework |
| • Issue 1094 (2024-10-28): DebLight OS 1, backing up crontab, AlmaLinux introduces Litten branch, openSUSE unveils refreshed look, Ubuntu turns 20
| | • Issue 1093 (2024-10-21): Kubuntu 24.10, atomic vs immutable distributions, Debian upgrading Perl packages, UBports adding VoLTE support, Android to gain native GNU/Linux application support |
| • Issue 1092 (2024-10-14): FunOS 24.04.1, a home directory inside a file, work starts of openSUSE Leap 16.0, improvements in Haiku, KDE neon upgrades its base |
| • Issue 1091 (2024-10-07): Redox OS 0.9.0, Unified package management vs universal package formats, Redox begins RISC-V port, Mint polishes interface, Qubes certifies new laptop |
| • Issue 1090 (2024-09-30): Rhino Linux 2024.2, commercial distros with alternative desktops, Valve seeks to improve Wayland performance, HardenedBSD parterns with Protectli, Tails merges with Tor Project, Quantum Leap partners with the FreeBSD Foundation |
| • Issue 1089 (2024-09-23): Expirion 6.0, openKylin 2.0, managing configuration files, the future of Linux development, fixing bugs in Haiku, Slackware packages dracut |
| • Issue 1088 (2024-09-16): PorteuX 1.6, migrating from Windows 10 to which Linux distro, making NetBSD immutable, AlmaLinux offers hardware certification, Mint updates old APT tools |
| • Issue 1087 (2024-09-09): COSMIC desktop, running cron jobs at variable times, UBports highlights new apps, HardenedBSD offers work around for FreeBSD change, Debian considers how to cull old packages, systemd ported to musl |
| • Issue 1086 (2024-09-02): Vanilla OS 2, command line tips for simple tasks, FreeBSD receives investment from STF, openSUSE Tumbleweed update can break network connections, Debian refreshes media |
| • Issue 1085 (2024-08-26): Nobara 40, OpenMandriva 24.07 "ROME", distros which include source code, FreeBSD publishes quarterly report, Microsoft updates breaks Linux in dual-boot environments |
| • Issue 1084 (2024-08-19): Liya 2.0, dual boot with encryption, Haiku introduces performance improvements, Gentoo dropping IA-64, Redcore merges major upgrade |
| • Issue 1083 (2024-08-12): TrueNAS 24.04.2 "SCALE", Linux distros for smartphones, Redox OS introduces web server, PipeWire exposes battery drain on Linux, Canonical updates kernel version policy |
| • Issue 1082 (2024-08-05): Linux Mint 22, taking snapshots of UFS on FreeBSD, openSUSE updates Tumbleweed and Aeon, Debian creates Tiny QA Tasks, Manjaro testing immutable images |
| • Issue 1081 (2024-07-29): SysLinuxOS 12.4, OpenBSD gain hardware acceleration, Slackware changes kernel naming, Mint publishes upgrade instructions |
| • Issue 1080 (2024-07-22): Running GNU/Linux on Android with Andronix, protecting network services, Solus dropping AppArmor and Snap, openSUSE Aeon Desktop gaining full disk encryption, SUSE asks openSUSE to change its branding |
| • Issue 1079 (2024-07-15): Ubuntu Core 24, hiding files on Linux, Fedora dropping X11 packages on Workstation, Red Hat phasing out GRUB, new OpenSSH vulnerability, FreeBSD speeds up release cycle, UBports testing new first-run wizard |
| • Issue 1078 (2024-07-08): Changing init software, server machines running desktop environments, OpenSSH vulnerability patched, Peppermint launches new edition, HardenedBSD updates ports |
| • Issue 1077 (2024-07-01): The Unity and Lomiri interfaces, different distros for different tasks, Ubuntu plans to run Wayland on NVIDIA cards, openSUSE updates Leap Micro, Debian releases refreshed media, UBports gaining contact synchronisation, FreeDOS celebrates its 30th anniversary |
| • Issue 1076 (2024-06-24): openSUSE 15.6, what makes Linux unique, SUSE Liberty Linux to support CentOS Linux 7, SLE receives 19 years of support, openSUSE testing Leap Micro edition |
| • Issue 1075 (2024-06-17): Redox OS, X11 and Wayland on the BSDs, AlmaLinux releases Pi build, Canonical announces RISC-V laptop with Ubuntu, key changes in systemd |
| • Issue 1074 (2024-06-10): Endless OS 6.0.0, distros with init diversity, Mint to filter unverified Flatpaks, Debian adds systemd-boot options, Redox adopts COSMIC desktop, OpenSSH gains new security features |
| • Issue 1073 (2024-06-03): LXQt 2.0.0, an overview of Linux desktop environments, Canonical partners with Milk-V, openSUSE introduces new features in Aeon Desktop, Fedora mirrors see rise in traffic, Wayland adds OpenBSD support |
| • Issue 1072 (2024-05-27): Manjaro 24.0, comparing init software, OpenBSD ports Plasma 6, Arch community debates mirror requirements, ThinOS to upgrade its FreeBSD core |
| • Issue 1071 (2024-05-20): Archcraft 2024.04.06, common command line mistakes, ReactOS imports WINE improvements, Haiku makes adjusting themes easier, NetBSD takes a stand against code generated by chatbots |
| • Issue 1070 (2024-05-13): Damn Small Linux 2024, hiding kernel messages during boot, Red Hat offers AI edition, new web browser for UBports, Fedora Asahi Remix 40 released, Qubes extends support for version 4.1 |
| • Issue 1069 (2024-05-06): Ubuntu 24.04, installing packages in alternative locations, systemd creates sudo alternative, Mint encourages XApps collaboration, FreeBSD publishes quarterly update |
| • Issue 1068 (2024-04-29): Fedora 40, transforming one distro into another, Debian elects new Project Leader, Red Hat extends support cycle, Emmabuntus adds accessibility features, Canonical's new security features |
| • Issue 1067 (2024-04-22): LocalSend for transferring files, detecting supported CPU architecure levels, new visual design for APT, Fedora and openSUSE working on reproducible builds, LXQt released, AlmaLinux re-adds hardware support |
| • Issue 1066 (2024-04-15): Fun projects to do with the Raspberry Pi and PinePhone, installing new software on fixed-release distributions, improving GNOME Terminal performance, Mint testing new repository mirrors, Gentoo becomes a Software In the Public Interest project |
| • Issue 1065 (2024-04-08): Dr.Parted Live 24.03, answering questions about the xz exploit, Linux Mint to ship HWE kernel, AlmaLinux patches flaw ahead of upstream Red Hat, Calculate changes release model |
| • Issue 1064 (2024-04-01): NixOS 23.11, the status of Hurd, liblzma compromised upstream, FreeBSD Foundation focuses on improving wireless networking, Ubuntu Pro offers 12 years of support |
| • Issue 1063 (2024-03-25): Redcore Linux 2401, how slowly can a rolling release update, Debian starts new Project Leader election, Red Hat creating new NVIDIA driver, Snap store hit with more malware |
| • Issue 1062 (2024-03-18): KDE neon 20240304, changing file permissions, Canonical turns 20, Pop!_OS creates new software centre, openSUSE packages Plasma 6 |
| • Issue 1061 (2024-03-11): Using a PinePhone as a workstation, restarting background services on a schedule, NixBSD ports Nix to FreeBSD, Fedora packaging COSMIC, postmarketOS to adopt systemd, Linux Mint replacing HexChat |
| • Issue 1060 (2024-03-04): AV Linux MX-23.1, bootstrapping a network connection, key OpenBSD features, Qubes certifies new hardware, LXQt and Plasma migrate to Qt 6 |
| • Issue 1059 (2024-02-26): Warp Terminal, navigating manual pages, malware found in the Snap store, Red Hat considering CPU requirement update, UBports organizes ongoing work |
| • Issue 1058 (2024-02-19): Drauger OS 7.6, how much disk space to allocate, System76 prepares to launch COSMIC desktop, UBports changes its version scheme, TrueNAS to offer faster deduplication |
| • Issue 1057 (2024-02-12): Adelie Linux 1.0 Beta, rolling release vs fixed for a smoother experience, Debian working on 2038 bug, elementary OS to split applications from base system updates, Fedora announces Atomic Desktops |
| • Issue 1056 (2024-02-05): wattOS R13, the various write speeds of ISO writing tools, DSL returns, Mint faces Wayland challenges, HardenedBSD blocks foreign USB devices, Gentoo publishes new repository, Linux distros patch glibc flaw |
| • Issue 1055 (2024-01-29): CNIX OS 231204, distributions patching packages the most, Gentoo team presents ongoing work, UBports introduces connectivity and battery improvements, interview with Haiku developer |
| • Issue 1054 (2024-01-22): Solus 4.5, comparing dd and cp when writing ISO files, openSUSE plans new major Leap version, XeroLinux shutting down, HardenedBSD changes its build schedule |
| • Issue 1053 (2024-01-15): Linux AI voice assistants, some distributions running hotter than others, UBports talks about coming changes, Qubes certifies StarBook laptops, Asahi Linux improves energy savings |
| • Issue 1052 (2024-01-08): OpenMandriva Lx 5.0, keeping shell commands running when theterminal closes, Mint upgrades Edge kernel, Vanilla OS plans big changes, Canonical working to make Snap more cross-platform |
| • Issue 1051 (2024-01-01): Favourite distros of 2023, reloading shell settings, Asahi Linux releases Fedora remix, Gentoo offers binary packages, openSUSE provides full disk encryption |
| • Issue 1050 (2023-12-18): rlxos 2023.11, renaming files and opening terminal windows in specific directories, TrueNAS publishes ZFS fixes, Debian publishes delayed install media, Haiku polishes desktop experience |
| • Issue 1049 (2023-12-11): Lernstick 12, alternatives to WINE, openSUSE updates its branding, Mint unveils new features, Lubuntu team plans for 24.04 |
| • Issue 1048 (2023-12-04): openSUSE MicroOS, the transition from X11 to Wayland, Red Hat phasing out X11 packages, UBports making mobile development easier |
| • Issue 1047 (2023-11-27): GhostBSD 23.10.1, Why Linux uses swap when memory is free, Ubuntu Budgie may benefit from Wayland work in Xfce, early issues with FreeBSD 14.0 |
| • Issue 1046 (2023-11-20): Slackel 7.7 "Openbox", restricting CPU usage, Haiku improves font handling and software centre performance, Canonical launches MicroCloud |
| • Issue 1045 (2023-11-13): Fedora 39, how to trust software packages, ReactOS booting with UEFI, elementary OS plans to default to Wayland, Mir gaining ability to split work across video cards |
| • Full list of all issues |
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| Random Distribution | 
ROOT GNU/Linux
ROOT Linux was an advanced GNU/Linux system. It was licensed under the GNU GPL - it's 100% free and non-commercial. ROOT Linux was not recommended as a first Linux distribution. You must have experience of Linux and computers in general. Of course, you may use it anyway, but don't complain. ROOT Linux does not contain help programs like linuxconf, sndconfig, netconfig and things like that. People using ROOT Linux should know how to configure their software & hardware without using that kind of tools. ROOT Linux was Pentium optimized. This means it won't work on older processors than Pentiums (Intel 586's).
Status: Discontinued
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| TUXEDO |
TUXEDO Computers - Linux Hardware in a tailor made suite
Choose from a wide range of laptops and PCs in various sizes and shapes at TUXEDOComputers.com. Every machine comes pre-installed and ready-to-run with Linux. Full 24 months of warranty and lifetime support included!
Learn more about our full service package and all benefits from buying at TUXEDO.
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| Star Labs |
Star Labs - Laptops built for Linux.
View our range including the highly anticipated StarFighter. Available with coreboot open-source firmware and a choice of Ubuntu, elementary, Manjaro and more. Visit Star Labs for information, to buy and get support.
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