Linux / Unix

The Open Source Media Center (OSMC) Debian-based Linux distro has just been updated with Kodi 21.1 Omega. In addition to a set of bug fixes, the new version, labeled 2024.08-1, comes with improved remote keymap messages, updated and improved translations, Vero V full range video output, and more.

The team known for innovation and experiments at Mozilla has integrated OpenAI’s Whisper automatic speech recognition system into their llamafile project. The project aims to deliver local hardware-friendly large language models in a single-file executable. The ability to locally run transcription software can benefit privacy-minded users looking to transcribe sensitive audio.

About seven months after the release of GNOME 46, GNOME 47 Beta arrives roughly a month before the testing will end, as the final version should arrive on September 14th. This new pre-launch release comes with hardware encoding for screen recordings, support for tablet tool pressure ranges, and more.

Microsoft recently pushed out a security update to Windows users that breaks some dual-boot configurations. Users with some older Linux distributions, or any that use GRUB 2, may find their system unable to boot. This article goes over the cause of that, and how to fix it.

CheckMag It looks as though the long-awaited GIMP 3.0 release may be soon upon us, with the GNU Project announcing a string freeze for the latest developer preview build. Between overhauled colour management tools, a refined UI, and, finally, a simple stroke selection tool, GIMP 3.0 is looking to be a big release for the free, open-source Photoshop alternative.

Zen 5 might only be 5% faster than the previous gen in Windows for now, but Linux users can already enjoy up to 32% speed boosts thanks to Intel's optimizations that somehow work for AMD's latest CPUs too.

Nvidia released its latest official drivers for Linux, FreeBSD, and Solaris. In addition to improved support for a variety of features in the open-source OSes, the Nvidia 560 graphics drivers also default to using open-source GPU kernel modules.

Born in 2017, Artix is a rolling-release distro partially based on Arch Linux. The latest update, labeled 20240819, arrived yesterday. The most obvious change is that LXQt and LXDE are no longer coming with the community editions. Also, XFCE is now the default desktop environment in community-gtk.

Often hailed as one of the best lightweight Linux distros that can run from a USB stick while also supporting persistency, EasyOS was born in 2017, and its roots can be traced all the way back to Puppy Linux. Now, version 6.2 is available with a complete recompile in OpenEmbedded, sporting multiple package updates.

Based on the stable Deepin 23 distro, ExTiX 24.8 comes with the 6.10.3-amd64-exton kernel (equivalent to the 6.10.3 stable kernel) and Google Chrome 127.0.6533.119-1, which replaces the Deepin Browser. Compared to Deepin 23, ExTiX 24.8 also sports the Synaptic Package Manager.

According to new reports, Anbernic is a mere few days away from officially releasing its latest vertical retro gaming handheld. Not only has the release date for the Anbernic RG40XX V surfaced online, but so has its launch pricing and key specifications.

Released yesterday (Aug 15), Deepin 23 sets a new standard for Debian-based Linux distros. This update introduces atomic updates alongside support for new hardware architectures such as ARM64, LoongArch64, and RISC-V. The custom Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE) now provides an even more user-friendly computing experience.

Gone are the days of review bombs and copypasta on Steam; replaced instead by review bombs and copypasta with extra steps. Valve's new Helpfulness System will rank helpful Steam reviews as such and place them higher on a game's store page.

The Edward Snowden-endorsed live Linux distro Tails is back with version 6.6. This refresh brings Thunderbird and Tor Browser up to date, as well as packing support for new hardware and improving the persistent storage capabilities of this Debian-based piece of code, which targets those seeking complete Internet anonymity.

Made by a fan of Rebecca Black, the Debian-based distribution simply called "RebeccaBlackOS" is a beta-stage live Linux with a login manager for Wayland, Qt 6, and only 64-bit support (the versions previously released, which arrived with Qt 5, supported 32-bit platforms as well).

Focused on delivering an easy initial setup and post-install configuration, IPFire is a Linux distro designed for firewalls. Version 2.29 Core 187 comes with an additional layer of protection against denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. This capability is useful in high-bandwidth and cloud deployment scenarios.

ETA Prime on YouTube has recently demonstrated how to turn a broken Steam Deck into a fully functional mini PC on the cheap. You don't even need in-depth knowledge or specialised tools to accomplish the task, and the parts-bin Steam Deck can be found on eBay for as little as $142.

This is the company's first convertible model. The Intel i5-1335U processor can be complemented with up to 64 GB DDR4-3200 RAM and up to 8 TB SSD storage. While the FHD+ touchscreen is not that impressive, the port selection is varied and includes a Thunderbolt 4 connector and microSD card reader or optional 4G SIM.

CheckMag Looking for something to do this weekend? These three modern remakes slap much-needed coats of paint on older PC games. These are essentially engine rebuilds that add modern features to the classic titles while staying true to the original games' feel and intention. The best part: they're all completely free.

The highly anticipated Cosmic desktop environment has finally launched in alpha version alongside the Pop!_OS 24.04 alpha. The new Linux desktop environment is also available for Arch, Fedora, NixOS, and Serpent OS, with plans for openSUSE and Redox OS launches underway.

For just under $250, YouTuber ETA Prime has assembled a Linux-based PC that can handle some beefy PC titles at 1080p. The system was designed as a living room PC with more power than the Steam Deck while maintaining the Steam Deck’s console-style interface. With a Ryzen 5 3500 and an AMD Radeon RX590, the system is capable of some notable performance.

The Linux-based StarBook 7 can now be configured with Intel's new Meteor Lake chips. Key specs include a 14-inch 4K screen, up to 96 GB RAM/4 TB storage, a 65 Wh battery and a variety of Linux distros to choose from.

With a focus on minimalism and performance, Serpent OS aims to help users get the most out of their hardware and streamline their workflow. The release comes four years after Ikey Doherty announced he would be working on a new Linux distro. Despite some problems in development, Serpent OS has made it to the pre-alpha stage and is now available to download. 

A recent review tested the performance of AMD's new Ryzen AI 9 365 processor and its Radeon 880M iGPU in Ubuntu 24.04 on Linux kernel 6.10 and Windows 11 and found that the CPU and iGPU combination performed better under Linux in most scenarios. The biggest surprise comes from GPU benchmarks, where Linux often beat Windows by up to 50%.

CheckMag I spoke with Brian R Lyons of TMNA Toyota Motor Corp North America about the implementation of Linux in Toyota and Lexus infotainment systems. Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) is a version of Linux being used by several automotive manufacturers.

It looks like System76's exciting new Rust-based Cosmic DE will get an official Fedora spin in the upcoming Fedora 42, potentially giving Linux users with bleeding-edge hardware an official way to try Cosmic. Fedora Linux operates on a semi-rolling release, but it is often regarded as a stable base for those looking for up-to-date software and hardware support.

The first Release Candidate for the next version of the Linux Kernel (Kernel 6.11-rc1) is now available. The candidate includes support for wireless drivers on Qualcomm chips (specifically the Snapdragon X1 platform) and features for virtualization.

A handful of DIY-friendly Epomaker mechanical keyboards are on sale on Amazon, with up to 50% off. The sale brings some impressively quality keyboards down to very reasonable prices, like the Epomaker x Aula F87 Pro wireless TKL keyboard that is now as low as $39.99. Epomaker's keyboards often feature gasket mounting, foam noise isolation, and hot-swappable key switches, for endless customisation.

Codenamed "Wilma" and to be supported until 2029, Linux Mint 22 comes with multiple software updates, including the Linux kernel 6.8, themes with GTK4 support alongside multiple visual changes across the entire system, HiDPI in the boot sequence, Plymouth, and Slick-Greeter. Hexchat has been replaced with the Matrix chat network.

Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and available in no less than ten editions, Ubuntu Pack 24.04 is now out. This distro comes with a universal VLC player, a comprehensive set of media codecs, and support for running Windows apps. The list of preinstalled apps includes Inkscape, XnView, Peazip, Firefox, Veracrypt, and more.

Available in its current form since early August 2007, MidnightBSD started as a FreeBSD fork in 2005. Version 3.2.0 brings the Ravenports integrated system, which allows you to build packages of complex software, including private repositories for targeted use. The default desktop environment remains Xfce.

MagicX is developing yet another retro gaming handheld. Supposedly arriving with a $40 target price tag, the MagicX XU HD should be powerful enough to emulate Nintendo DS, Nintendo 64 and PlayStation 1 games.

System76's long-awaited Cosmic desktop environment will officially ship with the Pop!_OS 24.04 alpha build, bringing with it a host of improvements to GPU compatibility and features. Despite it being an alpha build, System76 hopes for Cosmic and Pop!_OS 24.04 to be completely usable as a daily driver OS.

JSAUX has announced a Lite version of its innovative, foldable portable monitor. It is now the most affordable variant of its line-up, and is also the first version of the FlipGo in which its dual screens are 15.6 inches in diagonal length. Then again, there are some compromises relative to its higher-end Pro siblings.

Available since July 10, 2022, Nobara Linux is a Fedora-based distro aimed at gamers and content creators. Yesterday, version 40 arrived with a completely remade updater, KDE 6.1.1, Gnome 46, as well as the Nvidia 555 drivers and much more. Five versions are available for download, including two made to look and feel like the Steam Deck.

CheckMag While buying the latest tech is tempting, older desktop and laptop computers are often more than enough to meet the demands of modern computing work. An older machine may require some time and tinkering to get up to par, but the payoff can definitely be worth the work and the results can be rather surprising.

Anbernic has decided to offer yet another compact gaming handheld. Arriving shortly after the RG Cube, the RG40XX H starts at just $69.99 and should be powerful enough to emulate most retro game consoles up to the PlayStation Portable.

Anbernic is gearing to release yet another retro gaming handheld, roughly a month after the arrival of the RG Cube. This time, the company has delivered the RG40XX H, a 4-inch option that has been shown to emulate up to Dreamcast and PlayStation Portable games for a $64.99 starting price.

A recent video from Mental Outlaw explores what it means to be able to boot from Google Drive, how it is possible, and how this proof of concept could impact future PC hardware.

Capable of providing a fully-loaded Linux firewall solution that only requires a few clicks to secure a network, NethSecurity got an update with two major highlights. Version 8.1 comes with a user account manager in the web GUI, as well as a visual connection tracker.

Unleashed yesterday, Finnix 126 is built using the Linux kernel 6.8 (Debian 6.8.12-1, to be entirely accurate) and comes with several new packages, such as libc6-i386, features, as well as fixes and improvements. This release also includes a fix for the recently discovered OpenSSH CVE-2024-6387 vulnerability.

The Linux Mint development team has released the beta version of Linux Mint 22 for download, which for the first time is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and comes with the Linux 6.8 kernel. In addition to the updated Cinnamon 6.2 desktop, MATE 1.26 and Xfce 4.18 are also available.

Manjaro Linux 24's third maintenance release, called "Wynsdey" and introduced earlier today, features Plasma 6 and version 6.9 of the Linux kernel. Each of the Manjaro editions available comes with updated desktops and visual traits, as well as under-the-hood fixes and optimizations.

The initial support for Linux has dropped on the Asus Vivobook S 15 OLED laptop, which is powered by Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100. However, not all the functionality is available on the latest kernel patch. For example, USB4, SD card, and battery monitoring aren't currently working.

The M25 is a new retro gaming handheld that closely resembles a particular Sony PlayStation accessory. Available for under $100 with 64 GB or 128 GB of storage, the M25 also has a modest battery capacity, a compact display, 4 GB of RAM and runs EmuELEC 4.3 by default.

As its fifth anniversary draws near, EndeavourOS gets a new update. Labeled 2024.06.25, this software refresh comes with Plasma 6.1 (both offline and live), Firefox 127.0.1-1, and Calamares 24.06.1.2-1, as well as a few fixes. Also, the r8168 legacy driver package has been removed in this update.

The Pocket Z is a new attempt at bringing back the classic PDA form factor. Built around a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, the Pocket Z runs Linux and should eventually be released for under $100.

System76's Cosmic Linux desktop environment now has an official logo. The development team confirms that a first alpha version of the Rust-based desktop is planned for the end of July.