Open Source

Looking back at the first BackTrack Linux release, which arrived two decades ago as Kali's ancestor, the update 2026.1 features a classic theme directly inspired by its looks. Additionally, there are several new tools included, such as WPProbe, Fluxion, and GEF, while the Discord community can still enjoy the Kali 13th Birthday Event.

German-made ML4W OS is another piece of code based on Arch Linux, and its latest version, labeled 2.12.0, comes with multiple package updates, as well as several system elements replaced with Quickshell widgets. Only available for 64-bit machines, it comes in a 2.4 GB ISO file.

Replacing version 250407, ExLight 260322 comes with the kernel 6.19.8-amd64-exton and its list of highlights includes the Enlightenment 0.27.1 environment, Calamares 3.3.14-1, Refracta Snapshot, as well as a generous list of updated packages. The base used is Debian 13.4 Trixie.

Based on Debian 13.4 Trixie while leaving out systemd/libsystemd0 and elogind/libelogind0, antiX 26 is now available with five init systems, plenty of updated packages and several window managers. With support for both 64-bit and 32-bit hardware, it comes in two versions, namely Full and Core.

WordPress.com has opened up its platform to AI agents, allowing these autonomous bots to create and update content on their own. Business and personal website owners can simply command their favorite MCP-enabled AI, including Claude, Cursor, and ChatGPT, without having to do the hard work of manual updates.

Thanks to Asahi Remix 43, Mac users with Apple silicon can enjoy Fedora Linux 43 on their machines. In addition to RPM 6.0 and the DNF5 backend, the list of exclusive features for Apple hardware includes Mac Pro support and 120 Hz refresh for MacBook Pro 14/16, as well as support for M2 Pro/Max MacBook microphones.

Researchers have developed a rapid, highly sensitive screening method that detects previously unknown, DNA-altering substances in common products like skin creams, drinking water, and red meat.

Once built upon Ubuntu, Brazil-based Br OS is now using Debian as its foundation, and the latest update is less than a day old. While there is no official news yet, it is safe to assume that version 13.4 takes the whole experience one step forward with updated apps, a new kernel, and maybe also a few surprises.

With version 3.2, Peropesis continues to deliver a fresh yet old-school Linux experience by relying exclusively on the command line interface. This update comes with multiple refreshed packages, such as gnutls 3.8.12, git 2.53.0, ruby 4.0.1, Lua 5.5.0, and more. The 64-bit live ISO size is now 410 MB.

Based on the Debian testing "Forky" repository as of March 14, 2026, SparkyLinux 2026.03 “Tiamat” comes with the Linux kernel 6.19.6, Firefox and Thunderbird 140.8.0esr, Calamares 3.4.2, and more. The list of versions available includes LXQt, MATE, and MinimalGUI (Openbox), as well as MinimalCLI (text mode).

Codenamed "Phoenix Pulsar" and packing the LTS Linux kernel with version 6.18, GLF OS 25.11 also includes the Nvidia driver 590.48 and a generous list of new built-in apps. The list includes pieces of code such as KCalc, Thunderbird, digiKam, the in-house developed Nix-Firewall-Management app, and more.

Baptized after the second-largest moon in our solar system, the Titan release of EndeavourOS also carries the 2026.03.06 version number. In addition to the Linux 6.19 kernel and KDE Plasma 6.6, it also comes with Firefox 148 and Calamares 26.03, as well as multiple minor tweaks and fixes.

The latest update of LinuxHub Prime is 3.1.5, and its highlights include Conky support, an improved live ISO image that now features an option to change screen resolution, updated Welcome and Config apps, better error handling for Calamares, updated Plymouth, and more.

While home users have nothing to do with such a piece of code, professionals managing servers should be interested in Univention Corporate Server 5.2-5, the latest update of the Debian-based behemoth that now features a restore option for deleted user accounts, faster changes to group memberships, and more.

Released earlier this week and based on Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS, Zentyal Server 8.1 sports a long list of internal improvements and bug fixes, as well as the latest updates for all integrated pieces of code. This release focuses on increasing the overall performance, security, and stability across multiple scenarios.

Yesterday's arrival of Fedora Linux 44 beta introduces the post-install Plasma Setup application for all KDE variants of this operating system alongside the Plasma Login Manager, which replaces SDDM as the default login manager. The Games Lab also replaces Xfce with KDE Plasma, and the changes don't stop here.

The fifth release of the stable/14 branch updates FreeBSD to version 14.4. Bhyve virtual machines can share a filesystem with the host via the new p9fs, cloud-init compatibility in nuageinit was improved, multiple bugs were fixed, and various packages, including OpenSSH and OpenZFS, got updated.

This year's second CachyOS release comes with animated desktop previews in the installer, significant changes to the handheld edition, a reworked website, Winboat integration, and more. Labeled 260308, the update comes in the shape of a 2.8 GB (desktop) and 2.4 GB (handheld) ISO image.

LineageOS-based mobile operating system iodéOS is back with version 7.3, an update that "transforms your interface with dynamic colors and intuitive interactions" by bringing together Material 3 Expressive design and extended customization capabilities. This stable release is available for over 40 supported devices.

Zenclora 2.0 "Ardenweald" is now out with Zen Package Manager (ZPM) replacing Zenclora Commands, while Zenclora Fetch can display version codenames. Additionally, the desktop is now providing a better user experience. This update also sports new kernel-level optimizations, automatic Nvidia driver setup, and more.

The Linux From Scratch 13.0 guide for a build-it-yourself distro is back with over 100 commits since the previous stable version. In addition to the 6.18.10 kernel, it also comes with a list of no less than 36 updated packages, including glibc, openssl, vim, Python, and zlib.

Per a job listing, Electronic Arts is working on bringing Javelin anti-cheat to Steam Deck, Linux, and ARM. Noteworthy games using EA's Javelin anti-cheat include recent Battlefield, EA Sports, Madden NFL, and F1 series releases. FIFA 23 and Skate also use Javelin.

Today's refresh of the Arch-based minimalist distro known as PrismLinux is labeled 2026.03.05 and comes with enough changes to make it a major update. The list includes a full migration to Electrobun, installer improvements, and system enhancements, as well as significant backend upgrades.

Aeon 20260302 brings this distro "for lazy developers" one step further, although there's no major change compared to last month's update. However, this project from Germany deserves some attention, and this update is the perfect opportunity to push it into the spotlight.

Google says Chrome will move to a two-week major release cycle starting in September 2026, beginning with Chrome 153 on September 8, with Extended Stable remaining on an eight-week cadence for enterprise.

With the snapshot labeled 2026.03, Origami Linux is finally out of beta. This project, built on Fedora 43 and the CachyOS 6.19.3 kernel, offers a cutting-edge, rolling release approach, making it "rock-solid, incredibly fast, and ready for everyone". Origami Linux 2026.03 comes with the Rust-based COSMIC desktop environment.

Security Onion 2.4.210 is back with major improvements for the Onion AI Assistant, as well as local model support for Onion AI. Several system components of this platform that performs threat hunting and enterprise security monitoring were updated. This new version also comes with the usual set of minor tweaks and fixes.

One of the more recent Arch-based distros is Berserk Arch, which targets power users and "is not designed to be easy" but allows Linux connoisseurs to have a base to use for building their edge. Using Openbox as the default desktop environment, Berserk Arch 2026.03.01 updates several packages, including Firefox, Mesa, Vim, and more.

Loaded with the long-term support kernel labeled 6.12.74, MocaccinoOS 26.03 also includes Mesa 25.3.5, out-of-the-box support for RTW89, documentation improvements, including the MocaccinoOS manual now shipping with each ISO, and more. The ISO files available come with KDE, MATE, XFCE, and GNOME, as well as a minimal version.

Oreon, the live Linux distro based on AlmaLinux and born in the USA, is back with a new update. While keeping the decade-long support pledge and the custom-themed GNOME desktop, it moves from XFS to Btrfs and replaces the Anaconda installer with Centrio. Version 2603 also sports updated branding and logos, automatic Nvidia driver setup, and more.

Advertised as an operating system "that provides a breadth of functionality and ease of use without sacrificing aesthetics," Bluestar Linux has just been updated to version 6.18.9. Its highlights include LibreOffice 26.2.1, the 6.18.13 kernel, the Nvidia driver with version number 590.48.01, Firefox 148, Chromium 145.0.7632.116, and more.

Version 7.5 of the Debian-based Irish-flavored Linux distro with a strong focus on online anonymity and security, namely Tails, is now available with several updated apps and the usual set of bugs and fixes. It is also the first version that installs Thunderbird as additional software on each start.

Although based on Debian's unstable branch, Clonezilla Live 3.3.1-35 is available as a stable version. Its highlights include the 6.18.9 kernel, Partclone 0.3.45, improved BitLocker support, makeboot64.cmd instead of makeboot64.bat, as well as several other improvements, fixes, and tweaks.

TermDriver 2 from Excamera Labs is a USB-to-serial adapter with a built-in IPS display. Connect this board to power, link it to your target’s debugging port, then get straight to debugging MCUs or SBCs both on the workbench and in the field.

Packing roots that can be traced back to a personal SUSE Studio project that came out in 2014, today's NebiOS has just received an update to version 10.2. This release sports multiple bug fixes, two components entirely rewritten, namely Bundle Store and napp-runtime, as well as plenty of improvements to the NebiDE desktop.

Now built on LibreELEC 12.2, Lakka 6.1 is a new release of this retro console emulator for single-board computers. Back in April 2024, version 5.0 came out, and since then, the team has been working on revamping the core ecosystem and introducing several new features.

Labeled as the "Goodbye Lubuntu/Ubuntu" release, OmegaLinux arrives with an Arch Linux base while keeping the LXDE desktop to continue supporting low-end hardware. However, the new base provides faster updates and a more streamlined system while requiring users to adapt to its more technical approach.

The debut of the ReXGlue SDK for Xbox 360-to-PC recompilations has spurred the launch of four wildly different recompilation projects, though three of them are tied to deceased mangaka Akira Toriyama of Dragon Ball fame. ReXGlue SDK also lays the groundwork for many more recomps to come.

After deciding against using the ISP router in part one, it’s time to focus on hardware: what actually works best for an OpenWRT router? A mini PC, Raspberry Pi, or a traditional router? And what about the switch and access point? In this part, I’ll walk through my hardware choices, including considerations around power consumption, architecture, and cost.

Provider routers are convenient—but that’s exactly their biggest problem. Poor Wi-Fi coverage, limited control, questionable privacy, and technical limitations are everyday issues for many users. In this new series, I’ll gradually replace my provider’s all-in-one device (the Vodafone Station) with a modular setup using an OpenWRT router, access point, and switch. In part 1, I’ll explain why I’m taking this approach and how the project is structured.

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) have developed a new system called Stable Video Infinity (SVI) to tackle the drifting in video generation models.

Nearly 20 years later, the Nintendo DS is still receiving new hardware integrations, and with good reason. Given its superior form factor and sprawling homebrew community, the only thing missing seemed to be a little Raspberry Pi integration. Enter the DSpico flashcart.

In this second part of the series, we take a closer look at Asus gaming laptops. The open-source alternative this time is called G-Helper. While Asus Armoury Crate weighs in at a staggering 4 GB, G-Helper comes in at a ridiculous 5 MB — yet remains extremely powerful.

Privacy-focused hardware company Brax returns with an open-source 2-in-1 tablet offering a user-replaceable battery, M.2 expansion, and support for a range of operating systems.

Control center apps from major laptop manufacturers such as Asus Armoury Crate or Lenovo Vantage have grown into bloated, resource-hungry packages packed with ads and tracking. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Slim open-source tools, often just a few megabytes in size, can offer a very similar feature set—without the bloatware. In this new article series, we take a close look at the best open-source alternatives for gaming laptops and explain who actually benefits from switching.

Keychron has launched an updated Q Ultra mechanical keyboard series globally, bringing new ultra-efficient ZMK firmware that brings with it in-depth customisation and up to 660 hours of battery life. The new keyboards also launch with new switches and in various layouts, including the full-size Q6 Ultra and the gaming-optimised Q1 Ultra. The affordable Z Ultra series brings the same features in a plastic chassis at half the price.

Following the nearly half-million dollar crowdfunding success of the Mini-KVM, Openterface is back with the KVM-GO, a tiny KVM that reduces cable clutter by including all the hardware in the display connector.

CheckMag With the growing number of users jumping from Windows to Linux, I decided to fully take the plunge and dive deep into the Open Source ocean. A few months and several headaches later, it has proved to be the best computer-related decision I've made in over a decade (and perhaps in my entire life).