Venom Linux 20250108 launches with the 6.12.8 kernel, Wayland 1.23.1, and more

Venom is one of the more recent Linux distros currently in the wild. Updated yesterday, this CRUX-inspired piece of code uses a POSIX-compliant custom package management tool called scratchpkg and targets experienced users. It utilizes a text-mode system installer and includes a simple desktop, formerly based on the Openbox window manager but now transitioning to Sway/Wayland. Yesterday's update brings the 6.12.8 Linux kernel into the spotlight but also features updates to several other components.

The list of updated packages includes the following highlights:

• alsa-lib 1.2.13
• bash 5.2.37
• firefox 134.0
• gcc 14.2.0
• glibc 2.40
• grub 2.12
• kmod 33
• mesa 24.3.3
• perl 5.40.0
• vim 9.1
• wayland 1.23.1

Thanks to Wayland, Venom is now moving from Openbox to Sway. Obviously, those interested in keeping their Openbox-based desktop around can just build their system as they wish. The official downloads page now includes a pre-built Live CD, as well as images with a root file system with the following init software choices: runit, sysvinit, s6, and Runit s6 SysV. Newbies who need guidance can find a straightforward guide to installing, creating custom ISOs, system management, and more on this page.

Advanced users looking for a new guide to browse through can grab Ryan Juan's Linux Advanced for SysAdmin: Become a proficient system administrator to manage networks, database, system health, automation and kubernetes off Amazon in Kindle format ($33.99) or in paperback form ($35.99).