This week's Linux and FOSS news:

LINUX NEWS

Archinstall 3.0.9 released with option to set up a Bluetooth connection, change LUKS iteration time, U2F authentication support, --skip-boot option to bypass installation of a bootloader, etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/arch-linux-installer-gets-u2f-authentication-and-bluetooth-support

More malware discovered in the AUR (google-chrome-stable package), has been removed:
https://news.itsfoss.com/arch-linux-spark-rat/

Ubuntu 25.10 will include experimental TPM-backed full disk encryption option:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Ubuntu-25.10-TPM-FDE

Ubuntu Server 25.10 will include wcurl in the default installation instead of wget, byobu and screen will also be removed:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/08/ubuntu-server-25-10-replaces-wget-with-wcurl

Tails 6.18 released with support for WebTunnel bridges (to allow Tor network connections to be disguised as ordinary web traffic), updated Tor Browser and Thunderbird:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/7/tails-6-18-released-with-webtunnel-bridges-and-updated-tor-browser-and-thunderbird/

GNOME AI assistant Newelle reaches version 1.0 milestone, includes option to execute terminal commands, search on the web, file management, document editing and more, supports various online and offline models:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/GNOME-AI-Assistant-1.0

KDE Plasma 6.5 will include automatic day/night theme switching, option to set Global Theme from the "Quick Settings" area of system settings, bug fixes and improvements:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/KDE-Theme-Day-Night-Auto-Switch

Android Linux Terminal app (running Debian) now supports GUI, running GUI desktop apps:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/7/new-updates-for-android-s-linux-terminal-unveil-the-plan-to-turn-it-into-a-true-desktop-os/

Linux is used by 3% of gamers according to the Steam Survey:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Steam-Survey-July-2025

(more Linux and FOSS news in comments)

This week's Linux and FOSS news:

LINUX NEWS

Debian 13 will include initial RISC-V support, with limited board support for now:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Debian-13-RISC-V-Ready

GNOME introduces Foundry, a development tool which extract's Builder's functionality into a library and CLI tool:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/GNOME-Builder-Foundry-2025

KDE Plasma 6.5 will be able to send notications about low printer ink level, will include Pointer Warp support for Wayland:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Plasma-6.5-Low-Printer-Ink

OBS Studio Snap app rebased on Core24 instead of Core22, built for official OBS Project PPA instead of unofficial, unmaintained OBS Studio Portable, better Intel GPU support:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/07/obs-studio-snap-update-core24-plugins

KaOS 2025.07 available with Qt5-based KDE Frameworks removed from default install, Plasma 6.4, updated packages, Phonon uses MPV as default backend instead of VLC:
https://betanews.com/2025/07/24/kaos-linux-gets-a-modern-makeover-and-a-big-under-the-hood-upgrade/

Fedora considers reducing the scope that BIOS systems can hold up a release:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Fedora-Non-UEFI-BIOS-Scope

New migration tool Operese available, for migrating files and settings from Windows 10 to a Kubuntu installation:
https://betanews.com/2025/07/22/saying-no-to-windows-11-just-got-easier-operese-automatically-transfers-your-windows-10-files-and-settings-to-linux/
(It's a pretty cool concept overall, but I think giving KDE Plasma for Linux newcomers isn't really the best idea, because the tons of customization options, and occasional bugs here and there might scare away some Windows users. I would rather give them Zorin OS with their customized version of GNOME, or Linux Mint / LMDE with Cinnamon. (No, I'm not a KDE hater, I think it's a great option for those who want to fully customize their desktop experience, or the PewDiePie type of guys who already adopted the mindset of tweaking around, playing around with the options, not wanting to go back to Windows when encountering a bug, but it's not for every newcomer.))

Wayback 0.1 released as a first preview release:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Wayback-0.1-Released

(FOSS news in comments)

One of the dumbest design decisions of #GTK is to have "warp scrolling" the default primary mouse button behavior.

Previously, if you middle-clicked the scrollbar, it would jump to that position within the buffer. Primary click moved up/down by page. GTK 3 reversed this for no reason.

There are some limited scenarios where jump scrolling is desired, but you should never break a standard UX convention without a tremendous benefit. There wasn't one.

This week's Linux and FOSS news:

LINUX NEWS

Ubuntu 24.10 will reach EOL on July 10, upgrading to 25.04 is recommended:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/06/ubuntu-24-10-oracular-oriole-eol-july-2025

Ubuntu 25.10 (shipping GNOME 49) will remove GNOME X11 session:
https://9to5linux.com/ubuntu-25-10-questing-quokka-to-remove-the-gnome-on-xorg-x11-session

Linux Mint 20 reached EOL, upgrading to 22 is recommended:
https://news.itsfoss.com/linux-mint-20-eol/

Linux Mint 22.2 adds out-of-the-box fingerprint authentication support with Fingwit app:
https://9to5linux.com/linux-mint-22-2-will-feature-fingerprint-authentication-with-fingwit-app

Nitrux drops the Plasma-based NX desktop for Hyprland, due to the discontinuation of Plasma LTS released:
https://9to5linux.com/nitrux-linux-drops-its-kde-plasma-based-nx-desktop-for-hyprland
(It's a bit weird choice that they ditched a full DE for a standalone compositor, which is tiling in fact, and requires editing some config files manually, not sure if DE users want that.)

Kali Linux 2025.2 released with revamped Kali Menu, GNOME 48, KDE Plasma 8.3, 13 new tools (including Azurehound, binwalk3, bloodhound-ce-python etc.):
https://9to5linux.com/kali-linux-2025-2-released-with-revamped-kali-menu-13-new-hacking-tools

GNOME 49 Alpha 0 available with preparations for disabling X11 by default:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/GNOME-49-Alpha-0-Packages

Sway 1.11 released with explicit sync support, support for the ext-image-copy-capture-v1 and ext-image-capture-source-v1 protocols for improved screen capture, support for the alpha-modifier-v1 protocol for setting an alpha multiplier for a surface, etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/sway-1-11-tiling-wayland-compositor-adds-support-for-explicit-synchronization

(More Linux and FOSS news in comments)

#LinuxGaming is about to change in a "Bazaar" way! @jorge

#Bazzite #Linux #DesktopLinux #videogames #emulation #flatpak

https://gardinerbryant.com/linux-software-management-is-about-to-change-with-bazaar

Oh my goodness! You can enable login and logout sounds in KDE Plasma!

The Oxygen sound theme has such a nice jingle, too. It reminds me of the good old days. I'm keeping that.

You can enable it in Settings → Apps & Windows → Notifications → Login → Play a sound (See screenshot)

You can set a custom sound file, but a file from your current sound theme should already be default if there is one.

This week's Linux and FOSS news:

LINUX NEWS

GNOME Foundation has a new executive director, Steven Deobald, an experienced software developer, who plans to focus on transparency about the operation of the foundation:
https://blogs.gnome.org/steven/2025/05/06/introducing-myself/

GNOME 49 will include Showtime instead of Totem as the default video player:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/gnome-49-replaces-totem-video-player-with-showtime
(It's time to make the switch I guess, Totem didn't really work, at least for me, it couldn't open videos, crashed quite a lot.)
(I remember a dev making an April's FOols joke that Showtime finally shows the time as the name suggests lol)

Linux Mint 22.2 will include new default theme with more blue-ish gray colors, to ensure that Adwaita programs look better on the system, XDG Desktop Portal XApp is tweaked to ensure that Adwaita programs follow accent colors:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/linux-mint-22-2-default-theme-changes
(Oh no Mint, you accept the widely hated GNOME standards? What are you doing? lol)

Linux Mint 22.2 and LMDE 7 codenames revealed, 22.2 will be called "Zara", 7 will be called "Gigi":
https://betanews.com/2025/05/08/linux-mint-22-2-and-lmde-7-codenames-revealed/

openSUSE removes Deepin desktop from community repos due to lack of package maintenance consistency and security concerns:
https://news.itsfoss.com/opensuse-deepin-desktop-removal/

Ubuntu plans to ditch regular sudo for sudo-rs (written in Rust):
https://betanews.com/2025/05/06/ubuntu-linux-sudo-rust-sudo-rs/

Ubuntu 25.10 daily build are available for download:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/ubuntu-25-10-daily-builds-download-testing

KDE Plasma 6.3.5 released with improved multi-screen support, NVIDIA GPU fixes, various other bug fixes:
https://9to5linux.com/kde-plasma-6-3-5-improves-support-for-multi-screen-setups-nvidia-gpu-users

KDE Frameworks 6.14 released with support for some archaic units for KRunner, revamped New Files dialog for the Dolphin file manager and other KIO-based apps, other improvements:
https://9to5linux.com/kde-frameworks-6-14-revamps-new-files-dialog-expands-krunner-unit-conversion

(More Linux news in comment)

I re-tested Fedora KDE and openSUSE Tumbleweed and I can't believe that Mint ist still the *only* distro that gets this right:

- User installs Linux
- User wants to install NVIDIA driver, Discord or Wine
Not available in package manager
- User learns about extra repositories¹
- User is forced to use the terminal to customise and learn about package sources²

¹ This shouldn't even be a problem in the first place.
² This is simply unacceptable user experience.

This week's Linux and FOSS news:

LINUX NEWS

KDE discontinues Plasma LTS releases, reduces feature update to 2 in a year instead of 3, offers extended bug-fix support period:
https://news.itsfoss.com/kde-plasma-lts-discontinued/
(Well done, KDE! In my experience, the biggest issue with Plasma has always been the amount of annoying bugs and crashes, which kind of negated the experience for me, despite the cool extra features and the extensive customization options. However, this new strategy might pay off in the long term, and make Plasma a more stable experience.)

4MLinux 48.0 released with Linux kernel 6.12, updated packages, Kino (classic IEEE 1394 DV video editor) preinstalled, VVenC encoder:
https://betanews.com/2025/04/28/overcome-depression-about-the-state-of-the-world-by-installing-4mlinux-48-0/

Trinity Desktop Environment (TDE) R14.1.4 released with emoji support, support for Ubuntu 25.04 and Fedora 43, tab support in KPDF document viewer, support for clickable links in calendar events, new wallpapers and color themes etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/trinity-desktop-environment-r14-1-4-released-with-support-for-ubuntu-25-04

Tails 6.15 released with updated Linux kernel and Tor Browser, various bug and security fixes:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/5/tails-6-15-update-security-and-compatibility-fixes/

Linux kernel 6.15 RC4 released with various enhancements, bug fixes:
https://ostechnix.com/linux-kernel-6-15-rc4-released/

OpenSUSE Tumbleweed update includes Linux kernel 6.14, post-quantum resistant OpenSSH, updated packages:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/5/opensuse-tumbleweed-s-update-brings-linux-6-14-kernel-and-post-quantum-resistant-openssh/

Ubuntu 24.04 is now compatible with Qualcomm DragonWing processors:
https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2025/05/ubuntu-24-04-desktop-qualcomm-dragonwing-release

(FOSS news in comment)

As a KDE Plasma user, I was always jealous of some of the nicer GNOME apps.

Recently I realised that I don't need to be. I can run GNOME apps on KDE Plasma just fine! Sure, they look a little different, but they work just as they would on GNOME.

Do you mix apps from different desktops?

(If no option applies to you, please comment instead)

Fajna akcja #EndOf10 #Koniec10

"Wsparcie dla Windows 10 kończy się 14 października 2025 roku.

Microsoft chce, aby kupić nowy komputer.

Ale co by było, gdyby móc ponownie uczynić swój obecny komputer szybkim i bezpiecznym?

Jeśli komputer był zakupiony po 2010 roku, najprawdopodobniej nie ma powodu, by go wyrzucać. Wystarczy zainstalować aktualny system operacyjny GNU/Linux, aby korzystać z niego przez wiele lat.

Instalacja systemu operacyjnego może wydawać się trudna, ale nie musisz robić tego samodzielnie! Przy odrobinie szczęścia, w Twojej okolicy są ludzie gotowi do pomocy!"

https://endof10.org

Można rejestrować kolektyw naprawczy, miejsca i wydarzenia związane z instalacją Linuksa. Informacje tutaj -> https://endof10.org/contribute/

Sam zarejestruję moją wiejską mikro naprawialnię.

Mejkerspejsy, hakerspejsy, co wy na to?

Dzięki @tomek za info :)

If this meme (pictured) were true, you might think Adobe is the most valuable company in the world, but the two major PC operating system brands are way ahead in value.

Its like how games coming to Linux were supposed to bring a huge rise in Linux desktop users, but that figure shifted no more than 2%.

So it is the same old delusion. Desktop Linux is really about spreading Unix neckbeard-ism to the masses, as that is the culture which produces its desktop environments – and makes sure that GUIs are never standardized. Some deny it, and when they do I say "So Linux actually won because of Android" and they come back with "No, not like that!"

Android coming out with a PC edition would be far more revolutionary than the "good" this meme is depicting.
#linux #desktoplinux #android #chromeos #adobe

This week's Linux and FOSS news:

LINUX NEWS

APT 3.0 released with revamped interface, columnar display for package names and colored text for better readability, will be the default for Debian 13 and Ubuntu 25.04:
https://9to5linux.com/apt-3-0-debian-package-manager-released-with-revamped-command-line-interface

Tails 6.14.1 released with safe access for any directory in the Home directory or Persistent Storage via the Tor Browser (through the integration of XDG Desktop Portals of Flatpak), updated software, usability and accessibility fixes, bug fix for Welcome Screen:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/4/tails-6-14-1-released-with-enhanced-tor-browser-integration-software-updates-and-bug-fixes/
(Flatpak haters gonna drop Tails now lol)

Nitrux 3.9.1 released with MauiKit and Maui Apps update, Linux kernel 6.13, Mesa 25, new Fiery browser, default configuration files added for Bauh, udev rule for NTsync, module configuration for v4l2loopback, a PipeWire configuration file for wine64-preloade, automatic change of power profile, screen brightness and refresh rate on laptops depending on the power source, and more:
https://9to5linux.com/immutable-distro-nitrux-3-9-1-brings-new-convergent-web-browser-linux-6-13

CachyOS March 2025 snapshot available with new Limine bootloader, Linux kernel 6.14, KDE Plasma 6.3.3, new cachyos-samba-settings package, re-enabled GSP Firmware for the closed-source NVIDIA kernel module, support for the “ASUS Armoury” driver used by the ROG Ally and other devices for fan and power management, etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/cachyos-iso-snapshot-for-march-2025-brings-new-bootloader-linux-kernel-6-14

Archinstall 3.0.3 released with improved Limine bootloader support, Sway replaced with Hyprland in the profile seat selection, improved FAT12 and FAT16 ESP support, package selector that displays a multi-selection menu to let users add any available package, will no longer force install the GRUB bootloader on BIOS systems when the user has not chosen it as a bootloader etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/arch-linux-installer-archinstall-3-0-3-improves-limine-bootloader-support

Serious security bypasses are found in Ubuntu 24.04 and later:
https://alternativeto.net/news/2025/3/new-security-bypasses-in-ubuntu-s-user-namespace-restrictions-require-manual-mitigation/

(FOSS news in comment)

Whoever at @kde made it so that #Plasma remembers resolution and scaling settings for each individual monitor indefinitely is an absolute hero.

Plugged your computer into your TV? Boom! Scaling and resolution applied.

Plug it back into the monitor on your desk? Bam! Settings restored.

Plug it back in at your friend's house you haven't been to since last year? Kaboom! Perfect settings, because you did it before.

Thirty-four sources representing the best Linux-related news and content, hand-picked by @deadsuperhero. Don’t miss this Surf custom feed, especially if you’re into desktop Linux, gaming, and cool apps.

https://surf.social/feed/surf%2Fcustom%2F01jfnfkb6bpw2j6dqym8rrfmc9,

Show us what you’re making on Surf! Use #SurfFeeds when sharing.

If you’re not on (or off) the waitlist yet, put SURFSHARES as the referral code for speedier access: https://waitlist.surf.social/

This week's Linux and FOSS news:

LINUX NEWS

GNOME 48 will include sidebar for Text Editor, new default fonts, Digital Health / Wellbeing functionality:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/GNOME-Text-Editor-Sidebar
(After FosseryWeb sidebar, get ready to have a sidebar in Text Editor too lol)

GTK 5 drops X11 support, introduces Android backend for the toolkit:
https://www.phoronix.com/news/GTK-X11-Now-Deprecated
(Meanwhile on Wayland, many video chat services don't support screen sharing, video recording is still problematic (at least on Debian), but no problem, just drop X11 and ignore the mentioned use cases...)

KDE Gear 24.12.2 released with improvements for Dolphin, Itinerary, Tokodon, Kate, Kamera, Kdenlive, NeoChat etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/kde-gear-24-12-2-improves-dolphin-itinerary-tokodon-and-many-other-kde-apps

CachyOS ISO snapshot for February includes Linux kernel 6.13, NVIDIA 570 driver, KDE Plasma 6.2.5, enabled tap-to-click by default for the X11 session etc.:
https://9to5linux.com/cachyos-iso-snapshot-for-february-2025-brings-linux-kernel-6-13-nvidia-570-driver

Tails 6.12 released with security fixes for Tor circuits and persistent storage, bug fixes:
https://9to5linux.com/tails-6-12-anonymous-os-fixes-security-issues-in-tor-circuits-persistent-storage

(FOSS news in reply)

Happy New Year of Desktop Linux!
#2025 #Linux #DesktopLinux #TuckersBalls