What's New with Linux #3-2025

As we usher in 2025, the Linux ecosystem is vibrant with a series of noteworthy updates and releases. Here's a curated roundup of the latest developments:

Firefox 134 and Debian 12.9 Released

The latest Firefox 134 offers enhanced performance and security features, ensuring a superior browsing experience. Alongside, Debian 12.9 has been rolled out, bringing critical updates and bug fixes to maintain system stability and reliability.

Raspberry Pi 5 Introduces 16GB Model

The Raspberry Pi Foundation has unveiled the Raspberry Pi 5 equipped with 16GB of RAM. This substantial memory upgrade caters to more demanding projects and applications, expanding the horizons for developers and hobbyists alike.

KDE's Latest Enhancements

KDE has released a suite of updates, including the beta version of KDE Plasma 6.3. Improvements have been made to the Dolphin file manager, and essential fixes have been implemented in the Kleopatra certificate manager, enhancing user experience and security.

Budgie Desktop 10.10 Now Available

The Budgie Desktop team has announced version 10.10, offering users an updated and refined desktop environment. This release focuses on aesthetics and usability, ensuring a pleasant and efficient interface for daily tasks.

Flatpak 1.16 and COSMIC Desktop Updates

Flatpak 1.16 has been officially released, enhancing the sandboxing and distribution framework for Linux applications. Additionally, the COSMIC desktop environment has reached its fifth alpha release, indicating steady progress toward a more customizable and user-friendly interface.

Tails 6.11 Focuses on Security

Tails, the anonymous Linux OS, has rolled out version 6.11, addressing critical security vulnerabilities. This update underscores the project's dedication to providing a secure environment for users prioritizing privacy.

Scribus 1.6.3 and Calibre 7.24 Updates

Content creators have reason to rejoice with updates to Scribus and Calibre. Scribus 1.6.3, the desktop publishing application, and Calibre 7.24, the ebook management tool, both receive new features and bug fixes, enhancing functionality and user experience.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS Expands Hardware Support

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS now supports the HiFive Premier P550 RISC-V development board, marking a significant step in broadening hardware compatibility and embracing emerging technologies.

LXQt Embraces Wayland

In an experimental yet promising move, LXQt has begun supporting Wayland in openSUSE Tumbleweed. This development signifies progress toward a more modern and efficient display server protocol for this lightweight desktop environment.

Kernel and ZFS Updates

The Linux kernel continues to evolve with the introduction of a new "mountinfo" program expected in Linux 6.14. Additionally, ZFS 2.3.0 has been released, featuring support for raidz expansion, providing users with more flexible and robust storage solutions.

Linux Mint 22.1 Released

Linux Mint has released version 22.1, allowing users to explore new features and improvements. This update emphasizes user experience and system stability, maintaining Linux Mint's reputation for reliability.

Enhanced AMD Support in cpupower Utility

The Linux cpupower utility is set to receive enhanced AMD support with the upcoming Linux 6.14 kernel, offering better power management and performance tuning for AMD processors.

Linux 6.13 Introduces New Features

The Linux 6.13 kernel brings exciting features and optimizations, including new hardware support, reinforcing Linux's adaptability and performance across diverse systems.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Linux community continues to innovate and evolve. Happy computing!