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January 26, 2024 | Gentoo

Exciting Announcement: Gentoo Linux Now Offers Binary Packages for Rapid Software Installation – An Update from It’s FOSS News

If you don’t understand the hype, then you haven’t experienced Gentoo.

Debian has its deb packages, Fedora uses RPM packages, and Arch Linux offers binary packages via Pacman commands. But in the world of Gentoo, things are done a little differently. Want to install a program? Get ready to compile it from the source code.

Yes, you read that correctly. That’s why there are so many memes out there about compiling and Gentoo. It may seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry, we’ll guide you through it.

The problem with compiling software from source is that it requires a lot of computational power. Your CPU will be working overtime as you compile each program. And let’s not forget that it takes quite a bit of time too, as demonstrated by the famous Gentoo meme.

But fear not, my friends. Gentoo has updated its package manager, Portage, to now offer binary packages for download and installation. No more slaving away over compilation! This will be especially helpful for those with low-end hardware or who simply don’t have the time to compile every program.

But don’t worry, traditionalists, you can still choose to compile each package manually. The option is still there, just not forced upon you like it used to be. And let’s be real, compiling each program does have its benefits. It allows for optimal performance on each machine. But for those who don’t want to spend hours waiting for their software to compile, the option for pre-compiled binaries is now available.

And let’s not forget, this update will surely attract a new wave of users to Gentoo. After all, what will a distrohopper do after they’ve tried Arch? We all know that’s the ultimate distro hopper’s destination.

So, if you want to experience Gentoo without all the hassle of compiling, now is the time. Plus, with all the money saved on your electricity bill, you can use it to buy yourself a little something for the holidays. Happy installing (without compiling), my friends!

Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiMGh0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5pdHNmb3NzLmNvbS9nZW50b28tYmluYXJ5LXBhY2thZ2VzL9IBAA?oc=5

January 26, 2024 | Gentoo

Astonishing Turn of Events: Gentoo Linux Makes Surprising Shift to Offering Binary Options – The Register

Gentoo Boosts Efficiency with New Pre-compiled Binary Packages
In a surprising move, the Gentoo project has rolled out a range of pre-compiled binary packages, offering more than 20GB of options for popular software such as desktops, office suites, and development tools. This major change, introduced in December, is a significant departure from Gentoo’s traditional source-based distribution model. With support for a wide range of computer architectures, including x86, Arm, PowerPC, and more, this move is set to increase installation and update speeds for users.

The announcement has caused quite a stir in the FOSS community, with some initially mistaking it for an April Fool’s prank due to its unexpected timing. But make no mistake, Gentoo has gone binary and is taking full advantage of the convenience and efficiency that comes with it.

For now, the pre-compiled packages are focused on x86-64 and Arm64 architectures, with plans to expand to other platforms in the future. The project has created a quick start guide and detailed documentation to help users navigate the new binary package repositories. The packages are distributed in the existing GPKG format, ensuring a seamless transition for Gentoo users.

While some may see this move as a departure from Gentoo’s original philosophy of compiling code on users’ machines, it offers many benefits. By compiling packages with optimizations specific to each user’s CPU, Gentoo is able to provide a highly customized and personalized experience that is unmatched by other distros. It’s no wonder why it has become the base for popular operating systems like Google’s ChromeOS and CoreOS Container Linux.

For Gentoo users concerned about the loss of optimization, the project assures that the new binary packages will continue to receive updates and provide efficient software delivery. And with the increasing popularity of Gentoo-based products and distros, such as Flatcar Container Linux and Uniontech, it’s clear that this change is a step in the right direction. So don’t be surprised if Gentoo continues to make waves in the FOSS community with its innovative approaches and dedication to user experience.

Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiR2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRoZXJlZ2lzdGVyLmNvbS8yMDI0LzAxLzAzL2dlbnRvb19zdGFydHNfb2ZmZXJpbmdfYmluYXJpZXMv0gFLaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlcmVnaXN0ZXIuY29tL0FNUC8yMDI0LzAxLzAzL2dlbnRvb19zdGFydHNfb2ZmZXJpbmdfYmluYXJpZXMv?oc=5

January 26, 2024 | OpenMandriva

OpenMandriva Linux 4.0 Operating System Officially Released, Here’s What’s New – Softpedia News

The OpenMandriva community announced the general availability of the OpenMandriva Lx 4.0 operating system, a major release that brings numerous new features, updated components, and lots of improvements.

After almost two years in development, the OpenMandriva Lx 4.0 operating system is finally here and comes with numerous goodies for fans of the popular Linux bistro that continues the sprit of the now deprecated Mandriva and Mandrake Linux operating systems.

Compiled with LLVM/Clang instead of GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), OpenMandriva Lx 4.0 aims to be a cutting-edge Linux-based operating system that offers some of the highest levels of optimization by enabling LTO in certain packages to make it fast, stable, and reliable at all times.

This release brings dozens of updated components and new features, but most importantly better hardware support by shipping with the latest Linux 5.1 kernel series and the Mesa 19.1 graphics stack. OpenMandriva Lx 4.0 also comes with complete support for AArch64 and ARMv7hnl platforms, along with a variant built specifically for AMD processors.

“A RISC-V port is also in progress, but not yet ready for release,” said OpenMandriva. “We have also built a version specifically for current AMD processors (Ryzen, ThreadRipper, EPYC) that outperforms the generic version by taking advantage of new features in those processors.”

Here’s what’s new in OpenMandriva Lx 4.0

Highlights of the OpenMandriva Lx 4.0 release include two new in-house built utilities, namely OpenMandriva Repository Management Tool and OpenMandriva Control Center, and several new apps like the Dnfdragora DNF GUI as a replacement for rpmdrake, Kuser as a replacement for userdrake to manage users and groups, as well as KBackup as a replacement for draksnapshot to backup your system.

Among the updated components, we can mention the KDE Plasma 5.15.5 desktop environment, accompanied by the KDE Applications 19.04.2 and KDE Frameworks 5.58.0 software suites built against the Qt 5.12.3 LTS application framework, as well as X.Org Server 1.20.4, LLVM/clang 8.0.1, Calamares 3.2.7, systemd 242, Java 12, LibreOffice 6.2, Mozilla Firefox 66.0.5, Krita 4.2.1, and digiKam 6.0.

With the OpenMandriva Lx 4.0 release, OpenMandriva has also rethought the operating system’s release model, adding a new option for users, which is yet to be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, you can download OpenMandriva Lx 4.0 right now from our free software portal. If you’re already using OpenMandriva Linux, it is recommended to backup your data and reinstall to avoid any configuration conflicts.

Desktop Cube effect

OpenMandriva Welcome Screen

KInfoCenter

Krita 4.2

January 26, 2024 | Xubuntu

“Xubuntu Linux Ditches Pidgin in Favor of Open Source Alternatives – BetaNews”

“Revolutionize Your Chat Experience: Say Goodbye to Pidgin as Xubuntu Ditches the Outdated Multi-Chat App”

Remember the days before Facebook Messenger, iMessage, and WhatsApp took over? AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and ICQ were the go-to chat platforms. But as third-party chat apps like Gaim (now known as Pidgin) emerged, offering convenience and ad-free options, they quickly became the preferred choice. However, with the rise of proprietary and locked down protocols, Pidgin’s usefulness has decreased, leading to its removal from Xubuntu 21.10. But fear not, Pidgin can still be installed if desired. Nonetheless, this latest move by Xubuntu marks the end of an era for Pidgin. It’s time to embrace the future and say farewell to this outdated multi-chat app.

Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiR2h0dHBzOi8vYmV0YW5ld3MuY29tLzIwMjEvMDgvMDIveHVidW50dS1saW51eC1kdW1wcy1vcGVuLXNvdXJjZS1waWRnaW4v0gEA?oc=5

January 26, 2024 | CentOS

The Great CentOS Linux Migration: How We Got Here and What’s Next – DevOps.com

The recent news regarding Red Hat’s decision to limit access to the source code of their Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) distribution has garnered considerable attention. In order to understand the ramifications and subsequent changes, it is important to look back at CentOS, its historical alignment with RHEL and the options moving forward.

CentOS Then and Now

Starting in 2004, right from its inception, every iteration of the commercial RHEL offering triggered a corresponding release of CentOS. These iterations mirrored RHEL, albeit with modifications to eliminate the Red Hat branding and other minor updates. The presence of open source CentOS Linux facilitated swift installation of a free RHEL variant, rendering it accessible for diverse purposes spanning from development to production environments.

In January 2014, Red Hat joined the CentOS project. Under a new CentOS governing board, they became the main sponsor and driver of the CentOS project. They continued to be an open source downstream alternative to RHEL.

On December 8, 2020, the CentOS project and Red Hat set a new end-of-life (EOL) date for CentOS Linux 8. They shifted focus and investment into a new Linux distribution, CentOS Stream, with a rolling release model. EOL means that the community stops releases regardless of the severity of a bug or a vulnerability. Today, CentOS versions 6 and 8 are already EOL, and version 7 is the last, with EOL set for June 30, 2024. This announcement immediately sparked new projects to fill the CentOS gap. New open source projects such as Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux took off quickly, gaining contributors, sponsors and users.

Fast forward to June 21, 2023, when Red Hat announced it would no longer publicly publish RHEL on git.centos.org.

Previously, the source code was accessible to all, and it was used by various RHEL-compatible alternative open source projects such as Rocky Linux and AlmaLinux. It also affected other distributions, including Oracle Linux, which was a RHEL derivative for many years. All of these open source Linux distributions offered an alternative for applications; they were equally compatible with both free open source Linux and the commercial RHEL offering.

According to the 2023 State of Open Source Report, 15% of all organizations and 20% of large organizations globally still have CentOS Linux deployed in their environments. Organizations have to move off EOL CentOS 6 and 8 and, in less than a year, off CentOS 7. Running EOL versions of any software can pose a substantial risk and cause failure in IT internal and external compliance. New vulnerabilities are constantly disclosed, and without updates or patches to CentOS, it is critical to plan for the “Great CentOS Linux Migration.”

CentOS Migration Planning and Challenges

Migration can be challenging. If organizations have legacy applications, they might encounter significant challenges making them work properly on a different Linux distribution. Even a small change in the individual packages that form the Linux distribution can impact and delay testing. While every application is different, and many are not dependent on low-level Linux functions, others could be significantly impacted. The number of CentOS deployments and applications has an exponential impact on the migration efforts. Evaluating different Linux distributions also takes time and will depend on the use cases, the skills developers have within each organization and the results of testing. The actual installation of a new Linux distribution is the easy part—the testing of all the layers on top of the operating system is what will take time. Some might be straightforward while others will require significant changes. Those are the reasons why it is helpful to stay with compatible distributions that will minimize the migration challenges.

As organizations navigate the CentOS EOL and the migration period, it will be helpful to find options to extend CentOS long-term support. This means finding the expertise to generate patches that address newly disclosed high-severity vulnerabilities post-EOL. In other words, organizations must expand the community’s long-term support to address security.

Wait for What’s Next

The biggest question about alternative distributions is how closely they resemble RHEL. Are they going to continue to be bug-for-bug compatible? Or are there enough differences to no longer consider them application-compatible? The Rocky Linux Enterprise Software Foundation announced its plan to access RHEL source code and its intentions to continue to be bug-for-bug compatible. AlmaLinux OS Foundation announced a different approach. It is working with the CentOS Stream community while maintaining binary compatibility. This means not strictly bug-for-bug but focusing on applications to continue to be compatible.

It is possible we’ll see other potential changes from Red Hat with regard to the access to RHEL’s source code. Today, it’s only available to customers under a commercial license agreement.

The big test will be the next minor version, RHEL 9.3. It will be interesting to review the corresponding 9.3 versions of Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, Oracle and others, including SUSE, who announced their intention to offer an open source compatible Linux distribution. The analysis and comparison of how applications run with the new minor version will reveal how close they are to RHEL.

To mitigate uneasiness, organizations have to plan and test alternatives. Finding post-EOL support and patches will allow organizations to have a runway for migrating CentOS to different Linux distributions.

As everyone in the industry with CentOS deployments waits for the next release or the next few releases, extending long-term support becomes a very viable solution. It is wise to make sure security and IT compliance aspects are addressed. Perhaps more open source Linux distributions will appear in the near future and offer another alternative to CentOS Linux.

January 26, 2024 | Lubuntu

How to install Lubuntu Linux OS on PC via USB stick/drive – H2S Media

Lubuntu is easy to install Linux Distro, however, here is the tutorial to know how to install it on PC using a bootable USB or Pen drive.

There is an innumerable number of distributions available for Linux, and one of the most popular among them is Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a large community, and you can get answers to your questions just in case you face some issues using it. Lubuntu is an official flavour of Ubuntu, and it is best suited for computers with not so powerful or old hardware. Lubuntu comes with the lightweight LXDE desktop environment, which is sleek and the user interface should please most users. Lubuntu might not be that beautiful, but it is one of the best flavours of Linux you can use.

Due to too very low system requirements, Lubuntu is very responsive, at least way more responsive than Ubuntu, and you can even use Lubuntu on a new system, and change the desktop environment later on, if you are looking for a more beautiful user interface. Lubuntu is easy to install, and here is the tutorial, if you are finding it difficult. Lubuntu doesn’t come with any bloatware or unnecessary programs and thus, you will eventually have a lot of space for installing those programs that you actually need. It only lacks the snap repository, which though can easily be added before you can start downloading packages from it.

So without any delay, let’s get started with how you can install Lubuntu on your computer.

The steps to follow

Step 1: Download Lubuntu ISO file

Go to Lubuntu official website Download Page. The latest version which was available for downloading while writing this article was Lubuntu 19.04.

Step 2: Create a Bootable Lubuntu USB drive

To create Lubuntu bootable USB drive simple download a tool known as Universal USB Installer. Here is the link to get it. It is a cross-platform tool after a downloading click on the setup to run it.

Step 3: Boot PC with a USB drive

Insert the USB stick with Lubuntu on your computer’s USB device and boot from it. You can read this tutorial to find out how you can create a bootable USB stick.

Step 4: Select Lubuntu Language

Once it boots up, choose the language for the installer. I am choosing ‘English’ here.

Step 5: Install Lubuntu

Now the boot menu for Lubuntu will appear. Just select ‘Install Lubuntu’, which should be chosen by default, using the navigation keys, and hit the enter key.

Now choose the language that you want to use for the installer, and hit the enter key. I am choosing ‘English’ here.

Step 6: Choose Location

Now choose your location using the navigation keys. Obviously, it will be India for me. Once you select your location, hit the enter key.

Step 7: Keyboard selection

Now you will get an option to set up the keyboard. Chances are there you are already using the QWERTY keyboard. If that is the case, select ‘No’ using the Tab key, and hit the enter key. Alternatively, you can select ‘Yes’ to choose a different layout.

Now you will have to choose the origin country of your keyboard. It is ‘English (US)’ for me, and will possibly be the same for most other users.

Now choose the language of your keyboard. It is ‘English (US)’ for me, and should be the same for most other users.

Step 8: Give Hostname to Lubuntu

The installation should start now, and once it is complete, assign a hostname for your computer, and hit the enter key. I am naming it ‘lubuntu’

Step 9: Create a Username and Password

Now you will have to enter the name of the user, who will be using the computer. I am assigning ‘sbasu’. Once you are done, hit the enter key.

Now enter the username. You can keep the username same as the full name of the user. I am assigning ‘sbasu’. Once you are done, hit the enter key again.

Now assign a password, and enter the same twice, hitting the enter key after you enter it each time.

Step 10: Configure Time zone

Now your location will be automatically detected. Use the tab key to navigate to ‘Yes’, if the detected physical location is correct, else choose ‘No’ if you want to find out the location manually.

Step 11: Partition Disks

Now the next task is to partition your disk. Choose ‘Guided-use entire disk’, and hit the enter key.

Select the partition, where you want to install Lubuntu, using the navigation keys, and hit the enter key. Now you will be asked for the confirmation to write changes to the disk. Select ‘Yes’ using the tab key, and hit the enter key.

Now the system installation will start, and once it is over, you will be given the option to enter proxy information. If there isn’t any proxy to access the internet, leave it blank, and hit the enter key.

Now some updates will be downloaded, and once it is done, you will be given the option to install GRUB Boot Loader on to your hard drive. Use the tab keys to navigate to ‘Yes’, and hit the enter key.

Now depending upon whether your clock is based on UTC, use the tab keys to choose ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and hit the enter key. It is ‘Yes’ for me. Once the installation is complete, hit the enter key to select ‘Continue’.

Once you choose ‘Continue’, remove the installer media. Now Lubuntu is ready for you to use.

Your computer is now ready to use. Lubuntu features a very user-friendly interface, and you will hardly face any issues using it.

Hope the process was useful for you. Do you have any questions in mind? Feel free to comment the same down below.

January 26, 2024 | Lubuntu

“Lubuntu Linux Team Prepares for LXQt Desktop Migration – Latest from Softpedia News”

“Get Ready: Lubuntu Linux to Migrate to Modern LXQt Desktop Environment!”

Source: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMie2h0dHBzOi8vbmV3cy5zb2Z0cGVkaWEuY29tL25ld3MvbHVidW50dS1saW51eC10ZWFtLWlzLXJlYWR5LXRvLWJlZ2luLXRoZS1taWdyYXRpb24tcHJvY2Vzcy10by10aGUtbHhxdC1kZXNrdG9wLTUwNzI2My5zaHRtbNIBAA?oc=5

January 26, 2024 | XeroLinux

XeroLinux Review: Yet Another Arch-Based Distro for Beginners – Tech News, Reviews, Tutorials and More!

XeroLinux is a hobbyist Arch-Based Distro that offers users a pre-configured Latte dock with Kvantum. XeroLinux’s ALCI scripts make it friendly for new Linux users. Its KDE Plasma version is an eye-catchy, MacOS-like interface. This distro is easy to install and use; providing all the benefits of Arch Linux without the need to configure everything yourself.

This distro includes all the software you need to get started using your new Arch installation – making it perfect for anyone looking for an Arch-based distro that is pre-configured and ready to go.

So why not give XeroLinux a try? You might just find that it’s the perfect Linux distro for you!

What Makes XeroLinux So Special?

This is XeroLinux. What Makes It So Special?

There are lots of other arch-based Linux distros available in the market, but Xero Linux is different because-

XeroLinux uses the KDE Plasma desktop, which is known for its beauty and customization options.
The default color scheme of XeroLinux is purple.
This distro runs as smooth and silky, giving you a MacOS feel with a dock and a top bar.
Both Pamac and Synaptic are available for software management in XeroLinux.
Flatseal flatpak GUI is used in XeroLinux, making it easier to install and manage flatpaks.
A terminal window (Yakuake) is available by default in XeroLinux.
Grub customizer is available in XeroLinux, allowing you to change the look of your GRUB screen.
You can easily switch between dark and light themes in XeroLinux.
The XeroLinux Configuration tool makes it easy to customize your installation.
Pamac GUI is used for software management in XeroLinux.
The desktop is beautifully designed and supports AUR and Flatpaks.
topgrade T.U.I updater is available in XeroLinux.
Themes like Dracula, Nord, SweetKDE, etc., are available for customization.
GRUB Themes like Daft Punk inspired, TRON: Legacy inspired, Star Wars: The Last Jedi inspired, XeroNord, and Xero-Compromise are also available.

What does the XeroLinux desktop look like?

The desktop is very beautiful and eye-catching. It comes with a pre-configured Latte dock and Kvantum. The default color scheme is purple, but you can easily change it to any color you want. A top bar shows the time, date, and battery status. You can also add widgets to the top bar. The desktop is very clean and well-organized.

Performance

XeroLinux is a desktop-oriented distribution that offers impressive performance. Its RAM and CPU usage are low during idle state, making it a suitable choice for modern hardware. The Linux kernel 5.16 is used, which works fine on different hardware configurations. However, we recommend installing this OS on a hardware-rich system to unlock its full potential.

It works well on the i3, i5, and i7 Intel generations with around 8GB of RAM. XeroLinux is an excellent distribution for people who are looking for a balance between an eye-candy desktop and optimal performance.

Desktop and GRUB Customisation

This distro comes with a lot of options for customizing the desktop and GRUB. You can easily change the color scheme, wallpaper, icons, fonts, etc. The XeroLinux Configuration tool makes it easy to customize your installation. You can also change the look of your GRUB screen using the Grub Customizer tool.

Software Management

It uses Pamac GUI for software management. You can also use Synaptic Package Manager if you prefer. Both Pamac and Synaptic are available in the XeroLinux repositories. Flatseal flatpak GUI is used for managing flatpaks. You can easily install and manage flatpaks using Flatseal.

Desktop Environment Options

The main version comes with the KDE Plasma desktop environment, but an Xfce version is available for older Linux machines. The Gnome version was there initially, but development was dropped as it had an issue with the extension implementation.

How easy is it to install XeroLinux?

Installing XeroLinux is very easy and straightforward. You just need to download the ISO and burn it to a USB drive. Then, you can boot from the USB drive and follow the instructions on the screen. The entire process will take less than 10 minutes.

XeroLinux Complete Install Guide

It uses the calamares installer, which is very user-friendly. You don’t need to depend on a terminal or guided Arch installer. Just select your language, location, timezone, and keyboard layout, and choose whether you want to install XeroLinux alongside another operating system or Erase the disk and install XeroLinux. Then, select the graphics drivers and specific Linux kernels.

XeroLinux uses the calamares installer

The process of installing software on XeroLinux is very easy. Select the packages you want to install and click “Install Now.”

System76’s power management driver and Nvidia Optimus Manager are also available to install. It provides a variety of different packages that you can choose from at the time of installation.

What software is included in XeroLinux?

XeroLinux comes with all the software you need to get started using your new Arch installation. And all those software are organized in the menu bar as multimedia, development, office, internet, etc.

Software is included in XeroLinux.

Linux newcomers might find XeroLinux an attractive option, as it comes pre-installed with useful tools and software. These include the Dolphin file manager, Gwenview image viewer, Kalender task and event manager, Spectacle screenshot capture utility, Falkon web browser, Grsync GUI for rsync, VLC media player, and Grub Customizer utility to customize the bootloader. Additionally, the KWrite text editor is included.

You can also install additional software from the official repositories or the AUR. This distro also supports software from flatpak, synaptic package manager, and pamac.

Should You Try?

If you’re looking for a user-friendly Arch Linux distribution, then XeroLinux is worth considering. It’s one of the easiest ways to install and use Arch Linux. The installation process is very straightforward, and you get lots of software pre-installed. Additionally, it supports flatpaks, making installing additional software easy.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more customizable Arch Linux distribution, this distro might not be the right choice. While it’s possible to customize the look and feel of XeroLinux, it doesn’t offer as much flexibility as some of the other Arch-based distributions. Additionally, the range of software included in XeroLinux is somewhat limited. However, you can install any software from the software repository.

Overall, this distro is a great choice for Linux newcomers who want to try Arch Linux but don’t want to deal with the complexities of the installation process. It’s also a good choice for experienced Linux users who want an easy-to-use Arch Linux distribution.

Finally, Insight!

XeroLinux is a great choice for both Linux newcomers and experienced users. It’s very easy to install, and you get lots of software pre-installed. Additionally, it supports flatpaks, making it easy to install additional software. If you’re looking for a user-friendly Arch Linux distribution, then XeroLinux is worth considering.

January 26, 2024 | SpiralLinux

SpiralLinux: Anonymous creator of GeckoLinux puts out new Debian remix – The Register

SpiralLinux is the result of the creator of GeckoLinux turning their attention to Debian – with an interesting outcome.

Some Linux distros have many remixes and respins, while some have very few. For example, there are multiple downstream variants of Debian and Ubuntu, but very few of Fedora. The Reg FOSS desk is only aware of one for openSUSE: GeckoLinux, whose Rolling edition we looked at earlier this year.

Now, the creator of GeckoLinux – who prefers to remain anonymous – has turned their attention to one of the most-remixed distros there is, Debian, to create SpiralLinux. What can a new remix bring to the already-crowded table of Debian meta-distributions? (That is: distributions built from other distributions.)

SpiralLinux is to Debian what GeckoLinux is to openSUSE. They both offer easier, friendlier ways to install the upstream distro, but the final result is as close as possible to its parent. Neither adds any new components that aren’t in the parent distro, and updates come direct and unmodified from upstream.

Both Debian and openSUSE offer default downloads which boot directly into an installation program. This is in contrast to the more modern Ubuntu and Fedora way of doing things, where the install image boots into a live desktop, so you can try it out and get a feel for it before you commit yourself to installing it. (We must be fair and note that both Debian and openSUSE do offer optional live-image downloads as well – but you need to know to look for them.)

Both Debian and openSUSE exclude proprietary drivers from their installation image, relegating them to optional additional repositories. This can make it difficult to get things like Wifi working. (Debian does offer optional “non-free” installation media with proprietary firmware and drivers, with scary warnings that these are unofficial.)

Both SpiralLinux and GeckoLinux are remixes, which take the upstream distro and repackage it in a more Ubuntu-like way: so, they boot directly into a live desktop environment, which you can try out – or use to recover a damaged installation.

Both include the most important non-FOSS drivers and firmware, so you have, for example, a much better chance of getting online wirelessly direct from the live image, and thus be able to install updates or extra software.

Once you’ve installed either Spiral or Gecko, what you end up with is, basically, a cleverly-configured copy of Debian or openSUSE, respectively.

This is very different from most other downstream Debian meta-distros, such as Linux Mint Debian Edition to pick one example. An installed copy of LMDE is distinctly – well – Minty, and it unavoidably contains components that didn’t come from upstream Debian.

This is much like what Debian, in its rather Puritanical terms, calls a FrankenDebian: mixture of multiple different parent distros.

SpiralLinux offers a few improvements that installing from a Debian live image (even a “nonfree” one) doesn’t.

You get Btrfs, configured with both compression (Fedora-style) and automatic snapshots (openSUSE-style), including for the kernel. You get improved font rendering. You get Flatpak support, complete with the GNOME Software app, even on non-GNOME installations.

Along with extra drivers, the Debian non-free repositories are preconfigured, so more hardware will work out of the box – including VirtualBox guest support, and HP printers and scanners – and they’ll get updates in future.

Rather than a dedicated partition, it uses a swapfile on the root drive, plus ZRAM compressed swap for low-memory machines. TLP is installed and configured for better laptop battery life, too.

Subject to the concerns about Btrfs that we have expressed before, and more than once at that, this is all good stuff. It’s also worth noting that you get the best aspects of both openSUSE and Fedora’s configurations of Btrfs.

The Xfce desktop in SpiralLinux looks very much like it does in GeckoLinux… which is no bad thing

We tested the Xfce version, but you can also pick Cinnamon, GNOME, KDE Plasma, MATE, Budgie or LXQt variants, plus a bare-bones “Builder” edition if you want to configure your own desktop.

The Xfce editing installed smoothly, both in VirtualBox and on bare metal. Everything worked without a hitch, and the resulting OS feels fast. It looks very much like GeckoLinux Xfce, with a dark theme and a similar wallpaper: muted but clean.

Crosshead text

Now, to be fair, some of these things are a little controversial. Not everyone admires Btrfs, and while Snapper can be a lifesaver, you will need significantly more disk space with snapshot support than without. Not everyone likes Flatpak, either, but given Debian’s rigorous guidelines about Free Software, it’s by far the easiest way to install proprietary freeware such as Chrome, Skype or Steam onto a Debian box.

At the end of the installation, you are running something that accurately calls itself Debian Bullseye. It contains basically nothing else, with only one small exception, as its creator told us:

So the result is vanilla Debian, and that does mean a rather dated distro in places: kernel 5.10, and a somewhat elderly version of Firefox. But to get round that, Flatpak comes built-in, or it’s possible to update the whole distro to Debian Testing or Unstable… but if you want a true rolling release, there’s GeckoLinux Rolling, which uses openSUSE Tumbleweed underneath.

SpiralLinux, just like GeckoLinux, is not so much a new distro as a new and improved way to install an existing distro. If you like Debian – or the idea of Debian, complete with long-term stability and a slow, careful release cadence – but you want some of the shinier bits of rival distros, SpiralLinux looks like a great option. ®

Bootnote

At this point, The Reg FOSS desk must confess to some confusions in the original GeckoLinux write-up. I thought it eschewed Btrfs, but I was wrong. It doesn’t. As a matter of routine, I normally pre-partition destination computers with Gparted before installing – but the GeckoLinux installation program picks up existing partitions and their filesystems, and by default won’t suggest changing them. Also, GeckoLinux does include firmware and non-free drivers that openSUSE doesn’t. My mistakes, and my apologies.