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New SparkyLinux 5.4 Release Announced, Based on Upcoming Debian GNU/Linux 10

The talented developers behind the popular Debian-based SparkyLinux operating system have done it again, bringing us the highly anticipated SparkyLinux 5.4 rolling release, available now for immediate download. With its advanced features and improved performance, this update is poised to outshine its predecessors.

Coming Soon: Debian “Buster” 10

The new SparkyLinux 5.4 update is based on the upcoming Debian GNU/Linux 10 “Buster” operating system, set to be released in the middle of 2019. This gives users an early taste of what’s to come, with all of the advantages and enhancements the Debian team has been working hard on.

Continuing the “Nibiru” Rolling Series

It’s been three months since the release of SparkyLinux 5.3, the previous update in the “Nibiru” rolling series. SparkyLinux 5.4 keeps the momentum going, providing users with three different editions: LXQt, MinimalGUI and MinimalCLI. With these options, you can customize your system to your liking, for a truly tailored experience.

Sparky 5.4: Advanced Features and Full Customization

Sparky 5.4 offers a comprehensive, full-featured operating system that comes with a lightweight LXQt desktop environment. For a minimalistic approach, there are the MinimalGUI (Openbox) and MinimalCLI (text mode) editions, which let you install the base system and desktop of your choice with only the necessary applications, thanks to the Sparky Advanced Installer.

What’s New in SparkyLinux 5.4

The SparkyLinux 5.4 update includes all of the latest security and package updates from the Debian Testing repository, dated as of June 10, 2018. It also features the Linux 4.16.12 kernel by default, with the option to upgrade to the latest Linux 4.17 kernel from the unstable repository. Additionally, it comes equipped with the Calamares 3.1.12 installer and the xinit package, which allows for the use of the “startx” command.

One of the most notable additions in this release is the Sparky Dashboard tool, added to the Tint2 panel in the MinimalGUI edition. This handy feature displays all installed applications in a YAD-based full-screen window for easy access and management. The MinimalGUI edition also now includes the LXterminal emulator instead of XTerm, and a refreshed appearance for the Tint2 panel.

Software Selection Updates

In the LXQt edition, SparkyLinux 5.4 now includes the latest version of the Mozilla Firefox 60.0.2 ESR web browser. The Clementine music player has been replaced with Yarock, which is based on Qt 5 instead of Qt 4 like its predecessor. The Midori web browser has been replaced with Otter Browser, and GKSu, OpenJDK, and the Java web plugin have been removed.

Update Now for the Best SparkyLinux Experience

You can download the new SparkyLinux 5.4 LXQt, MinimalGUI, and MinimalCLI editions from the SparkyLinux website. If you are already using the SparkyLinux 5 “Nibiru” rolling series, we highly recommend updating your system by running the following commands in your terminal emulator: