Distro watch
What’s behind the free software sofa?
OPENBSD 7.4
The OpenBSD project claims to create an OS that emphasises portability, standardisation, proactive security and integrated cryptography. Even if you’ve never heard of the OS, you’ve almost certainly used OpenSSH, another of the project’s creations. The latest version (7.4) incorporates virtual machine improvements, wireless networking updates and a quirky random timing feature for the cron daemon. Read the full announcement at www.openbsd.org/74.html.
MX-23.1 LIBRETTO
MX Linux is based on the latest stable branch of Debian. Its default environment is Xfce, although KDE, Plasma and Fluxbox versions are also available. The latest version is based on Debian 12.2 Bookworm and includes new and updated applications. It also comes with an overhauled installer with support for swapfiles, hibernation and better OEM setups. It supports 32-bit and 64-bit CPUs. The main ISOs also use version 6.1 of the Linux kernel. You can find out more by visiting https://mxlinux.org/blog/mx-23-1-libretto-released/.
VOYAGER LIVE 23.10
Voyager’s main flavour is based on the latest version of Xubuntu, but it uses the Gnome 45 desktop coupled with Xfce 4.18. Features include the Avant Window Navigator, or AWN (a dock-like navigation bar). The operating system also uses Conky to display useful data and includes over 300 pictures that can be used as desktop backgrounds. The latest version (23.10) now also supports one-click backup. Learn more at https://voyagerlive.org/voyager-23-10/.
SLACKEL 7.7 OPENBOX
The Slackel distribution is based on both Slackware Linux and Salix OS. By default, it uses the latest KDE desktop. The project’s website offers both live and install media. The latest version (7.7) also includes the graphical Slackel Live Installer to enable you to install the operating system to a USB drive. The distro also includes Linux kernel 6.1.57 and the latest updates from the Slackware Current tree.
You can read more about Slackel by visiting: https://bit.ly/lxf309slack.
UBUNTU MATE 23.10
Ubuntu MATE began as an unofficial fork of Ubuntu in late 2014 but has been an official flavour since February 2015. The latest version includes an update to v1.26.2 of MATE Desktop, along with stunning AI-generated wallpaper. There’s also a number of bug fixes and minor updates. These include an update to libmatemixer to resolve corruption and clashes when removing USB audio devices. Learn more at: https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/