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| 2025-12-28 |
NEW • Distribution Release: Canaima GNU/Linux 8.3 |
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(5.8)
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Canaima project, which produces a set of Linux distributions, based on Debian "Testing" and designed for use in Venezuela's public sector, has announced the release of Canaima GNU/Linux 8.3: "Canaima GNU/Linux, a project of the National Center for Information Technologies (CNTI), launched its new update, Canaima GNU/Linux 8.3 'Kavanayén', strengthening digital inclusion and technological independence in the country. This update includes innovative tools that break down language and technical barriers, directly benefiting students, teachers and people with disabilities. The Canaima Transcriptor is the main tool in this version. It converts speech into editable text and instantly translates it into any language using advanced speech recognition. It is ideal for accessible classes, conferences and videos, especially for people with hearing impairments. The Canaima Media Creator is another new tool that offers an intuitive graphical interface that automates the creation of multiboot USB drives with Ventoy." Read the release announcement (in Spanish) for more details. Download (MD5, pkglist): canaima-8.3-cinnamon_amd64.iso (5,010MB), canaima-8.3-gnome_amd64.iso (5,095MB), canaima-8.3-kde_amd64.iso (5,711MB), canaima-8.3-lxde_amd64.iso (5,001MB), canaima-8.3-lxqt_amd64.iso (5,189MB), canaima-8.3-mate_amd64.iso (5,075MB), canaima-8.3-xfce_amd64.iso (5,001MB). Separate images for creative tasks, development, gaming and scientific work, as well as images for i386 and AArch64 architectures, are also available. |
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| 2025-12-26 |
NEW • Distribution Release: PorteuX 2.5 |
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(9.5)
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PorteuX is a Linux distribution based on Slackware Linux. The project has published a new version, PorteuX 2.5, which introduces Flatpak support and updates the available desktop editions. "This release brings Flatpak to PorteuX. On the first run, the user should provide a valid path where the Flatpak files will be stored, for example 'sudo flatpak /mnt/sda1' (or 'flatpak --force-setup /mnt/sda1' if re-setup is required). The setup will configure the path and add the Flathub repository. After that, usage follows the standard Flatpak workflow, for example to install Furmark, 'flatpak install flathub com.geeks3d.furmark'. And to run it, 'flatpak run com.geeks3d.furmark'. This release also completely drops the stable spins. PorteuX is now based exclusively on Slackware 'Current'. Fixed Vulkan not working properly (this fixes some Steam games that were not working); fixed cheatcodes that use UUID and LABEL...." The distribution's "cheatcodes" have also been more clearly documented. Further details can be found in the release notes. Download (pkglist): porteux-2.5-current-cinnamon-6.6.3-x86_64.iso (566MB), porteux-2.5-current-cosmic-1.0-x86_64.iso (662MB), porteux-2.5-current-gnome-49.2-x86_64.iso (576MB), porteux-2.5-current-kde-6.5.4-x86_64.iso (656MB), porteux-v2.4-current-lxde-0.11.1-x86_64.iso (540M), porteux-2.4-current-lxqt-2.3.0-x86_64.iso (562MB), porteux-2.4-current-mate-1.28.2-x86_64.iso (547MB), porteux-2.4-current-xfce-4.20-x86_64.iso (543MB). |
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| 2025-12-26 |
NEW • Distribution Release: Pearl Linux OS 13 |
Rate this project
(7.0)
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The developer of Pearl Linux OS has published a new release of the project's Debian-based desktop Linux distribution with a macOS-like user interface called PDE: "Our second release running on Debian 13 'Trixie' as the base. This release uses our own desktop environment called PDE. PDE is a mix of LXDE and Xfce components with Compiz as the default window manager. This release is a ready-to-go, out-of-the-box complete desktop with all the software needed to keep most users set from the get-go. Pearl also has many of our own tools modeled after Linux Mints tools. This PDE release varies a little at the beginning as to not get confused when setting up things for the first time because of all the customizing available to the user we recommend." The README file contains a warning about the first boot: "The default PDE session is PDE-FX which is the session using Compiz by default. After instalation at login screen it defaults to Openbox unless you change this before logging in. Unless you are familiar with an Openbox system meaning, one that has nothing visible until right-clicking on the desktop, it's best to click the round logo next to where you enter your name, and change that to PDE which is one of three separate sessions available." Download (MD5) from SourceForge: pearl-13-PDE-desktop.iso (3,970MB, pkglist). |
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| 2025-12-25 |
NEW • Distribution Release: GuideOS 1.0 |
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(7.4)
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GuideOS, a beginner-friendly German Linux distribution based on Debian 13, has reached version 1.0. Created jointly with the LinuxGuides.de project, GuideOS offers a customised Cinnamon desktop, some useful utilities developed in-house, and a good selection of open-source software, all localised into German. The English translation of the release announcement provides further details: "Yes, we did it! After over a year of intensive work by the core team and a lot of support from the community, the time has finally come. The community Linux GuideOS has launched version 1.0. It has been a creative journey, which we're concluding today with this first major step, and we're very proud of it. It all started with a crazy idea in the Linux forum, and now our hearts are deeply connected to this hobby project, and we're also proud of the current result. We started with Debian 12, and the current version of GuideOS has now switched to Debian 13. We chose Debian because we wanted a stable system and also wanted to be able to support Windows and Mac users in the future. That's why we opted for the Cinnamon desktop environment and included a special tool as a central control unit. Now it's time to push our community project forward as we want to reach as many people as possible with GuideOS." Here is the download link: GuideOS_1.0_24.12.25--_x86-64.iso (2,965MB, MD5, pkglist). |
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| 2025-12-24 |
NEW • Distribution Release: OpenMediaVault 8.0-12 |
Rate this project
(9.3)
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Volker Theile has announced the release of OpenMediaVault 8.0-12, a major update of the specialist Debian-based Linux distribution for network-attached storage (NAS) servers. The 8.x series of OpenMediaVault is based on the stable Debian 13 release: "Since no critical errors were reported during the RC phase, it is now time to release the final version (8.0.1) of OMV8 (Synchrony). Due to technical reasons, only AMD64 and ARM64 architectures will be supported from this version onwards. Since this circumstance had been known for some time, many features planned for OMV8 were already implemented in OMV7 so that the discontinued architectures could also benefit from them. That's why the list of new features in OMV8 is quite concise. Nevertheless, switching to Debian 13 offers newer software, bug fixes and improvements. The changelog will list all improvements in this version alongside the following: upgrade to Debian 13 'Trixie'; replace cpufrequtils with linux-cpupower; improve several user and group related RPCs; display updated modules in notification after configuration changes have been applied; display old versions of upgradable packages on the update page; use pool instead of server directive in chrony configuration by default...." Read the rest of the release announcement for more details. Download: openmediavault_8.0-12_amd64.iso (1,367MB, SHA256, signature, pkglist). |
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| 2025-12-24 |
NEW • Distribution Release: Parrot 7.0 |
Rate this project
(8.0)
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Dario Camonita has announced the release of Parrot 7.0, a major update of the project's Debian-based Linux distribution designed for security specialists, hackers, developers, system administrators and network engineers. The new version is based on Debian 13 and comes with KDE Plasma as the default desktop: "The Parrot Security team is pleased to announce the release of Parrot 7. Parrot 7 represents a major milestone for the project. Its development required a complete rewrite of the system and introduced many changes that follow our mission to keep the system modern and innovative. Parrot 7 has switched to KDE Plasma 6, features our own plasma ricing and theming to make it very lightweight, and uses Wayland by default along with the many changes introduced by Debian 13. The new build scripts now offer easy support to community-driven spins, and we plan to offer official support and sponsorship programs to community-curated editions, featuring more desktop environments and configurations. Many of our scripts were created and assembled through several stages. We use live‑build to generate ISO images, while for virtual machines we chose to adopt a custom-built system...." Read the rest of the release announcement for more information and upgrade instructions. Download (SHA512, signature, pkglist): Parrot-home-7.0_amd64.iso (3,628MB, torrent), Parrot-security-7.0_amd64.iso (7,633MB, torrent). AAarch64, riscv64 and various virtual machine images are also available. |
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| 2025-12-24 |
NEW • Distribution Release: Gnoppix AI Linux 26 |
Rate this project
(5.3)
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Andreas Mueller has announced the release of Gnoppix AI Linux 26, an updated build of the project's Debian-based Linux distribution with integrated privacy and artificial intelligence features. This version replaces Firefox with LibreWolf as the default web browser and Thunderbird with Betterbird as the preferred email client: "As we celebrate the holiday season, the Gnoppix team is excited to bring you a special gift: the early release of Gnoppix 26. This version is packed with groundbreaking features, brand-new services, and a total commitment to your digital freedom. We've taken bold steps to ensure your digital footprint remains yours alone, moving away from restrictive environments. Infrastructure migration - we have officially migrated our core operations to Japan, benefiting from privacy laws that are significantly more robust than those in the EU or US. Tor gateway enhancements - fixed IPv6 issues within the Tor gateway. New Tor bridge - we've moved away from German-based servers (IONOS) due to EU speech restrictions, ensuring a more resilient connection. Gnoppixctl 0.5.7 - added a dedicated 'exit' option to Tor control for ultimate anonymity management. Browser evolution - we have removed Firefox as the default browser due to unacceptable telemetry data sent to Mozilla." See the complete release announcement for more information. Download (MD5): gnoppix-26-core-kde.iso (5,256MB, pkglist). |
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| 2025-12-23 |
NEW • Distribution Release: Besgnulinux 3-2 |
Rate this project
(7.9)
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Besgnulinux, a Debian-based Linux distribution with the lightweight JWM window manager as the preferred desktop user interface, has been updated to version 3-2. The new release is available in three separate editions - "Full", "Simple" and "Core". While the first two come with a full graphical environment (the "Simple" edition lacks some applications), the "Core" variant is command-line only. "A lot of work has been done and important changes have been implemented in this version. First, let's talk briefly about the procedures performed. As in the previous version, the classic and modern menu were adapted together. You can switch between these menus or use them jointly with the 'Add to Menu' tool. Added some important elements to the welcome screen. The 'Add Key' tool has been restructured. Added conversion from PNG to SVG format to the 'Image Editor' tool. The 'Change Keyboard Language' tool has been rearranged. A total of 21 colors, dark and light, were added to the 'Change Theme Color' tool. The 'Window Control' tool has been reworked. The 'Panel Control' and 'Third-Party Software' tool has been adapted again. Some adjustments have been made to ensure stable operation of the system." Here is the full release announcement with screenshots. Download (MD5, pkglist): besgnulinux-jwm-full-3-2.iso (3,453MB), besgnulinux-jwm-simple-3-2.iso (2,512MB). besgnulinux-jwm-core-3-2.iso (2,076MB). |
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| 2025-12-23 |
NEW • Distribution Release: postmarketOS 25.12 |
Rate this project
(9.5)
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The postmarketOS team has announced a new version of its operating system for mobile devices and desktop computers. The new version, 25.12, is based on Alpine Linux 3.23 and includes several improvements from the upgrade, along with updates to the distribution's user interfaces. "As always we target the most recent Alpine release. In case of v25.12 it is the excellent Alpine Linux 3.23 and it comes with the new major version 3 of the Alpine Package Keeper, which has been released after five years (!) of development. It includes some really nice changes, such as downloading packages before installing them (which we enabled by default in postmarketOS), so that a flaky internet connection can't ever break your system again while installing updates. Another long awaited feature is logging all changes to /var/log/apk.log. See the apk3 release notes for more information." Additional information is provided in the release announcement. A list of supported devices and install instructions can be found through the project's Install page. Quick links to download the generic x86_64 images with COSMIC, GNOME, KDE Plasma and Sway desktop options (pkglist): postmarketOS-edge-cosmic-2-generic-x86_64-lts.img.xz (1,487MB, SHA512), postmarketOS-edge-gnome-4-generic-x86_64-lts.img.xz (1,536MB, SHA512), postmarketOS-edge-plasma-desktop-3-generic-x86_64-lts.img.xz (2,216MB, SHA512), postmarketOS-edge-sway-3.2-generic-x86_64-lts.img.xz (1,133MB, SHA512). |
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| 2025-12-22 |
NEW • Distribution Release: elementary OS 8.1 |
Rate this project
(5.1)
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elementary OS is an Ubuntu-based distribution which runs the Pantheon desktop environment. The project's latest release is version 8.1 and it incorporates several small improvements and enhancements all across the desktop, package management, and display stack. Support for ARM hardware has also improved: "Today, we are proud to announce that elementary OS 8.1 is available to download now and shipping on several high-quality computers. For the first time we now also offer ARM64 builds for devices that boot with UEFI. This means you’ll be able to run OS 8.1 on M-series Apple Silicon and devices where you can load UEFI-supporting firmware like Raspberry Pi. This version of Linux also supports certain Qualcomm and Rockchip processors, for example. Many notebooks and tablets now ship with displays that aren’t quite HiDPI, but are more pixel dense than traditional displays. In OS 8, we only supported integer display scaling which left these devices in an awkward position with an interface that is either too large or too small. In OS 8.1, we now support fractional display scaling in the Secure Session." Additional information is provided in the release announcement. Download: elementaryos-8.1-stable-amd64.20251211.iso (3,161MB, pkglist). |
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| 2025-12-22 |
NEW • Distribution Release: Talos 1.12.0 |
Rate this project
(9.6) |
Talos, a specialist Linux-based operating system for running Kubernetes, has been updated to version 1.12.0. This release introduces new network configuration documents, new user volume types, and updates to disk encryption: "Welcome to the v1.12.0 release of Talos. What's new? The Kubernetes API server in Talos has been updated to use a more secure set of TLS cipher suites by default. This is in line with a set of best practices documented in CIS 1.12 benchmark. New field in UserVolumeConfig - volumeType that defaults to partition, but can be set to directory. When set to directory, provisioning and filesystem operations are skipped and a directory is created under /var/mnt/'name'. The directory type enables lightweight storage volumes backed by a host directory, instead of requiring a full block device partition. Talos versions prior to v1.12 used the state of PCR 7 and signed policies locked to PCR 11 for TPM based disk encryption. Talos now supports configuring which PCRs states are to be used for TPM based disk encryption via the options.pcrs field in the tpm section of the disk encryption configuration. Component updates: Linux kernel 6.18.1, Kubernetes 1.35.0, CNI Plugins 1.9.0, cryptsetup 2.8.1, LVM2 2_03_37, systemd-udevd: 257.8...." See the release notes and the what's new document for more information. Download (SHA256): v1.12.0/metal-amd64.iso (299MB), v1.12.0/metal-arm64.iso (185MB). |
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| 2025-12-22 |
NEW • DistroWatch Weekly, Issue 1153 |
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This week in DistroWatch Weekly: - Review: The best open source operating systems of 2025
- News: Firefox adopts AI components, Asahi Linux works to improve the install experience, Mageia team plans for version 10
- Questions and answers: Is software ever truly completed?
- Released last week: Emmabuntus DE6-1.00, Kicksecure 18.0.8.7, MidnightBSD 4.0, Rhino Linux 2025.4, Mabox Linux 25.12, RELIANOID 7.8.0, Chimera Linux 20251220, Synex 13 "Server", EasyOS 7.1, Qubes OS 4.3.0
- Torrent corner: Emmabuntüs, Kicksecure, Qubes OS, TUXEDO OS
- Opinion poll: Which open source operating system was your favourite in 2025?
- Site news: Donations and Sponsors
- Reader comments
Read more in this week's issue of DistroWatch Weekly.... |
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| Sponsored Listing |
Featured Distribution: 3CX Phone System |
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3CX Phone System is a specialist, Debian-based Linux distribution designed to run a complete unified communications platform. The 3CX client, included in the distribution, can also be installed separately on most hardware as well as the cloud. It provides a complete open standards-based IP PBX and phone system that works with popular SIP trunks and IP phones. It will automatically configure all supported peripherals and it also comes with clients for Windows, OS X, iOS and Android. The ISO image includes a free license for the 3CX PBX edition. The ISO image contains the standard Debian installer which installs a minimal system with the nginx web server, PostgreSQL database, iptables firewall and Secure Shell. Options not relevant to 3CX have been removed from the distribution. Download the installation ISO image from here: debian-amd64-netinst-3cx.iso (628MB). |
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| Random Distribution |  F.I.R.E.
FIRE was a portable bootable CD-based distribution with the goal of providing an immediate environment to perform forensic analysis, incident response, data recovery, virus scanning and vulnerability assessment. It also provides necessary tools for live forensics/analysis on win32, Solaris, SPARC and x86 Linux hosts just by mounting the CDROM and using trusted static binaries available in /statbins. In other words, FIRE was a Linux distribution with lots of useful security tools and a fine menu system which makes it very easy to use. Nothing on your computer was modified, so you can try it out safely.
Status: Discontinued |
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