by George Whittaker

In a development that has energized the Linux gaming community, GOG (Good Old Games) has officially confirmed that it is working on native Linux support. While GOG has long provided Linux installers for select titles, this announcement signals something more substantial: deeper platform integration and a renewed commitment to Linux as a first-class gaming environment.

For Linux users who value DRM-free software and ownership rights, this could be a significant turning point.

Why This Matters

GOG has built its reputation on offering DRM-free games that users truly own, free from online activation requirements and restrictive launchers. However, Linux users have historically faced a mixed experience:

• Some games included native Linux builds

• Others required manual setup through Wine or Proton

• The GOG Galaxy client itself lacked native Linux support

While community tools like Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris filled the gap, the absence of official Linux support for the Galaxy ecosystem left many users dependent on workarounds.

Now, with GOG confirming active development of native Linux support, that gap may finally begin to close.

What Native Support Could Include

Although full details have yet to be finalized, “native support” could realistically mean several improvements:

• An official GOG Galaxy client for Linux

• Better integration with Proton or Wine when needed

• Unified cloud saves and achievements on Linux

• Streamlined game installation and updates

• Official support channels for Linux users

If implemented properly, this would allow Linux gamers to enjoy the same ecosystem experience as Windows users without third-party bridges.

The Timing Makes Sense

The announcement comes at a moment when Linux gaming is stronger than ever:

• The Steam Deck has normalized Linux as a gaming platform

• Proton compatibility has reached impressive levels

• Vulkan drivers and Mesa development continue advancing

• Distros like Bazzite and Nobara are built specifically for gaming

With more gamers exploring Linux in 2026, GOG’s move may be both strategic and overdue.

What It Means for the Linux Gaming Ecosystem

If GOG delivers robust native support, several ripple effects could follow:

• Increased confidence from developers to release Linux builds

• More competition in the Linux game storefront space

• Improved DRM-free game adoption among Linux users

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by George Whittaker

The Linux security landscape just reached an important milestone. Linux Kernel Runtime Guard (LKRG) has officially hit version 1.0, marking its transition from a long-running experimental project into a mature, production-ready security tool. For administrators and security-conscious users, this release reinforces LKRG’s role as a powerful additional layer of defense for Linux systems.

After years of development, testing, and real-world use, the 1.0 release signals confidence in LKRG’s stability, compatibility, and long-term direction.

What Is LKRG?

LKRG is a loadable kernel module designed to protect the Linux kernel at runtime. Instead of relying solely on compile-time hardening or static security features, LKRG actively monitors the kernel while the system is running. Its goal is to detect unauthorized changes, suspicious behavior, and exploit attempts that target kernel internals.

Because it operates at runtime, LKRG complements existing protections like SELinux, AppArmor, and kernel hardening options rather than replacing them.

Why the 1.0 Release Matters

Reaching version 1.0 is more than a symbolic version bump. It reflects years of refinement and signals that the project has reached a level of maturity suitable for broader adoption.

With this release, LKRG offers:

• Stable behavior across a wide range of kernel versions

• Improved reliability under real-world workloads

• Cleaner internal architecture and reduced overhead

• Confidence for system administrators deploying it in production environments

For security tooling, especially something operating inside the kernel, stability and predictability are critical, and the 1.0 milestone acknowledges that standard.

How LKRG Protects the Kernel

At a high level, LKRG continuously checks the integrity of critical kernel structures and execution paths. It looks for signs that something has altered kernel memory, process credentials, or execution flow in unexpected ways.

When suspicious activity is detected, LKRG can:

• Log warnings or alerts

• Block the offending action

• Trigger defensive responses based on configuration

This makes it particularly useful for detecting privilege-escalation exploits and post-exploitation activity that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Who Should Consider Using LKRG?

LKRG is especially relevant for:

• Servers and cloud hosts exposed to untrusted workloads

• Enterprise systems with strict security requirements

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by George Whittaker

The open-source community is celebrating a well-deserved recognition. Greg Kroah-Hartman, one of the most influential figures in the Linux ecosystem, has been awarded the European Open Source Award, honoring decades of sustained contributions that have shaped Linux into the stable, trusted platform it is today.

For anyone who relies on Linux, whether on servers, desktops, embedded devices, or cloud infrastructure, this award highlights the quiet but essential work that keeps the ecosystem reliable.

A Steward of Stability

Greg Kroah-Hartman is best known for his role as the maintainer of the Linux kernel’s stable branches. While new kernel features often grab headlines, the stable kernels are where real-world systems live. They receive carefully vetted fixes for security issues, regressions, and bugs, without introducing disruptive changes.

That responsibility requires deep technical knowledge, discipline, and trust from the community. Kroah-Hartman has carried it for years, ensuring that Linux remains dependable across millions of systems worldwide.

Beyond the Stable Kernel

His impact extends far beyond stable releases. Over the years, Kroah-Hartman has contributed heavily to:

• Driver development, helping hardware vendors integrate cleanly with Linux

• Kernel infrastructure improvements, making long-term maintenance sustainable

• Developer documentation, including the widely respected Linux Kernel in a Nutshell

• Mentorship, guiding new contributors through the notoriously complex kernel process

These efforts help keep Linux open not just in license, but in practice, accessible to new developers and maintainable at scale.

Why This Award Matters

The European Open Source Award recognizes individuals whose work benefits society through openness, collaboration, and technical excellence. Kroah-Hartman’s work exemplifies that mission.

Linux doesn’t succeed because of flashy features alone. It succeeds because:

• Bugs are fixed responsibly

• Security issues are handled quietly and quickly

• Compatibility is preserved across years and hardware generations

Those outcomes don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of sustained, meticulous stewardship, exactly the kind of work this award celebrates.

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by George Whittaker

In an era where security threats continually evolve, protecting the heart of an operating system, the kernel, has never been more critical. One tool gaining traction in the Linux world is the Linux Kernel Runtime Guard (LKRG), a specialized security module designed to detect and respond to attacks targeting the kernel while the system is running. This project recently reached its first stable milestone with version 1.0.0, marking a major step forward for runtime protection on Linux systems.

What Is LKRG?

LKRG (short for Linux Kernel Runtime Guard) is a loadable kernel module that continuously monitors the health and integrity of the Linux kernel while it’s running. Unlike many security features that rely on compile-time patches or static defenses, LKRG acts at runtime, watching for signs of unauthorized changes or exploit attempts and taking configurable action when something suspicious is detected.

Because LKRG is a module rather than a patch to the kernel source, it can be built and used across a variety of distributions and kernel versions without needing to recompile the core kernel itself. It supports a wide range of architectures, including x86-64, 32-bit x86, ARM64, and 32-bit ARM, and has been tested on kernels from older enterprise releases all the way up to recent mainline versions.

How LKRG Works

At its core, LKRG performs runtime integrity checks on critical parts of the kernel and system state. It validates the kernel’s code, data, and metadata against expected values and monitors for unexpected changes that could be indicative of an exploit. The module also watches key process attributes and credentials to help spot unauthorized privilege escalation attempts.

Unlike compile-time defenses such as address space layout randomization (ASLR) or static code hardening, LKRG is designed to observe and react while the kernel is executing, a concept sometimes referred to as “post-detection” security. This complements other layers of defense rather than replacing them.

Version 1.0: A Milestone Release

After several years of development, with the first public release appearing back in 2018, LKRG has finally reached its 1.0 release, signaling maturity and broader real-world readiness. This milestone brings a suite of improvements, including:

• Broader Kernel Compatibility: Support extending to recent kernel series such as Linux 6.17, while maintaining compatibility with older, long-lived versions.

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by George Whittaker

Mozilla has taken a notable step toward improving Firefox distribution on Linux. An official Firefox RPM package is now available directly from Mozilla for Fedora-style distributions, including Fedora, RHEL-compatible systems, and related derivatives. This move gives users a new, upstream-supported option for installing and maintaining Firefox without relying solely on distro-maintained builds.

What’s Changed

Until now, users on RPM-based systems typically installed Firefox through their distribution’s repositories. While those packages are usually well-maintained, they can sometimes lag behind Mozilla’s release schedule or include distro-specific patches.

With the new official RPM, Mozilla provides:

• A Firefox build maintained directly by Mozilla

• Faster access to new releases and security updates

• A consistent Firefox experience across RPM-based distros

• Reduced dependency on downstream packaging delays

This mirrors the approach Mozilla already uses for official DEB packages and tarball releases, bringing parity to RPM-based ecosystems.

Who Benefits Most

This new packaging option is especially useful for:

• Fedora users who want Firefox updates the moment Mozilla releases them

• Developers and testers who need predictable, upstream Firefox behavior

• Enterprise or workstation users running Fedora-derived systems who prefer vendor-supplied binaries

• Users who want to avoid Flatpak or Snap for their browser

Distributions that prioritize stability over immediacy may still ship older versions, but the official RPM gives users a clear choice.

How It Works

Mozilla hosts a signed RPM repository that integrates cleanly with dnf-based systems. Once added, Firefox updates arrive through the standard system update process, just like any other RPM package.

Key characteristics include:

• GPG-signed packages from Mozilla

• Automatic updates via dnf upgrade

• No repackaging or third-party rebuilds

• Compatibility with Fedora and compatible RPM distros

Users can choose between the distro-provided Firefox or Mozilla’s upstream RPM without conflict, as long as only one source is enabled.

Why This Matters for Linux Users

This change reflects a broader trend: upstream projects taking more responsibility for how their software reaches users. For Firefox, that means:

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by George Whittaker Introduction

Gaming on Linux has never been better. Thanks to advances in compatibility layers like Proton, drivers, and distro-level optimizations, Linux now supports thousands of games, from AAA titles to indie favorites, with performance that rivals Windows in many cases. As we head into 2026, certain Linux distributions have risen to the top as the most gamer-friendly, offering build-ins, drivers, and tooling that make playing on open-source systems smoother and more fun.

In this article, we’ll look at the best Linux gaming distros for 2026, what sets each one apart, and who they’re best suited for, whether you’re a seasoned Linux gamer or someone switching from Windows or macOS.

1. SteamOS (SteamOS 5 / “Holo”) Why It’s Great

SteamOS remains the top choice if games are your priority. Developed by Valve, SteamOS is designed specifically for gaming hardware and integrates tightly with:

• Steam and Proton for Windows game compatibility

• Controller-first navigation, perfect for living-room play

• Competitive performance out of the box

• Fast boot and automatic updates

SteamOS continues evolving with better hardware support, especially for handheld PCs and Steam Deck-style form factors.

Best For

• Dedicated gaming PCs

• Steam Deck and SteamOS handhelds

• Users who want a console-like experience

2. Pop!_OS (Gaming Edition) Why It’s Great

Created by System76, Pop!_OS is known for a smooth performance-oriented desktop and excellent driver support. The Gaming Edition (or the gaming-optimized install profile) comes with:

• Automatic NVIDIA and AMD driver detection

• Integrated Proton and Steam packages

• Built-in support for auto-tiling and hybrid graphics

• Excellent keyboard/mouse + gamepad support

Pop!_OS also excels on laptops with hybrid GPUs because of its dedicated power profiles and intelligent GPU switching.

Best For

• Desktop gamers who want a traditional desktop + gaming setup

• Users with NVIDIA GPUs

• Hybrid GPU laptops

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by George Whittaker

The Linux Mint project has unveiled Linux Mint 22.3, carrying the codename “Zena”, the latest point release in the popular Mint 22 series. This new version continues Mint’s reputation for delivering a comfortable, user-friendly desktop experience while remaining stable and reliable. As a Long Term Support (LTS) release, Linux Mint 22.3 will receive updates and security patches through April 2029.

Built on a Solid Ubuntu Base

Zena is built on top of Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS (“Noble Numbat”), bringing Mint’s traditional desktop approach together with Ubuntu’s well-tested foundation and extensive software repositories. It ships with the Linux kernel 6.14 and benefits from the Ubuntu Hardware Enablement stack, which improves support for newer hardware such as recent AMD and Intel chips.

What’s New in Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena”

Rather than revolutionize the distro, the Mint team focused on thoughtful refinements and quality-of-life improvements that make everyday usage smoother and more intuitive.

Redesigned Application Menu

One of the most noticeable visual changes is the revamped Mint Menu in the Cinnamon edition. It now includes a sidebar showing your avatar, favorite applications, and commonly used locations, along with customizable search bar placement and icon styles for a cleaner look.

Upgraded Cinnamon Desktop (6.6)

Linux Mint 22.3 ships with Cinnamon 6.6 on the flagship edition, which delivers a range of subtle improvements:

• Better handling of keyboard layouts and input methods, especially under Wayland

• Improved support for traditional XKB and IBus input methods

• A more graceful on-screen keyboard

• Refined behavior and visuals throughout the desktop environment

These changes aim to polish the experience without introducing disruptive UI changes.

New System Management Tools

To help users understand their hardware quickly and troubleshoot issues without entering the command line, Zena introduces two new utilities:

• System Information - consolidates details about your machine’s hardware, including USB devices, the GPU, BIOS, and PCI devices

• System Administration - provides an easy interface for configuring low-level system settings, starting with the ability to adjust the boot menu

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by George Whittaker

No matter how reliable Linux systems are, failures still happen. A broken bootloader, a corrupted filesystem, a failed update, or a dying disk can leave even the most stable setup unbootable. That’s where Linux rescue and repair distributions come in.

In 2025, rescue distros are more powerful, more hardware-aware, and easier to use than ever before. Whether you’re a system administrator, a home user, or a technician, having the right recovery tools on hand can mean the difference between a quick fix and total data loss.

What Exactly Is a Linux Rescue Distro?

A Linux rescue distro is a bootable live operating system designed specifically for diagnosing, repairing, and recovering systems. Unlike standard desktop distros, rescue environments focus on:

• Disk and filesystem utilities

• Bootloader repair tools

• Hardware detection and diagnostics

• Data recovery and backup

• System repair without touching the installed OS

Most run entirely from RAM, allowing you to work on disks safely without mounting them automatically.

When Do You Need a Rescue Distro?

Rescue distros are invaluable in scenarios such as:

• A system fails to boot after a kernel or driver update

• GRUB or systemd-boot is misconfigured or overwritten

• Filesystems become corrupted after a power failure

• You need to copy important files from a non-booting system

• Passwords or user accounts are inaccessible

• Malware or ransomware locks access to a system

In short: if your OS won’t start, a rescue distro often still will.

Top Linux Rescue and Repair Distros in 2025 SystemRescue

SystemRescue remains the gold standard for Linux recovery.

Why it stands out:

• Ships with a modern Linux kernel for wide hardware support

• Supports ext4, XFS, Btrfs, NTFS, ZFS, and more

• Includes tools like GParted, fsck, testdisk, and ddrescue

• Offers both CLI and lightweight GUI options

Best for: advanced users, sysadmins, and serious recovery tasks.

Rescatux

Rescatux focuses on simplicity and guided recovery.

Key strengths:

• Menu-driven repair tasks

• Automatic GRUB and EFI boot repair

• Windows and Linux password reset tools

• Beginner-friendly interface

Best for: home users and newcomers who want step-by-step help.

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by George Whittaker

Zorin OS has reached an important milestone. The team behind the popular Linux distribution has announced that Zorin OS 18 has surpassed two million downloads, underscoring the growing interest in Linux as a practical alternative to mainstream operating systems.

The achievement highlights not only Zorin OS’s steady rise in popularity, but also a broader trend: more users, especially those leaving Windows, are actively seeking operating systems that are modern, approachable, and familiar.

A Distro Built for Accessibility

Zorin OS has long positioned itself as a distribution designed to reduce the friction of switching to Linux. Rather than targeting power users first, it focuses on:

• A clean, intuitive desktop layout

• Familiar workflows for users coming from Windows or macOS

• Simple system tools that avoid unnecessary complexity

With Zorin OS 18, that philosophy continues. The interface feels polished out of the box, applications are easy to install, and most hardware works without manual configuration. For many newcomers, that “it just works” experience is what turns curiosity into long-term adoption.

Why Zorin OS 18 Resonates With Users

Several factors help explain why Zorin OS 18 has attracted millions of downloads:

A Comfortable Transition Away From Windows

As Windows 11 introduces stricter hardware requirements, more system telemetry, and UI changes that frustrate some users, Zorin OS offers a calmer alternative. Its desktop can closely resemble Windows layouts, easing the learning curve for first-time Linux users.

Strong Performance on Modest Hardware

Zorin OS runs well on both modern systems and older machines. This makes it appealing to users who want to extend the life of existing hardware rather than replace it.

Thoughtful Design Choices

Instead of overwhelming users with customization options, Zorin OS focuses on sensible defaults. Everything from system menus to app selection feels deliberate, helping users stay productive without constant tweaking.

A Broader Shift Toward Beginner-Friendly Linux Distros

The success of Zorin OS 18 reflects a wider change in the Linux ecosystem. Projects like Zorin OS demonstrate that Linux no longer needs to be intimidating or niche to be powerful.

This shift has been reinforced by:

• Improved hardware compatibility

• Better gaming support through Proton and Vulkan

• More polished desktop environments

• Clearer documentation and onboarding tools

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by George Whittaker Introduction

A fresh entry has just appeared in the world of Linux distributions: Loss32, a lightweight operating system built from scratch with one goal in mind — giving old and low-resource computers a new lease on life. Announced by its small but passionate development team, Loss32 aims to be fast, respectful of older hardware, and friendly to users who want simplicity without sacrificing modern usability.

Whether you’re rediscovering an old laptop in a drawer or building a tiny home server, Loss32 promises to deliver a capable computing experience with minimal overhead.

A Distribution Born from a Simple Idea

Loss32 began as a personal project by a group of open-source enthusiasts frustrated with how quickly modern software has moved past older machines. They noticed that even relatively recent hardware can struggle with mainstream operating systems, leaving many devices underutilized.

Their solution: build a distro that boots fast, uses minimal RAM and disk space, and still provides a complete desktop environment for everyday tasks.

The name Loss32 stems from its focus on “losing” unnecessary bloat — keeping only what’s essential — and the fact that it targets 32-bit and low-resource systems that many other distros are abandoning.

Key Features of Loss32 1. Runs on Older CPUs and Low Memory

Loss32 supports:

• 32-bit and 64-bit CPUs

• Machines with as little as 512 MB of RAM

• Hard drives and SSDs down to 4 GB usable space

These minimums open the distro up to machines that newer Linux distros won’t even install on.

2. Lightweight Desktop — Fast and Simple

Instead of heavy desktop environments, Loss32 ships with a customized Xfce/XF-Lite hybrid:

• Classic panel layout for easy navigation

• Small memory footprint for snappy response

• Simple app launchers and taskbars

This ensures a familiar feel while staying lean.

3. Essential App Suite Included

Out of the box, Loss32 includes a careful selection of applications:

• Web browsing — light browser with Web standards support

• Email and calendar — basic, responsive client

• Media playback — audio and video codecs included

• Simple document editing and PDF viewing

• File manager optimized for speed

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by George Whittaker

The Linux kernel development cycle continues with the release of Linux 6.19-rc4, the fourth release candidate in the lead-up to the final 6.19 stable kernel. As with previous RC builds, this release is aimed squarely at developers, testers, and early adopters who help identify bugs and regressions before the kernel is finalized.

Release candidates are not feature drops — they are checkpoints. And rc4 reflects exactly that role.

What Does rc4 Mean in the Kernel Cycle?

By the time the fourth release candidate arrives, the merge window is long closed. That means all major features for Linux 6.19 are already in place, and the focus has shifted entirely to:

• Fixing bugs introduced earlier in the cycle

• Addressing regressions reported by testers

• Refining drivers, subsystems, and architecture-specific code

In other words, rc4 is about stability and correctness, not surprises.

What’s Changed in Linux 6.19-rc4

While rc releases don’t usually headline major features, they do include a steady stream of important fixes across the kernel tree.

Driver and Hardware Fixes

Many of the changes in rc4 focus on hardware support, including:

• GPU driver fixes for stability and edge-case behavior

• Networking device driver cleanups

• Updates for input devices and platform-specific drivers

These changes help ensure Linux continues to run reliably across a wide range of systems, from desktops and laptops to servers and embedded hardware.

Filesystems and Storage

Several filesystems see incremental fixes in this release, addressing corner cases, error handling, and consistency issues. Storage-related updates also touch block-layer code and device-mapper components, helping improve reliability under load.

Architecture-Specific Updates

As usual, rc4 includes fixes tailored to specific CPU architectures, such as:

• x86 refinements

• ARM and ARM64 cleanups

• RISC-V and other platform-specific adjustments

These changes may not affect all users directly, but they’re crucial for maintaining Linux’s broad hardware compatibility.

Regression Fixes and Testing Feedback

A large portion of rc4 is dedicated to resolving regressions reported by testers running earlier release candidates. This includes:

• Fixes for boot issues on certain configurations

• Corrections for performance regressions

• Cleanup of warnings and build errors

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by George Whittaker

As a software vendor, getting your product in front of the right audience is crucial. One of the best ways to reach business buyers is by leveraging B2B software comparison and review platforms. These websites attract millions of in-market software buyers who rely on peer reviews and ratings to make purchasing decisions. In fact, 88% of buyers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations [1]. By listing your software on these platforms, you can gather authentic user feedback, build credibility, and dramatically improve your visibility to potential customers. Below we rank the top six B2B software comparison websites – and highlight what makes each one valuable for vendors looking to boost exposure and win more business. Now updated for 2026.

1. SourceForge

SourceForge tops our list as a powerhouse platform for software vendors. Why SourceForge? For starters, it boasts enormous traffic – over 20 million monthly visitors actively searching for software solutions [2]. In fact, SourceForge drives more traffic than any other B2B software directory (often more than all other major sites combined!) [2]. Semrush even estimates SourceForge's November 2025 traffic at 27.51 million visitors[3]. This means listing your product here can put you in front of a vast pool of potential business buyers. SourceForge offers a complete business software and services comparison platform where buyers can find, compare, and review software. As the site itself says: “Selling software? You’re in the right place. We’ll help you reach millions of intent-driven software and IT buyers and influencers every day.” For a vendor, this translates into incredible visibility and lead generation opportunities.

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by George Whittaker

Linux has always been more than just a kernel, it’s a living, breathing world of innovation, community collaboration, and divergent use cases. As we roll into 2026, the landscape is poised for exciting growth. From continuing evolution of core kernel infrastructure to newfound momentum in areas like gaming, AI-augmented tooling, hardware support and security, the coming year promises both refinement and transformation. Whether you’re a developer, system administrator, gamer, or casual user, here’s what you can expect from the Linux world in 2026.

1. Kernel Evolution: Performance, Security, and AI-Driven Behavior

The Linux kernel remains the beating heart of the OS. In 2026, we’ll likely see:

• New Long-Term Support (LTS) Baselines: With releases like 6.18 already declared LTS and successor branches maturing, distributions will rally around kernels that offer both performance gains and security longevity.

• AI-Driven Infrastructure: Kernel subsystems may start experimenting with machine-learning-informed scheduling, resource management, or dynamic power/performance tuning, not via heavy inference at runtime, but via control-plane advice integrated at build or boot time.

• Security Innovation: Hardware vulnerabilities like VMScape and speculative execution side channels have taught us that kernel mitigations remain crucial. Expect continued work on microarchitecture hardening, pointer tagging, and improved isolation.

The overall trend points to a kernel that is both more performant and more robust, without compromising the modularity that makes Linux adaptable across systems from supercomputers to handhelds.

2. The Desktop Experience: Polished, Consistent, and Accessible

For desktop users, 2026 should bring visible improvements to everyday workflows:

• Wayland Maturity: Wayland adoption continues to solidify across distributions, with fewer fallbacks to legacy X11 backends. Compositors and toolkits will refine scaling, multi-monitor behavior, and screen capture APIs.

• Accessibility Gains: Distros will invest more in accessibility, bringing improved screen reader support, better keyboard navigation, and wide internationalization.

• Distribution Diversity: More polished newcomers and revitalizations of existing distros will continue, especially projects aimed at lowering the barrier to entry for users migrating from Windows or macOS.

The promise here is a Linux desktop that feels friendly without diluting depth for advanced customization.

3. Cloud, Edge, and Server Infrastructure: Linux Everywhere

Linux powers the backbone of the modern server and cloud world. In 2026:

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by George Whittaker Introduction

Linux has long been known as the operating system of developers and power users, but today it’s far more accessible than ever before. Thanks to user-friendly distributions that prioritize simplicity, stability, and support, even someone who’s never used Linux can get up and running quickly. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best Linux distributions (distros) for beginners, what sets them apart, and who each one is best suited for.

Whether you’re switching from Windows or macOS, using a PC for the first time, or simply curious about Linux, there’s a distro here that fits your comfort level and workflow.

1. Ubuntu: The Standard for New Users

Why it’s great: Ubuntu is one of the most recognizable Linux distributions, and for good reason. It offers a polished graphical interface, a massive community, and extensive documentation. If you’ve ever wanted a desktop that “just works,” Ubuntu delivers with minimal setup.

Key Features:

• Intuitive GNOME desktop environment

• Regular releases and a Long-Term Support (LTS) version with five years of updates

• Large software repository and excellent hardware support

• Strong community forums and extensive official documentation

Good for: Users completely new to Linux or those switching from Windows or macOS.

Best for: Desktops, laptops, beginners.

2. Linux Mint: Familiar Feel for Former Windows Users

Why it’s great: Linux Mint focuses on a familiar desktop experience. Its Cinnamon edition resembles the classic Windows layout, making the transition easier for users coming from that platform. Mint is stable, fast, and comes with many tools that simplify daily tasks.

Key Features:

• Traditional desktop layout (like Windows)

• Comes bundled with multimedia codecs and essential apps

• Excellent performance on older hardware

• Multiple desktop options (Cinnamon, MATE, Xfce)

Good for: Windows switchers looking for a gentle introduction.

Best for: Desktops, older machines, learners.

3. Zorin OS: A Windows-Like Experience With Style

Why it’s great: Zorin OS is designed with newcomers in mind. It’s polished, modern, and “comfortable” for users who may find traditional Linux desktops intimidating. Its interface can mimic Windows or macOS out of the box, and Zorin includes tools to effortlessly install popular applications.

Key Features:

• Look-and-feel switcher (Windows, macOS styles)

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by George Whittaker Introduction

The KDE community has just published KDE Gear 25.12, the newest quarterly update to its suite of applications. This refresh brings a mix of enhancements, bug fixes, performance refinements, and new features across many popular KDE apps, from Dolphin file manager and Konsole terminal to Krita and Spectacle. With this release, KDE continues its tradition of incremental yet meaningful upgrades that make everyday use smoother and more productive.

KDE Gear updates are not limited to the KDE Plasma desktop; they also benefit users of other desktop environments who install KDE apps on their systems. Whether you’re running KDE on Linux, BSD, or even Windows via KDE Windows builds, Gear 25.12 delivers improvements worth checking out.

Highlights from KDE Gear 25.12 Dolphin: Better File Browsing and Thumbnails

Dolphin, KDE’s file manager, receives several enhancements in this update:

• Improved thumbnail generation for more file types, making previews quicker and more dependable.

• UI polish in the sidebar for easier navigation between folders and mounted drives.

• Better handling of network shares and remote locations, improving responsiveness and reducing hangs.

These changes combine to make everyday file exploration more responsive and visually informative.

Konsole: Productivity Boosts

The KDE terminal emulator, Konsole, gets attention too:

• Search field improvements help you find text within long terminal scrollbacks faster and with fewer clicks.

• Tab and session indicators are clearer, helping users manage multiple tabs or split views more easily.

• Stability fixes reduce crashes in edge cases when closing multiple sessions at once.

For developers and power users who spend a lot of time in a terminal, these refinements are genuinely useful.

Krita: More Painting Power

Krita, KDE’s professional painting and illustration application, also benefits from this release:

• Improvements to brush performance, reducing lag on large canvases and complex brush sets.

• Better color management and palette handling, smoothing workflows for digital artists.

• Fixes for certain configuration edge cases that previously caused settings not to persist across sessions.

Artists and digital illustrators should notice fewer interruptions and smoother performance when working on large projects.

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by George Whittaker

One of the most widely deployed Linux kernels has officially reached the end of its lifecycle. The maintainers of the Linux kernel have confirmed that Linux 5.4, once a cornerstone of countless servers, desktops, and embedded devices, is now end-of-life (EOL). After years of long-term support, the branch has been retired and will no longer receive upstream fixes or security updates.

A Kernel Release That Defined a Generation of Linux Systems

When Linux 5.4 debuted, it made headlines for bringing native exFAT support, broader hardware compatibility, and performance improvements that many distributions quickly embraced. It became the foundation for major OS releases, including Ubuntu LTS, certain ChromeOS versions, Android kernels, and numerous appliance and IoT devices.

Its long support window made it a favorite for organizations seeking stability over bleeding-edge features.

What End-of-Life Actually Means

With the EOL announcement, the upstream kernel maintainers are officially done with version 5.4. That means:

• No more security patches

• No more bug fixes or performance updates

• No regressions or vulnerabilities will be addressed

Some enterprise vendors may continue backporting patches privately, but the public upstream branch is now frozen. For most users, that makes 5.4 effectively unsafe to run.

Why This Matters for Users and Organizations

Many devices, especially embedded systems, tend to run kernels for much longer than desktops or servers. If those systems continue using 5.4, they now risk exposure to unpatched vulnerabilities.

Running an unsupported kernel can also create compliance issues for companies operating under strict security guidelines or certifications. Even home users running older LTS distributions may unknowingly remain on a kernel that’s no longer protected.

Upgrading Is the Clear Next Step

With 5.4 retired, users should begin planning an upgrade to a supported kernel line. Today’s active long-term support kernels include more modern branches such as 6.1, 6.6, and 6.8, which provide:

• Better CPU and GPU support

• Significant security improvements

• Enhanced performance and energy efficiency

• Longer future support windows

Before upgrading, organizations should test workloads, custom drivers, and hardware, especially with specialized or embedded deployments.

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by George Whittaker

For years, Windows users frustrated with constant changes, aggressive updates, and growing system bloat have flirted with switching to Linux. But 2025 marks a noticeable shift: a new generation of Linux distributions built specifically for ex-Windows users is gaining real traction. One of the standout examples is Bazzite, a gaming-optimized Fedora-based distro that has quickly become a go-to choice for people abandoning Windows in favor of a cleaner, more customizable experience.

Why Many Windows Users Are Finally Jumping Ship

Microsoft’s ecosystem has been slowly pushing some users toward the exit. Hardware requirements for Windows 11 left millions of perfectly functional PCs behind. Ads on the Start menu and in system notifications have frustrated many. And for gamers, launcher problems, forced reboots and background processes that siphon resources have driven a search for alternatives.

Linux distributions have benefited from that frustration, especially those that focus on simplicity, performance and gaming readiness.

Gaming-First Distros Are Leading the Movement

Historically, switching to Linux meant sacrificing game compatibility. But with Valve’s Proton layer and Vulkan-based translation technologies, thousands of Windows games now run flawlessly, sometimes better than on Windows.

Distros targeting former Windows users are leaning into this new reality:

• Seamless Steam integration

• Automatic driver configuration for AMD, Intel and NVIDIA

• Built-in performance overlays like MangoHUD

• Proton GE and tools for modding or shader fixes

• Support for HDR, VR and modern controller layouts

This means a new Linux user can install one of these distros and jump straight into gaming with almost no setup.

Bazzite: A Standout Alternative OS

Bazzite has become the poster child for this trend. Built on Fedora’s image-based system and the Universal Blue infrastructure, it offers an incredibly stable base that updates atomically, similar to SteamOS.

What makes Bazzite so attractive to Windows refugees?

• Gaming-ready out of the box no tweaking, no driver hunts

• Rock-solid performance thanks to an immutable system layout

• Support for handheld PCs like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally and Legion Go

• Friendly workflows that feel familiar to new Linux users

• Customization without the risk of breaking the system

It’s no surprise that many “I switched to Linux!” posts now mention Bazzite as their distro of choice.

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by George Whittaker

The stable release of Linux Kernel 6.18 was officially tagged on November 30, 2025.

It’s expected to become this year’s major long-term support (LTS) kernel, something many users and distributions care about.

Here’s a breakdown of the most significant changes and improvements in this release:

Core Improvements: Performance, Memory, Infrastructure

• The kernel’s memory allocation subsystem gets a major upgrade with “sheaves”, a per-CPU caching layer for slab allocations. This reduces locking overhead and speeds up memory allocation and freeing, improving overall system responsiveness.

• A new device-mapper target dm-pcache arrives, enabling use of persistent memory (e.g. NVDIMM/CXL) as a cache layer for block devices, useful for systems with fast non-volatile memory, SSDs, or hybrid storage.

• Overall memory management and swapping performance have been improved, which should help under memory pressure or heavy workloads.

Networking & Security Enhancements

• Networking gets a boost: support for Accurate Explicit Congestion Notification (AccECN) in TCP, which can provide better congestion signals and more efficient network behaviour under load.

• A new option for PSP-encrypted TCP connections has been added, a fresh attempt to push more secure transport-layer encryption (like a more efficient alternative to IPsec/TLS for some workloads) under kernel control.

• The kernel now supports cryptographically signed BPF programs (eBPF), so BPF bytecode loaded at runtime can be verified for integrity. This is a noteworthy security hardening step.

• The overall security infrastructure and auditing path, including multi-LSM (Linux Security Modules) support, has been refined, improving compatibility for setups using SELinux, AppArmor, or similar simultaneously.

Hardware, Drivers & Architecture Coverage

• Kernel 6.18 brings enhanced hardware support: updated and new drivers for many platforms across architectures (x86_64, ARM, RISC-V, MIPS, etc.), including improvements for GPUs, CPU power management, storage controllers, and more.

• In particular, support for newer SoCs, chipsets, and embedded-board device trees has been extended, beneficial for people using SBCs, ARM-based laptops/boards, or niche hardware.

• For gaming rigs, laptops, and desktops alike: improvements to drivers, power-state management, and performance tuning may lead to better overall hardware efficiency.

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by George Whittaker Introduction

If you use Linux and occasionally run Windows applications, whether via native Wine or through gaming layers like Proton, you’ll appreciate what just dropped in Wine 10.19. Released November 14 2025, this version brings a major enhancement: official support for Windows reparse points, a filesystem feature many Windows apps rely on, and a host of other compatibility upgrades.

In simpler terms: Wine now understands more of the Windows filesystem semantics, which means fewer workarounds, better application compatibility, and smoother experiences for many games and tools previously finicky under Linux.

What Are Reparse Points & Why They Matter Understanding Reparse Points

On Windows, a reparse point is a filesystem object (file or directory) that carries additional data, often used for symbolic links, junctions, mount points, or other redirection features. When an application opens or queries a file, the OS may check the reparse tag to determine special behavior (for example “redirect this file open to this other path”).

Because many Windows apps, installers, games, DRM systems, file-managers, use reparse points for features like directory redirection, path abstractions, or filesystem overlays, lacking full support for them in Wine means those apps often misbehave.

What Wine 10.19 Adds

With Wine 10.19, support for these reparse point mechanisms has been implemented in key filesystem APIs: for example NtQueryDirectoryFile, GetFileInfo, file attribute tags, and DeleteFile/RemoveDirectory for reparse objects.

This means that in Wine 10.19:

• Windows apps that create or manage symbolic links, directory junctions or mount-point style re-parsing will now function correctly in many more cases.

• Installers or frameworks that rely on “when opening path X, redirect to path Y” will work with less tinkering.

• Games or utilities that check for reparse tags or use directory redirections will have fewer “stuck” behaviors or missing files.

In effect, this is a step toward closer to native behavior for Windows file-system semantics under Linux.

Other Key Highlights in Wine 10.19

Beyond reparse points, the release brings several notable improvements:

• Expanded support for WinRT exceptions (Windows Runtime error handling) meaning better compatibility for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps and newer Windows-based frameworks.

• Refactoring of “Common Controls” (COMCTL32) following the version 5 vs version 6 split, which helps GUI applications that rely on older controls or expect mixed versions.

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by George Whittaker Introduction

Mozilla has rolled out Firefox 145, a significant update that brings a range of usability, security and privacy enhancements, while marking a clear turning point by discontinuing official support for 32-bit Linux systems. For users on older hardware or legacy distros, this change means it’s time to consider moving to a 64-bit environment or opting for a supported version.

Here’s a detailed look at what’s new, what’s changed, and what you need to know.

Major Changes in Firefox 145 End of 32-Bit Linux Builds

One of the headline items in this release is Mozilla’s decision to stop building and distributing Firefox for 32-bit x86 Linux. As per their announcement:

“32-bit Linux (on x86) is no longer widely supported by the vast majority of Linux distributions, and maintaining Firefox on this platform has become increasingly difficult and unreliable.”

From Firefox 145 onward, only 64-bit (x86_64) and relevant 64-bit architectures (such as ARM64) will be officially supported. For those still running 32-bit Linux builds, Mozilla recommends migrating to 64-bit or switching to the Extended Support Release (ESR) branch (Firefox 140 ESR) which still supports 32-bit for a limited period.

Usability & Interface Enhancements

Firefox 145 brings several improvements designed to make everyday web browsing smoother and more flexible:

• PDF viewer enhancements: You can now add, edit, and delete comments in PDFs, and a comments sidebar helps you easily navigate your annotations.

• Tab-group preview: When you hover over the name of a collapsed tab group, a thumbnail preview of the tabs inside appears, helpful for reorganizing or returning to work.

• Access saved passwords from the sidebar, without needing to open a new tab or window.

• “Open links from apps next to your active tab” setting: When enabled, links opened from external applications insert next to your current tab instead of at the end of the tab bar.

• Slight UI refinements: Buttons, input fields, tabs and other elements get more rounded edges, horizontal tabs are redesigned to align with vertical-tab aesthetics.

Privacy, Security & Under-the-Hood Upgrades

Mozilla has also doubled down on privacy and risk reduction:

• Fingerprinting defenses: Firefox 145 introduces new anti-fingerprinting techniques that Mozilla estimates reduce the number of users identified as unique by nearly half when Private Browsing mode or Enhanced Tracking Protection (strict) is used.

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