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This Linux distro combines the best parts of Windows and MacOS - and it's gorgeous

This Linux distro combines the best parts of Windows and MacOS - and it's gorgeous

The article highlights an impressive blend of speed, beauty, and usability, showcasing a product that excels in performance while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design. This balance is essential for enhancing user experience and satisfaction.


What makes BlueStar Linux visually appealing and performant?
BlueStar Linux is visually appealing due to its customized KDE Plasma desktop environment, which offers a unique aesthetic similar to macOS. Its performance is enhanced by using the latest Linux kernel and KDE Plasma updates, such as kernel 6.14.9, which includes features like uncached buffered I/O support[1][2].
Sources: [1], [2]
Is BlueStar Linux suitable for beginners, and what software does it include?
BlueStar Linux is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and inclusion of common software applications. It includes apps like GIMP, VLC media player, LibreOffice, Firefox, and Thunderbird, making it a comprehensive choice for new users[1].
Sources: [1]

10 July, 2025
ZDNet

Despite Broadcom's recent licensing shift, I'll never migrate my home lab to ESXi

Despite Broadcom's recent licensing shift, I'll never migrate my home lab to ESXi

The article explores various server operating systems for home labs, highlighting options from Debian and Proxmox to Harvester. It emphasizes the unique benefits of GUI distros and Windows 11 for beginners in the home lab community.


What is Broadcom's recent licensing shift for VMware products?
Broadcom has discontinued the sale of perpetual licenses for VMware products and moved exclusively to a subscription-based licensing model starting in early 2024. This change simplifies VMware's product portfolio and aims to provide predictable recurring revenue, but it also means customers must maintain active subscriptions to receive support and updates.
Sources: [1], [2]
How do Broadcom's licensing changes affect small VMware deployments like home labs?
Broadcom has ended the sale of the Essentials Plus Kit, which was a popular, affordable licensing option for small VMware deployments and home labs. With Essentials Plus discontinued, smaller environments face higher costs and fewer tailored options, often needing to upgrade to more expensive licensing SKUs to maintain basic features such as high availability and vMotion.
Sources: [1], [2]

04 July, 2025
XDA

The secret to Linux's remarkable journey from one dev's hobby to 40 million lines of code

The secret to Linux's remarkable journey from one dev's hobby to 40 million lines of code

Jonathan Corbet explores the remarkable journey of Linux, highlighting the key factors that have contributed to its success over the past thirty years. This insightful narrative sheds light on the evolution and impact of this influential operating system.


What was the initial motivation behind Linus Torvalds creating Linux?
Linus Torvalds created Linux as a personal project in 1991, initially as a hobby to develop a free operating system kernel. He was inspired by Unix and the educational operating system Minix, aiming to create something similar but free and accessible[1][2].
How has Linux evolved over the years to become a dominant operating system?
Linux has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially, it was relicensed under the GNU GPL in 1992, allowing for community contributions. Over the years, it has been ported to various platforms, gained support for symmetric multiprocessing, and become a leading choice for servers and supercomputers[1][2].

01 July, 2025
ZDNet

This Debian-based Linux distro is an overlooked and user-friendly gem

This Debian-based Linux distro is an overlooked and user-friendly gem

The new operating system is designed to cater to a diverse range of users, offering functionality and ease of use straight from installation. This versatility makes it an appealing choice for both casual and professional environments.


What makes a Debian-based Linux distribution user-friendly and suitable for both casual and professional users?
A Debian-based Linux distribution is considered user-friendly when it offers stability, ease of installation, and pre-installed applications that cater to a wide range of users. Such distros often include intuitive desktop environments, tools for system management, and access to a large repository of software packages. This combination allows both casual users and professionals to use the system effectively right from installation without extensive configuration.
Sources: [1]
Why do many Linux distributions choose Debian as their base?
Many Linux distributions choose Debian as their base because of its renowned stability, extensive software repositories, and strong community support. Debian supports multiple hardware architectures and offers different release branches (stable, testing, unstable) to suit various user needs. Its rigorous testing process ensures reliability, making it an ideal foundation for derivative distributions that aim to provide a dependable and versatile operating system.
Sources: [1]

30 June, 2025
ZDNet

3 things Linux needs to have before I can make the swap

3 things Linux needs to have before I can make the swap

The article discusses the author's experiences with various operating systems during post-secondary studies, highlighting a strong preference for Windows while also appreciating the portability and functionality of the M2 MacBook Air for on-the-go tasks.


Why is Linux adoption low among general desktop users compared to Windows and macOS?
Linux has a low desktop market share primarily because most PCs come pre-installed with Windows, making users less likely to install an unfamiliar operating system themselves. Additionally, the installation process and initial setup of Linux can be challenging for non-technical users, which acts as a barrier to adoption. This contrasts with Windows and macOS, which are factory-installed and more familiar to the average user.
Sources: [1], [2]
Is Linux suitable for everyday users who are not tech-savvy?
Yes, modern Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint have become increasingly user-friendly, featuring intuitive graphical interfaces and easy installation processes. These distributions aim to provide a comfortable transition for users coming from Windows or macOS, reducing the need to use command-line tools and making Linux accessible to a broader audience.
Sources: [1]

25 June, 2025
XDA

[$] Asterinas: a new Linux-compatible kernel project

[$] Asterinas: a new Linux-compatible kernel project

Asterinas, a new Linux-ABI-compatible kernel project developed at Southern University of Science and Technology, combines monolithic and microkernel designs using a unique framekernel architecture, offering a fresh perspective on the Rust-for-Linux initiative.


What is the 'framekernel' architecture used by Asterinas, and how does it differ from traditional kernel designs?
The framekernel architecture in Asterinas is a novel design that combines elements of both monolithic and microkernel architectures. Unlike traditional monolithic kernels that include most OS services in a single large kernel, or microkernels that minimize kernel responsibilities, Asterinas uses a layered approach where a small, verified Trusted Computing Base (TCB) called Ostd provides core services, and Asterinas itself implements much of the OS infrastructure on top. This design aims to reduce the TCB size significantly while maintaining rich OS features and Linux compatibility, leveraging safe Rust for memory safety and performance.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]
How does Asterinas ensure memory safety and performance while being Linux-compatible?
Asterinas is written entirely in safe Rust for most of its codebase, which helps eliminate common memory safety bugs. Only a small portion of the code, the Trusted Computing Base (OSTD), uses 'unsafe' Rust, and this code is thoroughly reviewed and verified using tools like Miri and Verus. Despite these safety constraints, Asterinas achieves performance comparable to Linux on syscall-intensive benchmarks and supports over 210 Linux system calls, multiple CPU architectures (x86-64 and RISC-V), various file systems, sockets, and devices. This balance is achieved through careful optimization and a static mapping strategy for efficient IOMMU management.
Sources: [1], [2], [3]

19 June, 2025
LWN.net

My Winter of ’99: The Year of the Linux Desktop is Always Next Year

My Winter of ’99: The Year of the Linux Desktop is Always Next Year

The article reflects on the author's journey from a hopeful Linux user in 1999 to a Windows enthusiast by 2025, highlighting challenges like lack of standardization, security issues, and unstable interfaces that hinder Linux's desktop adoption.


What are some of the main challenges that have hindered Linux's adoption on the desktop?
Some of the main challenges include the lack of standardization, security issues, unstable interfaces, and the absence of pre-installed Linux systems from major manufacturers. Additionally, the fragmentation of Linux distributions and the limited availability of certain software applications have also been significant barriers[1][2].
Sources: [1], [2]
Why does Linux struggle to gain widespread recognition and adoption compared to other operating systems?
Linux struggles to gain widespread recognition due to limited marketing efforts and the dominance of Windows and macOS in the consumer market. Most users are not exposed to Linux as a viable alternative, and when they are, it often happens by chance rather than through targeted advertising[2].
Sources: [1]

03 June, 2025
Hackaday

WSL is designed to keep Linux users happy on Windows, but it helped me switch to Linux instead

WSL is designed to keep Linux users happy on Windows, but it helped me switch to Linux instead

The article explores the author's journey through various operating systems, highlighting a fondness for Linux due to its open-source nature and customizability. However, comfort and compatibility with Mac and Windows have hindered a complete transition to Linux.


What is the primary purpose of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?
The primary purpose of WSL is to enable users to run a Linux file system and command-line tools directly on Windows, allowing developers to use Linux tools alongside Windows productivity apps.
Sources: [1]
How does WSL facilitate file access between Windows and Linux environments?
WSL mounts the machine's fixed drives under the /mnt/ directory, allowing users to access their files via both Windows and Linux apps or tools.
Sources: [1]

01 June, 2025
XDA

These 5 Linux Distros Still Support 32-Bit PCs

These 5 Linux Distros Still Support 32-Bit PCs

Despite the decline of 32-bit x86 processors in favor of 64-bit systems, certain Linux distributions continue to support older hardware, offering users a modern computing experience. This highlights the enduring relevance of legacy technology in today's digital landscape.


Why do some Linux distributions still support 32-bit PCs when most modern hardware is 64-bit?
Some Linux distributions continue to support 32-bit PCs to provide a modern computing experience for users with older hardware, ensuring that legacy technology remains functional and relevant in today's digital landscape. This is especially important for users who still rely on older laptops or desktops with 32-bit processors.
Sources: [1]
What are some examples of Linux distributions that still offer 32-bit support in 2025?
Examples of Linux distributions that still support 32-bit PCs in 2025 include Debian, Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE), MX Linux XFCE, Raspberry Pi Desktop, and Alpine Linux. These distros are chosen for their stability, lightweight nature, and continued support for legacy hardware.
Sources: [1]

01 June, 2025
How-To Geek

What does Linux Need? A Dial!

What does Linux Need? A Dial!

A new kernel driver by Stefan Wiehler enables rotary telephone dials as peripherals for Linux computers, particularly on systems with extra GPIOs. While intriguing, its practical applications may be limited, raising questions about mainstream adoption.


What is the purpose of the rotary dial kernel driver for Linux?
The rotary dial kernel driver, developed by Stefan Wiehler, allows a rotary telephone dial to function as an evdev input device on Linux systems. It is particularly useful for platforms with extra GPIOs, such as systems-on-chip, where it can interface with the BUSY and PULSE lines of the dial.
Sources: [1]
What are the potential practical applications and limitations of using a rotary dial with Linux?
While the rotary dial driver offers an innovative way to interact with Linux systems, its practical applications may be limited. It could be used in niche projects, such as creating old-school dial IP phones using Linux-capable development boards. However, mainstream adoption might be challenging due to its novelty and the availability of simpler alternatives.
Sources: [1]

30 May, 2025
Hackaday

Arrival of Linux 6.15 hails end of 486-class CPUs

Arrival of Linux 6.15 hails end of 486-class CPUs

The latest Linux kernel release by Linus Torvalds features 14,612 changesets, marking a significant update. This release signals the end of support for 486-class chips, showcasing the ongoing evolution of the Linux operating system.


What does the end of support for 486-class CPUs mean for Linux users?
The end of support for 486-class CPUs means that users will no longer be able to run the latest Linux kernels on these older processors. However, users can still run older versions of Linux, often referred to as 'museum kernels,' on these systems. This change is part of Linux's evolution to focus on modern hardware and improve performance and code management[1][3][4].
Sources: [1], [2], [3]
Why is Linux dropping support for these older CPUs?
Linux is dropping support for 486-class CPUs to simplify the kernel code, reduce maintenance efforts, and improve performance on modern hardware. This decision removes about 14,104 lines of legacy code, making the kernel easier to manage and optimize for newer systems[2][3][5].
Sources: [1], [2], [3]

28 May, 2025
The Register

The elusive goal of Unix – or Linux – simplicity

The elusive goal of Unix – or Linux – simplicity

The article explores the enduring distro wars in the Linux community, highlighting the passionate debates among enthusiasts over hardware, operating systems, and programming languages. It reflects on the deep attachments and defenses that arise within the tech-savvy crowd.


What are Linux distributions, and why are there so many?
Linux distributions, or distros, are complete operating systems based on the Linux kernel, each containing a set of packages and libraries tailored to different user needs. The diversity of distros arises from the open-source nature of Linux, allowing communities to customize the OS for specific purposes, such as enterprise, desktop, or embedded systems[3][4].
Sources: [1], [2], [3]
Why do Linux users often engage in passionate debates about different distributions?
Linux users engage in passionate debates due to deep attachments and defenses related to their preferred distributions. These debates often involve discussions about hardware compatibility, operating system features, and philosophical differences within the community. The diversity of Linux distros and the strong sense of community around each one contribute to these debates[5].
Sources: [1]

27 May, 2025
The Register

This is one of the few great apps I've paid for on Linux

This is one of the few great apps I've paid for on Linux

The article highlights the abundance of free and open-source software (FOSS) available on Linux, emphasizing its accessibility, transparency, and frequent updates, often surpassing commercial alternatives. This showcases Linux as a powerful platform for software enthusiasts.


Why do many Linux users prefer free and open-source software (FOSS) over paid commercial applications?
Linux users often prefer free and open-source software because it offers cost-effectiveness, transparency, frequent updates, and the ability to customize the software to their needs. The open-source community provides extensive support and rapid innovation, which can surpass commercial alternatives. However, some users may still pay for certain high-quality commercial apps that offer additional features, support, or ease of use.
Sources: [1]
What are the differences between community open source, open core, and commercial open source software on Linux?
Community open source software is developed and maintained by a community and is usually free, focusing on collaboration and transparency. Open core software offers a free core with additional paid proprietary features. Commercial open source software (COSS) involves paid licenses and maintenance contracts, providing more formal support and services. Choosing between these depends on factors like cost, flexibility, support needs, and the intended use case.
Sources: [1]

17 May, 2025
XDA

5 factors steadily fueling Linux's desktop rise

5 factors steadily fueling Linux's desktop rise

Linux is transitioning from a niche operating system to mainstream adoption, driven by its versatility, security, and growing support from major tech companies. This shift highlights Linux's increasing relevance in today's technology landscape.


What is the current global desktop market share of Linux, and is it expected to grow in 2025?
As of mid-2024, Linux holds about 4.5% of the global desktop operating system market, with projections suggesting it could surpass 5% in early 2025. This growth is attributed to factors such as increased hardware compatibility, performance gains, and dissatisfaction with Windows updates.
Sources: [1], [2]
Why is Linux becoming more relevant for mainstream desktop users, and what are the key drivers behind its adoption?
Linux is gaining traction due to its versatility, strong security features, and growing support from major tech companies. Additionally, advancements in gaming (e.g., Steam support), the ability to rejuvenate older hardware, and the appeal of open-source software are making Linux a more attractive option for a broader range of users.
Sources: [1], [2]

13 May, 2025
ZDNet

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