Linux Journal

by George Whittaker Opening the Curtain on Tails 6.0

On February 27, 2024, the Tails Project unveiled version 6.0, a milestone release built atop Debian 12 “Bookworm” and GNOME 43 . Tails, short for The Amnesic Incognito Live System, is engineered from the ground up to prevent data leakage, protect against targeted surveillance, and ensure that every use leaves no trace unless explicitly permitted . Version 6.0 refines this mission with a bold suite of features tailored to block modern surveillance tactics.

USB Integrity: Stopping Sneaky Hardware Threats Warnings for Persistent Storage Failures

Live USBs are critical lifelines for persistence in Tails. Now, Tails 6.0 alerts users when underlying storage suffers read/write errors. This early detection, prior to catastrophic data loss, allows users to back up their encrypted areas before disaster strikes .

Defense Against Rogue USB Devices

One of the stealthiest attack vectors involves plugging in malicious USB gear while a device is unattended. Tails now ignores any USB device connected while the screen is locked. Only when the screen is unlocked can new USB devices be activated, closing the door on rubber‑duckying-style malware delivery .

Usability Upgrades That Don’t Sacrifice Security Automatic Device Mounting with Safeguards

Plug in a flash drive or encrypted external disk while Tails is unlocked, and the system now instantly mounts the device and prompts for decryption (e.g. VeraCrypt volumes), smoothing workflow while preserving safeguards .

Ambient Display Options for Privacy-Conscious Use

GNOME 43 brings native support for dark mode, night‑light warm tones, or combinations thereof, all accessible via the system menu. These modes reduce eye strain and lower screen glare in sensitive situations, minimizing accidental disclosure in low-light settings .

Simplified Screenshots and Screencast Access

Through a redesigned system menu, users can now take screenshots or record screencasts with a few clicks—reducing reliance on external tools and minimizing exposure via unnecessary browser or app use .

Streamlined Gmail Setup in Thunderbird

Configuring a Gmail account is now smoother: Tails 6.0 allows direct sign‑in within Thunderbird using standard two-step verification, no manual IMAP or security adjustments required, eliminating error-prone manual steps .

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by George Whittaker Introduction

In recent times, two critical Linux security frameworks, AppArmor and SELinux, have seen noteworthy acceleration in real-world deployment. As Linux continues to anchor enterprise, container, cloud, and desktop systems, these Mandatory Access Control (MAC) tools have crossed threshold events signaling broader acceptance. This article examines those pivotal inflection points, dives into why they matter, and offers reflections on the shifting landscape of Linux security.

A Swift Journey to Widespread Use SELinux’s Ascendancy

Originally conceived by the NSA and later shepherded by Red Hat, SELinux added powerful MAC controls to Linux by the early 2000s. Since being fully embedded into the Linux 2.6.x kernel, SELinux has steadily expanded its reach. It has become the default security layer on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, and their derivatives, and integrated into Debian 9+, plus Ubuntu from version 8.04. Android further embraced SELinux starting from version 4.3, marking its normalization in mobile devices.

But the most recent watershed occurred in early 2025: openSUSE Tumbleweed made SELinux the default MAC for new installations beginning with snapshot 20250211, accompanied by minimalVM images running in enforcing mode. Existing installations remain unaffected unless manually migrated, and AppArmor remains an installer option. Moreover, openSUSE Leap 16 will be shipping with SELinux in enforcing mode by default, affirming a full shift within SUSE ecosystems.

This chain of events reflects a conscious pivot in favor of SELinux across both SUSE and community platforms, aligning them more closely with enterprise-grade security policies.

AppArmor’s Established Reach

AppArmor, originally named SubDomain in the late '90s, emerged from Immunix and later became a core tool in SUSE distributions. It officially became part of the Linux kernel in version 2.6.36 around October 2010. Ubuntu began shipping it by default starting with 7.10; by 8.04, CUPS was protected. Over the following releases, its scope widened to include MySQL, libvirt, browser sessions, and more. In Debian 10 ("Buster"), released July 2019, AppArmor became enabled by default, anchoring its adoption across Debian-based ecosystems.

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by George Whittaker Introduction

Privilege escalation in Linux has always walked a tightrope between convenience and risk. sudo allows users to perform tasks as root without sharing the root password—intuitive, powerful—but also a high-value target for exploits rooted in memory safety bugs. Ubuntu is now pioneering a transition: replacing the traditional C-based sudo with sudo‑rs, a Rust-powered rewrite engineered for safer root handling.

Understanding sudo‑rs

Built under the Trifecta Tech Foundation’s “Privilege Boundary” initiative, sudo‑rs is a from-scratch implementation of sudo and su created in Rust, a language celebrated for its compile-time guarantees against memory mishaps. Designed to behave like the classic “sudo,” it supports user prompts, permission checks, and environment handling, but keeps underlying behavior Turing-equivalent.

Why Ubuntu Is Betting on Rust

Rust’s strict approach to memory usage eradicates whole classes of vulnerabilities—like buffer overflows and use-after-free—that have long plagued system tools. For a utility as privileged as sudo, these protections offer exponentially greater security value. Ubuntu’s strategy, dubbed “Carefully But Purposefully Oxidising Ubuntu,” is a methodical shift toward memory-safe tooling.

Transitioning in Ubuntu 25.10 and Beyond

Canonical has announced that Ubuntu 25.10 (“Questing Quokka”), scheduled for October 9, 2025, will ship sudo‑rs as the default /usr/bin/sudo. This serves as a proving ground ahead of Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (April 2026). Regular users will find no change—commands, flags, and password prompts remain familiar—while Ubuntu monitors real-world feedback.

Ensuring Compatibility

To deliver a smooth switch, Canonical is funding “Milestone 5” development in sudo‑rs to implement:

• NOEXEC for shell escape control,

• AppArmor integration,

• sudoedit,

• Support for kernels older than 5.9 (critical for Ubuntu 20.04 containers).

A “less‑is‑more” philosophy guides, meaning legacy niche features—like LDAP-based sudoers—might remain absent. But, for most workflows, sudo‑rs should cover every essential feature.

Coexistence and Rollback

Ubuntu’s old sudo will still be available in the repositories and can be reselected via the alternatives system. Users needing features not yet ported to sudo‑rs can effortlessly revert.

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by George Whittaker Driving Forces Behind Smarter Battery Use

In an era when remote work, video conferencing, and travel-heavy lifestyles are the norm, users expect laptops to last longer unplugged. Meanwhile, growing awareness of sustainability adds pressure to maximize energy efficiency. Recognizing this mantra, Linux developers have overhauled power-handling strategies, from the kernel core to user-space tools, to meet these expectations in 2025.

Core Kernel Enhancements: Harnessing Modern Power Tech Kernel 6.x’s Focus on Power Efficiency

• Linux 6.8 introduced refined support for newer hardware, including better CPU/GPU idle-state transitions and energy-friendly firmware interfaces.

• Linux 6.15, released in May 2025, continues this trend by adding improved power-capping, more regulators, voltage handlers, and enhanced support for ARM, RISC-V, and Intel/AMD CPU power modules.

These enhancements enable finer-grained control over sleep states, clock gating, and dynamic walling-off of unused chip domains, all pivotal for squeezing extra runtime.

MCU-Firmware Communication with FWCTL

A new firmware controller (fwctl) infrastructure within 6.15 gives user-space tools secure communication channels with embedded controller features, making tasks like adjusting battery charge thresholds more accessible and scriptable.

Advanced CPU & GPU Power Strategies Smarter Frequency Governors

Both intel_pstate and amd_pstate drivers continue evolving. Passive and conservative CPU governors now dynamically adapt based on workload profiles, delivering noticeable battery gains with minimal performance loss.

Low-Power On-Battery GPU Modes

Graphics subsystems are smarter about sleep:

• Intel's Arc and DG2 families now feature improved idle ramp-down behaviors for better battery performance.

• For AMD users, the transition from generic AMDGPU RADEON_POWER_PROFILE settings to fwctl-control offers more granular DPM tuning on laptops, especially under battery constraints.

Deep Sleep States and ACPI Evolution

The adoption of ACPI 6.6 and expanded kernel support for S0ix and modern-sleep states allow laptops to hang out in ultra-low-power standby, extending idle time battery life. Suspend-to-disk and resume logic also got less noisy, reducing spur-of-the-moment wake-ups that were draining battery life for many users.

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by George Whittaker

When Rust first made its way into the Linux kernel in late 2022 (mainline inclusion began with version 6.1), it didn’t merely introduce a new programming language, it marked a profound shift in how we ensure operating system resilience. This article dives into why that matters, how it’s being implemented, and what it could mean for Linux’s long-term robustness.

Tackling the C Legacy: A Fragility Problem

For over three decades, the Linux kernel has been maintained in C, a language that offers both raw control and notorious pitfalls. Manual memory juggling in C leads to high-risk bugs: buffer overflows, phantom pointers, heap corruption, and race conditions. In fact, memory safety issues account for around two-thirds of all kernel vulnerabilities.

Enter Rust: a systems language designed to eliminate whole classes of these errors through strict compile-time checks, without sacrificing low-level efficiency.

Rust’s Safety Toolkit: What Sets It Apart

Rust’s most powerful features for kernel reliability include:

• Ownership semantics & the borrow checker These enforce rules about who owns a piece of memory at compile-time, no dangling pointers, no double frees.

• No runtime garbage collector All abstractions compile down to efficient machine code, ensuring performance remains rock-solid.

• Race elimination for free Rust-language concurrency prevents data races statically, eliminating a whole breed of timing-related bugs.

Combined, these attributes strip away entire categories of vulnerabilities that plague C-based code.

A New Layer: The Rust-for-Linux Framework

The groundwork for Rust modules in Linux was laid with kernel 6.1, and by version 6.8, the first experimental Rust drivers, covering areas like network PHYs and panic QR logging, were accepted. These drivers coexist with traditional C components, forming a hybrid architecture where Rust is used for new drivers while C remains the backbone.

Crucially, this integration includes:

• A Rust bindings crate to interface safely with C internals.

• A kernel crate that wraps core kernel structures and APIs for Rust consumption.

This layering enables gradual Rust adoption, developed drivers, not wholesale rewrites.

Early Results: Fewer Bugs, More Confidence

Evidence is already showing promise:

• Memory safety vulnerabilities drop out as code gets written in Rust, tackling roughly two-thirds of past CVEs.

• Kernel maintainers are noticeably more comfortable merging Rust patches, citing the added rigor from the borrow checker.

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by George Whittaker A Paradigm Shift in Desktop Computing

The landscape of desktop operating systems has witnessed a notable transformation in 2025. Linux, once considered a niche player, has achieved a significant milestone by capturing 4.7% of the global desktop market share. This achievement underscores a growing trend of users seeking alternatives to traditional operating systems.

Tracing the Growth Trajectory

Linux's journey to its current standing has been marked by steady growth:

• July 2022: 2.76%

• July 2023: 3.12%

• July 2024: 4.44%

• June 2025: 4.7%

This upward trend reflects a combination of technological advancements and shifting user preferences.

Catalysts Behind the Surge 1. Gaming Innovations

The gaming sector has played a pivotal role in Linux's rising popularity. Valve's Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device running on Linux-based SteamOS, has introduced a new audience to the capabilities of Linux. Additionally, compatibility layers like Proton have enhanced the gaming experience on Linux platforms.

2. Enhanced Hardware Support

Modern Linux distributions have significantly improved hardware compatibility, making installation and daily use more seamless for users across various devices.

3. Cost-Effective Solutions

The open-source nature of Linux offers a free alternative to proprietary operating systems, appealing to both individual users and organizations aiming to reduce software licensing costs.

4. Regional Adoption Patterns

Certain regions have exhibited higher adoption rates. In the United States, Linux's desktop market share reached 5.03% in June 2025. In India, the figure stood at 16.21% as of July 2024. These statistics highlight the global appeal and adaptability of Linux.

Addressing Ongoing Challenges 1. Ecosystem Fragmentation

The diversity of Linux distributions, while offering flexibility, can lead to inconsistencies in user experience and software compatibility.

Despite progress, some proprietary applications and games remain inaccessible or require complex configurations on Linux systems.

2. Software Availability

Despite progress, some proprietary applications and games remain inaccessible or require complex configurations on Linux systems.

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by George Whittaker

Released on March 24, 2025, Linux Kernel 6.14 introduces significant enhancements for Intel and AMD processors, focusing on performance, power efficiency, and hardware compatibility. These updates are particularly beneficial for users leveraging the latest CPU architectures and AI-driven workloads.

Intel CPU Enhancements Support for Upcoming Architectures

Linux 6.14 extends support to Intel's forthcoming Panther Lake CPUs, incorporating thermal driver support for improved power efficiency and enabling Ultra-High Bit Rate (UHBR) modes via DisplayPort on Thunderbolt's Alt-Mode. This advancement allows for 10G and 20G UHBR modes, enhancing display capabilities for devices equipped with Xe3 graphics.

Additionally, preparations for Intel's Clearwater Forest server processors are underway, with the inclusion of EDAC (Error Detection and Correction) driver support and readiness of the Turbostat tool for monitoring.

Performance and Virtualization Improvements

The kernel introduces Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB) flushing scalability optimizations, reducing overhead during context switches and improving overall system performance. Enhancements to the x86 Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) also contribute to better virtualization support, benefiting environments that rely on virtual machines.

AMD CPU Enhancements Introduction of AMD XDNA Driver

A notable addition in Linux 6.14 is the AMD XDNA driver, providing support for AMD's Neural Processing Units (NPUs) integrated into Ryzen AI processors. This driver facilitates AI workloads, such as machine learning applications, by enabling efficient execution of tasks like convolutional neural networks and large language models.

Power Management and Performance Tweaks

The AMD P-State driver receives updates, including dynamic ranking of preferred CPU cores and defaulting to the 'balance_performance' Energy Performance Policy (EPP) on Ryzen and EPYC processors. These changes aim to optimize power consumption without compromising performance.

Furthermore, encryption performance sees a 2-3% boost for AES-GCM and AES-XTS standards on Zen 4 and Zen 5 processors, enhancing data security operations.

Broader Implications

Beyond CPU-specific enhancements, Linux 6.14 introduces the NTSYNC driver, improving compatibility and performance for Windows games emulated via Wine and Proton. The kernel also expands support to accommodate up to 4,096 CPU cores, doubling the previous limit and catering to high-performance computing environments. Additionally, improvements in suspend/resume functionality enhance power management for various devices.

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by George Whittaker

openSUSE Leap 16 marks a significant evolution in the openSUSE project, integrating the robustness of SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) with the dynamism of community contributions. This release aims to provide a stable, adaptable, and secure Linux distribution suitable for various environments, from enterprise servers to developer workstations.

Foundation: SUSE Linux Framework One (SLFO)

Leap 16 is built upon SUSE Linux Framework One (SLFO), formerly known as the Adaptable Linux Platform (ALP). This modular architecture allows for a more flexible and maintainable system, enabling users to tailor their installations to specific needs. By leveraging SLFO, Leap 16 inherits the enterprise-grade stability and support lifecycle of SLE 16, ensuring a reliable foundation for critical workloads.

Key Features and Enhancements 1. Modern Installation with Agama

Leap 16 introduces the Agama installer, a web-based, modular installation tool that replaces the traditional YaST installer. Agama offers a cleaner user interface and supports features like remote installations and scripting for automated deployments, enhancing the installation experience for both new and experienced users.

2. Enhanced Security with SELinux

Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) is now enabled by default in Leap 16, aligning with SLE's security practices. This change provides a more robust security framework, offering fine-grained access controls and improved isolation. For users preferring alternative security modules, AppArmor remains available as an option.

3. Transition to Wayland Display Server

Leap 16 adopts Wayland as the default display server, moving away from the legacy X11 system. Wayland offers improved performance, security, and support for modern graphics hardware. While X11 components are still available for compatibility, the shift to Wayland represents a step forward in graphical session management.

4. Updated Desktop Environments

Users can enjoy the latest desktop environments with Leap 16, including GNOME 48 and KDE Plasma 6.3. These updates bring new features, performance improvements, and enhanced user experiences to the desktop.

5. System Management Tools: Cockpit and Myrlyn

With the deprecation of YaST in Leap 16, system management transitions to Cockpit and Myrlyn. Cockpit provides a web-based interface for managing system settings, services, and performance monitoring. Myrlyn serves as a new Qt-based front end for software management, offering a streamlined experience for package installation and updates.

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by George Whittaker

Manjaro Linux has long been celebrated for blending the power of Arch Linux with user-friendly features. With the release of Manjaro 25.0 “Zetar”, the distribution takes significant strides in enhancing application management through Flatpak integration and optimizing the system for gaming enthusiasts. This update also brings advancements in desktop environments, file system choices, and hardware support.

Flatpak Integration: Streamlining Application Management

One of the standout features of Manjaro 25.0 is its enhanced support for Flatpak, a universal package management system. This integration allows users to install and manage applications in a sandboxed environment, improving security and ensuring that applications have access only to the resources they need. The inclusion of Flatpak support means users can easily access a vast repository of applications, including those not available in traditional repositories, directly through the Pamac package manager.

Gaming Enhancements: A Focus on Performance

Manjaro 25.0 places a significant emphasis on gaming, introducing several features aimed at improving performance and compatibility:

• Linux Kernel 6.12 LTS: The default kernel in this release offers improved hardware support, including better compatibility with newer GPUs and CPUs, which is crucial for gaming performance.

• Enhanced Graphics Support: Updates to graphics drivers, including the latest Mesa and NVIDIA drivers, ensure that gamers have access to the most recent improvements and bug fixes.

• Manjaro Summit Initiative: Although still in its alpha phase, the Manjaro Summit project introduces a semi-immutable version of the distribution, aiming for greater system stability and consistency—an essential factor for gaming systems.

Desktop Environment Updates: GNOME 48, KDE Plasma 6.3, and Xfce 4.20

Manjaro 25.0 offers updated versions of its three main desktop environments, each bringing unique enhancements:

GNOME 48

• Notification Stacking: Improves organization by grouping notifications from the same application.

• Dynamic Triple Buffering: Enhances animation smoothness and reduces screen tearing.

• Battery Charge Limiting: Introduces an option to cap battery charging at 80%, prolonging battery lifespan.

• HDR Support: Initial support for High Dynamic Range displays, offering richer visuals.

KDE Plasma 6.3

• Improved Fractional Scaling: Provides sharper visuals on high-DPI displays.

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by George Whittaker Introduction: A New Chapter for Ubuntu

Ubuntu 25.10, affectionately codenamed Questing Quokka, represents more than just the latest iteration of Canonical’s flagship Linux distribution. It marks a decisive step towards modernizing the foundation of Ubuntu by integrating Rust, a systems programming language renowned for its safety, performance, and modern design. This bold move signals Canonical’s commitment to security, reliability, and future-proofing its desktop and server operating systems.

The release of Questing Quokka aligns with a growing trend across the Linux ecosystem: embracing Rust as a key technology for building low-level components. But what does this mean for Ubuntu users and developers? Let’s explore the significance of this change, what tools are being rewritten or introduced in Rust, and how this positions Ubuntu for the future.

Why Rust? The Language of Safety and Speed The Need for Safer Code

For decades, core components of Linux distributions—including Ubuntu—have been written predominantly in C. While C offers unmatched control and performance, it also exposes developers to a range of memory-related errors: buffer overflows, use-after-free bugs, and data races, to name a few. These flaws are among the leading causes of vulnerabilities that compromise system security.

Rust was designed specifically to address these issues. It offers:

• Memory safety without garbage collection: Rust’s ownership model and borrow checker ensure that memory errors are caught at compile time.

• Fearless concurrency: Developers can write multithreaded code that’s safe by default.

• Modern tooling and ecosystem: A robust package manager (Cargo), modern build tooling, and vibrant community support.

Linux and Rust: A Growing Bond

Ubuntu is not alone in recognizing Rust’s advantages. The Linux kernel itself has started to accept Rust code, with drivers and modules being prototyped in Rust to enhance safety. Projects like GNOME, System76’s COSMIC desktop, and various networking utilities have already begun leveraging Rust.

By adopting Rust-based tools, Canonical is aligning Ubuntu with this broader movement—ushering in a future where critical system software is both fast and secure.

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by George Whittaker

In today's digital landscape, where privacy, customization, and performance are paramount, many Windows users are exploring alternatives. Linux, long regarded as a powerful yet complex option, has matured into a user-friendly ecosystem. However, the switch from Windows to Linux can still seem daunting. That's where Zorin OS comes into play—a Linux distribution meticulously designed to simplify this migration and empower users to take control of their computing experience.

The Windows-to-Linux Migration Challenge

For decades, Windows has been the default operating system for millions. Familiarity with its interface, applications, and workflow creates a comfort zone that's hard to leave. However, concerns about:

• Privacy and data collection

• System bloat

• Forced updates

• Licensing costs

have pushed users to consider alternatives like Linux.

The challenge? Linux can feel alien. Terminology, desktop environments, file systems, and software management differ significantly from Windows. Many distributions, while powerful, don't prioritize a gentle learning curve for Windows converts. This is precisely the problem Zorin OS aims to solve.

What Sets Zorin OS Apart?

Founded in 2008 by the Zorin brothers, Zorin OS was created with one mission: to make Linux accessible to everyone, especially Windows refugees. Unlike general-purpose distributions, Zorin OS focuses on:

• Familiarity: Replicating the feel of Windows

• Ease of use: Minimizing reliance on the terminal

• Polish: Delivering a cohesive, attractive, and stable experience

Zorin OS 17.3, the latest stable release as of June 2025, represents the most refined iteration of this vision yet.

Zorin OS 17.3 Features That Simplify Migration A Windows-Like Desktop, Out of the Box

Zorin OS 17.3 ships with a default layout that feels instantly familiar to Windows 10 and 11 users. From the bottom taskbar to the start-menu-style launcher, even the system tray icons and window controls mimic what Windows users expect.

The result?

• Users spend less time figuring out "where things are."

• The psychological barrier of switching is dramatically lowered.

Zorin Appearance: Customize with a Click

Want your system to look more like macOS? Or classic Windows 7? Zorin OS 17.3's Appearance app lets you change the entire desktop layout and theme with a single click. No tinkering with config files, no additional extensions—just straightforward personalization.

This tool:

• Helps users ease into Linux at their own pace

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by George Whittaker

In the world of Linux distributions, many projects aim to strike a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and security. Few, however, have achieved the level of polish and principled focus that Elementary OS brings to the table. With the release of Elementary OS 8, the developers have doubled down on their vision of an operating system that champions privacy and design simplicity without compromising usability. This article takes a look at how Elementary OS 8 prioritizes these values and why it deserves attention from privacy advocates and design enthusiasts alike.

A Fresh Take on Privacy: Built into the Core

Privacy isn’t just a feature in Elementary OS 8 — it’s a foundational principle. The developers have carefully considered how user data is handled at every level of the system.

AppCenter: A Curated, Privacy-Respecting Store

Unlike many popular app stores that may include proprietary apps with invasive tracking, the AppCenter in Elementary OS 8 focuses on open-source, privacy-friendly applications. Every app available through AppCenter undergoes a review process to ensure it adheres to the platform’s guidelines: no ads, no tracking, and no questionable data collection practices.

What sets AppCenter apart is its pay-what-you-want model, which allows users to support developers directly, eliminating the need for ad-supported or data-harvesting monetization schemes.

Flatpak Sandboxing

Elementary OS 8 ships with first-class Flatpak support, enabling apps to run in isolated sandboxes. This technology ensures that applications can only access the data and hardware resources explicitly granted by the user. For example, a note-taking app installed via Flatpak won’t have access to your microphone, camera, or sensitive directories unless you allow it.

The adoption of Flatpak aligns perfectly with Elementary’s privacy goals, as it provides clear boundaries between apps and the rest of the system.

Zero Telemetry, Transparent Feedback

Elementary OS 8 does not include any hidden telemetry or automatic data collection. Unlike some mainstream operating systems that quietly transmit usage statistics, crash reports, and device identifiers back to central servers, Elementary’s philosophy is that your data belongs to you.

When feedback is requested, such as through the optional Problem Reporting tool, users are clearly informed about what data will be sent and must opt in consciously.

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by George Whittaker Introduction: Arch Linux Leads the Way in Modern Init Systems

Arch Linux has long been revered in the Linux community for its minimalist design, rolling release model, and cutting-edge technology adoption. Now, in a move that underscores its commitment to innovation and security, Arch Linux has officially added support for a Rust-based init system — marking a significant milestone not just for the distribution itself, but for the broader Linux ecosystem. This bold step positions Arch at the forefront of the trend towards modern, memory-safe system components and could signal a turning point in how critical low-level Linux processes are designed and maintained.

In this article, we’ll explore what this new Rust init system means for Arch Linux, why Rust was chosen, the technical details of this groundbreaking addition, and how it may shape the future of Linux init systems.

The Role of Init Systems in Linux: A Foundation of Every Boot

Before diving into the specifics of the Rust init system, it’s important to understand the role that init systems play in Linux. When a Linux system boots, the kernel initializes hardware and mounts the root filesystem. But after that, it needs to start up user space — all the daemons, services, and user processes that make a system usable. This crucial task falls to the init system, which is the first process the kernel starts (PID 1).

Key responsibilities of an init system include:

• Initializing system services and daemons

• Mounting additional filesystems

• Setting up devices and networking

• Managing service dependencies and startup order

• Handling signals for shutdown, reboot, and service restarts

In essence, the init system is the conductor of the Linux orchestra, ensuring that all components of the system start and run in harmony.

From sysvinit to systemd: The Evolution of Init on Arch

Historically, Arch Linux began with sysvinit, a simple and traditional init system dating back to UNIX. However, as Linux systems grew more complex, sysvinit’s limitations became apparent — notably its lack of dependency management and parallel service startup.

In 2012, Arch made a significant transition to systemd, a modern init system written in C that brought features like parallel unit startup, socket activation, cgroups integration, and a powerful journal for logging. While systemd addressed many shortcomings of older init systems, it also sparked controversy due to its complexity and tight integration into the system.

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by George Whittaker

Linux Mint has long held a cherished place in the hearts of Linux users seeking a balance between elegance, ease of use, and rock-solid stability. In 2025, that reputation is only strengthened with the release of Linux Mint 22, a version that brings not just incremental updates, but substantial improvements — particularly in the form of the latest Cinnamon 6.x desktop environment. Sleeker visuals, faster performance, and thoughtful refinements mark this release as one of the most polished in Mint’s history.

In this article, we’ll take a look into what makes Linux Mint 22 with Cinnamon a standout — from under-the-hood performance boosts to user-facing enhancements that elevate daily computing.

The Legacy of Linux Mint and Cinnamon

Linux Mint has consistently been among the most recommended distributions for both newcomers and seasoned Linux users. Its mission: to deliver a desktop experience that “just works” out of the box, with sensible defaults and a traditional desktop metaphor.

At the heart of this experience is Cinnamon, Mint’s flagship desktop environment born as a fork of GNOME Shell over a decade ago. Cinnamon has matured into an independent, cohesive environment that champions:

• Simplicity.

• Customizability.

• Consistency.

Linux Mint 22’s release continues this tradition while embracing modern UI trends and leveraging powerful performance optimizations.

Cinnamon 6.x: A New Standard of Sleekness

Cinnamon 6.x introduces a suite of visual and functional improvements designed to make Mint 22 feel both contemporary and familiar:

• Refined Visuals: The theming engine has received significant attention. The default theme sports cleaner lines, flatter icons, and subtle gradients that provide depth without visual clutter.

• Polished Animations: Transitions between windows, workspaces, and menus are noticeably smoother, thanks to improved animation handling that feels natural without being distracting.

• Modernized Panels and Applets: Applets now integrate better with the system theme, and their configuration interfaces have been streamlined. The panel is slimmer, with better spacing for multi-resolution icons.

These changes might seem small on paper, but together they give Cinnamon 6.x an air of maturity and refinement, reducing visual noise while enhancing usability.

Performance Improvements: Speed Where It Counts

Where Linux Mint 22 truly shines is in its performance optimizations:

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by George Whittaker

The Fedora Project has long stood at the forefront of Linux innovation, often acting as a proving ground for transformative technologies later adopted by the wider Linux ecosystem. With the release of Fedora 41, the project takes another major leap into the future by fully embracing immutable desktops through its newly unified and rebranded initiative: Fedora Atomic.

This bold shift represents more than a technical update — it signals a philosophical evolution in how Linux desktops are built, managed, and secured. Fedora Atomic is not just a feature of Fedora 41; it's the flagship identity for a new kind of Linux desktop. In this article, we explore the origins, architecture, benefits, and implications of Fedora Atomic as it makes its debut in Fedora 41.

What Are Immutable Desktops? A Paradigm Shift in OS Architecture

An immutable desktop is a system whose core filesystem is read-only, meaning the foundational components of the operating system cannot be altered during regular use. This design flips traditional Linux system management on its head.

In mutable systems — like the standard Fedora Workstation or most desktop Linux distributions — the root filesystem is writable, allowing users or software to modify system libraries, configurations, and services at will. While this provides flexibility, it introduces risks of accidental misconfiguration, malware persistence, or system instability.

Immutable desktops tackle these issues with several key principles:

• Read-Only Root Filesystem: Ensures the core system is consistent and protected.

• Atomic Updates: System updates are applied as a whole, transactional unit. If something breaks, you can simply roll back to the previous working version.

• Separation of Concerns: Applications are isolated in containers (e.g., Flatpaks), and development environments run in dedicated containers (e.g., Toolbox).

• Reproducibility and Consistency: Identical environments across systems, ideal for testing and deployment pipelines.

Fedora Atomic is the embodiment of these principles — and Fedora 41 is the foundation upon which it stands.

From Silverblue to Atomic: The Evolution of Fedora's Immutable Desktop Vision

Fedora Atomic is not built from scratch. It is the evolution of Fedora Silverblue, Kinoite, and Sericea, which previously offered immutable desktop environments with GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Sway respectively. In Fedora 41, these projects are now rebranded and unified under the Fedora Atomic name, creating a streamlined identity and experience for users.

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by George Whittaker

In the realm of Linux desktop distributions, few names stand out as prominently as Pop!_OS, the custom-built operating system from System76. Known for its user-centric design, seamless hardware integration, and a progressive attitude toward Linux usability, Pop!_OS has earned a special place in the hearts of developers, engineers, gamers, and power users alike.

With the release of Pop!_OS 24.04, System76 boldly pushes the limits of what Linux desktops can do—particularly in the domain of hybrid graphics. This version introduces a host of under-the-hood improvements and user-facing enhancements aimed at solving a long-standing pain point for Linux laptop users: managing systems that have both integrated and dedicated GPUs.

This article dives into what makes Pop!_OS 24.04 a game-changer, focusing especially on its sophisticated, yet user-friendly approach to hybrid graphics.

A Leap Forward: What’s New in Pop!_OS 24.04

Pop!_OS 24.04 is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, meaning it inherits long-term support, stability, and updated software packages. But Pop!_OS never simply repackages Ubuntu; it transforms it. Here are some of the standout features introduced in this release:

• COSMIC Desktop Enhancements: System76’s in-house desktop environment has matured, delivering better window management, smoother animations, and more customization options. COSMIC is designed from the ground up using Rust, and this release brings faster performance and reduced resource consumption.

• Kernel and Driver Upgrades: Linux kernel 6.8+ ensures better hardware compatibility and performance, especially for newer CPUs and GPUs. The latest NVIDIA and Mesa drivers are pre-integrated and optimized.

• Refined Installer and Recovery: The Pop!_OS installer now includes better detection for hybrid graphics setups and offers system recovery options right from the boot menu.

However, the crown jewel of 24.04 is undoubtedly its radical improvements in hybrid graphics support.

Understanding Hybrid Graphics and Why It Matters

Most modern laptops come with two GPUs:

1. Integrated GPU (iGPU) – Built into the CPU (e.g., Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics), offering energy-efficient graphics rendering.

2. Discrete GPU (dGPU) – A powerful standalone GPU (e.g., NVIDIA RTX, AMD Radeon), ideal for gaming, 3D modeling, and heavy computation.

This setup, known as hybrid graphics, allows users to conserve battery power when performance isn’t needed and tap into powerful hardware when it is.

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by George Whittaker

Ubuntu has long stood as a bastion of accessibility, polish, and power in the Linux ecosystem. With the arrival of Ubuntu 25.04, codenamed “Plucky Puffin”, Canonical has once again demonstrated its commitment to delivering a modern, forward-thinking operating system. This release isn’t just a routine update — it’s a confident stride into a future where Linux desktops are visually stunning, developer-friendly, and brimming with potential.

From the sleek new GNOME 48 desktop environment to the long-awaited HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, Ubuntu 25.04 introduces meaningful innovations for casual users, creative professionals, and hardcore enthusiasts alike. Let’s explore this release in depth.

The Spirit of “Plucky Puffin”

Ubuntu releases are known for their quirky animal-themed codenames, but “Plucky Puffin” feels particularly fitting. The word plucky denotes courage and determination — a nod to the OS’s bold push into new visual territories and its refined user experience. The puffin, a resilient seabird, suggests adaptability and elegance — both apt descriptors for Ubuntu’s trajectory in 2025.

Canonical has positioned Ubuntu 25.04 as a springboard for technological maturity ahead of the next long-term support (LTS) release. While it’s a standard, short-term release with 9 months of support, it packs significant under-the-hood improvements and user-facing features that elevate it beyond expectations.

GNOME 48: The Best Desktop Yet

One of the crown jewels of Ubuntu 25.04 is GNOME 48, the latest iteration of the popular desktop environment. GNOME 48 continues to refine the modern, minimalist ethos that has become its signature — but this time, with more responsiveness, better gesture support, and improved multitasking.

Visual Enhancements and Layout Tweaks

• The Activities Overview is smoother and now integrates multitouch gestures on laptops and touchscreens. Swipe-based workspace switching feels intuitive and immediate.

• New settings panels have been reorganized for clarity, especially in areas like display, accessibility, and power management.

• The Files (Nautilus) app has received subtle UI updates and performance boosts, with quicker load times and enhanced file indexing.

Performance and Accessibility

• GNOME 48 is noticeably lighter on RAM, thanks to backend improvements in Mutter (the window manager) and GTK 4 refinements.

• Accessibility tools like screen readers and magnifiers now offer smoother integration for users with visual or physical impairments.

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by George Whittaker

Linux is a treasure trove of powerful tools, many of which remain undiscovered by casual users. While staples like grep, awk, sed, and top dominate tutorials and guides, there's a second layer of utilities—lesser-known yet immensely powerful—that can dramatically improve your daily efficiency and control over your system.

In this article, we dive into 10 underrated Linux tools that can help you streamline your workflow, improve productivity, and unlock new levels of system mastery. Whether you’re a developer, sysadmin, or Linux hobbyist, these tools deserve a place in your arsenal.

1. fd: Find Files Fast with Simplicity

The traditional find command is incredibly powerful but notoriously verbose and complex. Enter fd, a modern, user-friendly alternative.

Why It Stands Out

• Cleaner syntax (fd pattern instead of find . -name pattern)

• Recursive by default

• Colorized output

• Ignores .gitignore files for cleaner results

Example

fd ".conf"

Finds all files containing .conf in the name, starting from the current directory.

Use Case

Quickly locate configuration files, scripts, or assets without navigating nested directories or crafting complex expressions.

2. bat: cat on Steroids

bat is a drop-in replacement for cat with superpowers. It adds syntax highlighting, Git integration, and line numbers to your file viewing experience.

Why It Stands Out

• Syntax highlighting for dozens of languages

• Git blame annotations

• Works as a pager with automatic line wrapping

Example

bat /etc/ssh/sshd_config

You’ll get a beautifully highlighted and numbered output, much easier to parse than with cat.

Use Case

Perfect for reading scripts, configs, and logs with visual clarity—especially helpful during debugging or code reviews.

3. ripgrep: Blazing-Fast Text Search

Also known as rg, ripgrep is a command-line search tool that recursively searches your current directory for a regex pattern, similar to grep—but much faster and more intuitive.

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by George Whittaker Introduction: The Rise of the Maker Revolution

Over the last decade, the open-source movement has not only transformed the world of software, but also catalyzed a sweeping revolution in hardware tinkering. At the heart of this shift lies a convergence of accessible microcomputers like the Raspberry Pi and microcontrollers like Arduino—each supercharged by the robust ecosystem of Linux. This combination offers hobbyists, engineers, and creators a versatile, low-cost, and endlessly customizable toolkit for automating their homes, collecting environmental data, and even experimenting with artificial intelligence at the edge.

This article serves as your dive into the world of Linux-based DIY automation. Whether you're looking to build a smart garden, a weather station, or simply learn how to use Bash scripts to control physical components, you're in for a journey that fuses digital logic with real-world interaction.

Understanding the Core Platforms Raspberry Pi: The Linux Microcomputer Powerhouse

The Raspberry Pi is a credit card-sized computer capable of running full-fledged Linux distributions such as Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, or even lightweight server OSes like DietPi. It features a Broadcom SoC, USB ports, HDMI output, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and a 40-pin GPIO header for interfacing with sensors, relays, and other peripherals.

Key Features:

• Runs full Linux OSes.

• Offers Python, C/C++, and shell scripting environments.

• Suitable for tasks requiring networking, databases, file systems, and multimedia.

Use Cases:

• Home automation hub.

• Data logging and processing.

• Media streaming and game emulation.

Arduino: The Precise Microcontroller

Arduino, by contrast, is not a full computer but a microcontroller. Devices like the Arduino Uno or Nano excel at reading analog sensors, controlling motors, and maintaining precise timing. They are programmed using the Arduino IDE, which runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Key Features:

• Real-time control of electronic components.

• Lightweight and low-power.

• Supports C/C++ with a vast array of libraries.

Use Cases:

• Reading temperature, humidity, motion sensors.

• Driving LEDs, motors, and servos.

• Reliable execution of small, repeatable tasks.

Setting Up a DIY Linux Development Environment Preparing the Raspberry Pi

1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager from raspberrypi.com.

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by George Whittaker

In an era where cyber threats are evolving rapidly, securing Linux systems goes far beyond basic user permissions. Traditional security mechanisms like Discretionary Access Control (DAC) offer limited safeguards against privilege escalation, compromised applications, and insider threats. To address these limitations, Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) offers a powerful, fine-grained framework for Mandatory Access Control (MAC) — and it's not just for Red Hat-based distributions anymore.

In this article, we'll explore how to integrate SELinux into Debian, one of the most widely used and respected GNU/Linux distributions. We'll break down its architecture, setup procedures, policy management, and troubleshooting techniques. Whether you're running a mission-critical server or seeking to harden your desktop environment, this guide will show you how SELinux can elevate your system security to enterprise-grade standards.

Understanding the Foundations of SELinux What Is SELinux?

SELinux is a kernel security module initially developed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA) in collaboration with the open-source community. It introduces the concept of mandatory access controls by enforcing policy-based rules that strictly define how processes and users can interact with files, directories, sockets, and devices.

Unlike DAC, where file owners control access, MAC policies are imposed by the system administrator and enforced by the kernel, regardless of user ownership or permissions.

Core Components of SELinux

• Subjects: Active entities (usually processes).

• Objects: Passive entities (like files, directories, devices).

• Contexts: Security labels assigned to subjects and objects.

• Types/Domains: Used to define access rules and behavior.

• Policies: Written rulesets that determine access control logic.

Enforcement Modes

• Enforcing: SELinux policies are applied and violations are blocked.

• Permissive: Policies are not enforced, but violations are logged.

• Disabled: SELinux is turned off entirely.

SELinux on Debian: A Reality Check

Debian has traditionally favored AppArmor for its simplicity and ease of integration. However, SELinux support is fully present in Debian’s repositories. As of Debian 12 (Bookworm) and later, integrating SELinux is more streamlined and better documented than ever.

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