Linux distribution Archives

Winsage

August 21, 2025

LibreOffice 25.8 Open-Source Office Suite Officially Released, This Is What’s New

LibreOffice 25.8 has been released by The Document Foundation, supporting GNU/Linux, Android, macOS, and Windows. Key enhancements include up to 30% faster file opening times in Writer and Calc, support for exporting to PDF 2.0, optimized memory management, and improved scrolling for large documents. New features include a Viewer mode for read-only access, background images as bitmap thumbnails, SHA384 with AES_192 encryption, streamlined PDF signature timestamping, enhanced import capabilities for encrypted PDFs, and support for Bitcoin currency. Writer introduces a new Move Line hyphenation rule, improved text selection control, and collaborative features like per-window track changes. Calc adds new functions and customizable conditional formatting, while Impress improves font management for PowerPoint compatibility. The user interface features various enhancements, including a diacritic matching option and hyperlink insertion via the context menu. LibreOffice 25.8 is available for download, with support through seven maintenance updates until June 12, 2026.

Winsage

July 31, 2025

I found a distro that brings the best of Windows, macOS, and Linux into one system

Bluestar is an Arch-based Linux distribution that combines elements from macOS, Windows, and traditional Linux environments, featuring a customized KDE Plasma desktop. It includes a top bar similar to many Linux setups, a dock like macOS, and desktop icons reminiscent of Windows. Bluestar is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, has a dedicated repository, and offers up-to-date packages. It simplifies the installation process while maintaining Arch Linux's speed and rolling releases, with streamlined updates through a notifier icon. The distribution provides a clean design with intuitive customization options, allowing users to easily switch themes and layouts. Bluestar is stable and reliable, performing well across various hardware configurations, and comes preloaded with applications like VLC, Firefox, and Thunderbird. It supports seamless hardware integration and offers a graphical user interface for application management through Octopi.

Winsage

July 25, 2025

Can’t (or won’t) upgrade to Windows 11, but afraid to switch from Windows 10 to Linux? This app might make the transition easy

A migration tool named Operese is in development to assist users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux. It allows the transfer of files, settings, and installed applications. Currently, it supports only one Linux distribution, Kubuntu, but there are plans to expand compatibility to other distributions in the future. The developer, TechnoPorg, aims to complete the tool by October, coinciding with Windows 10's End of Life. There are uncertainties regarding the transfer of applications due to compatibility issues with Linux. The project may become open source to enhance security and community collaboration. Windows 10 users can extend support for an additional year through the Windows Backup app.

Winsage

July 23, 2025

5 Ways to Repurpose your Windows 10 System — Virtualization Review

As Windows 11 support ends, many Windows 10 PCs and laptops lacking compatibility with the new operating system are expected to enter the resale market or be given away. This situation creates opportunities to repurpose these devices for various uses, including: 1. Installing a Linux distribution to cater to business and personal needs, with options like Ubuntu, Fedora, and MX Linux for older hardware. 2. Running ChromeOS Flex for a lightweight experience focused on web browsing and cloud applications. 3. Installing a thin-client OS to access virtual desktops, maximizing existing hardware for businesses transitioning to virtual environments. 4. Converting the device into a media server using software like Plex or Jellyfin for centralized media storage and streaming. 5. Recycling the device responsibly through manufacturer or retailer e-waste programs, ensuring safe processing and potential donation of usable parts. Before recycling, it is important to securely wipe or destroy personal data on the hard drive.

Winsage

July 22, 2025

Saying no to Windows 11 just got easier – Operese automatically transfers your Windows 10 files and settings to Linux

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, affecting over 200 million devices. A student developer, TechnoPorg, has created a free migration tool called Operese to facilitate the transition from Windows 10 to Linux. Operese translates a Windows 10 installation into a Linux setup, preserving data, settings, and applications as much as possible. It uses a customized version of Kubuntu to provide a user-friendly experience. While the tool is still in development and may not support all applications, it aims to offer a smooth migration process. Linux distributions, such as Kubuntu, are compatible with older hardware and provide enhanced privacy and security compared to Windows. TechnoPorg plans to open-source Operese once it is more stable and documented.

Winsage

July 21, 2025

This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

Lubuntu is a Linux distribution that combines the Ubuntu framework with the lightweight LXQT desktop environment, making it fast, reliable, and user-friendly, particularly for older hardware. The desktop interface is designed to be familiar to users, especially those accustomed to Windows, featuring a panel, start menu, system tray, and organized applications. The Configuration Center allows users to customize settings easily. Openbox is the default window manager, enabling theme and window behavior modifications. Lubuntu does not provide a straightforward method for sharing folders across a local area network using its default file manager. The operating system is notably fast, with applications launching quickly, making it a suitable alternative to Windows 10 for older machines.

AppWizard

July 18, 2025

Android’s Linux Terminal arrives on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but Z Fold 7 users are left out

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first non-Pixel smartphone to support Google's Linux Terminal app, which allows users to run Linux programs within a virtual machine. This feature is not available on the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The Terminal app operates on a modified version of Debian within the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF), introduced with Android 13 and categorized as an Android 16 feature for Samsung devices. The app's availability is dependent on specific technical requirements related to the chipset; the Galaxy Z Flip 7 uses the Exynos 2500, which supports the necessary non-protected virtual machine, while the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7 use the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is limited to secure virtual machines. Future updates from Qualcomm may address this limitation. The Terminal app currently does not support graphical applications, but there are indications that such features may be developed in the future.

AppWizard

July 16, 2025

I found a better way to transfer files between Android and Linux

Transferring files between a Pop!OS Linux desktop and an Android device can be done using a tool named Packet, which utilizes Quick Share for file transfers over the same wireless network. To install Packet, the Linux distribution must support Flatpak applications, Bluetooth must be enabled, and the Android device should run a version of Android that includes Nearby Share. User privileges with sudo access are required for installation. The installation involves executing a command in the terminal and optionally logging out and back in. Users need to enable the Static Network Port in Packet's Preferences and open port 9300 on the firewall using the command PLACEHOLDER74f5483d2fa9d11c for successful file transfers. Files received are stored in the ~/Downloads folder, which can be customized in the Preferences settings.

Winsage

July 15, 2025

You can try Linux without ditching Windows first

A growing number of users are exploring alternative operating systems as support for Windows 10 concludes, with Linux being a popular choice due to its user-friendly and free modern distributions. Many users start with little experience, and dual-booting allows them to run both Windows and Linux on a single machine, enabling them to select between the two at startup. This setup requires careful installation to ensure both operating systems coexist. Users can access files on Windows partitions from within Linux. To set up dual-booting, it's advisable to test on a spare machine and back up important files. The general steps include creating a bootable ISO for the Linux distribution, inserting the USB drive, and selecting the option to install alongside the current OS. After installation, users can choose between Linux and Windows upon reboot. Caution is advised to avoid losing data on the Windows partition.

Winsage

July 13, 2025

I tried this Linux distro that looks like Windows, is made by a Microsoft engineer, and is based on Ubuntu

AnduinOS is a Linux distribution created by a former Microsoft engineer, designed to ease the transition from Windows to Linux. It is based on Ubuntu and offers two versions: a Long-Term Support (LTS) release and a short-term release that showcases the latest features. AnduinOS shifts from Snap packages to the Flatpak system for better application access and package management. The interface closely resembles Windows 11, featuring a desktop environment with a taskbar that combines a dock and status bar, a Start menu designed for smoother performance, and customization options for the taskbar and Arc menu. It utilizes GNOME extensions to enhance functionality, including an Extension Manager for easy installation of new features. AnduinOS is positioned as a suitable option for users transitioning from Windows due to its familiar interface and extensive customization capabilities.