Linux kernel Archives

Winsage

March 25, 2025

5 Windows tools and apps you can’t find on other operating systems

Certain features remain exclusive to the Windows operating system, offering unique functionalities not available on Mac or Linux. Microsoft has developed tools like PowerToys, which includes nearly 20 utilities enhancing Windows functionality, and Windows Sandbox, providing a secure environment for testing applications. Windows Notepad serves as a basic note-taking and coding app with features like spellcheck and autocorrect. The Snipping Tool allows users to capture screenshots and extract text from images, while the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables seamless access to both Windows and Linux environments. These tools are designed to enhance productivity and provide significant advantages for Windows users.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

Valve’s Promise Comes True With SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview: Offers Support To Non-Steam Deck Handhelds And Plasma 6 For Linux Desktop-Like Experience

Valve has released the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, known as "Pi Day," which includes several enhancements for the Steam Deck. Key updates include: - Upgraded Arch Linux base for better software access and security updates. - Linux Kernel updated to version 6.11 for improved performance, security, and hardware compatibility. - Transition from Plasma 5.7 to Plasma 6.2.5, offering a more feature-rich desktop environment. - Updates across various domains, including Controllers & Input, Bluetooth, Graphics & Performance, and bug fixes. - Improved surround sound support in desktop mode and faster transitions between desktop and gaming modes. - Enhanced compatibility with certain displays and activation of AMD P-State CPU frequency control. - Initial support for non-Steam Deck handhelds, with the Legion Go S being the only compatible device currently. Many features are still in testing and can be accessed via Settings > System > System Update Channel.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview brings the ‘beginnings of support for non-Steam Deck handhelds’

Valve has released the SteamOS 3.7.0 Preview, which is currently exclusive to the Steam Deck but will soon support a wider range of non-Steam Deck handheld devices. Users can access the Preview channel by adjusting their Steam Deck update settings. Key updates include: - Updated to a newer Arch Linux base and Linux kernel version 6.11. - Bluetooth controllers can now wake LCD models of the Steam Deck. - Added support for the Proteus Byowave controller. - Resolved issues with the Switch Pro Controller gyros and stuck controller inputs. - Enabled HFP/HSP profiles for integrated microphone use with Bluetooth headsets in Desktop mode. - Introduced a battery level display for supported Bluetooth devices. - Improved compatibility for specific displays with the Steam Deck Dock. - Enabled AMD P-State CPU frequency control and fixed performance issues in certain games. - Updated desktop mode to Plasma 6.2.5, with improved surround sound functionality and pre-installed KDE Filelight. - Fixed various UI and system update issues, enhanced system responsiveness, and enabled IPv6 Privacy Extensions by default. Known issues include problems with Creative Zen Air Pro earbuds, Super NES controllers, and DualShock 3 controllers. Developer updates include kernel updates and improvements to system management.

AppWizard

February 4, 2025

Google warns Android users of a zero-day software exploit causing instability

Google has warned Android users about a significant zero-day exploit, identified as CVE-2024-53104, that could cause software instability and allow attackers to manipulate devices. This vulnerability operates at the Linux kernel level and affects all Android devices, including the Galaxy S25 and S24. A fix is included in the February security patch, but OEMs must distribute it. Current reports indicate that exploitation attempts are limited, but users are urged to update their devices promptly. Additionally, another flaw affecting Qualcomm technology may grant remote access to devices, with no reported victims yet. In 2023, 97 zero-day vulnerabilities were exploited, a 50% increase from 2022, primarily impacting Android devices.

Winsage

December 21, 2024

Core Ultra 9 285K is faster in Linux than in Windows

Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K shows an average performance increase of 6% on Ubuntu 24.10 compared to Windows 11 with the 24H2 update. Upgrading to Linux kernel version 6.13 provides an additional 2% boost, totaling an 8% improvement. The processor struggles with tasks like rendering, ray tracing, and encoding on Windows, performing nearly double the speed on Ubuntu in encoding tests. The 14900K slightly outperformed the 285K in benchmarks, but no gaming tests were conducted due to limited Linux game ports. The P-State performance governor did not enhance speed as expected, and Intel's Battlemage B580 GPU also performs better on Linux but still lags in gaming compared to Windows.

Winsage

December 17, 2024

I Don’t See a Reason to Switch to Windows from Linux Anymore in 2025

Users are increasingly favoring Linux over Windows in dual boot setups, often using Windows as a backup. The rise of web-based tools and Software as a Service (SaaS) has diminished the importance of the operating system choice, as essential services can be accessed through web browsers. Linux offers a variety of distributions tailored to different user needs, providing customization options that Windows does not. Gaming on Linux has improved with a growing library available through Steam and the introduction of handheld consoles like the Steam Deck. Many software developers are beginning to support Linux, with notable applications like DaVinci Resolve and Surfshark VPN now available. Electron-based applications have increased the availability of productivity tools for Linux users. Linux is free from intrusive advertisements, unlike Windows 11, which can overwhelm users with promotional content. For containerization and self-hosting, Linux is considered superior due to its built-in tools and extensive documentation, offering more control and flexibility than Windows.

Tech Optimizer

December 16, 2024

7 GitHub Open Source You Need to See

Open-source tools are enhancing productivity and streamlining processes for developers and organizations. Notable projects include: - **Olshansk/postgres_for_everything**: Extends PostgreSQL's capabilities with resources for JSON/JSONB types, TimescaleDB for time-series data, full-text search, pgRouting for graph data, and advanced SQL analytics. - **Biggest Shell Programs in the World**: Analyzes large shell scripts and systems, including the Linux Kernel Build System, Android Build System, and Debian Packaging Tools. - **Pulumi**: An infrastructure-as-code platform that allows management of cloud infrastructure using languages like Python, JavaScript, and Go, with features like multi-cloud support and Kubernetes integration. - **yorukot/superfile**: A Python library for file operations, offering high-level methods for file handling and cross-platform compatibility. - **soci-snapshotter**: An AWS Labs project for optimizing container image management through lazy loading and snapshotting technology. - **Spark UI**: Enhances management and monitoring of Apache Spark applications with live metrics, interactive visualizations, and integration with event logs. - **LFI.dev**: A framework for developing real-time collaborative web applications with offline functionality and synchronization. - **WrenAI**: A tool for creating intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants with prebuilt NLU and NLG capabilities. - **Astro 5.0**: A framework for building content-focused websites with server-side rendering, static site generation, and improved Markdown handling. - **Outerbase Studio**: An open-source database management tool with a browser-accessible UI and compatibility with various relational databases. - **Undici**: A high-performance HTTP client for Node.js, featuring advanced connection pooling, a promise-based interface, and support for streaming requests.

Winsage

December 10, 2024

Install Manjaro 24.2 today and leave Microsoft Windows 11 to the boomers

Manjaro Linux 24.2 Yonada offers enhanced features across its GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE editions. The GNOME edition includes GNOME 47, allowing users to choose from multiple accent colors, improved scaling for clarity on various displays, and hardware encoding support for screen recording on Intel and AMD GPUs. The Plasma edition utilizes Plasma 6.2, featuring improved Wayland support, better energy management, and enhanced customization options, including support for drawing tablets. The XFCE edition, now with Xfce 4.18, introduces file highlighting and recursive search in the Thunar file manager and consolidates system management in the Control Centre. Manjaro 24.2 is powered by Linux Kernel 6.12, with options for older devices using Kernel 6.6 LTS and 6.1 LTS.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

Save your computer from Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-life planned obsolescence

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, ceasing free updates, technical support, and security fixes. Canalys estimates that this decision could lead to 240 million PCs becoming obsolete, which is one-fifth of all computers globally. The environmental impact of disposing of these computers in landfills includes the release of heavy metals and a potential carbon footprint of 158 million metric tons of CO2e emissions if all 240 million PCs are replaced. Linux distributions can provide alternatives for older machines, allowing them to continue functioning.

AppWizard

October 27, 2024

Snapdragon 8 Elite Has Full Linux Support, Making It Easier To Run PC Games Through Emulation, GPU Side To Require Patches To Ensure Optimum Performance

Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which has garnered attention from the Linux kernel team, leading to the release of patches for the new chipset. This chipset is expected to support PC gaming through emulation and will have 'day one' Linux support for running professional PC applications. The Director of Engineering at Qualcomm indicated that the Snapdragon 8 Elite can handle PC-emulated games, although it may not fully utilize its potential due to a limited selection of newer Android titles. Benchmark tests show that the Snapdragon 8 Elite outperforms AMD’s Radeon 780M, suggesting it can run AAA games with adjusted visual settings. Discussions indicate that the Snapdragon 8 Elite could enable a Linux user interface with touch and pen support for mobile devices and tablets to run professional PC applications.