Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara”: A Confident Step Forward in Desktop Freedom

-
Image
Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara”: A Confident Step Forward in Desktop Freedom Table of contents:- Mint’s Philosophy: Why It Still Resonates “Zara” in Context: The End of a Naming Cycle Editions for Every Taste Under the Hood: Built for the Long Haul Modest Requirements, Wide Reach What’s New in “Zara” Installation and Upgrade Paths Everyday Usability: The Mint Experience Security and Privacy Community and Support Why “Zara” Matters in 2025 Conclusion Linux Mint has always been more than just an operating system. For many, it’s the first time they’ve felt truly at home on a computer — a place where the desktop works with you, not against you. With Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” , the team delivers a release that is both reassuringly familiar and quietly ambitious, refining the experience without losing sight of what makes Mint special. This is not a release that chases trends for the sake of it. Instead, “Zara” is a confident, measured step forward — a release that builds on a rock‑solid foundation, ...
Post a Comment

OpenMandriva ROME 24.12: A Fresh Breeze with COSMIC Flair

-
 OpenMandriva ROME 24.12 Cosmic Spin

OpenMandriva ROME 24.12: A Fresh Breeze with COSMIC Flair

OpenMandriva is a community-driven Linux distribution that continues the legacy of Mandriva Linux. It offers both fixed and rolling release branches, catering to different user preferences. The fixed branch, known as OpenMandriva Lx, provides stable releases with long-term support, while the rolling branch, ROME, offers cutting-edge software and frequent updates.


The OpenMandriva Project

OpenMandriva is an independent Linux distribution developed by the OpenMandriva Association, a non-profit organization based in France. The project was born in 2012 when Mandriva S.A. ceased its involvement in the development of Mandriva Linux. A group of enthusiasts and developers came together to continue the spirit of Mandriva, launching OpenMandriva Lx as their primary product in 2013.


The distribution has since evolved through multiple releases, focusing on providing a modern and user-friendly operating system. OpenMandriva is unique in its approach, as it's one of the few distributions that uses the LLVM Clang compiler by default instead of GCC.


ROME 24.12: A Stellar Release

The latest rolling release, OpenMandriva ROME 24.12, brings a host of exciting features and improvements. Let's dive into the highlights of this release:

KDE Plasma 6.2 Desktop

ROME 24.12 ships with KDE Plasma 6.2.4 as the default desktop environment, accompanied by KDE Gear 24.08.3 and KDE Frameworks 6.8. This upgrade brings the latest KDE experience to users, with improved performance and new features.


Linux Kernel and System Components

The distribution is powered by Linux kernel 6.12 LTS, built with Clang. It also includes updated system components such as LLVM/Clang 19.1.4, GCC 14.2, Glibc 2.40, Systemd 256.9, and Mesa 24.3.


Multiple Desktop Environments

While KDE Plasma 6 is the flagship desktop, ROME 24.12 also offers spins featuring GNOME 47, LXQt 2.1, and even KDE Plasma 5 for those who prefer alternative desktops.


Gaming Enhancements  

OpenMandriva extends its appeal to gamers by providing Proton and Proton-Experimental directly in the OpenMandriva repository. This allows users to access Proton without needing Steam or proprietary code.


Privacy-Focused Browsers  

The release includes privacy-enhanced versions of popular browsers. Chromium 131 comes with Google spyware disabled and JPEG-XL support re-enabled, while Firefox 130 is patched to remove spyware.


Creative and Productivity Tools  

ROME 24.12 includes LibreOffice Suite 24.8 with Plasma 6 integration and GIMP 3.0 RC for creative users.


The COSMIC Spin: A New Frontier

The standout feature of ROME 24.12 is the introduction of a new spin featuring the COSMIC desktop environment. COSMIC, developed by System76, is a Rust-based desktop environment that's still in its alpha stage. This spin offers users a glimpse into the future of Linux desktops, showcasing innovative design and functionality.


The COSMIC spin in ROME 24.12 is based on the recently released Alpha 4 version of the COSMIC desktop. While it's still in development, this spin provides adventurous users with an opportunity to experience and contribute to the evolution of this exciting new desktop environment.


Installation and System Requirements

OpenMandriva ROME 24.12 is available for 64-bit (x86_64) systems. The distribution offers several ISO images for download, including spins for different desktop environments and a separate ISO for the KDE Plasma 6 Wayland session.


Minimum System Requirements:

- A 64-bit processor  

- At least 2 GB RAM (for running KDE Plasma and standard applications)  

- A minimum of 125 GB hard disk space  


Recommended System Requirements:

- At least 8 GB RAM or more  

- An SSD for system installation  


When installing, it's recommended to use a wired internet connection if possible, as it can simplify the setup process significantly. After installation, make sure to update your system to get the latest packages and security fixes.


Community and Support

The OpenMandriva community is active and welcoming to both new users and experienced contributors alike. Users can get support or participate in discussions through various platforms such as official forums, IRC channels, mailing lists, or by reporting issues on their bug tracker system.


Developers interested in contributing can find detailed information on how to get involved through OpenMandriva's GitLab repository or official wiki pages.


Comparison with Other Independent Distributions

OpenMandriva stands out among independent Linux distributions for its unique approach to development and user experience:

- Solus, another independent distribution known for its homegrown Budgie desktop environment, focuses on personal computing with a semi-rolling release model and its own package manager (eopkg). While Solus emphasizes simplicity for end-users, OpenMandriva's dual fixed-and-rolling branches cater to both stability seekers and cutting-edge enthusiasts.

  

- Void Linux, an entirely independent project like OpenMandriva, uses its own package manager (XBPS) alongside runit as its init system instead of Systemd. Void also supports musl libc for lightweight systems but lacks some of OpenMandriva's polished desktop environments like KDE Plasma or COSMIC.

  

- NixOS, another distinctive independent distro, focuses on declarative system configuration using its Nix package manager. Unlike OpenMandriva's user-friendly approach with pre-configured desktops like KDE Plasma or GNOME, NixOS appeals more to advanced users who prefer full control over their system setup.


Each distribution has its unique strengths—OpenMandriva's focus on leveraging LLVM/Clang as its default compiler combined with innovative spins like COSMIC sets it apart from others in terms of offering cutting-edge technology while maintaining accessibility for everyday users.


Conclusion

OpenMandriva ROME 24.12 showcases the distribution's commitment to innovation and user choice while staying true to its roots in Mandriva Linux heritage. With cutting-edge software updates, privacy-focused features, gaming enhancements, and the exciting new COSMIC spin offering a glimpse into future desktop environments—it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a modern Linux experience that balances stability with innovation.


Whether you're a developer looking for a robust platform or an enthusiast eager to explore new technologies like COSMIC or LLVM/Clang integration—OpenMandriva ROME delivers something special for everyone.


Disclaimer: This overview reflects information available at the time of writing about OpenMandriva ROME 24.12; rolling-release distributions evolve rapidly so always refer directly to their official website/documentation before installing/upgrading systems!


References:

1. OpenMandriva ROME 24.12 Official Announcement

2. Distribution Release: OpenMandriva 24.12 "ROME" (DistroWatch.com News)

3. OpenMandriva ROME 24.12 Unveils New COSMIC Spin  

4. Tux Machines — OpenMandriva Lx 24.12 Released with COSMIC Desktop Spin, Linux Kernel 6.12 LTS  

5. OpenMandriva ROME 24.12 Released With KDE Plasma 6 Desktop By Default - Phoronix  

6. OpenMandriva ROME

7. OpenMandriva GitLab

8. LLVM/Clang

9. Cosmic - System76

Location: Dagenham, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Hello and welcome to The Distrowrite Project! We appreciate your engagement and value diverse perspectives. Our community thrives on respectful and constructive discussions. Please ensure your comments align with our guidelines: no hate speech, personal attacks, or spam. Let's foster a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable to share their thoughts and insights. Thank you for being a part of our community!

Popular posts from this blog

BastilleBSD: The Modern FreeBSD Container Framework

-
Image
BastilleBSD: The Modern FreeBSD Container Framework Table of contents:- What Makes BastilleBSD So Special? Getting Started: Installation and Core Commands Conclusion: A New Era for FreeBSD Jails Welcome, and thanks for joining us today for a quick tour of the fascinating world of BastilleBSD .🏰 We're going to explore this brilliant piece of software that's been making waves in the FreeBSD community. Whether you're a seasoned admin or a curious beginner, this compact article aims to demystify BastilleBSD and show you why it's a game-changer for containerisation on FreeBSD. At its core, BastilleBSD is a modern, secure, and user-friendly framework for managing FreeBSD Jails . Think of a jail as a lightweight, virtualised environment that isolates a process or set of processes from the main host system. While FreeBSD has had jails for a long time, BastilleBSD takes the management of these jails to the next level. It's written in Bourne Shell, which means it's ...
Read more

bectl: The Essential Guide to FreeBSD Boot Environments

-
Image
bectl: The Essential Guide to FreeBSD Boot Environments Table of contents:- A Brief History of Boot Environments and bectl Unique Features of bectl How to Use bectl Properly Other Boot Environment Tools in FreeBSD Conclusion A Brief History of Boot Environments and bectl The concept of boot environments (BEs) revolutionised system management on ZFS-based platforms . Boot environments are essentially bootable clones of the root filesystem, allowing users to upgrade, patch, or experiment with their systems while preserving the ability to roll back to a previous, stable state if anything goes awry. This approach, first popularised in Solaris , found its way into FreeBSD through the beadm utility, which was later succeeded by bectl as the native, integrated tool for managing BEs in FreeBSD. bectl was introduced as part of the 2017 Google Summer of Code, building upon the groundwork laid by beadm and leveraging the new libbe library for more seamless integration with FreeBSD’s base s...
Read more

Unleash Your Network's Potential: Introducing OPNsense®

-
Image
Unleash Your Network's Potential: Introducing OPNsense® Table of contents:- A Brief History of Network Fortification Visionary Viper: The Latest and Greatest (Build 25.7) Getting Started: Your OPNsense® Adventure Awaits! Need a Helping Hand? OPNsense® Support! The Grand Finale: A Secure Network Awaits! Hello there, fellow tech enthusiasts and network wizards! Fancy a chat about something truly special that could revolutionise your home or business network? We’re talking about OPNsense® , a powerhouse open-source firewall and routing platform that’s been making waves in the cybersecurity world. It's not just a piece of software; it's a vibrant community, a testament to open-source power, and a seriously savvy solution for keeping your digital life safe and sound. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let's embark on a journey to discover what makes OPNsense® so brilliant! A Brief History of Network Fortification Every great story has a beginning, and OPNsense® is no exceptio...
Read more