Solus 4.7 "Endurance": A Fresh Breeze in the Linux Landscape
Solus 4.7 "Endurance": A Fresh Breeze in the Linux Landscape
Solus, an independent Linux distribution known for its user-friendly approach and rolling release model, has recently unveiled its latest iteration: Solus 4.7, codenamed "Endurance." This release, which hit the digital shelves on January 26, 2025, brings a host of improvements and updates that solidify Solus's position as a top contender in the Linux world[1][3]. Let's dive into what makes Solus stand out and explore the exciting features of this new release.
What is Solus?
Solus is a Linux distribution that prides itself on being built from the ground up, independent of other distributions[1]. This unique approach allows Solus to innovate freely, without being constrained by decisions made in upstream projects. The distribution focuses primarily on providing an optimized desktop computing experience, making it an excellent choice for both Linux newcomers and seasoned users alike.
Key characteristics of Solus include:
- Independent Development: Solus is not based on any other distribution, giving it the freedom to chart its own course.
- Rolling Release Model: Users receive continuous updates, ensuring they always have access to the latest software without major system upgrades.
- Desktop-Centric: Solus is tailored for desktop use, offering a polished and intuitive experience out of the box.
- User-Friendly: With a focus on simplicity and ease of use, Solus is accessible to users transitioning from other operating systems.
What's New in Solus 4.7 "Endurance"?
The latest release of Solus brings a plethora of updates and improvements across the board. Let's explore the general enhancements before diving into the specifics for each desktop environment.
General Improvements
1. Updated Core Applications:
- Firefox 134.0.2
- LibreOffice 24.8.4.2
- Thunderbird 128.6.0[3]
2. Kernel and Graphics:
- Linux kernel 6.12.9 (default)
- LTS kernel option: 6.6.70
- Mesa 24.3.3 for improved graphics performance[3]
3. Enhanced NVIDIA Support:
- Improved firmware support for NVIDIA GPUs, including the 4000 series, resolving previous installation issues[3]
4. New Software Centers:
- Introduction of GNOME Software for Budgie, GNOME, and Xfce editions
- Plasma Discover for the KDE Plasma edition
- These new software centers offer out-of-the-box Flatpak support and improved app descriptions through Appstream metadata[3]
5. Multimedia Playback:
- Each edition comes with tailored multimedia applications to suit the desktop environment[3]
Desktop Environment Updates
Solus 4.7 offers four official desktop environments, each receiving significant updates in this release.
Budgie
Solus ships with Budgie 10.9.2, the latest release of the Budgie Desktop[3]. This version brings:
- Small improvements and refinements
- Enhanced stability and polish
GNOME
The GNOME edition of Solus 4.7 features GNOME 47.3, part of the GNOME 47 "Denver" series[3]. Notable improvements include:
- Accent Colors for enhanced customization
- Improved support for small screens
- Screen Capture Hardware Encoding
- Faster and more accurate GTK rendering
- Redesigned Open and Save File dialogs
KDE Plasma
Solus 4.7 Plasma Edition comes with the latest KDE Plasma desktop, KDE Frameworks, and KDE Gear[3]:
- Plasma 6.2.5
- KDE Gear 24.12.1
- KDE Frameworks 6.10.0
- QT 6.8.1
- sddm 0.21.0
Xfce
The Xfce edition has been updated to version 4.20, marking a significant milestone for the Xfce project[3]. Key features include:
- Experimental Wayland support
- Xfce 4.20 core components
- Updated applications:
- Mousepad 0.6.3
- Parole 4.18.2
- Ristretto 0.13.2
- Thunar 4.20.1
- Whiskermenu 2.8.3
Known Issues
As with any software release, Solus 4.7 comes with a few known issues that users should be aware of:
1. Plasma edition requires the creation of a kwallet key file before connecting to a network[3].
2. False positives may appear when running `eopkg check` for `linux-current` and `linux-lts` packages[3].
3. GNOME edition may occasionally boot to a black screen with an X cursor in virtual machines[3].
4. Some users may experience no image when booting GNOME in a virtual machine[3].
The Solus team maintains an up-to-date list of known issues on their forums, ensuring users have access to the latest information and potential workarounds.
Future Plans
The Solus team has hinted at mixing in some interesting changes with their next release, alongside the usual updates[3]. The team's commitment to delivering stable updates and a reliable experience, as reflected in the "Endurance" codename, suggests that users can expect continued improvements and refinements in future releases.
How to Install or Upgrade Solus
Fresh Installation
To install Solus 4.7:
1. Download the ISO image for your preferred edition from the official Solus website[3].
2. Create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for macOS and Linux)[1].
3. Boot from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install Solus[1].
Upgrading Existing Installations
For existing Solus users, upgrading to the latest version is straightforward due to the rolling release model:
1. Open your preferred terminal application.
2. Run the following command to update your system:
3. Reboot your system after the upgrade process completes.
Getting Help with Solus 4.7
If you need assistance with Solus 4.7, there are several resources available:
1. Official Documentation: Visit the Solus website for comprehensive guides and documentation.
2. Forums: Join the Solus community forums to ask questions and share experiences with other users.
3. IRC: Connect with the Solus community in real-time via IRC channels.
4. Bug Reporting: If you encounter issues, report them through the official Solus bug tracking system.
Following Solus 4.7 on Social Media
Stay up-to-date with the latest Solus news and developments by following their official social media accounts:
- Twitter: @SolusProject
- Mastodon: @solus@fosstodon.org
- Reddit: r/SolusProject
Solus, Budgie Desktop, and Serpent OS: A Complex Relationship
Solus, Budgie Desktop, and Serpent OS are three interconnected entities in the Linux ecosystem, each with its unique role and history. Solus, an independently developed Linux distribution, initially gained popularity for its focus on desktop usability and its in-house developed Budgie Desktop Environment. Budgie, designed to be a modern take on the traditional desktop, provided a sleek and intuitive user experience. However, the relationship between Solus and Budgie evolved when the lead developer of Solus, Ikey Doherty, left the project and forked Budgie into its own independent project. Despite this separation, Budgie remained the default desktop environment for Solus, showcasing the deep integration and shared history between the two projects.
The complexity of this relationship deepened with the emergence of Serpent OS, a new Linux distribution also created by Ikey Doherty. Serpent OS, designed with a focus on modern technologies and a modular approach, introduced new possibilities for Solus. In a surprising turn of events, it was announced that Solus would be rebased on Serpent OS, effectively merging the two projects. This move aimed to leverage the strengths of Serpent OS, such as its advanced package management and modular design, while preserving the user-friendly experience that Solus was known for. As a result, the future of Solus and Budgie became intertwined with Serpent OS, creating a complex and evolving relationship that continues to shape the Linux landscape.
Conclusion
Solus 4.7 "Endurance" represents a significant step forward for this independent Linux distribution. With its focus on providing a polished, user-friendly experience across multiple desktop environments, Solus continues to be an attractive option for both Linux newcomers and experienced users. The latest release brings important updates to core components, improved hardware support, and refined software management tools, all while maintaining the distribution's commitment to stability and performance.
As Solus evolves, it remains true to its roots of independence and innovation, offering users a unique and refreshing alternative in the Linux ecosystem. Whether you're looking to switch from another operating system or simply exploring new Linux distributions, Solus 4.7 is certainly worth considering for your next desktop experience.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available at the time of writing and may not reflect the most current developments or changes in the Solus project. Always refer to the official Solus documentation and release notes for the most up-to-date and accurate information before making any decisions or changes to your system.
References
1. A Beginner's Guide to Solus Linux Distribution | Siberoloji
2. Solus 4.7 Released with Linux 6.12 LTS, GNOME 47, KDE Plasma 6.2, and Xfce 4.20 - 9to5Linux
4. Sick of Microsoft Windows? Solus 4.7 could finally get you to switch to Linux | BetaNews
5. Solus
7. Solus Linux OS 4 Install | 2019 Tutorial | (Beginners Guide)
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