AppImages are GOOD now? Fedora 42, Manjaro Immutable - Linux & Open Source News

Summary

In this week's Linux and open-source news, Nick covers a variety of topics, including the release of Fedora 42 with major updates like GNOME 48 and an improved installer, the alpha release of Mangaro's immutable version, and the unfortunate shutdown of Arco Linux. Ubuntu 25.04 also made its debut, bringing improvements to dual booting and icons, alongside a host of updates in various flavors. Other highlights include the introduction of NX Apphub for managing app images in Nitrox, a new LX desktop update, and Google's ongoing antitrust issues. The episode wraps up with a mention of Tuxedo Computers as a Linux hardware sponsor.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fedora 42 released with major updates, including Gnome 48, better HDR support, accessibility improvements, and a new font called Advite Son based on Inter.
• 😀 Mangaro announces an immutable version, named Mangaro Summit, aiming for better stability with atomic updates, read-only root partition, and system rollback options.
• 😀 Arco Linux, an Arch-based distro, is officially discontinued due to the developer's decision to retire after years of maintaining it, though users can transition to Arch without reinstalling.
• 😀 Ubuntu 25.04 introduced several improvements, including a revamped installer for dual-boot setups, improved PDF handling, and a move to apt 3.
• 😀 Nitrux releases NX Apphub, a repository and package manager for managing AppImages, which can now be built from Debian packages and integrated with the Nitrux system.
• 😀 LXQt 2.2 introduces support for multiple Wayland compositors, improved file management, better text rendering in LX terminal, and more secure session handling.
• 😀 The US government continues legal actions against Google, with a recent ruling finding them guilty of monopolizing the ad tech market, strengthening the case for possible corporate breakup.
• 😀 Fedora 42 introduces a new, easier-to-understand installer, as well as WSL support, making it easier for users to install Fedora on Windows.
• 😀 Gnome 48 in Fedora 42 and Ubuntu 25.04 brings several improvements, such as better performance, HDR support, and more polished user interfaces.
• 😀 Tuxedo Computers remains a top choice for Linux hardware, offering highly customizable laptops and desktops with Linux pre-installed, supporting the open-source community.

Q & A

What is the main update in Fedora 42?

Fedora 42 introduces several upgrades, most notably the inclusion of GNOME 48 with improvements like HDR support, better accessibility, and enhanced camera handling with PipeWire. It also comes with a new installer, Fedora images for WSL, and a stack for running x86 programs on ARM CPUs.

What are the key features of Fedora 42's new installer?

The new Fedora installer is much easier to use than its predecessor, Anaconda. It's more legible and user-friendly, making it simpler to install and configure Fedora, especially for new users.

What makes Mangaro's Summit version different from the regular release?

Mangaro's Summit is an immutable version of the distro, which uses an atomic update system and a read-only root partition. Updates happen by downloading pre-made disk images instead of updating packages individually, making the system more stable and resistant to malware.

Why could Mangaro's Summit version be more stable than the regular version?

The immutable system design of Summit ensures that the system image is nearly identical between users, which makes it easier to find and fix bugs. Additionally, the system's resistance to malware and the ability to roll back to a previous update add to its stability.

Why is Arco Linux shutting down?

Arco Linux is being discontinued due to the developer's inability to maintain the project anymore. The developer, who is approaching 60, has decided to retire from the project after years of dedication, as they no longer have the energy to maintain it.

What happens to existing Arco Linux users now that the distro is discontinued?

Existing Arco Linux users can transition smoothly to Arch Linux. Transition packages will replace the Arco Linux branding and config files, and switch the repositories to Chaotic AUR, allowing users to continue without needing to reinstall the system.

What are the main features of Ubuntu 25.04?

Ubuntu 25.04 introduces improved dual boot functionality with Windows and BitLocker, a new PDF viewer, a new geolocation solution, the addition of Nvidia dynamic boost, and an upgrade to GNOME 48. Kubuntu and Xubuntu also received major updates, with Plasma 6.3 and XFCE 4.20, respectively.

What is NX AppHub in Nitrux?

NX AppHub in Nitrux is a system for managing app images in a more integrated way. It acts as a central repository for app images built from Debian packages and allows users to install, update, remove, and search for app images with a command-line interface and without requiring root privileges.

What is the downside of using NX AppHub for app images?

While NX AppHub offers a more integrated experience for Nitrux users, it takes away some of the portability that app images typically provide. By requiring a package manager and centralized system, it goes against the original purpose of app images as independent, portable applications.

What are the improvements introduced with LXQt 2.2?

LXQt 2.2 brings several improvements, including better support for Whan and multiple compositors, improved multi-screen setups using screen names, new global keyboard shortcuts, better bulk renaming in the file manager, and better text rendering in the LX terminal. The update also improves security and adds power profile support.