Experience the freshly launched 2024.07 version of KaOS, a dynamic KDE-focused Linux distribution that champions the XFS filesystem. This latest stable iteration, powered by Linux kernel 6.9, is brimming with updates and enhancements to enrich your computing journey.
One of the standout features of this release is the integration of the latest iterations of key components, including Plasma 6.1.3, KDE Gear 24.05.2, and Frameworks 6.4.0, all harnessed by Qt 6.7.2. Upgrades like the ability to launch a remote desktop directly from the System Settings app, taking advantage of KRDC, are pivotal enhancements.
The visual refinement extends to the Edit Mode, where a captivating animation zooms out the desktop, providing a more comprehensive view and simplifying customization intricacies.
Wayland users will appreciate the introduction of the session recall functionality, ensuring the restoration of previous user activities – a feature mirroring what was previously available under X11.
Additionally, the release brings support for the experimental Bcachefs, a copy-on-write (COW) file system, accessible during manual installation via the updated Calamares installer.
The foundation of the system sees pivotal updates such as transitioning to LLVM/Clang 18.1.8, Libgcrypt 1.11.0, and the latest Linux kernel 6.9.9. Enhancements to vital components like Systemd, Dracut, Pipewire, OpenSSL, OpenCV, OpenSSH, and Mesa bolster system stability and security.
Noteworthy operational changes include the shift from VLC to phonon-mpv as the default sound backend to ensure complete Qt 6 compatibility. The elimination of GTK2 results in a streamlined system, with essential applications like Ardour adopting an internal toolkit.
User interface enhancements are not overlooked in KaOS 2024.07, with the introduction of the Phonon sound backend and the integration of Marknote, a comprehensive note management application incorporated seamlessly into Plasma 6.
While offering support for various file systems such as XFS, EXT4, BTRFS, ZFS, and the new Bcachefs, Calamares now facilitates automated partitioning options. The inclusion of Croeso, a welcome app aiding in system configuration and package selection, simplifies the installation journey.
Enhancements to the aesthetic appeal of KaOS are evident, with custom icon themes tailored for light and dark modes creating a harmonious visual experience throughout usage.
Lastly, it is crucial to note that despite the advancements, there are known issues like the incompatibility of installing KaOS on RAID. For detailed insights into all modifications, refer to the official release announcement.
As a rolling-release distribution, existing KaOS users need not reinstall; routine updates through “sudo pacman -Syu” ensure staying up-to-date with the latest features. For new installations, the ISO image for KaOS Linux 2024.07 is available for download.
Discover the innovation and refinement packed into KaOS Linux 2024.07 by exploring the complete release notes here.
