The Latest Release of MiniOS: Unveiling Exciting New Features
MiniOS unveiled its newest update, version 3.3.4, bringing a host of enhancements and fresh features. If you’re new to MiniOS, it’s a compact Linux distribution tailored for USB drive installation. Initially grounded in Mandriva and reinvigorated in 2020 with Debian as its foundation, MiniOS boasts a modular system setup that allows for versatile customization. Let’s delve into the highlights of the latest iteration.
Key Features in MiniOS 3.3.4
Deriving from Debian 12 (Bookworm), particularly its recent 12.6 release, this update reinstates the build capacity for the 3.3.x branch to address prior challenges stemming from alterations in the repository structure. The MiniOS Installer now aligns with features set to premiere in MiniOS 4.0, incorporating added support for MMC devices and exFAT file systems, expanding hardware compatibility.
Significantly, system boot scripts have undergone refinement to rectify earlier glitches associated with package updates in the Puzzle component. To enhance performance, the kernel has been upgraded to version 6.1.90, ensuring smoother functionality and bolstered security.
A noticeable visual overhaul accompanies this release, with the icon theme transitioning from elementary-xfce-minios to elementary-minios, now at version 0.19, offering a more seamless and refined aesthetic.
Moreover, all modules in MiniOS 3.3.4 have now been compressed using ZSTD, a lossless data compression algorithm that optimizes loading times and system performance. This update also resolves GUI loading glitches in the Flux and Minimum environments, enhancing user experience and reliability.
Technical enhancements include the renaming of the Gtkdialog utility to gtkask. It now serves as a straightforward GTK2 dialog for Yes/No queries to avoid nomenclature conflicts and boosts detection mechanisms for kernel prerequisites during installation.
For a comprehensive overview of all recent additions, consult the changelog. The distribution is underpinned by the Xfce desktop environment and is accessible in six variations: Flux, Minimum, Standard, Maximum, Ultra, and Puzzle. The primary distinguishing factor lies in the bundled software. For additional insights, refer to the project’s website.