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Bcachefs Lands Fixes in Linux 6.16 for Some "High Severity" Regressions
10 months ago
- Bcachefs fixes merged for Linux 6.16-rc6 release.
- Fixes include tweaks to b-tree cache helpers and node scans.
- Linus Torvalds merged fixes but future of Bcachefs in mainline kernel uncertain.
- Torvalds previously mentioned Bcachefs would 'part ways' in Linux 6.17 merge window.
- Current fixes address high severity regressions in Linux 6.16.
Show HN: A Raycast-compatible launcher for Linux
10 months ago
- An open-source, Raycast-inspired launcher for Linux.
- Disclaimer: Hobby project, not affiliated with Raycast.
- Core features: Extensible Command Palette, Extension Support, Powerful Calculator, Clipboard History, Snippets, AI Integration.
- Limitations due to macOS vs. Linux differences: macOS-specific APIs, Native Binaries, Assumed Permissions.
- Download as .AppImage, make executable, run in background.
- Hotkey binding example provided for Hyprland.
- Requires glibc version 2.38 (default on Ubuntu 24.04, Fedora 40, Arch Linux).
- Wayland users need udev rule for snippet expansion.
- Development setup: Rust, Node.js, pnpm, Tauri prerequisites, Swift Toolchain.
- Build instructions: Clone repo, install dependencies, build sidecar binary, run in dev mode.
- Acknowledgements: Raycast team, SoulverCore by Acqualia.
- Licensed under MIT License.
A quick look at unprivileged sandboxing
10 months ago
- The article discusses methods to confine a server daemon to a single directory without requiring root privileges.
- OpenBSD's `unveil()` and `pledge()` syscalls are highlighted for their simplicity in restricting filesystem access and syscalls.
- Linux's Landlock is presented as a more complex alternative to `unveil()`, requiring a detailed setup but offering similar confinement capabilities.
- The `setpriv` command from util-linux is mentioned for applying Landlock rules via the command line, though it confines the entire program.
- A detailed example using Linux namespaces and mounts demonstrates a more involved method to achieve directory confinement, similar to Bubblewrap's approach.
- The article concludes by advocating for simpler, more accessible sandboxing tools like `unveil()` and `pledge()` to encourage widespread adoption and correctness.
KDE's official Android TV alternative is back from the dead
10 months ago
- KDE projects like Karton and ISO Image Writer are seeing a revival.
- Plasma Bigscreen, a KDE shell for TVs, is being revived by Devin after being abandoned.
- Originally supported Mycroft AI assistant, but development stalled and distributions dropped it.
- Missed Plasma 6 transition due to lack of porting.
- Devin redesigned the interface, inspired by older Breeze mockups, with a flattened homescreen and background blur in menus.
- Added a search view using KRunner for quicker app launching.
- Redesigned Settings app with a two-pane layout and sidebar categories.
- Updated Display KCM, Wi-Fi, and KDE Connect modules; fixed startup feedback with animations.
- Testable on Raspberry Pi via postmarketOS, but requires self-compilation or nightly repos.
- Works well with Kodi, VacuumTube, and some games like SuperTuxKart.
- Controller support exists; TV remote functionality via HDMI CEC untested.
- Needs virtual keyboard and new direction post-Mycroft; aims for Plasma 6.5 release.
Linux has over 6% of the desktop market? Yes, you read that right
10 months ago
- Linux desktop market share has reached 6% according to US Federal Government Website and App Analytics.
- Including Android and Chromebooks, Linux-based systems account for 23% of visitors, surpassing MacOS and Windows.
- StatCounter reports a US Linux desktop market share of 5.03%, rising to 7.74% with ChromeOS included.
- Linux desktop market share has been steadily growing, accelerating from 1.5% in 2020 to over 4% in 2024.
- StatCounter's methodology is criticized for being imprecise, focusing on page views rather than users or PCs.
- Linux desktop adoption is accelerating, with growth rates increasing significantly in recent years.
- Easy-to-use Linux distros are available for users transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux.
Running Linux on my Amiga 4000
10 months ago
- The author describes running Linux on an Amiga 4000, detailing the challenges and steps involved.
- Motivation includes nostalgia, fun programming projects, and a personal connection between Amiga and Linux.
- Transition from Amiga to PC due to Commodore's demise and the rise of the Internet and Windows 95.
- First exposure to Linux through magazines and emulators like DOS UAE, leading to hands-on experience.
- Installation of Debian 3.1 on Amiga 4000, overcoming hardware limitations and configuring the boot process.
- Use cases include controlling the frame buffer, setting up the X Window System, and using the GoTek floppy emulator.
- Terminal connections and Internet connectivity via null-modem cable and PPP link.
- File exchange methods between AmigaOS and Linux, including using Compact Flash cards and loopback devices.
- Running Linux on Amiga in FS-UAE emulator for faster experimentation.
- Conclusion reflects on the slow performance but appreciates Debian's support for uncommon ports and potential future projects.
Linux and Secure Boot certificate expiration
10 months ago
- Microsoft's Secure Boot key, used by Linux distributions to sign the shim bootloader, is set to expire in September 2025.
- Many systems may not have the replacement key installed, requiring firmware updates from hardware vendors.
- The Linux Vendor Firmware Service (LVFS) and fwupd tool are being used to manage firmware updates, including the new Secure Boot keys.
- Older systems without firmware updates may require Secure Boot to be disabled for new installations.
- There are concerns about firmware implementations enforcing the certificate expiration date, with some systems possibly continuing to work post-expiration.
- The transition may be complicated for dual-boot systems with BitLocker encryption tied to Secure Boot measurements.
- The Linux community is preparing for potential issues, but the situation highlights challenges with vendor-controlled Secure Boot keys.
Latest Intel Engineering Layoffs Lead to an Intel Linux Driver Being Orphaned
10 months ago
- Intel's latest layoffs are significantly impacting their software engineering, particularly Linux/open-source projects.
- Jithu Joseph, a long-time Intel Linux kernel developer, is leaving, leading to the 'orphaning' of the Intel WMI Slim Bootloader firmware update driver.
- The In-Field Scan (IFS) driver for Intel Xeon processors will continue to be maintained by another Intel engineer.
- The Slim Bootloader (SBL) is an open-source Intel project for modern x86 platforms, now at risk due to lack of maintainers.
- Other Intel Linux engineering departures are also noted, with more details to follow.
Shutting Down Clear Linux OS
10 months ago
- Intel ends support for Clear Linux OS, including security patches and updates.
- The Clear Linux OS GitHub repository will be archived in read-only mode.
- Users are advised to migrate to another actively maintained Linux distribution.
- Intel reaffirms its commitment to the Linux ecosystem and open-source projects.
- A thank you message to developers, users, and contributors for their support over the past 10 years.
Intel Announces It's Shutting Down Clear Linux
10 months ago
- Intel is shutting down its performance-optimized Clear Linux distribution.
- Clear Linux showcased significant out-of-the-box performance optimizations for x86_64 hardware, including AMD platforms.
- The shutdown is part of Intel's cost-cutting measures and restructuring efforts.
- Intel will no longer provide updates, security patches, or maintenance for Clear Linux, and its GitHub repository will be archived.
- Users are advised to migrate to other actively maintained Linux distributions.
- Intel remains committed to the Linux ecosystem, contributing to other open-source projects and distributions.
- Clear Linux's innovations, like profile-guided optimizations and kernel tweaks, have influenced other distributions like CachyOS.
- The announcement follows recent departures of key Intel Linux engineers and open-source contributors.
Linux and Secure Boot certificate expiration
10 months ago
- Microsoft's Secure Boot key for Linux shim bootloader expires in September, requiring updates for many systems.
- New Microsoft 2023 UEFI key may not be installed on many systems, potentially requiring firmware updates from vendors.
- LVFS and fwupd tools are being enhanced to handle necessary updates, but some systems may still face issues.
- Certificate expiration could prevent new Linux installations on Secure Boot systems unless updates are applied.
- Older BIOS versions may struggle with EFI variable space, complicating key updates.
- Some vendors have lost access to their platform keys, adding complexity to the update process.
- Secure Boot's reliance on vendor-controlled keys creates ongoing challenges for Linux support.
- Disabling Secure Boot may be the only solution for systems without vendor updates.
Intel is shutting down Clear Linux OS
10 months ago
- Clear Linux OS, a Linux distribution by Intel optimized for Intel hardware (with benefits for AMD), is being discontinued.
- Intel ends support for Clear Linux OS, stopping security updates and patches, and archiving the GitHub repository.
- Users are advised to migrate to other actively maintained Linux distributions.
- The discontinuation may be due to Intel's cost-cutting measures, including recent layoffs and challenges in the AI sector.
- Intel reaffirms its commitment to the Linux ecosystem and supporting other open-source projects.
- The community has responded with support and gratitude towards the Clear Linux OS team for their decade-long effort.
Detour: A detour through the Linux dynamic linker
9 months ago
- Detour is a static library that allows building statically linked executables without depending on glibc or musl while still enabling dynamic linking at runtime.
- It provides access to the system dynamic linker (ld-linux.so) without requiring libc, enabling functionalities like dlopen, dlsym, and mixing multiple C runtimes in the same process.
- Detour works by using a minimal stub ELF executable to bootstrap the dynamic linker, capturing essential symbols before returning control to the main application.
- It supports both static and dynamic contexts, though currently limited to x86_64 Linux, with potential for other architectures requiring additional assembly work.
- Fully static linking has tradeoffs, such as losing access to system components that rely on dynamic linking (e.g., GPU drivers, window systems, audio subsystems).
- Detour solves this by allowing static linking of the core application while setting up a dynamic linker for runtime use.
- The helper ELF stub used by Detour is small (~35 lines of C) and designed for maximum compatibility with glibc-based systems.
- A demo included with Detour shows a fully freestanding static executable dynamically loading libc, libm, libSDL2, and libGL at runtime.
- Use cases include creating libc-free executables that load plugins, avoiding dependency hell, mixing musl and glibc, and accessing hardware-accelerated APIs without linking glibc.
- Detour leverages Linux's existing mechanisms for launching dynamic binaries, providing surgical control over the dynamic linker's involvement.
Modern Debian-based Window Maker distribution
9 months ago
- Window Maker Live's versioning scheme has been updated to reflect its close relationship with Debian/Bookworm.
- It is an installable Linux Live ISO based on Debian/Bookworm, using Window Maker as the default GUI.
- The system integrates components from XFCE4, MATE, LXQT, and GNUstep, with a consistent visual appearance.
- Fully compatible with Debian/Bookworm repositories for updates and bug fixes.
- ISO images support 17 European languages and can be used for hard disk installation.
- Includes materials to build Window Maker Live ISO images using Debian Live Build system.
- Most packages are from Debian's stable 'bookworm' branch, with a few recompiled by the team.
- Donations can be made via PayPal to support the project.
Firefox 141 Release Brings Lower RAM Usage on Linux
9 months ago
- Firefox 141.0 released with lower RAM usage on Linux.
- No forced restart required after updates via package manager.
- Clears back-forward-cache with Clear-Site-Data: "cache" header.
- Enables WebGPU API on Windows and adds various web APIs.
- Release binaries available via ftp.mozilla.org ahead of official announcement.
A practical debugging guide for media driver developers
9 months ago
- Getting into kernel development is daunting due to layers of knowledge without a clear roadmap.
- Collabora, commissioned by Google, wrote a guide to help newcomers debug kernel issues, published with Linux 6.13.
- The guide is structured into general debugging tools and specific cases, focusing on multimedia drivers.
- Example debug command: `echo 0xff > /sys/class/video4linux/video3/dev_debug` for enabling debug on video3 device.
- The guide aims to simplify debugging for media drivers and encourages reaching out for further assistance.
20 years of Linux on the Desktop (part 4)
9 months ago
- Ubuntu announced the switch from GNOME to its own desktop environment, Unity, in 2010, causing a schism in the Ubuntu/GNOME communities.
- Canonical's development of proprietary or closed-source tools like Launchpad, Bzr, Upstart, and Unity raised concerns about its commitment to open-source principles.
- The GNOME community was in turmoil, with some criticizing its lack of direction, while others experimented with GNOME-shell, a JavaScript-based desktop.
- Nokia's CEO Stephen Elop, a former Microsoft executive, made controversial decisions that led to the decline of Nokia's Maemo/Meego platforms in favor of Windows Phone.
- Despite the success of the Meego-powered Nokia N9, Elop's leadership resulted in Nokia's acquisition by Microsoft at a fraction of its potential value.
- The rise of mobile computing overshadowed desktop Linux, challenging Ubuntu's relevance in the evolving tech landscape.
NixOS on a Tuxedo InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 AMD Laptop
9 months ago
- TUXEDO Computers is a German laptop manufacturer specializing in Linux-compatible hardware.
- The author chose a TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 AMD model due to Framework laptop stock issues.
- NixOS setup on the TUXEDO laptop required custom configurations for drivers and kernel parameters.
- Key changes included enabling Motorcomm YT6801 LAN drivers and specific kernel parameters to fix wake-up issues.
- The TUXEDO Control Center was preferred over tuxedo-rs for power management due to additional features.
- Power management conflicts between TUXEDO Control Center and KDE Plasma's PowerDevil were resolved by disabling power-profiles-daemon.
- Remaining issues include ACPI BIOS warnings and loud fan spin-up on wake.
- The author considers switching to Debian stable for better mainstream support while retaining Nix for user-level packages.
You can run Doom and other graphical apps in Android's Linux Terminal
9 months ago
- Android’s Linux Terminal app now supports graphical Linux apps in the latest Canary build.
- A new 'Display' button enables a graphical environment, allowing users to run desktop apps not available on Android.
- Hardware acceleration can be enabled for better performance, expanding possibilities for running Linux software and games.
- The Terminal app runs Debian in a virtual machine, offering full-fledged Linux app support.
- Graphical app support was previously only available by compiling Android from source.
- Weston, a Wayland compositor, is preinstalled and can be launched with the 'weston' command.
- Hardware acceleration requires creating a specific file in the '/sdcard/linux' directory.
- Graphical app support is a significant step toward merging Chrome OS and Android.
- The feature's release timeline for Beta or Stable channels is uncertain, with hopes for Android 16's December update.
University of Maryland Linux Users Group Mirror
9 months ago
- The University of Maryland Linux Users Group operates a public mirror for free and open-source software.
- The mirror is supported by student volunteers, rackspace, and a 20Gbit/s Internet2-capable network provided by the Division of IT, partially funded by the Student Technology Fee.
- Available software mirrors include Amanda, ArchLinux, ArchStrike, Calculate Linux, CentOS, Devuan Linux, Eclipse, Fedora Linux, FindBugs, Gentoo Linux, GIMP, Kodi, Linux Kernel Archives, Linux Mint, mozdev.org (Archived), MSYS2, MX Linux, OpenSUSE, Raspbian, ROS.org, TurnKey Linux, Ubuntu Linux, and Zorin OS.
- Each software has specific download links and rsync paths provided for access.
- Instructions for using certain mirrors, like Gentoo Linux and Ubuntu Linux, are included.
- Contact for support is directed to mirror-admins at umd dot edu, not the UMD DIT Helpdesk.

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#linux

Bcachefs Lands Fixes in Linux 6.16 for Some "High Severity" Regressions

Show HN: A Raycast-compatible launcher for Linux

A quick look at unprivileged sandboxing

KDE's official Android TV alternative is back from the dead

Linux has over 6% of the desktop market? Yes, you read that right

Running Linux on my Amiga 4000

Linux and Secure Boot certificate expiration

Latest Intel Engineering Layoffs Lead to an Intel Linux Driver Being Orphaned

Shutting Down Clear Linux OS

Intel Announces It's Shutting Down Clear Linux

Linux and Secure Boot certificate expiration

Intel is shutting down Clear Linux OS

Detour: A detour through the Linux dynamic linker

Modern Debian-based Window Maker distribution

Firefox 141 Release Brings Lower RAM Usage on Linux

A practical debugging guide for media driver developers

20 years of Linux on the Desktop (part 4)

NixOS on a Tuxedo InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen9 AMD Laptop

You can run Doom and other graphical apps in Android's Linux Terminal

University of Maryland Linux Users Group Mirror