In 2013, the tech world welcomed an exciting new player: KaOS, initially introduced as KdeOS. This streamlined Linux distribution focuses exclusively on 64-bit x86 processors, featuring the sleek KDE Plasma desktop environment coupled with the robust Qt toolkit.
Exciting news for KaOS enthusiasts: the latest stable version, 2024.09, is now available for download. This update introduces KDE Plasma 6 as the default desktop, along with several significant enhancements.
A notable change in this release is the reinstatement of Calligra as the default office suite. Even though Calligra has replaced LibreOffice, users still have the flexibility to select LibreOffice during installation if it better suits their needs.
The update boasts an impressive lineup of new and updated applications and packages, including proprietary Nvidia drivers, Linux kernel 6.10.11, Mesa 24.2.3, Firefox 130, Chrome 131, Ardour 8.7.0, and VirtualBox now based on Qt6.
KDE Plasma 6 in this release is enriched with KDE Gear 24.08.1, Frameworks 6.6.0, and desktop version 6.1.5, all built on Qt 6.7.2. This transition has prompted various other updates, such as the adoption of a new Phonon sound backend, replacing VLC due to its lack of a Qt 6 port.
For Linux newbies, KaOS users, and even those considering diving into the world of Linux for the first time, “The Practical Linux Handbook: A Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Everyday Tasks” could be a valuable companion. This 130-page guide is available for $9.50 in Kindle format (free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers) and also in paperback for $14.99.
Whether you’re looking to revitalize your computing experience with KaOS 2024.09 or seeking a straightforward guide to mastering Linux, there’s something new and exciting in the tech landscape for everyone.
