Mauna Linux 25 is here, and it brings a big first for the project: an official GNOME edition. This Debian-based distro, codenamed Polaris, now ships with five desktop environments while keeping its focus on stability, ease of use, and a lightweight footprint that runs well even on modest hardware.
Built on Debian 13.1 Trixie, Mauna Linux 25 adopts the Linux 6.12 LTS kernel and folds in a long list of refinements and updated packages. Users can expect smoother performance, better hardware support thanks to a fresh firmware bundle dated August 8, 2025, and a more polished experience across the board.
What’s new and notable
– New GNOME option: GNOME 48.1 joins the lineup as the fifth desktop environment, giving users a modern, streamlined interface alongside the existing options.
– Updated software stack: Shortwave 5.0 for internet radio, OnlyOffice 9.0.4 for documents and spreadsheets, Firefox 142.0.1 for browsing, and GIMP 3.0.4 for image editing.
– Refined desktops: Xfce 4.20 is available in the AHE edition for those who prefer speed and simplicity. Cinnamon 6.4.10, LXQt 21.0, and MATE 1.26.2 round out the choices.
– Under-the-hood improvements: Numerous tweaks and fixes from both Debian and the Mauna team enhance reliability, responsiveness, and overall usability.
A highlight of Mauna Linux remains its approachable setup and management tools. The Calamares installer makes getting started straightforward, while the integrated Mauna software manager and updater simplify everyday maintenance and application installs. Although Portuguese is supported out of the box and the downloads page is currently available only in Portuguese, the system itself supports English and a wide range of other languages after installation.
Desktop environments at a glance
– GNOME 48.1: A clean, modern workflow with robust accessibility features.
– Xfce 4.20 AHE: Lightweight, fast, and ideal for older hardware or minimal setups.
– Cinnamon 6.4.10: A familiar, traditional desktop with plenty of customization.
– LXQt 21.0: Ultra-light and efficient with a Qt-based toolkit.
– MATE 1.26.2: Classic GNOME 2-style interface with low resource usage.
System requirements are intentionally modest. If you have at least 2 GB of RAM, 30 GB of disk space, and even an older Intel Atom-class processor, you can run Mauna Linux 25. That makes it a compelling choice for breathing new life into aging PCs and netbooks, or for users who simply prefer a lean, responsive desktop.
What about the Christian Edition?
Mauna’s special Christian Edition, which includes the Bible and church-focused applications, remains available but has not yet been updated to Mauna Linux 25. It currently continues on a Debian Bookworm base. Users who rely on that edition may want to hold off on upgrading until the new Polaris-based version is released.
Who should try Mauna Linux 25
– Users seeking a Debian-based system with a friendly installer and curated defaults.
– Fans of GNOME who want the latest features in a stable environment.
– Anyone needing a resource-efficient desktop for older or low-power hardware.
– Productivity-focused users who appreciate OnlyOffice, plus strong multimedia and creative tools like Shortwave and GIMP.
With GNOME now officially in the mix, a fresh kernel, and an expanded set of updated apps, Mauna Linux 25 delivers a balanced blend of performance, polish, and choice. Whether you want a sleek, modern desktop, a featherweight environment for legacy machines, or a familiar, traditional interface, Polaris gives you the freedom to pick what works best for your workflow.
