KaOS, the rolling release Linux distribution known for its KDE focus and XFS file system preference, has just released its latest stable version, 2024.09. This update delivers a host of improvements and enhancements, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, 2024.07.
The core of this release is a commitment to delivering a cutting-edge user experience. Under the hood, KaOS 2024.09 is powered by Linux kernel 6.10, the latest stable kernel release. This is paired with a suite of fresh and robust software, including KDE Gear 24.08.1, Plasma 6.1.5, and Frameworks 6.6.0, all built atop Qt 6.7.2.
Enhanced User Experience:
This update delivers a significant boost to the user experience with a variety of new features and improvements. The file manager, Dolphin, now offers enhanced administrative file access, making it easier to manage system files. Konsole, the terminal emulator, has been enhanced with new position markers that provide greater navigation ease within lengthy output.
Kdenlive, the powerful non-linear video editor, has introduced a new keyframe curve editor, empowering users with advanced easing methods for seamless fades in their video projects.
One of the most notable changes in this release is the return of Calligra as the default office suite. This actively maintained and developed suite provides a robust alternative for productivity tasks. Additionally, VirtualBox, the popular virtualization software, has been updated to a Qt6-based version, reflecting the system's ongoing modernization efforts.
Modernization and Customization:
The KaOS 2024.09 installer has been given a major facelift, featuring a redesigned user interface that makes the setup process even more intuitive. Users can now choose between Calligra and LibreOffice during the installation process.
Further enhancing the user experience, the bootloader selection and sound backend pages have been seamlessly integrated with Plasma 6 through the use of Kirigami, a set of QtQuick components that enable building adaptable UIs. Adding to the list of customizable options, users now have the ability to install using the new Bcachefs filesystem, offering greater flexibility for system setup.
Experimental Features and Future-Ready Foundation:
While still in its experimental stage, Bcachefs has been included in the kernel build, with the necessary tools available within the repositories. Calamares, the installation program, supports Bcachefs in manual mode, though specific settings are yet to be implemented.
Calamares now supports all popular filesystems through its automated partitioning option, allowing users to select from XFS, EXT4, BTRFS, or ZFS without the need for manual partitioning.
This version also introduces Zed, a Rust-based code editor that serves as a fast and capable alternative to VS Code. The distribution is actively following the development of the independent Ladybird browser, which is currently in pre-alpha and suitable for simple browsing. Ladybird will receive monthly updates in the repositories.
Behind the Scenes:
The foundation of KaOS 2024.09 is bolstered by significant updates to essential components. Notable among these include Boost 1.85.0/ICU 75.1 Stack, Ruby 3.3.5, Perl 5.38, Systemd 253, ZFS 2.2.6, KMod 33, OpenSSL 3.3, FFmpeg 6.1, OpenJDK 17, and Mesa 24.2.3.
In a major shift, the default sound backend has transitioned to phonon-mpv due to the lack of a Qt6 port for VLC, ensuring a fully Qt6-ready experience. Additionally, GTK2, which reached end-of-life four years ago, has been completely removed from the KaOS repositories. Ardour, the last major application dependent on GTK2, now utilizes an internal YTK as of version 8.4.0.
Stepping Towards Wayland:
SDDM 0.20, the display manager, now offers the option to run in Wayland mode, marking a significant step towards transitioning away from X11. When running in Wayland mode, KaOS leverages kwin_wayland as the shell instead of Weston’s upstream default.
Known Issues and Getting Started:
Despite its many advancements, KaOS 2024.09 does have a few known issues, such as the inability to install on RAID. Detailed information about all changes and known issues can be found in the release announcement.
As a rolling release distribution, existing KaOS users do not need to reinstall. A simple "sudo pacman -Syu" command will update their system to the latest version. For new users, the ISO image for a fresh installation can be downloaded from the official website.
KaOS 2024.09 offers a compelling blend of modern features, user-friendliness, and a strong commitment to ongoing development. Whether you are a seasoned Linux enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this distribution deserves a look for its clean interface, cutting-edge software, and unwavering focus on delivering a superior user experience.
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