Version 16 of the popular Linux desktop reveals new tools, edge-snapping, and performance improvements.

Canonical ditches Wayland for a brand new graphics stack.

The DVD attached to this issue brings you a pair of the world’s most popular Linux distributions. Mint 15 “Olivia” is the latest release from the ever-friendly Linux Mint, a desktop distro based on Debian and Ubuntu that keeps the emphasis on simplicity and ease of use. Mint tops the DistroWatch downloads list and describes itself as: “The 4th most popular home operating system after Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, and Canonical’s Ubuntu.”

Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of LinuxTag expo. He works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine.com

Many package updates and Steam integration highlight the latest from the Mandriva-based community Linux. 

The newest Ubuntu release continues Canonical’s quest for a system that combines an inspired desktop experience with seamless integration to Internet resources. The latest release includes several improvements to the default Unity desktop, as well as an easy interface to online photo archives and convenient access to social networking tools. The futuristic (yet controversial) desktop search feature provides integrated access to resources at Amazon and the Ubuntu store.

News

• US gov embraces open data
• Apache Cdorked.A exploit discovered
• News Bites

New Intel CEO

• FSF scolds W3C
• Torvalds releases Kernel 3.9
• Xen new LF collaboration project

Operating Systems

• Debian 7.0“wheezy” debuts
• Windows XP most likely to be victim of attack.

The  new release supports nine architectures, 73 human languages, and zero non-Free components.