Linux distributions (or, to be more correct, GNU/Linux distributions) have traditionally been offered with the same promise: Someone else has done all the legwork involved in the thousands of decisions that transform disparate kernels, package archives, and desktops into something resembling a viable operating system. Throughout the history of Linux, this promise has best been exemplified with a single word: stable. In other words, choose the conservative branch, retain those trusted libraries, and generally don't rock the virtual boat.

This month's roundup of distros suggests that this classical interpretation of "stable" is shifting. The beta release of TUXEDO OS has made a striking move from being based on Ubuntu to Debian's Testing branch, and the developers are welcoming all feedback. Soplos Linux is likewise based on Debian Testing and, after months of beta releases, is available in three different flavors. Manjaro, meanwhile, brings the latest stable build of its set of rolling release distros with kernel 7.1, but it also offers older kernel choices for older hardware.

That doesn't mean that there's now no distinction between stable and unstable. NetHydra's root-by-default standard edition and security-tool focus are sobering reminders that a distribution can be internally coherent yet entirely unsuitable as a daily driver.

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