For anyone that makes use of ARM-based architecture, you have a friend in Armbian, which is a Debian-based Linux distribution, purpose-built for ARM and embedded devices (including development boards and Linux phones). Armbian is a simple-to-use, lightweight, secure Linux distribution, optimized for ARM-based hardware. This new release includes the 5.11 kernel, which now includes support for the Orange Pi R1 Plus as well as improved NVIDIA Jetson Nano support.

But Armbian isn’t limited to only single-board computers and other embedded devices. This distribution can also run on ARM-based laptops such as the Pinebook Pro. Other supported devices include Banana Pi BPI M3, Firefly, Odroid N2+, Odroid-XU4, RockPro64, NanoPi K2, NanoPi M4V2, and Tinker Board computers.

Although Armbian defaults to the Xfce desktop, 21.05 also brings support for the GNOME desktop environment. You’ll also find USB-C DisplayPort and eDP outputs enabled for the NanoPC-T4 board and includes the usual host of bug fixes, patches, and updates.

Download a version of Armbian for all supported devices from the official download page and enjoy Linux on your ARM-based hardware of choice. You’ll find support available for over 130 different devices.