Solus 4.4 Now Ready for Prime Time
Latest release includes plenty of software updates, a new default file manager, and even better hardware support.
Solus 4.4, "Harmony," is here and it has plenty to offer users. There are four different versions to choose from (Budgie, GNOME, MATE, and KDE Plasma). Each version includes all the updates that come along with the more recent versions of the desktops (Budgie 10.7.2, GNOME 43.5, MATE 1.27, and KDE Plasma 5.27.5). Although not bleeding edge releases, each of these desktops is stable and filled with new features to enjoy.
One welcome change is that, with KDE Plasma, the Wayland session now works out of the box. However, for MATE users, let it be known that the Solus development team plan on sunsetting this version (because the MATE desktop isn't keeping up with Wayland development). In fact, version 4.4 will be the last to include the MATE option.
As far as software, you'll find Firefox 114.0.1, LibreOffice 7.5.3.2, Thunderbird 102.12.0, Mesa 23.0.3, and Linux kernel 6.3.8 (which supplies an even wider range of hardware support). With the new kernel, there's new and/or improved support for AMD Radeon and Intel Arc, and zram is enabled out of the box for much-improved performance.
You can read more about the Harmony iteration of Solus in the official release notes and download an ISO for installation from the official Solus download page.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.
-
Valve and Arch Linux Announce Collaboration
Valve and Arch have come together for two projects that will have a serious impact on the Linux distribution.
-
Hacker Successfully Runs Linux on a CPU from the Early ‘70s
From the office of "Look what I can do," Dmitry Grinberg was able to get Linux running on a processor that was created in 1971.
-
OSI and LPI Form Strategic Alliance
With a goal of strengthening Linux and open source communities, this new alliance aims to nurture the growth of more highly skilled professionals.
-
Fedora 41 Beta Available with Some Interesting Additions
If you're a Fedora fan, you'll be excited to hear the beta version of the latest release is now available for testing and includes plenty of updates.
-
AlmaLinux Unveils New Hardware Certification Process
The AlmaLinux Hardware Certification Program run by the Certification Special Interest Group (SIG) aims to ensure seamless compatibility between AlmaLinux and a wide range of hardware configurations.
-
Wind River Introduces eLxr Pro Linux Solution
eLxr Pro offers an end-to-end Linux solution backed by expert commercial support.
-
Juno Tab 3 Launches with Ubuntu 24.04
Anyone looking for a full-blown Linux tablet need look no further. Juno has released the Tab 3.
-
New KDE Slimbook Plasma Available for Preorder
Powered by an AMD Ryzen CPU, the latest KDE Slimbook laptop is powerful enough for local AI tasks.
-
Rhino Linux Announces Latest "Quick Update"
If you prefer your Linux distribution to be of the rolling type, Rhino Linux delivers a beautiful and reliable experience.