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7 ways Linux can lower your tech costs - and extend the life of your devices

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Over the past few decades, I've watched many people spend huge amounts of money keeping their computers running or up to speed with modern technology. I've seen friends take their computers to support specialists to rid them of malware (spending more money than they'd prefer) and, lately, been privy to countless users faced with buying new machines to replace those running Windows 10. Also: The best Linux laptops Every time I see or hear of such things, the first

My 10 favorite Linux distributions of all time, ranked

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Linux is on the rise. I believe the popularity of the open-source operating system will continue to increase and possibly even hit the 10% mark by the end of 2025. Some say that's a pipe dream, but I believe. Because of the popularity of Linux, I thought I would create a list of my all-time top 10 distributions that I've used over the years. Some of these distros are no longer with us, while some of them are still thriving. Are you ready to take a

Intel announces end of Clear Linux OS project, archives GitHub repos

The Clear Linux OS team has announced the shutdown of the project, marking the end of its 10-year existence in the open-source ecosystem. Clear Linux is a Linux distribution developed and maintained by Intel, featuring aggressive optimizations for Intel hardware. Binaries are compiled using tuning flags designed explicitly for Intel CPUs. It was a minimalist, modular OS that utilized software bundles for faster app installation and automatic performance tuning for optimal speed and power effic

8 ways I quickly leveled up my Linux skills - and you can too

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET When I first started using Linux, I was thrown to the wolves. I unwittingly installed Linux over Windows and, at the time, couldn't afford to purchase a new Windows license. Because of that, it was sink or swim. I decided to swim. Within a week or so, I felt comfortable with the OS, but I wanted more, so I spent the time learning the ins and outs of Linux, and look at me now. Also: This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy You might be th

8 ways I quickly leveled-up my Linux skills - and you can too

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET When I first started using Linux, I was thrown to the wolves. I unwittingly installed Linux over Windows and, at the time, couldn't afford to purchase a new Windows license. Because of that, it was sink or swim. I decided to swim. Within a week or so, I felt comfortable with the OS, but I wanted more, so I spent the time learning the ins and outs of Linux, and look at me now. Also: This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy You might be th

Installing apps on Linux? 4 ways it's different than any other OS - and mistakes to avoid

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET When I first started using Linux in the late 90s, there was really only one way to install an application. You would download the app, unpack the archive, run the ./configure command, build the app with make, and then install it with make install. Inevitably, when you ran through that course, you would stumble because of dependencies and have to locate the dependency, run through the same process as you just did (only with the new software), and then find out the ne

This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Lubuntu. Say it with me. Looboontoo. Has a nice ring, doesn't it? Lubuntu isn't just an adorable name that rolls off the tongue like caramel. It's also a Linux distribution that combines the Ubuntu distribution and the LXQT desktop. LXQT is a lightweight Linux desktop based on the Qt cross-platform application development framework. LXQT is fast, simple, works well on older hardware, is customizable, and includes a decent collection of software to get

Shutting Down Clear Linux OS

After years of innovation and community collaboration, we’re ending support for Clear Linux OS. Effective immediately, Intel will no longer provide security patches, updates, or maintenance for Clear Linux OS, and the Clear Linux OS GitHub repository will be archived in read-only mode. So, if you’re currently using Clear Linux OS, we strongly recommend planning your migration to another actively maintained Linux distribution as soon as possible to ensure ongoing security and stability. Rest ass

Arch Linux pulls AUR packages that installed Chaos RAT malware

Arch Linux has pulled three malicious packages uploaded to the Arch User Repository (AUR) were used to install the CHAOS remote access trojan (RAT) on Linux devices. The packages were named "librewolf-fix-bin", "firefox-patch-bin", and "zen-browser-patched-bin," and were uploaded by the same user, "danikpapas," on July 16. The packages were removed two days later by the Arch Linux team after being flagged as malicious by the community. "On the 16th of July, at around 8pm UTC+2, a malicious AU

Linux and Secure Boot certificate expiration

Linux and Secure Boot certificate expiration [LWN subscriber-only content] Welcome to LWN.net The following subscription-only content has been made available to you by an LWN subscriber. Thousands of subscribers depend on LWN for the best news from the Linux and free software communities. If you enjoy this article, please consider subscribing to LWN. Thank you for visiting LWN.net! Linux users who have Secure Boot enabled on their systems knowingly or unknowingly rely on a key from Microsoft t

Android’s Linux Terminal arrives on the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but Z Fold 7 users are left out

Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the first non-Pixel phone to support Google’s Linux Terminal app, but the feature is curiously missing from the Z Fold 7. The app requires a non-protected virtual machine, which the Z Flip 7’s Exynos chip supports but the Z Fold 7’s Snapdragon chip currently does not. The Terminal app runs a Linux VM and is part of Android 16, but it probably won’t be available on many other devices. Back in March, Google rolled out a

Linux has over 6% of the desktop market? Yes, you read that right - here's how

SJVN / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET At long last, after years of waiting for the "Year of the Linux desktop," we're getting somewhere. According to the US Federal Government Website and App Analytics, which I trust far more than I do StatCounter, 6% of its visitors over the last month were using Linux operating systems. Downright impressive This website keeps track of US government website visits and analyzes them. On average, there have been 1.6 billion sessions in the last 30 days, with mi

Tilck: A tiny Linux-compatible kernel

What \ Arch i386 riscv64 x86_64 (build) Tests Toolchain debian N/A Toolchain fedora N/A Toolchain archlinux N/A Toolchain openSUSE N/A Contents Overview What is Tilck? Tilck is an educational monolithic kernel designed to be Linux-compatible at binary level. It runs on i686 and RISCV64 at the moment. Project's small-scale and simple design makes it the perfect playground for playing in kernel mode while retaining the ability to compare how the very same usermode bits run on the Linux kernel

Tilck: A Tiny Linux-Compatible Kernel

What \ Arch i386 riscv64 x86_64 (build) Tests Toolchain debian N/A Toolchain fedora N/A Toolchain archlinux N/A Toolchain openSUSE N/A Contents Overview What is Tilck? Tilck is an educational monolithic kernel designed to be Linux-compatible at binary level. It runs on i686 and RISCV64 at the moment. Project's small-scale and simple design makes it the perfect playground for playing in kernel mode while retaining the ability to compare how the very same usermode bits run on the Linux kernel

I found a better way to transfer files between Android and Linux - and it's free

nailzchap/Getty Images I often need to send a file from my Pop!_OS Linux desktop to my Android device. Over the years, I've found a variety of solutions, but this latest option -- called Packet -- makes transferring files between Linux and Android a breeze. Packet works with Quick Share. The only requirement is that both desktop and mobile devices be on the same wireless network. Also: Two new Android 16 security features protect you better - how to switch them on now Let me show you how to

You can try Linux without ditching Windows first - here's how

ZDNET With Windows 10 support due to end soon, many users are looking for an alternative OS, so they don't have to purchase yet another computer. One of the best options for most people is Linux. Modern Linux distributions are user-friendly, rock-solid, and free. If you have zero experience with Linux, you might think it's above your skills, so you have yet to find the courage to use it. Back in 1997, when I discovered Linux, I was clueless about how it worked. When I finally installed the ope

6 most Windows-like Linux distros because old habits die hard

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Windows 10's end of life is coming in 2025, and that means you have to hope your machine can run Windows 11, buy a new computer, or try something different -- like Linux. Linux shouldn't be considered a last-choice alternative, either, because it's every bit equal to Windows or MacOS. It's reliable, secure, user-friendly, and free. What more do you want? Also: You can try Linux without ditching Windows first - here's how I know: You want an operatin

These 6 Linux file managers are way better than your default

D3Damon/Getty The file manager might not be a feature on your desktop that you've ever considered changing, but once you've seen a better option, you can't unsee it. I've used nearly every file manager on the market, and some are far better than others. Also: 5 Linux file and folder management commands you need to know If you find the file manager on your Linux desktop of choice isn't cutting it, here are six alternatives. One of these could well become your favorite Linux file manager. 1. K

6 reasons why I've stuck with Ubuntu-based Linux distros for the last 20 years

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET It was October 2004, and I'd been using Red Hat Linux (way before it became Fedora) for years. I was fairly certain that would be my distribution until the world ended. I'd become comfortable with Red Hat. Sure, it had its quirks and was sometimes a bit more difficult than it needed to be (remember, it was over 20 years ago), but it was stable and I'd grown to know it well. But then a new distribution arrived on the scene... Ubuntu. Oddly enough, the

You can try Linux without abandoning Windows through dual-booting - here's how

ZDNET With Windows 10 support due to end soon, many users are looking for an alternative OS, so they don't have to purchase yet another computer. One of the best options for most people is Linux. Modern Linux distributions are user-friendly, rock-solid, and free. If you have zero experience with Linux, you might think it's above your skills, so you have yet to find the courage to use it. Back in 1997, when I discovered Linux, I was clueless about how it worked. When I finally installed the ope

This security-focused Linux distribution is surprisingly good for everyday use

Ger Bosma/Getty There are some Linux distributions that were created for specific purposes. There are those for creating multimedia, developing software, network routing, ethical hacking, general use, and everything in between. And then there are some distributions that can easily serve multiple purposes. When I think of ParrotOS, I generally think of security: forensics, penetration testing, etc. I've used ParrotOS for similar purposes before, but always neglected to test the Home edition.

Show HN: A Raycast-compatible launcher for Linux

Raycast for Linux An open-source, Raycast-inspired launcher for Linux. For more background on this project, I have a post here. Disclaimer: This is a hobby project and is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by, the official Raycast team. ✨ Features This launcher aims to recreate most of Raycast's core features on Linux: Extensible Command Palette : The core of the application. Search for and launch applications, run commands, execute quicklinks, and more. : The core of the application. Sear

I found a mini PC that performs like a speed demon (and comes in bold colors)

ZDNET's key takeaways The Herk Pulsar is avaialble now from the official website for $309. This tiny PC has more power than you'll need for average tasks. Certain colorways tend to sell out quickly. View now at Herk I've tested a lot of Mini PCs, and they tend to fall into one of two categories: underwhelming or overachieving. Most of them tend to lean toward the former category, but when you find one that lives in the latter space, it's a pretty cool experience. Also: The best mini PCs you

I put Linux on this 8-inch mini laptop, and it's filled a niche role for me

ZDNET's key takeaways The Piccolo N150 netbook is on sale now for $389. This eight-inch laptop has a nice display, enough power for most use cases, and even runs Linux well. The keyboard on the N150 is a challenge to get used to. View now at X-Plus If given the opportunity, I would much rather use a desktop over a laptop or phone. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I have my Android, but typing on phones has never been easy for me. I like touch typing and I'm very good at it (I should be, given how

Can a Linux laptop replace my MacBook? This one is off to a good start

ZDNET's key takeaways The Tuxedo Computers InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen 9 is available now on the official site for around $1,137. This laptop outperformed my expectations in every way, with a powerful CPU and a gorgeous display. It's manufactured in Europe, so use caution when selecting your keyboard during the order process. View now at Tuxedo Computers I love a good laptop or desktop that comes pre-installed with Linux. It's even better when said hardware is equal parts beauty and power. When G

This Linux distro combines the best parts of Windows and MacOS - and it's gorgeous

Jack Wallen/ZDNET There are so many Linux distributions on the market, and they range from the command line only all the way to functioning works of art. The majority of distros fall somewhere in the middle, of course, and that's perfectly fine because most users prefer a blend of aesthetics and functionality. That's why the likes of Linux Mint, ZorinOS, elementaryOS, and Ubuntu are so popular. But every once in a while, a team releases an update to its distribution that reminds you that Linux

This Linux distro makes openSUSE accessible to all - even newbies should take a look

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET OpenSUSE is a powerful operating system, but I still haven't recommended it to new Linux users. Why? It's too powerful, and it doesn't include essential day-to-day software. That's a shame, because openSUSE is also very reliable, stable, and secure. Fortunately, Antônio Medeiros has created a spin of openSUSE that's more accessible for less-experienced users. That distribution is Linux Kamarada, and it offers the power of openSUSE with the ease of us

Red Hat just expanded free access to RHEL for business developers

John Keeble/Getty Images It's always been easy for programmers to get started with Linux. Just download one of the many free distros, learn some C, and you're in business. Also: SUSE launches new European digital sovereignty support service to meet surging demand Learning how to use Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) was a bit harder. Fortunately, Red Hat made it easy for developers to get started. In 2016, the Linux giant started offering free RHEL to members of its Red Hat Developer Program. T

iPod Linux (2017)

Welcome to the home of the ! iPodLinux is an open source venture into porting Linux onto the iPod (https://www.apple.com/ipod/). So far, we have successfully ported a customized uClinux (http://www.uclinux.org) kernel to the iPod, and written a simple user interface for it dubbed podzilla. Additional applications and modules have been written, adding many capabilities not found in Apple's firmware. iPodLinux is currently safe to install on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation iPods. Software Developmen

iPod Linux – Linux for Your iPod

Welcome to the home of the ! iPodLinux is an open source venture into porting Linux onto the iPod (https://www.apple.com/ipod/). So far, we have successfully ported a customized uClinux (http://www.uclinux.org) kernel to the iPod, and written a simple user interface for it dubbed podzilla. Additional applications and modules have been written, adding many capabilities not found in Apple's firmware. iPodLinux is currently safe to install on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation iPods. Software Developmen