Note: Swipe left on the report content to view the event timeline, historical background, technical details, and quick Q&A information.
Archinstall 3.0.10 Sets LVM Support to Stable
The menu-based installer for Arch Linux, archinstall, has released version 3.0.10, promoting Logical Volume Manager (LVM) installation support from beta to stable.
This update also fixes the installation order issue of the PipeWire package and improves the setup of GRUB-btrfs.
The new version is now available for download.
Historical Background
The development of archinstall aims to provide a guided installation experience for Arch Linux, offering a simpler alternative to manual installation. Prior to version 3.0.10, archinstall marked LVM installation as “beta”; this version promotes LVM support to stable, indicating increased confidence in the reliability of this feature.
Technical Details
Logical Volume Manager (LVM):LVM abstracts physical disks into flexible logical volumes for easier resizing and management; archinstall 3.0.10 now considers LVM installation as stable, removing the previous beta label.
PipeWire Package Order:The correct installation order of packages helps ensure proper configuration of the audio/video stack during installation; version 3.0.10 fixes this order issue to avoid problems post-installation.
GRUB-btrfs Integration:GRUB-btrfs can create boot menu entries for Btrfs snapshots; the new version improves its setup process within archinstall to support snapshot-friendly configurations.
Quick Q&A
Which archinstall version set LVM support to stable?Version 3.0.10 promoted LVM installation support from beta to stable.
What other changes are included in version 3.0.10 besides LVM?It fixed the installation order of the PipeWire package and improved the setup of GRUB-btrfs.
NVIDIA Releases 580.82.07 Linux Driver with Smooth Motion Support
NVIDIA has released driver version 580.82.07, the latest update in the R580 series, providing versions for Linux, BSD, and Solaris.
This is the recommended driver for gamers on Linux.
This update fixes a bug that could cause Vulkan applications to hang under Wayland and adds NVIDIA Smooth Motion support for GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs.
It also corrects a DRM sysfs issue that caused /sys/class/drm/…/enabled to always report as “disabled” for NVIDIA GPU connectors.
Historical Background
NVIDIA’s proprietary “Unix” driver series has long supported Linux, FreeBSD, and Solaris, reflecting the company’s historical commitment to multiple Unix-like platforms. Recent changes in the R580 series (580.65.06) introduced a regression that caused Vulkan applications to hang under Wayland; version 580.82.07 resolves this issue. As many Linux desktops increasingly support or default to Wayland sessions, driver-level fixes for Wayland often have a significant impact on user stability.
Did you know?
Did you know? NVIDIA’s Unix drivers still support Solaris in addition to Linux and BSD, and this 580.82.07 version continues that cross-platform tradition.
Technical Details
Vulkan on Wayland:Vulkan is a low-overhead graphics API; on Wayland-based desktops, proper synchronization and presentation paths are crucial to avoid stuttering or hanging — this update fixes a regression that could cause Vulkan applications to hang under Wayland.
NVIDIA Smooth Motion:Smooth Motion is a driver feature designed to smooth frame output; version 580.82.07 adds support for this feature for Linux users with GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs.
DRM sysfs “enabled” flag:Under the Linux Direct Rendering Manager (DRM), connector status is exposed via sysfs; this version fixes a bug that caused the “enabled” property of NVIDIA connectors to always show as “disabled”.
Quick Q&A
Which GPUs received Smooth Motion support in version 580.82.07?This version supports GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs.
What Wayland issue does this driver resolve?It fixes a regression introduced in version 580.65.06 that could cause Vulkan applications to hang under Wayland.
Is 580.82.07 a stable or beta driver?It is a stable R580 update and is the latest recommended driver for Linux gamers.
Ubuntu 25.10 Defaults to sudo-rs
Canonical’s daily build ISO image for Ubuntu 25.10 now defaults to sudo-rs — a sudo implementation written in Rust — fulfilling the previously set goal for this release cycle.
The version is codenamed “Questing Quokka”, and Canonical has also outlined plans to introduce Rust Coreutils and other Rust system components in 25.10.
Event Timeline
❶ Early 2025 Canonical announced the default use of sudo-rs in Ubuntu 25.10 and plans to introduce Rust Coreutils and other Rust system components.
❷ Currently (at release time) The latest daily build ISO image of Ubuntu 25.10 now defaults to sudo-rs.
Historical Background
Ubuntu follows a biannual release schedule, with “.10” versions typically released in October, introducing platform iteration updates. Sudo is a long-standing Unix tool for controlled privilege escalation; reimplementations like sudo-rs reflect a broader trend of modernizing core tools with memory-safe languages.
Did you know?
Did you know? Ubuntu’s codenames always pair an adjective with an animal — “Questing Quokka” continues this alliterative tradition.
Technical Details
sudo-rs:A reimplementation of sudo written in Rust; the daily build ISO image of Ubuntu 25.10 has now set it as default, replacing the traditional sudo in these builds.
Rust Coreutils:Canonical’s plans for Ubuntu 25.10 include Rust Coreutils and other Rust system components, further adopting memory-safe tools in the base system.
Quick Q&A
What changes regarding sudo are there in Ubuntu 25.10?The daily build ISO image of Ubuntu 25.10 now defaults to sudo-rs, a Rust-based sudo implementation.
What is the codename for Ubuntu 25.10?The codename is “Questing Quokka”.
Are there plans to introduce other Rust tools in this version?Yes, Canonical plans to introduce Rust Coreutils and other Rust system components for Ubuntu 25.10.
Linux Mint 22.2 Released, Based on Ubuntu 24.04
Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” is now available for download, featuring the Cinnamon 6.4 desktop environment (Mint’s build version is 6.4.8), fingerprint authentication, and user interface optimizations.
This version is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and includes updated core components such as Linux kernel 6.14 and Mesa 25.0.7.
It continues Mint’s tradition of focusing on user-friendly desktops and brings new optimizations for everyday use.
Historical Background
Linux Mint follows Ubuntu’s LTS (Long Term Support) release rhythm and provides minor version updates between major milestones to refine features and hardware support. The 22.x series is built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, while version 22.2 continues this path through updated components and desktop optimizations.
Did you know?
Did you know? The codename “Zara” is built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and features Cinnamon 6.4, aiming to balance interface refinement with long-term stability.
Technical Details
Mesa 25.0.7:Mesa is the open-source 3D graphics stack used in Linux; Mint 22.2 includes Mesa 25.0.7, indicating it provides the latest graphics pipeline for open-source drivers.
Linux Kernel 6.14:The Linux kernel is the core of the operating system; the 6.14 kernel in this version provides a modern baseline for hardware support and performance tuning.
Fingerprint Authentication:Biometric login allows users to authenticate using saved fingerprints, enhancing convenience and security for desktop sessions.
Quick Q&A
What version of Ubuntu is Mint 22.2 based on?Linux Mint 22.2 is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
What version of the desktop environment does it include?It features the Cinnamon 6.4 desktop environment (Mint’s build version is 6.4.8).
What core components have been updated?Linux Mint 22.2 includes Linux kernel 6.14 and Mesa 25.0.7.
U.S. Judge Allows Google to Fund Firefox but Prohibits Exclusive Agreements
A U.S. antitrust remedy ruling in September 2025 allows Google to continue paying Mozilla and other partners for default search placement but prohibits exclusive distribution agreements and requires sharing certain data with competitors.
The court also limited bundling arrangements.
The ruling did not order structural asset divestiture.
Event Timeline
❶ 2020 The U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google.
❷ August 2024 The court ruled that Google violated antitrust laws under the Sherman Act.
❸ September 2025 The remedy ruling allows payments, prohibits exclusive agreements, and requires some data sharing; no asset divestiture was ordered.
Historical Background
The U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google in 2020, accusing it of illegally monopolizing the search market. In August 2024, Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google violated the Sherman Antitrust Act due to its dominance in the search market. The September 2025 remedy phase focused on how to restore competition while avoiding collateral damage to browser partners reliant on search distribution revenue.
Did you know?
Did you know? Historically, over 85% of Mozilla’s annual revenue has come from its search agreement with Google.
Technical Details
Default Search Placement:Browser manufacturers typically choose a default search engine in exchange for payment; the ruling allows Google to continue making such payments, provided the agreements are not exclusive.
Exclusive Contracts:Exclusivity would prevent competitors from obtaining distribution channels; the court prohibited exclusive agreements covering search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and Gemini, and banned bundling payments across multiple applications.
Search Data Sharing:Google must share some search information, including access to indexes and user data, as well as content collaboration, to help competitors improve their services and distribution.
Quick Q&A
What practices did the court specifically prohibit?The ruling prohibits exclusive contracts covering search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and Gemini, and bans bundling payments with placements across multiple applications.
What impact does this have on Firefox’s finances?Google can continue to pay Mozilla for default search placement, preserving a revenue source that historically accounted for over 85% of Mozilla’s income.
Did the court order Google to divest Chrome or Android?No; the court allowed Google to retain its business and continue paying distribution partners for preloading or placing search or AI products.
Linux Tools Extend Windows Application Compatibility Options
A new Linux application called WinBoat promises “seamless integration” for running Windows applications on Linux, adding another option for users who still need to use Windows software on their desktops.
A ZDNet article highlights the author’s favorite ways to run Windows applications on Linux PCs and explains how it works.
TuxMachines published a review featuring six open-source tools aimed at improving the Linux gaming experience.
Event Timeline
❶ August 31, 2025 TuxMachines released a list of six open-source applications for Linux gamers.
❷ September 2025 GamingOnLinux reported on WinBoat, a new program designed to run Windows applications on Linux with “seamless integration”.
Historical Background
For years, Linux users have relied on Wine, a compatibility layer that allows many Windows applications to run on Unix-like systems without Windows itself. Valve’s Proton, built on Wine, significantly expanded Linux’s support for Windows gaming through Steam, accelerating the adoption of Linux gaming. Community tools like Lutris and Bottles further simplify installation and management, paving the way for new methods emphasizing smoother integration.
Did you know?
Did you know? Valve’s Proton, used in Steam, allows many games that only support Windows to run on Linux without installing Windows itself.
Technical Details
Compatibility Layer (Wine/Proton):The compatibility layer translates Windows API calls, allowing many Windows applications and games to run on Linux without a Windows license; Proton is built on Wine to improve game support.
Integration Tools:User-facing wrappers and utilities aim to simplify the process of setting up and integrating Windows applications on Linux desktops; WinBoat specifically promises “seamless integration” to streamline the experience.
Quick Q&A
What is WinBoat?It is a new Linux application that promises “seamless integration” for running Windows applications on Linux.
Where can I find practical methods for running Windows applications on Linux?A ZDNet article outlines the author’s favorite methods and explains how they work on Linux PCs.
Are there open-source tools to improve the Linux gaming experience?Yes, TuxMachines highlights six free open-source tools aimed at helping Linux gamers.
GIMP 3.1.4 Adds Linked Layers and Vector Layers
The GIMP project has released GIMP 3.1.4 as a development snapshot for the upcoming 3.2 series, introducing linked layers and vector layers.
Additionally, developer Josh Ellithorpe announced the launch of “Dream Prompter”, a GIMP plugin that integrates Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image Preview model for AI image creation.
Did you know?
Did you know? The new “Dream Prompter” plugin uses Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image Preview model to create images based on prompts within GIMP.
Technical Details
Linked Layers:GIMP 3.1.4 introduces a new layer type called linked layers, expanding the use of layers in projects.
Vector Layers:Vector layers support vector-based graphics — these graphics are composed of paths and are resolution-independent, allowing for lossless scaling.
Gemini 2.5 Flash Image Preview:The “Dream Prompter” plugin utilizes Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image Preview model to generate images based on prompts directly within GIMP.
Quick Q&A
What features were added in GIMP 3.1.4?As part of the 3.2 development series, it added linked layers and vector layers.
Is 3.1.4 a stable version?No — 3.1.4 is a development snapshot leading to 3.2, intended for public testing.
What long-dormant work was revived in this version?It revived a project that dates back to 2006, showing the team’s commitment to completing long-requested features.
Arch Linux archinstall 3.0.10 Makes LVM Stable
Arch Linux’s archinstall 3.0.10 has been released, promoting Logical Volume Manager (LVM) installation from beta to stable.
This version also fixes the PipeWire package ordering issue and improves GRUB-Btrfs setup.
The tool is the menu/text installer for Arch Linux.
Historical Background
Archinstall is the installer for Arch Linux, providing a guided, text/menu-based setup experience compared to manual installation steps. LVM has long been used in Linux to flexibly manage storage by abstracting physical disks into resizable logical volumes. Introducing stable LVM support in archinstall reduces the barriers for users looking to start with flexible partitioning and disk management from Arch installation.
Technical Details
Logical Volume Manager (LVM):LVM abstracts physical storage into logical volumes, making it easier to resize and reorganize than fixed partitions; archinstall 3.0.10 now considers LVM installation stable rather than beta.
GRUB-Btrfs:GRUB-Btrfs integrates the GRUB bootloader with Btrfs snapshots, allowing users to select snapshots at boot; archinstall 3.0.10 improves this setup process.
PipeWire Package Ordering:PipeWire is a multimedia server for audio/video on Linux; the new version fixes the package ordering in the installer to align components correctly during setup.
Quick Q&A
What changes were made to LVM in archinstall 3.0.10?Based on LVM installations are no longer marked as beta; they are now considered stable in 3.0.10.
What other issues or areas were addressed in the update besides LVM?It fixed the PipeWire package ordering and improved GRUB-btrfs setup.
What type of installer is archinstall?It is a menu/text installer that guides users through the Arch Linux installation.
GIMP 3.1.4 Adds Linked Layers and Vector Layers
GIMP has released version 3.1.4 as the second development version leading up to GIMP 3.2, introducing preliminary implementations of linked layers and vector layers, and providing a public testing version.
This update also revives a long-dormant project dating back to 2006, with GIMP 3.2 aiming to advance a more modern, non-destructive workflow through features like linked/vector layers and improvements in new brushes and better text editing.
Historical Background
The GIMP 3.1 series is the development track leading to version 3.2, previewing features for testers and developers through incremental “.1.x” snapshots. Version 3.1.4 continues this rhythm by implementing preliminary linked and vector layers. Notably, this update revives a project that was first initiated in 2006, indicating the team’s commitment to completing long-requested features.
Did you know?
One of the advancements in GIMP 3.1.4 can be traced back to work that began in 2006.
Technical Details
Linked Layers:Linked layers allow for combining references to content from other layers/assets for reuse and non-destructive workflows; GIMP 3.1.4 includes its preliminary implementation as part of the path to 3.2.
Vector Layers:Vector layers store shapes/paths as geometric figures that are resolution-independent, allowing for clear scaling and editability; GIMP 3.1.4 released an early implementation before 3.2.
Quick Q&A
What major features were added in GIMP 3.1.4?This version introduced preliminary implementations of linked layers and vector layers for testing.
Is 3.1.4 a stable version?No — 3.1.4 is a development snapshot leading to 3.2, intended for public testing.
What long-dormant work was revived in this version?It revived a project that was first initiated in 2006, now making progress in 3.1.4.
Canonical Sets sudo-rs as Default in Ubuntu 25.10
Canonical has set the Rust-based sudo-rs as the default sudo implementation in the latest daily ISO of Ubuntu 25.10.
This fulfills the previously announced plan to release sudo-rs alongside Rust Coreutils and other Rust system components in 25.10.
Ubuntu 25.10 (“Questing Quokka”) is still under active development, with “Exploratory Snapshot 4” highlighted as a pre-release milestone, and new applications mentioned in recent reports.
Event Timeline
❶ Earlier in 2025 Canonical outlined plans to default to sudo-rs in Ubuntu 25.10 and include Rust Coreutils and other Rust system components.
❷ September 2025 The daily ISO of Ubuntu 25.10 has switched to defaulting to sudo-rs.
❸ September 2025 “Exploratory Snapshot 4” is presented as a pre-release milestone; new applications in the development version are also reported.
Historical Background
Ubuntu follows a biannual release schedule, releasing x.04 and x.10 versions each year. The project uses alliterative animal codenames; Ubuntu 25.10 is “Questing Quokka”. Earlier in 2025, Canonical shared plans to integrate Rust-based system components (like sudo-rs and Rust Coreutils) into Ubuntu 25.10. Now, this work is visible in the daily ISO, with sudo-rs set as the default sudo implementation.
Did you know?
Ubuntu’s alliterative animal codename tradition continues with “Questing Quokka” in 25.10.
Technical Details
sudo-rs:A Rust implementation of sudo for privilege escalation; the daily build of Ubuntu 25.10 now defaults to it.
Daily ISO:A bootable image generated frequently for testing upcoming releases, allowing early validation of changes.
Rust Coreutils:A Rust reimplementation of core command-line utilities; part of Canonical’s stated plans for 25.10, alongside sudo-rs.
Quick Q&A
What is the default sudo implementation in the development version of Ubuntu 25.10?sudo-rs is the default in the latest daily ISO.
What other Rust-based tools are planned for Ubuntu 25.10?Canonical’s plans include Rust Coreutils and other Rust system components.
What is the codename for Ubuntu 25.10?The codename for this version is “Questing Quokka”.
Steam Linux Usage Slightly Declines in August
Valve’s August 2025 Steam hardware and software survey shows a slight decline in the share of Linux/SteamOS compared to July’s results.
Linux reached 2.89% in July but failed to break the 3% barrier in August.
Event Timeline
❶ July 2025 Linux share on Steam reached 2.89%
❷ August 2025 Linux share slightly declined from July.
Historical Background
Valve publicly released Steam for Linux in 2013, opening the door for native ports and broader Linux gaming support. In 2018, Valve launched Proton, a compatibility layer integrated with Steam Play that allows many Windows games to run on Linux and Steam Deck, significantly impacting the adoption trends of Linux/SteamOS.
Did you know?
Phoronix notes that Linux’s share has never reached the 3% threshold since Steam’s early days on Linux, when Steam’s overall user base was small.
Technical Details
Steam Hardware and Software Survey:A voluntary monthly survey used by Valve to sample the hardware and operating systems of participating users, generating a snapshot of platform share for the Steam ecosystem.
SteamOS (Linux):Valve’s Linux-based operating system primarily used for Steam Deck, counted in the Linux/SteamOS total in the survey.
Quick Q&A
What was the Linux share on Steam in July 2025?The Steam survey showed a Linux share of 2.89% in July 2025.
Did the Linux share exceed 3% in August 2025?No; it slightly declined in August, failing to break 3%.
Which dataset reported this data?Valve’s monthly Steam hardware and software survey provides platform share data.
ChimeraOS Developers Announce Kazeta Linux Gaming Operating System
The developers of ChimeraOS have announced Kazeta, a Linux-based operating system designed to recreate a 1990s-style, console-like gaming experience on PCs.
It focuses on plug-and-play using SD card-style “cartridges” and claims to support “almost all DRM-free games, both past and present”.
Event Timeline
❶ September 2025 ChimeraOS developers announced Kazeta.
❷ Early September 2025 Reports emphasize DRM-free support and SD “cartridges”.
Historical Background
For years, there has been a pursuit of a Linux-based living room “console” experience, with Valve’s SteamOS helping popularize the concept of couch-friendly PC gaming. ChimeraOS itself focuses on a console-like interface on Linux, making Kazeta a natural next step for the developer’s approach. This continues a broader trend of simplifying PC gaming launches and inputs to make it more like console gaming.
Did you know?
Reports on Kazeta repeatedly mention plug-and-play SD “cartridges”, a nod to the cartridge era of gaming consoles.
Technical Details
DRM-free Games:Games without digital rights management can run without online checks or launchers, aligning with Kazeta’s plug-and-play goals.
SD “Cartridge” Concept:Kazeta’s reports mention plug-and-play SD card “cartridges”, evoking retro simplicity and enabling quick-start play setups.
Linux-based Operating System:Kazeta is built on Linux, leveraging open-source components and the broad hardware support typical of the Linux kernel.
Quick Q&A
Who is behind Kazeta?The project was announced by the developers of ChimeraOS.
What types of games does Kazeta aim to support?It targets “almost all DRM-free games, both past and present”, emphasizing broad compatibility with non-DRM games.