SparkyLinux has announced the release of SparkyLinux 8.1 Release Candidate 1 specifically designed for ARM64 architecture. This version introduces significant updates, notably the use of Openbox as the primary window manager and the transition from ARMHF images to configurations based on either Command Line Interface (CLI) or Openbox. Built on Debian GNU/Linux 13 (Trixie), this release ensures compatibility with the latest Debian features and is optimized for various hardware setups, particularly the Raspberry Pi 3+ models.

The third release candidate for Qubes OS 4.3.0 has been announced, showcasing a range of new features and enhancements compared to its predecessor, Qubes OS 4.2. Key upgrades include an upgraded Dom0 based on Fedora 41, an updated Xen to version 4.19, and revised templates with Fedora 42 and Debian 13. One of the most notable innovations is the introduction of the New Devices API, which offers a "self-identity-oriented" approach to device management, allowing users to easily handle their devices through a dedicated Device Assignments page.

Bazaar 0.5.7 has been officially released, introducing a variety of updates aimed at enhancing the user experience significantly. This version features optimized components such as the featured carousel on category pages, which now exclusively displays applications that meet established quality guidelines. The transaction sidebar layout has also been improved, with reduced button padding for better usability. Additionally, there is enhanced support for managing Flatpak packages.

MX Linux has announced the release of the first release candidate for MX Linux 25, which is built from Debian GNU/Linux 13 (Trixie) and MX repositories. This version introduces significant updates including the integration of systemd-cryptsetup on systemd ISOs, which resolves issues related to encrypted home directories, and a workaround for a GRUB display problem affecting older Intel graphics hardware.

Linus Torvalds has officially released the third release candidate (6.18-rc3) for the upcoming Linux Kernel version 6.18. This release indicates a solid progression towards the final version, showcasing a stable development process characterized by a relatively flat diffstat, meaning the kernel has experienced minimal changes. Key improvements include fixes related to SMBdirect, XFS, and various hardware drivers, contributing to enhanced performance, security, and stability.

Steven Barrett has announced the release of two new versions of the Liquorix Linux kernel, based on the stable Linux kernel 6.17.5. These updates are designed to significantly enhance user experience and system performance, focusing on desktop, multimedia, and gaming workloads. Among the many improvements are the incorporation of Zen Interactive Tuning technology, which prioritizes system responsiveness, and the adoption of the BFQ scheduler for better performance during heavy I/O tasks.

PikaOS 25.10.25 has been launched, marking the latest version of this innovative Linux distribution built on the Debian GNU/Linux platform. This release focuses on delivering exceptional performance and stability through custom-compiled packages, specifically optimized for gaming. With a tailored kernel and drivers, PikaOS ensures a seamless gaming experience without the need for complex setups, making it a compelling choice for gamers.

The Liquorix Linux Kernel 6.17-3 has been officially released by Steven Barrett, introducing a series of optimizations aimed at enhancing desktop, multimedia, and gaming performance. This custom kernel is based on Linux Kernel 6.17.5 and is specifically engineered to improve system responsiveness, reduce latency, and maximize data throughput.

The Fedora Linux development team has confirmed that Fedora Linux 43 Final RC 1.6 will officially be released on October 28, 2025. In preparation for this launch, the team conducted a comprehensive review to ensure that the release met all necessary criteria and standards. This involved assessing various bugs and issues, including mbedtls timing attacks and problems with the GNOME login prompt on certain devices. The team categorized these issues as either blockers, which could delay the release, or non-blockers, which would not prevent the launch.

The Linux kernel has released two new versions, 6.12.55 and 6.6.114, which include important patches aimed at enhancing stability and resolving critical bugs. Noteworthy updates in these versions involve fixes in the mm/ksm module to address flag-dropping behavior during ksm_madvise operations, which previously triggered kernel panics due to inconsistencies with User Fault FD (UFFD). The NFSD module also received patches to prevent crashes during LAYOUTCOMMIT operations on FlexFiles layouts.

The Linux kernel version 6.17.5 has been released, introducing several key updates and bug fixes aimed at enhancing system performance and stability. Notable improvements include enhancements to the XE driver for Intel GPUs, which now utilizes dynamic allocation for VRAM region structures and incorporates bug fixes to prevent premature eviction of buffer objects in virtual machines. The kernel also addresses a miscount issue for bandwidth events on AMD systems, ensuring accurate resource monitoring after reactivating resource monitoring identifiers (RMIDs).

KDE neon 20251023 has been released, providing users with access to the latest updates and features from the KDE community, including the new KDE Plasma 6.5. Based on Ubuntu's long-term support version (24.04), KDE neon presents KDE software in its purest form, free from patches or modifications. This distribution is ideal for tech-savvy individuals who prioritize early access to KDE innovations, featuring a rolling release model for KDE software while maintaining a stable core Ubuntu system.

Fedora Linux 43 Release Candidate 1.6 has been launched, providing users with a testing opportunity to explore various enhancements and new features across multiple desktop environments. This version includes significant updates like XFCE 4.20, which now supports Wayland in an experimental capacity, and LXQt 2.1, which has transitioned to using Wayland by default through miriway integration. Additionally, the Fedora COSMIC Spin introduces innovative features such as hybrid per-workspace tiling management and customizable window stacks.

Fedora Linux 43 Release Candidate 1.5 has been released for community testing, primarily due to unresolved blocker bugs and concerns regarding the adequacy of testing on the aarch64 architecture. This latest version introduces significant updates, including XFCE 4.20 with experimental Wayland support, LXQt 2.1 using Wayland by default, and the elevation of Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop to full Edition status.

KDE neon 20251021 has been officially released, showcasing the latest updates from KDE and built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS. This Linux distribution is designed for tech-savvy users and adventurous Linux enthusiasts who seek immediate access to the newest KDE features. KDE neon serves as a testing ground for users willing to experiment, though its rolling release model may introduce stability challenges for those with strict reliability needs. Various editions are available, including User Edition, Testing Edition, Unstable Edition, and Developer Edition, each catering to different levels of risk tolerance.

KDE Plasma 6.5.0 has been officially launched, introducing a host of new features and improvements designed to elevate the user experience. Key highlights include automatic theme transitions that allow users to seamlessly switch between light and dark modes based on the time of day. The update also enhances KRunner with fuzzy search capabilities, enabling it to locate applications even if they are misspelled.

The AlmaLinux OS Foundation has announced the release of the beta version of AlmaLinux 10.1, named "Heliotrope Lion." This beta version is available for multiple architectures, including x86_64, ARM64, and IBM Z, and aims to provide users with a preview of the upcoming stable release. It features several enhancements, including support for the Btrfs filesystem, performance improvements, updated developer tools, and enhanced security measures such as updated SELinux policies and OpenSSL.

digiKam 8.8.0 has officially been released, marking the culmination of four months of dedicated development and bug fixing for this open-source digital photo management tool. This version introduces critical enhancements in performance, stability, and user experience, particularly in image processing and color management. One of the standout features is the support for long file paths on Windows 10, making file management more efficient. Additionally, users of Fujifilm and Olympus/OM Systems cameras will appreciate the improved focus point visualization, which helps with accurate composition.

The Liquorix Linux Kernel 6.17-2 has been officially released, based on Linux Kernel 6.17.4. This custom kernel is specifically designed to enhance performance for desktop, multimedia, and gaming applications, focusing on system responsiveness and latency reduction. Key features of this release include Zen Interactive Tuning technology, improved scheduling mechanisms, and optimized Block Layer performance, all aimed at maximizing throughput and ensuring a smoother user experience.

The release of Linux Kernel 6.18 RC2 has been announced by Linus Torvalds, marking a significant milestone in its development. This release features numerous changes and enhancements across various kernel components, with key contributions from notable developers including Alexei Starovoitov, Eric Biggers, Marc Kleine-Budde, and Marc Zyngier. Although some regressions were reported, many were identified as trivial configuration issues or bugs within the QEMU test environment rather than actual problems within the kernel itself.