PHP developer Remi Collet has announced the release of three new Release Candidate (RC) versions for testing: PHP 8.3.29RC1, 8.4.16RC1, and 8.5.1RC1. These packages are available for users on Fedora and RHEL-based systems, including CentOS, Alma Linux, and Rocky Linux, providing an opportunity for developers and users to evaluate performance and identify any bugs prior to the official releases.

Oracle has officially launched Oracle Linux 10 Update 1, which is built on the sources from RHEL 10.1. This update is tailored for demanding workloads and is powered by the Unbreakable Enterprise Kernel (UEK) 8, which enhances performance through innovative advancements in memory management, file systems, and networking.

KDE neon has released version 20251204, providing users with immediate access to the latest features of KDE Plasma 6.5.3. This distribution, based on Ubuntu's long-term support (LTS), serves as an ideal platform for those interested in exploring cutting-edge software. KDE neon is especially tailored for enthusiasts eager to experiment with new features rapidly, offering "Testing" or "Unstable" editions for users willing to help refine upcoming KDE releases as unofficial beta testers.

Bazaar has officially launched version 0.6.0, marking a significant update for the Flatpak app store. This release focuses on enhancing user experience, introducing key features such as offline support, which enables users to access cached app details without an internet connection. Additionally, for users on limited data plans, a manual sync option has been introduced to ensure updates can occur without requiring constant connectivity.

Alpine Linux has officially launched version 3.23.0, marking the start of its new stable series. This release features substantial updates, including a new Linux kernel version 6.18 and the adoption of GCC 15 as its primary compiler toolchain. Key software components have also received major updates: LLVM is now at version 21, Node.js has upgraded to LTS 24.11, Rust is at version 1.91, Docker is updated to version 29, and GNOME has moved up to version 49. Other notable updates include advancements in PostgreSQL (now at version 18), Qt (now 6.10), and KDE Plasma (now 6.5.3).

The Linux kernel 5.4 branch has officially reached its end-of-life (EOL) with the release of version 5.4.302. This milestone serves as a critical reminder for users to upgrade to more recent kernel versions, as it comes with over 1500 known but unfixed Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). Despite this concerning statistic, the release includes several important patches aimed at improving system stability and performance by addressing various kernel issues, such as buffer mishandling, memory leaks, and use-after-free situations.

Arch Linux has announced the release of its latest install media, version 2025.12.01, featuring kernel version 6.17.9. This new iteration continues to embody Arch Linux's core philosophy of "Keep It Simple," offering a streamlined and flexible computing experience tailored for users who appreciate customization and control. The distribution is optimized for x86-64 architecture, ensuring a stable and efficient environment.

The Liquorix Linux Kernel version 6.17-12 has been released, building on the stable Linux kernel 6.17.10 to enhance desktop performance, particularly for multimedia and gaming applications. This version introduces several key updates aimed at improving system responsiveness and overall efficiency. Notably, the kernel prioritizes speed over power saving, making it ideal for resource-intensive tasks like gaming.

The Linux kernel has recently released updates with versions 6.17.10, 6.12.60, and 6.6.118, primarily aimed at resolving bugs from recent changes and improving system stability. Key improvements include fixes to GPIO handling, enhancements to scheduling algorithms, and addressing specific issues like an out-of-bounds memory read error in xfs symlink repair and problems with AMD displays managing clock signals. The core development team is also focused on refining the codebase for better consistency and performance.

Steven Barrett has released Liquorix Linux Kernel 6.17-11, a custom-built kernel designed to enhance the desktop experience, particularly for multimedia and gaming applications. This new version builds upon the stable Linux kernel 6.17.9 and introduces several optimizations that prioritize responsiveness over power-saving, making it ideal for demanding tasks.

The Linux kernel version 6.18 has been officially released by Linus Torvalds, marking a series of minor updates and adjustments throughout the system. This release includes enhancements such as updates to Bluetooth drivers, integration with Ceph storage, and modifications to the AFS file system. Importantly, these changes do not raise any concerns regarding the kernel's stability or its readiness for deployment.

ArchInstall has rolled out its new version 3.0.14, bringing a range of enhancements and bug fixes aimed at improving user experience and efficiency during the installation process. A significant change includes the implementation of the --needed flag for partitioning, which helps avoid unnecessary re-installs of packages when dependencies do not require new installations. This change is particularly beneficial for users managing their disk partitions more effectively.

CachyOS has released its latest version in November 2025, representing its seventh major update. This release introduces a plethora of enhancements aimed at improving accessibility, system setup, and overall user experience.

4MLinux 50.0 has been officially released, marking a significant advancement in its development. This latest version is deemed stable and ready for everyday use, integrating a range of improved office tools and software that enhance user experience. Notably, it features LibreOffice 25.8 and several GNOME Office applications like AbiWord, GIMP, and Gnumeric, which streamline document and spreadsheet management.

The Kdenlive development team has announced the release candidate for version 25.12, which aims to enhance the user experience of this popular video editing software by improving its interface and usability. The update includes significant features such as customizable panels, a redesigned clip monitor that now visualizes audio waveforms, and a new welcome screen that provides shortcuts for common tasks, streamlining the editing process.

KDE neon has just launched its latest version, 20251127, which provides users with immediate access to the latest KDE Plasma 6.5.3 features. This distribution is based on Ubuntu's long-term support (LTS) version, ensuring a stable foundation while delivering the newest KDE applications and tools in their original, unaltered state. Users can enjoy a genuine KDE experience without the interference of proprietary driver modifications or community patches, allowing them to explore fresh releases as soon as they become available.

KDE Plasma 6.8 is set to fully transition from X11 to Wayland, signaling a significant shift in the development of the KDE desktop environment. This move is aimed at enhancing performance and streamlining the user experience by allowing developers to concentrate their efforts on Wayland, which has already become the default for many modern systems. For the majority of users who have already adopted Wayland, this change will have little immediate impact. However, those on older systems or who rely on specific X11 features may continue using X11 until early 2027.

GNOME 49.2 Released: Key Improvements and Enhancements

The Rocky Enterprise Software Foundation has recently launched Rocky Linux 10.1, a version derived from the sources of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.1. This update aims to offer a dependable platform for various applications. Among the key enhancements in this version are systemd soft reboots, updates to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and improvements to the XFS file system. Additionally, several software packages have been updated, including .NET 10, Node.js 24, and OpenJDK 25. The release also includes upgraded compiler toolsets such as GCC 15 and LLVM 20, all of which contribute to a more robust and versatile operating system.

GNOME 48.7 has been officially released, marking a significant update with a strong emphasis on enhancing stability and reliability compared to its previous version. Announced by Matthias Clasen, this update is encouraged for all users currently on GNOME 48, as it addresses various bugs and performance issues to ensure a smoother experience.