SparkyLinux 8.0, codenamed "The Seven Sisters," has officially launched, bringing improvements and new features to its user base. This version is based on Debian 13.0 "Trixie" and includes updates to numerous packages, a new tool called 'sparky-package-tool' for enhanced package management, and improvements to GIMP packages. One of the significant enhancements in the CLI system installer is the ability to encrypt the home partition and perform auto-partitioning, which simplifies the installation process. However, there have been some concerns regarding the implementation of disk encryption during installation with Calamares and the use of outdated KDE Plasma 6 themes.
"The Seven Sisters" refers to the famous Pleiades star cluster, known for its visibility to the naked eye and located in the Taurus constellation, about 444 light-years away.
Key Features of SparkyLinux 8.0:
- All packages updated from the stable Debian and Sparky repositories as of August 13, 2025.
- Linux Kernel: 6.12.41-LTS along with other versions available in Sparky repositories.
- Updated software including LibreOffice 25.2.3, KDE Plasma 6.3.6, LXQt 2.1.0, MATE 1.26, Xfce 4.20, Openbox 3.6.1, Firefox 128.13.0esr, and Thunderbird 128.13.0esr.
- Introduction of the new 'sparky-package-tool' (spt) for text-based package management.
- GIMP package included in all ISO images.
- The CLI installer now supports home partition encryption and auto-partitioning options.
- Changes in Openbox where PCManFM has been replaced by Thunar.
- Updates to Sparky APTus AppCenter, with deprecated packages removed according to the Debian "Trixie" repo.
Known Issues:
- Disk encryption during installation using Calamares is not functioning correctly.
- KDE Plasma themes from external sources are outdated.
Raspberry Pi images will be developed later, and support for x86/i686 ISO images has been discontinued, though i386 packages remain available in the repository. It is also important to note that installation on UEFI machines requires an active internet connection.
Users are encouraged to download the new ISO images from the official SparkyLinux download page and those on the testing line should update their packages regularly. An upgrade path from Sparky 7.x to 8.x is available.
In summary, SparkyLinux 8.0 brings a blend of updated software, new tools, and user-friendly features to enhance the Linux experience, while also acknowledging and addressing current limitations. Future updates and support for Raspberry Pi indicate continued development and commitment to user needs in the Linux community
"The Seven Sisters" refers to the famous Pleiades star cluster, known for its visibility to the naked eye and located in the Taurus constellation, about 444 light-years away.
Key Features of SparkyLinux 8.0:
- All packages updated from the stable Debian and Sparky repositories as of August 13, 2025.
- Linux Kernel: 6.12.41-LTS along with other versions available in Sparky repositories.
- Updated software including LibreOffice 25.2.3, KDE Plasma 6.3.6, LXQt 2.1.0, MATE 1.26, Xfce 4.20, Openbox 3.6.1, Firefox 128.13.0esr, and Thunderbird 128.13.0esr.
- Introduction of the new 'sparky-package-tool' (spt) for text-based package management.
- GIMP package included in all ISO images.
- The CLI installer now supports home partition encryption and auto-partitioning options.
- Changes in Openbox where PCManFM has been replaced by Thunar.
- Updates to Sparky APTus AppCenter, with deprecated packages removed according to the Debian "Trixie" repo.
Known Issues:
- Disk encryption during installation using Calamares is not functioning correctly.
- KDE Plasma themes from external sources are outdated.
Raspberry Pi images will be developed later, and support for x86/i686 ISO images has been discontinued, though i386 packages remain available in the repository. It is also important to note that installation on UEFI machines requires an active internet connection.
Users are encouraged to download the new ISO images from the official SparkyLinux download page and those on the testing line should update their packages regularly. An upgrade path from Sparky 7.x to 8.x is available.
In summary, SparkyLinux 8.0 brings a blend of updated software, new tools, and user-friendly features to enhance the Linux experience, while also acknowledging and addressing current limitations. Future updates and support for Raspberry Pi indicate continued development and commitment to user needs in the Linux community
SparkyLinux 8.0 released
SparkyLinux 8.0, codenamed "The Seven Sisters," has been released, built on Debian 13.0 "Trixie". The latest version features updates to various packages, introduces a new package called 'sparky-package-tool', and includes enhancements to GIMP packages. The CLI system installer now includes the capability to encrypt the home partition and perform auto-partitioning. Concerns involve disk encryption implementation during the installation process with Calamares, as well as the utilization of outdated KDE Plasma 6 themes. Images for Raspberry Pi will be developed at a subsequent date.
