A special guest joins to discuss the latest in Linux news, including the exciting release of XFCE 4.20 with Wayland improvements. The conversation shifts to the upcoming CentOS Stream 10, along with Fedora leadership changes that promise fresh ideas. They also delve into the newly released kernel version 6.12, showcasing its real-time patch set for better performance. The hosts explore community-driven tech innovations and share personal stories about transitioning to new systems, all while keeping the tone light and enjoyable.
XFCE 4.20 introduces experimental Wayland compatibility and substantial Thunar upgrades, significantly enhancing user experience and performance.
CentOS Stream 10 allows users early access to features preemptively, providing a direct engagement model for future RHEL developments.
Matthew Miller's departure as Fedora Project leader signals a transition aimed at revitalizing the project with new ideas and energy.
Deep dives
XFCE 4.20 Release Highlights
The recent release of XFCE 4.20 marks a significant milestone after two years of development, adding new features and improvements. One of the key highlights is the experimental compatibility with Wayland, which opens new avenues for users looking to utilize this modern display protocol. Users are encouraged to test it, although it requires an external compositor like Wayfire for full functionality. Additionally, the file manager, Thunar, received substantial upgrades, enhancing its performance and user experience, making it a strong competitor within GTK-based desktop environments.
CentOS Stream 10 Overview
CentOS Stream 10 is now available, providing an updated and open development model that allows users to engage with its evolution more directly. This new approach offers a development snapshot that precedes future RHEL versions, allowing users to adopt new features before the official releases, a departure from the traditional CentOS structure. With CentOS Stream 10, users already have access to features destined for RHEL 10, such as Linux kernel 6.12 and GNOME 47, which enrich the overall experience. Users report a smoother performance, and the ability to actively participate in its development is a notable advantage.
Matthew Miller Steps Down as Fedora Project Leader
After a decade in leadership, Matthew Miller has announced his departure from the Fedora Project leader role, emphasizing the need for fresh ideas and new leadership. His tenure saw a significant push towards adopting modern communication strategies, especially engaging with the community through podcasts and online media. Looking ahead, the transition aims to stabilize Fedora while allowing for new energy and perspectives to be integrated into the project’s future. Miller plans to maintain his involvement in the community Linux engineering organization, ensuring a supportive transition for his successor.
Exploration of Linux Kernel Optimizations
The podcast discusses the journey of running Linux kernel version 6.12 with enhancements aimed at improving audio performance through the long-awaited integration of the Preempt RT patch set. Users have reported noticeable speed improvements and responsiveness across applications, with many experimenting with various kernel configurations for optimal performance. However, some users experienced stability issues, leading to frequent system lockups, particularly in resource-intensive scenarios. The conversation encourages users to explore kernel options like Zen and Licorix, which offer tailored performance tweaks for different workloads.
Community Engagement and Upcoming Events
The hosts remind the audience about the Tuxies voting occurring soon, urging listeners to participate in recognizing the best of the Linux community. They also highlight the development of Colony Events for community meetups, a novel way for Linux enthusiasts to connect and share experiences. The hosts will navigate the challenges of the impending change in leadership and the excited planning for the 600th episode, ensuring community involvement. This enthusiastic engagement showcases a commitment to fostering a vibrant community around Linux and open-source initiatives.
Introducing CentOS Stream 10 — CentOS Stream serves as a development branch for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), providing a continuous preview of features before they are incorporated into RHEL.
EPEL 10 is now available — The Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) 10 has been officially released, offering users access to over 10,000 packages built from 3,600 source packages, thanks to the efforts of over 150 Fedora package maintainers.
Fedora Project Leader Matthew Miller: A change of hats! — Matthew Miller, the Fedora Project Leader for over a decade, has announced his decision to step down from the role. Initially aiming for a five-year term, he extended his tenure after feeling there was more to accomplish. Now, after ten years, Miller believes it is the right time for a leadership change to bring fresh energy and ideas to Fedora.
Fedora COSMIC Desktop Spin Proposed For Fedora 42 — The Fedora Project is considering a new "Fedora COSMIC" spin for Fedora 42, featuring the Rust-based COSMIC desktop environment developed by System76.
Ptyxis Becomes Ubuntu's Recommended Replacement To GNOME Terminal — Ptyxis was introduced as an option in Ubuntu 24.10, though it was not the default terminal. While GNOME Console remains the default in Ubuntu 25.04 daily builds, there is growing support for Ptyxis within the Ubuntu community. Canonical Desktop Software Engineer Jeremy Bicha confirmed this shift, stating that Ptyxis is now the "recommended replacement for GNOME Terminal."
Zen Kernel FAQ — Result of a collaborative effort of kernel hackers to provide the best Linux kernel possible for everyday systems
