Fedora Linux is a community-driven operating system that aims to provide the best of everything the free and open source software world has to offer. It is known for its innovation, stability, and security. Fedora Linux has a history of releasing new versions every six months, and the latest one is Fedora 39, which was officially released on November 7, 2023.
Fedora 39 comes with many exciting new features and updates that make it a worthy upgrade for existing users and a great choice for new ones. In this article, we will review some of the most notable ones, such as GNOME 45, Linux Kernel 6.5, Fedora Onyx, and auto-updates in Fedora Kinoite. Let's dive in!
GNOME 45: A Fresh Look and Feel
Fedora Workstation, the flagship edition of Fedora Linux, features GNOME 45 as its default desktop environment. GNOME 45 introduces an elegant refresh to your desktop, with new Adwaita styles featuring split headerbars and improved system settings dialogs. But that's not all; GNOME 45 brings some nifty additions:
- Speedier file search: Finding your files has never been quicker, thanks to a global search feature that lets you "search everywhere." It's a productivity boost that you'll appreciate in your day-to-day tasks.
- Enhanced usability: Fedora Workstation now boasts new workspace icons for a more user-friendly experience. You'll find it easier than ever to organize your workspace and access your applications.
- **Loupe replaces Eye of GNOME: The new 'Loupe' application takes over from the 'Eye of GNOME' image viewer. While it's still a work in progress, this change opens up exciting possibilities for image viewing on Fedora.**
- Keyboard backlight control: GNOME 45 also introduces a dedicated control in quick settings, allowing you to adjust your keyboard backlight intensity with a convenient slider.
Linux Kernel 6.5: Better Performance and Security
Fedora 39 ships with Linux Kernel 6.5, bringing many performance improvements, security enhancements, and hardware support. This means better compatibility with the latest hardware and a smoother and more secure computing experience. Key highlights of the Kernel 6.5 include **the initial Wi-Fi 7 support and many more, which you can read in this detailed Kernel 6.5 guide.**
Fedora Onyx: A New Immutable Spin with Budgie
If you're looking for a different desktop experience, our Budgie Special Interest Group has created Fedora Onyx, a Budgie-based "Atomic" desktop in the spirit of Fedora Silverblue. Fedora Onyx is an immutable spin that uses rpm-ostree to manage the system and Flatpak to manage the applications. This means that the system is always in a consistent state and can be easily rolled back if something goes wrong. Fedora Onyx also features auto-updates by default, so you don't have to worry about keeping your system up to date.
Budgie is a modern and lightweight desktop environment that offers a simple and elegant user interface. It is highly customizable and integrates well with GNOME applications. Fedora Onyx gives you the best of both worlds: a stable and secure system with a fresh and flexible desktop.
Auto-Updates in Fedora Kinoite: A Convenient Feature for Plasma Users
Fedora Kinoite is another immutable spin that uses rpm-ostree and Flatpak, but with KDE Plasma as the default desktop environment. Fedora Kinoite is a great option for Plasma fans who want to enjoy the benefits of an atomic system. In Fedora 39, Fedora Kinoite users will also enjoy a significant improvement in the form of auto-updates enabled by default. Plasma Discover now supports automatic updates through rpm-ostree staged updates, which means that the system will download and apply the updates in the background and prompt the user to reboot when ready. This makes the update process more convenient and less disruptive.
Other Updates: GNU Toolchain, Programming Languages, Inkscape, and More
As always, Fedora 39 includes many other updates to various packages and components. Some of the notable ones are:
- GNU Toolchain: Fedora 39 includes gcc 13.2, binutils 2.40, glibc 2.38, gdb 13.2, and rpm 4.19. These updates bring bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new features to the core tools of the system.
- Programming Languages: Fedora 39 also updates popular programming language stacks, such as Python 3.12 and Rust 1.73. These updates offer new syntax, features, and libraries for developers and enthusiasts.
- Inkscape: Fedora 39 includes the latest version of Inkscape, the popular vector graphics illustration and drawing tool. Inkscape 1.4 brings many improvements, such as a new welcome dialog, a new outline mode, a new selection tool, and more.
Conclusion
Fedora 39 is a fantastic release that brings many new features and updates to the Fedora Linux family. Whether you're a desktop user, a developer, a server administrator, or a cloud enthusiast, Fedora 39 has something for you. If you're already using Fedora, you can upgrade to Fedora 39 using the Software app or the command line. If you're new to Fedora, you can download it from the official website and give it a try. Fedora 39 is here, and it's awesome!