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Gentoo Charts a New Path: Moving Away from GitHub Toward Codeberg

George Whittaker — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Introduction

The Gentoo Linux project has begun transitioning parts of its infrastructure away from GitHub and toward Codeberg, a Git hosting platform built on open-source principles. The move reflects growing concerns within parts of the open-source community about centralized hosting, proprietary AI integrations, and long-term platform independence.

While Gentoo has used GitHub for collaboration and code hosting in recent years, maintainers are now signaling a preference for a platform that aligns more closely with their philosophical roots.

Why the Shift?

One of the underlying motivations behind the move involves concerns around Microsoft’s expanding integration of AI tools like Copilot into GitHub’s ecosystem. While Copilot is optional and not mandatory for users, its presence has sparked debate within open-source communities about:

Code usage for AI model training
Transparency around data handling
Vendor control over open-source workflows
The long-term independence of community projects

Gentoo, a distribution known for its strong emphasis on freedom, customization, and user control, appears to be taking a cautious approach by diversifying its infrastructure.

Why Codeberg?

Codeberg is a community-driven Git hosting service powered by Forgejo, a fully open-source Git platform. Unlike GitHub, Codeberg operates as a non-profit organization and positions itself as an ethical alternative focused on transparency and sustainability.

Key characteristics include:

Open-source infrastructure
No proprietary AI tooling baked into the platform
Community governance model
Emphasis on privacy and minimal tracking

For a project like Gentoo, deeply rooted in open-source philosophy, these factors carry weight.

What This Means for Gentoo Users

For end users, the transition may not immediately change how Gentoo is installed or maintained. However, it could affect:

Where source code repositories are officially hosted
Where developers submit patches and pull requests
Contribution workflows for maintainers

Over time, the move could also reduce dependency on large corporate platforms, ensuring Gentoo retains autonomy over its infrastructure.

A Broader Trend in Open Source

Gentoo is not alone in reassessing its hosting platforms. Across the open-source world, projects have increasingly explored alternatives such as:

Codeberg
SourceHut
Self-hosted Git solutions

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AsteroidOS 2.0 Launches: A Community-Driven Linux Revival for Smartwatches

George Whittaker — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

The open-source wearable ecosystem just received a major upgrade. AsteroidOS 2.0 has officially been released, bringing new life to Linux-based smartwatches and giving aging hardware a fresh purpose. Built by a passionate community of developers, AsteroidOS continues to push the idea that wearable technology can remain open, customizable, and free from vendor lock-in.

For users who prefer control over their devices, and for those with older smartwatches gathering dust, AsteroidOS 2.0 represents a compelling alternative to proprietary smartwatch platforms.

What Is AsteroidOS?

AsteroidOS is an open-source operating system designed specifically for smartwatches. Originally developed as a replacement for discontinued or unsupported Android Wear devices, the project has grown into a full Linux-based wearable platform.

Unlike closed smartwatch systems, AsteroidOS emphasizes:

Privacy-first design
Minimal background tracking
Full user control
Community-driven development

It runs on supported legacy devices and allows users to repurpose smartwatches that manufacturers have long abandoned.

What’s New in AsteroidOS 2.0

Version 2.0 is one of the most significant updates in the project’s history. While the philosophy remains the same, this release introduces meaningful improvements across usability, performance, and compatibility.

Modernized Interface

AsteroidOS 2.0 brings a refreshed UI that feels smoother and more intuitive. Navigation between apps and watch faces is more fluid, and animations have been optimized for improved responsiveness on older hardware.

Improved Power Management

Battery life is critical on wearables. The new release refines power-saving behaviors and background process handling, helping extend usage time between charges, especially important for devices with aging batteries.

Enhanced Bluetooth Connectivity

Connectivity improvements allow more reliable pairing with companion apps, notifications, and syncing features. Stability and compatibility with modern smartphones have been strengthened.

Updated Core Stack

Under the hood, AsteroidOS 2.0 ships with updated components from the Linux ecosystem, ensuring better hardware compatibility and security fixes.

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LibreOffice 26.2 Arrives: Faster Performance, Sharper UI, and Better Compatibility

George Whittaker — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

The Document Foundation has officially released LibreOffice 26.2, the latest major update to the widely used open-source office suite. With improvements spanning performance, user interface refinements, document compatibility, and accessibility, this version continues LibreOffice’s mission to provide a powerful, community-driven alternative to proprietary office software.

LibreOffice 26.2 is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, offering consistent functionality across platforms while keeping full control in the hands of users.

What’s New in LibreOffice 26.2

While LibreOffice updates often focus on incremental refinement rather than radical redesign, version 26.2 introduces several meaningful enhancements that improve daily workflows.

Improved Performance and Stability

Performance remains a priority. LibreOffice 26.2 includes:

Faster document loading, especially for large spreadsheets and presentations
Reduced memory usage in complex Calc files
Improved stability when handling heavily formatted documents

These optimizations make the suite feel more responsive across both modern systems and older hardware.

Enhanced Microsoft Office Compatibility

Compatibility continues to improve with each release. LibreOffice 26.2 delivers:

More accurate rendering of DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files
Better support for advanced formatting and tracked changes
Improved handling of embedded objects and charts

For users collaborating with Microsoft Office users, these refinements reduce formatting surprises and make document exchange smoother.

Refined User Interface

LibreOffice 26.2 builds upon its modern UI framework with:

Polished icon themes and improved scaling on high-resolution displays
Better dark mode integration across platforms
Smoother transitions in NotebookBar layouts
Improved accessibility for keyboard navigation and screen readers

The result is a cleaner, more cohesive experience without disrupting long-time users.

Writer Improvements

LibreOffice Writer gains several practical enhancements:

More reliable footnote and endnote management
Improved table formatting controls
Expanded language and grammar tool integration

These updates benefit users creating academic papers, reports, and long-form documents.

Calc Enhancements

Spreadsheet users will notice:

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GOG Moves Toward Native Linux Support: A Major Shift for DRM-Free Gaming

George Whittaker — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

In a development that has energized the Linux gaming community, GOG (Good Old Games) has officially confirmed that it is working on native Linux support. While GOG has long provided Linux installers for select titles, this announcement signals something more substantial: deeper platform integration and a renewed commitment to Linux as a first-class gaming environment.

For Linux users who value DRM-free software and ownership rights, this could be a significant turning point.

Why This Matters

GOG has built its reputation on offering DRM-free games that users truly own, free from online activation requirements and restrictive launchers. However, Linux users have historically faced a mixed experience:

Some games included native Linux builds
Others required manual setup through Wine or Proton
The GOG Galaxy client itself lacked native Linux support

While community tools like Heroic Games Launcher and Lutris filled the gap, the absence of official Linux support for the Galaxy ecosystem left many users dependent on workarounds.

Now, with GOG confirming active development of native Linux support, that gap may finally begin to close.

What Native Support Could Include

Although full details have yet to be finalized, “native support” could realistically mean several improvements:

An official GOG Galaxy client for Linux
Better integration with Proton or Wine when needed
Unified cloud saves and achievements on Linux
Streamlined game installation and updates
Official support channels for Linux users

If implemented properly, this would allow Linux gamers to enjoy the same ecosystem experience as Windows users without third-party bridges.

The Timing Makes Sense

The announcement comes at a moment when Linux gaming is stronger than ever:

The Steam Deck has normalized Linux as a gaming platform
Proton compatibility has reached impressive levels
Vulkan drivers and Mesa development continue advancing
Distros like Bazzite and Nobara are built specifically for gaming

With more gamers exploring Linux in 2026, GOG’s move may be both strategic and overdue.

What It Means for the Linux Gaming Ecosystem

If GOG delivers robust native support, several ripple effects could follow:

Increased confidence from developers to release Linux builds
More competition in the Linux game storefront space
Improved DRM-free game adoption among Linux users

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Linux Kernel Runtime Guard Reaches 1.0: A Major Milestone for Runtime Kernel Security

George Whittaker — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

The Linux security landscape just reached an important milestone. Linux Kernel Runtime Guard (LKRG) has officially hit version 1.0, marking its transition from a long-running experimental project into a mature, production-ready security tool. For administrators and security-conscious users, this release reinforces LKRG’s role as a powerful additional layer of defense for Linux systems.

After years of development, testing, and real-world use, the 1.0 release signals confidence in LKRG’s stability, compatibility, and long-term direction.

What Is LKRG?

LKRG is a loadable kernel module designed to protect the Linux kernel at runtime. Instead of relying solely on compile-time hardening or static security features, LKRG actively monitors the kernel while the system is running. Its goal is to detect unauthorized changes, suspicious behavior, and exploit attempts that target kernel internals.

Because it operates at runtime, LKRG complements existing protections like SELinux, AppArmor, and kernel hardening options rather than replacing them.

Why the 1.0 Release Matters

Reaching version 1.0 is more than a symbolic version bump. It reflects years of refinement and signals that the project has reached a level of maturity suitable for broader adoption.

With this release, LKRG offers:

Stable behavior across a wide range of kernel versions
Improved reliability under real-world workloads
Cleaner internal architecture and reduced overhead
Confidence for system administrators deploying it in production environments

For security tooling, especially something operating inside the kernel, stability and predictability are critical, and the 1.0 milestone acknowledges that standard.

How LKRG Protects the Kernel

At a high level, LKRG continuously checks the integrity of critical kernel structures and execution paths. It looks for signs that something has altered kernel memory, process credentials, or execution flow in unexpected ways.

When suspicious activity is detected, LKRG can:

Log warnings or alerts
Block the offending action
Trigger defensive responses based on configuration

This makes it particularly useful for detecting privilege-escalation exploits and post-exploitation activity that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Who Should Consider Using LKRG?

LKRG is especially relevant for:

Servers and cloud hosts exposed to untrusted workloads
Enterprise systems with strict security requirements

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A Pillar of the Linux Kernel: Greg Kroah-Hartman Honored with European Open Source Award

George Whittaker — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

The open-source community is celebrating a well-deserved recognition. Greg Kroah-Hartman, one of the most influential figures in the Linux ecosystem, has been awarded the European Open Source Award, honoring decades of sustained contributions that have shaped Linux into the stable, trusted platform it is today.

For anyone who relies on Linux, whether on servers, desktops, embedded devices, or cloud infrastructure, this award highlights the quiet but essential work that keeps the ecosystem reliable.

A Steward of Stability

Greg Kroah-Hartman is best known for his role as the maintainer of the Linux kernel’s stable branches. While new kernel features often grab headlines, the stable kernels are where real-world systems live. They receive carefully vetted fixes for security issues, regressions, and bugs, without introducing disruptive changes.

That responsibility requires deep technical knowledge, discipline, and trust from the community. Kroah-Hartman has carried it for years, ensuring that Linux remains dependable across millions of systems worldwide.

Beyond the Stable Kernel

His impact extends far beyond stable releases. Over the years, Kroah-Hartman has contributed heavily to:

Driver development, helping hardware vendors integrate cleanly with Linux
Kernel infrastructure improvements, making long-term maintenance sustainable
Developer documentation, including the widely respected Linux Kernel in a Nutshell
Mentorship, guiding new contributors through the notoriously complex kernel process

These efforts help keep Linux open not just in license, but in practice, accessible to new developers and maintainable at scale.

Why This Award Matters

The European Open Source Award recognizes individuals whose work benefits society through openness, collaboration, and technical excellence. Kroah-Hartman’s work exemplifies that mission.

Linux doesn’t succeed because of flashy features alone. It succeeds because:

Bugs are fixed responsibly
Security issues are handled quietly and quickly
Compatibility is preserved across years and hardware generations

Those outcomes don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of sustained, meticulous stewardship, exactly the kind of work this award celebrates.

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Inside the Linux Kernel Runtime Guard (LKRG): A New Layer of Kernel Integrity Protection

George Whittaker — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

In an era where security threats continually evolve, protecting the heart of an operating system, the kernel, has never been more critical. One tool gaining traction in the Linux world is the Linux Kernel Runtime Guard (LKRG), a specialized security module designed to detect and respond to attacks targeting the kernel while the system is running. This project recently reached its first stable milestone with version 1.0.0, marking a major step forward for runtime protection on Linux systems.

What Is LKRG?

LKRG (short for Linux Kernel Runtime Guard) is a loadable kernel module that continuously monitors the health and integrity of the Linux kernel while it’s running. Unlike many security features that rely on compile-time patches or static defenses, LKRG acts at runtime, watching for signs of unauthorized changes or exploit attempts and taking configurable action when something suspicious is detected.

Because LKRG is a module rather than a patch to the kernel source, it can be built and used across a variety of distributions and kernel versions without needing to recompile the core kernel itself. It supports a wide range of architectures, including x86-64, 32-bit x86, ARM64, and 32-bit ARM, and has been tested on kernels from older enterprise releases all the way up to recent mainline versions.

How LKRG Works

At its core, LKRG performs runtime integrity checks on critical parts of the kernel and system state. It validates the kernel’s code, data, and metadata against expected values and monitors for unexpected changes that could be indicative of an exploit. The module also watches key process attributes and credentials to help spot unauthorized privilege escalation attempts.

Unlike compile-time defenses such as address space layout randomization (ASLR) or static code hardening, LKRG is designed to observe and react while the kernel is executing, a concept sometimes referred to as “post-detection” security. This complements other layers of defense rather than replacing them.

Version 1.0: A Milestone Release

After several years of development, with the first public release appearing back in 2018, LKRG has finally reached its 1.0 release, signaling maturity and broader real-world readiness. This milestone brings a suite of improvements, including:

Broader Kernel Compatibility: Support extending to recent kernel series such as Linux 6.17, while maintaining compatibility with older, long-lived versions.

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Official Firefox RPM Package Now Available for Fedora-Style Linux Distributions

George Whittaker — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

Mozilla has taken a notable step toward improving Firefox distribution on Linux. An official Firefox RPM package is now available directly from Mozilla for Fedora-style distributions, including Fedora, RHEL-compatible systems, and related derivatives. This move gives users a new, upstream-supported option for installing and maintaining Firefox without relying solely on distro-maintained builds.

What’s Changed

Until now, users on RPM-based systems typically installed Firefox through their distribution’s repositories. While those packages are usually well-maintained, they can sometimes lag behind Mozilla’s release schedule or include distro-specific patches.

With the new official RPM, Mozilla provides:

A Firefox build maintained directly by Mozilla
Faster access to new releases and security updates
A consistent Firefox experience across RPM-based distros
Reduced dependency on downstream packaging delays

This mirrors the approach Mozilla already uses for official DEB packages and tarball releases, bringing parity to RPM-based ecosystems.

Who Benefits Most

This new packaging option is especially useful for:

Fedora users who want Firefox updates the moment Mozilla releases them
Developers and testers who need predictable, upstream Firefox behavior
Enterprise or workstation users running Fedora-derived systems who prefer vendor-supplied binaries
Users who want to avoid Flatpak or Snap for their browser

Distributions that prioritize stability over immediacy may still ship older versions, but the official RPM gives users a clear choice.

How It Works

Mozilla hosts a signed RPM repository that integrates cleanly with dnf-based systems. Once added, Firefox updates arrive through the standard system update process, just like any other RPM package.

Key characteristics include:

GPG-signed packages from Mozilla
Automatic updates via dnf upgrade
No repackaging or third-party rebuilds
Compatibility with Fedora and compatible RPM distros

Users can choose between the distro-provided Firefox or Mozilla’s upstream RPM without conflict, as long as only one source is enabled.

Why This Matters for Linux Users

This change reflects a broader trend: upstream projects taking more responsibility for how their software reaches users. For Firefox, that means:

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Top Linux Gaming Distributions for 2026: Play Better on Open Source

George Whittaker — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

Introduction

Gaming on Linux has never been better. Thanks to advances in compatibility layers like Proton, drivers, and distro-level optimizations, Linux now supports thousands of games, from AAA titles to indie favorites, with performance that rivals Windows in many cases. As we head into 2026, certain Linux distributions have risen to the top as the most gamer-friendly, offering build-ins, drivers, and tooling that make playing on open-source systems smoother and more fun.

In this article, we’ll look at the best Linux gaming distros for 2026, what sets each one apart, and who they’re best suited for, whether you’re a seasoned Linux gamer or someone switching from Windows or macOS.

1. SteamOS (SteamOS 5 / “Holo”)

Why It’s Great

SteamOS remains the top choice if games are your priority. Developed by Valve, SteamOS is designed specifically for gaming hardware and integrates tightly with:

Steam and Proton for Windows game compatibility
Controller-first navigation, perfect for living-room play
Competitive performance out of the box
Fast boot and automatic updates

SteamOS continues evolving with better hardware support, especially for handheld PCs and Steam Deck-style form factors.

Best For

Dedicated gaming PCs
Steam Deck and SteamOS handhelds
Users who want a console-like experience

2. Pop!_OS (Gaming Edition)

Why It’s Great

Created by System76, Pop!_OS is known for a smooth performance-oriented desktop and excellent driver support. The Gaming Edition (or the gaming-optimized install profile) comes with:

Automatic NVIDIA and AMD driver detection
Integrated Proton and Steam packages
Built-in support for auto-tiling and hybrid graphics
Excellent keyboard/mouse + gamepad support

Pop!_OS also excels on laptops with hybrid GPUs because of its dedicated power profiles and intelligent GPU switching.

Best For

Desktop gamers who want a traditional desktop + gaming setup
Users with NVIDIA GPUs
Hybrid GPU laptops

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Linux Mint 22.3 ‘Zena’ Delivers a Polished, Familiar Desktop Experience

George Whittaker — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:00:00 +0000

by George Whittaker

The Linux Mint project has unveiled Linux Mint 22.3, carrying the codename “Zena”, the latest point release in the popular Mint 22 series. This new version continues Mint’s reputation for delivering a comfortable, user-friendly desktop experience while remaining stable and reliable. As a Long Term Support (LTS) release, Linux Mint 22.3 will receive updates and security patches through April 2029.

Built on a Solid Ubuntu Base

Zena is built on top of Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS (“Noble Numbat”), bringing Mint’s traditional desktop approach together with Ubuntu’s well-tested foundation and extensive software repositories. It ships with the Linux kernel 6.14 and benefits from the Ubuntu Hardware Enablement stack, which improves support for newer hardware such as recent AMD and Intel chips.

What’s New in Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena”

Rather than revolutionize the distro, the Mint team focused on thoughtful refinements and quality-of-life improvements that make everyday usage smoother and more intuitive.

Redesigned Application Menu

One of the most noticeable visual changes is the revamped Mint Menu in the Cinnamon edition. It now includes a sidebar showing your avatar, favorite applications, and commonly used locations, along with customizable search bar placement and icon styles for a cleaner look.

Upgraded Cinnamon Desktop (6.6)

Linux Mint 22.3 ships with Cinnamon 6.6 on the flagship edition, which delivers a range of subtle improvements:

Better handling of keyboard layouts and input methods, especially under Wayland
Improved support for traditional XKB and IBus input methods
A more graceful on-screen keyboard
Refined behavior and visuals throughout the desktop environment

These changes aim to polish the experience without introducing disruptive UI changes.

New System Management Tools

To help users understand their hardware quickly and troubleshoot issues without entering the command line, Zena introduces two new utilities:

System Information - consolidates details about your machine’s hardware, including USB devices, the GPU, BIOS, and PCI devices
System Administration - provides an easy interface for configuring low-level system settings, starting with the ability to adjust the boot menu

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