Linux
Ongoing coverage on Linux.
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Proton-CachyOS 11 adds initial OptiScaler integration and lots of other fixes
The latest update for the Linux distribution CachyOS, Proton-CachyOS 11, introduces initial integration for OptiScaler, a tool that allows users to swap or upgrade upscaling and frame generation technologies like DLSS, FSR, and XeSS within games. This update also includes numerous other fixes and pulls in new code from Valve's upstream Proton.
An engineer has worked out how to speed up a 3D printer by 1000% with a Nintendo Switch, though 'for most people, a…
An engineer named Cocoanix has utilized a Nintendo Switch with Linux and Klipper firmware to achieve a 1000% speed increase in 3D printing, reducing a 90-minute print to just eight minutes. This setup allows the Switch to handle the processing, leading to faster and cleaner prints with improved quality.
Steam Beta brings Big Picture Mode tweaks, Linux improvements and Steam Controller fixes
Valve has released a new Steam Client Beta update introducing styling changes to Big Picture Mode and various fixes for Linux and Steam Controller functionality. The update adjusts the layout and coloring of Big Picture Mode to better match the main Steam client, improves readability, and reorganizes settings. Specific improvements for Linux include making the 'Legacy Steam Runtime' optional and fixing a crash related to the Steam Controller on the platform.
I've spent 30 years with Microsoft but Linux and Pop! OS might have converted me
After 30 years of using Microsoft Windows, the author details their experience switching to Pop! OS, a Linux distribution. While praising Pop! OS for its responsiveness and customization, the author notes challenges with app availability and performance in certain games compared to Windows. Despite these drawbacks, the author expresses a continued interest in exploring Linux further.
SteamOS 3.7.24 released along with a stable Steam Client update with more Steam Controller fixes
Valve has released SteamOS 3.7.24 and a stable Steam Client update, focusing on fixes for the Steam Controller. The updates include improvements for audio stability, security, and controller functionality, such as grip sensor settings and touch registration for left trackpads.
Mesa 26.1.0 released bringing lots of Linux graphics driver enhancements
Mesa 26.1.0 has been released, bringing significant enhancements to open-source graphics drivers for Linux, including upgraded Vulkan support and performance improvements. The update introduces new features and extensions across various drivers for Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA hardware, with some changes impacting virtual machine environments and specific GPU architectures.
Saturday Safety Dance
Microsoft and CISA have issued a warning regarding a critical vulnerability affecting millions of systems running major Linux distributions. The article also briefly mentions an FCC vote to ban Chinese labs from certifying electronics sold in the US due to national security concerns.
Evening Safety Dance
A severe Linux security threat has emerged, catching many by surprise. Separately, the FBI has stated that China's hacker-for-hire operations are 'out of control,' indicating a significant global cybersecurity concern.
Modder releases loader to turn the PS5 into a Linux system
A modder has released a loader that allows the PlayStation 5 to function as a Linux system. This development marks a significant step for Linux enthusiasts and the modding community interested in the console's capabilities.
You Can Now Install Linux on Your PS5, Transforming It into a Steam Machine
A method has been shared on GitHub allowing users to install Linux on disc-based PlayStation 5 consoles running firmware versions 3.xx or 4.xx. This soft mod, which requires reinstallation after each reboot, enables the console to function as a Steam Machine, with footage showing Grand Theft Auto 5 running with enhanced ray tracing. The developer is working on features to retain the Linux installation in Rest Mode and support for higher refresh rates.
The ps5-linux project can turn some PlayStation 5 consoles into a Linux gaming machine
The open-source ps5-linux project has been released, enabling users to transform original PlayStation 5 models running specific older firmware versions into Linux PCs. This modification allows the console's hardware to run Steam games and emulators, with support for HDMI 4K60 output and M.2 SSD usage.
Proton Hotfix updated to fix HELLDIVERS 2 on Linux / SteamOS systems
A Proton Hotfix has been deployed by Valve to address issues with HELLDIVERS 2 on Linux and SteamOS systems following a recent game update. The hotfix, developed by Pierre-Loup Griffais, ensures the game now launches correctly after an update that had previously broken compatibility for Linux players. Proton Hotfix is now the default for HELLDIVERS 2.
Canonical clarify their AI for plans for Ubuntu Linux - opt-in and easy to remove
Canonical has clarified its plans for integrating Artificial Intelligence features into Ubuntu Linux, emphasizing an opt-in approach and easy removal. Jon Seager, VP Engineering, stated that AI capabilities will be delivered as Snaps, allowing users to uninstall them. Future releases will feature AI-native options in the initial setup wizard, with default configurations prioritizing local inference over cloud-based processing.
Canonical clarify their AI plans for Ubuntu Linux - opt-in and easy to remove
Canonical has clarified its plans for integrating AI features into Ubuntu Linux, emphasizing an opt-in approach and easy removal of AI capabilities. VP Engineering Jon Seager stated that AI features will be delivered as optional Snaps, with initial implementation in Ubuntu 26.10 requiring explicit user consent during setup. The company also confirmed that AI-generated code will be accepted in future Ubuntu releases, aligning with policies in other foundational projects like the Linux Kernel.
Maybe it really is the year of Linux, as Framework claims more people are buying Ubuntu versions of its new laptop than…
Framework reports that the Ubuntu configurations of its new Framework 13 Pro laptop are outselling the Windows versions, exceeding sales forecasts. The company highlights this as validation of their approach, with the modular and upgradeable laptop appealing to Linux users.
Ubuntu 26.04 ('Resolute Raccoon') LTS is out now
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, codenamed 'Resolute Raccoon', has been released with long-term support until April 2031. This update brings GNOME 50, Linux kernel 7.0, and Mesa 26, along with numerous software and feature enhancements for PC users. Canonical highlights the release's focus on resilience and innovation in open-source technology.
Valve make steps to improve Steam Deck Verification, giving developers more performance data
Valve is enhancing its Steam Deck verification system by providing developers with more performance data, including average framerate and user survey results. This update aims to build trust in the verification process and help developers understand player experiences on the handheld device. The system currently applies to Steam Deck Verified games and will expand to Playable titles in the future.
'We’ve been getting around two days of normal work out of it': Proton GE dev GloriousEggRoll and CachyOS offer early praise for Framework 13 Pro's 'freakishly good battery life'
Developers GloriousEggRoll and CachyOS have praised the Framework 13 Pro laptop for its exceptional battery life, with CachyOS reporting up to two days of normal work on a single charge. The laptop is also noted for its strong gaming performance on Linux distributions like Nobara and CachyOS.
This AMD-powered, Linux-running mini PC looks like a Steam Machine disguised as a vinyl record player, without the fancy…
The Playnix Console is a new mini PC running a custom Arch Linux distro with a Steam Gaming Mode, designed as an alternative to the Steam Machine. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor, an RX 9060 XT 16 GB GPU, and a 512 GB SSD, with upgradeable hardware and a design resembling a vinyl record player. Early tests show it can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with FSR upscaling.
A Valve developer has just made it easier to run games on Linux with 8 GB cards thanks to a simple fix
A Valve developer has released a fix to improve game performance on Linux systems with 8 GB of VRAM. The solution involves kernel patches and utilities that better manage memory allocation, making games run more stably. This fix is particularly beneficial for Arch-based distributions and may eventually be adopted by others.
