AI is being promoted in every single place. Many Linux distributions have already proclaimed they’ll by no means add it to the desktop (as Apple and Microsoft have for MacOS and Home windows). With the most recent launch, Linux Lite determined to buck that pattern… form of.
I am going to clarify that bit in a second.
The brand new launch of Linux Lite (model 7.2) is pretty much as good because it’s at all times been. It is lean, glossy, simple to make use of, and consists of the whole lot that you must be social, productive, and/or entertained. I’ve coated Linux Lite earlier than, proclaiming it as the easiest way to revive your outdated laptop. I nonetheless stand by that declare as a result of Linux Lite actually is a superb choice for these ageing machines.
That stated, Linux Lite will even serve you properly on trendy {hardware}. Plus, like practically each Linux distribution in the marketplace, Linux Lite is free to obtain and set up on as many computer systems as wanted.
What’s on this new launch?
Let’s begin with the plain freshness that is been added to the desktop.
At first, Linux Lite ships with model 4.18 of the Xfce desktop, which incorporates loads of enhancements to the Thunar file supervisor (similar to an editable toolbar, break up view, file highlighting, recursive search, on-screen notifications for undo/redo, and extra), a brand new Lite Theme Supervisor, new preferences within the Panel, new font choices for the clock applet, the flexibility to disable header bars in dialogs, choose a default monitor earlier than you add a secondary monitor, and extra.
Okay, I do know what you are considering… that is not a lot. The factor to remember is that the builders of the Xfce desktop take a extra conservative method to new releases. This desktop has advanced at a snail’s tempo as a result of what they’ve works, and the Xfce neighborhood is aware of this. It is one of many few desktop environments the place you do not discover plenty of customers clamoring for game-changing new options.
“It simply works… and at all times will” ought to be Xfce’s mantra.
Model 7.2 additionally ships with Linux kernel 6.8.0-49. That may sound like an older kernel (given the most recent is 6.11.6), but it surely was solely launched on March 10, 2024. In line with endoflife.date, model 6.8 of the Linux kernel stopped receiving safety assist on Might 30, 2024. Model 6.8 will not be an LTS (Lengthy Time period Help), so that is no shock. It additionally doesn’t suggest it is best to keep away from Linux Lite 7.2. This launch relies on Ubuntu 24.04, which is a Lengthy Time period Help launch, and if that you must improve to the 6.11 kernel, you possibly can set up it with this command:
sudo apt-get set up linux-headers-linuxlite-6.11.0 linux-image-linuxlite-6.11.0 -y
After set up, reboot, so the adjustments will take impact. Help for the 6.11 kernel ends on January 15, 2025.
Generally, assist appears to be like an always-spinning rotating door.
You may additionally discover LibreOffice 24.2.6, GIMP 2.10.36, and VLC 3.0.20 (amongst different apps) put in and able to go.
What about this AI factor?
As I discussed earlier, AI has been added to the combination, but it surely’s not fairly what you are most likely considering. There is no AI app to open or integration to be discovered. The Linux Lite crew went much more refined than that. The AI is de facto only a web site that serves as a direct assist choice: “Linux Lite AI Chat.” It is there to “assist you to with your whole Linux Lite-related questions and points.” You’ll be able to kind a question, similar to How do I set up a theme in Linux Lite?, click on Ship, and you will get your reply.
Only for enjoyable, I made a decision to open the default Chrome browser, level it to the AI Chat, put it aside as an app, and voilà… an AI internet app that’s accessible as a launcher on the desktop. I examined the AI chat for accuracy and located it fairly spot on. Though the directions for upgrading the kernel differ from mine, they nonetheless work.
Personally, I imagine that is the way in which to go for introducing AI to the Linux desktop, and I do not imagine it must go any additional than that. Integrating AI into the Linux working system could be extremely tough, given how disparate the event groups are that create the assorted desktop apps. The Linux Lite builders must coordinate with groups from Xfce, Linux Kernel builders, LibreOffice, and numerous others. I can’t think about that occuring on a stage that might be essential to get AI built-in all through the desktop.
All advised, Linux Lite 7.2 is a small step ahead for the distribution, however a barely bigger step ahead for customers. Should you’re anxious you will not have the ability to work out find out how to use Linux, you’ll do properly with this distribution as a result of you will have a devoted AI chatbot to reply Linux Lite-specific questions particular.
If you wish to give this distribution a attempt, obtain the model 7.2 ISO and have at it.
