New versions of the GeckoLinux distribution are available — 999.220105 (rolling) and 153.220104 (static), based on the openSUSE package base with a strong focus on desktop optimization and details like high-quality font rendering. Version 999.220105 (1.6 GB) is developed within the rolling update model, built from the Tumbleweed repository and its own Packman repository. The branch 153.220104 (1.4 GB) is based on the openSUSE 15.3 release.
A notable feature of the distribution is the provision of downloadable live builds that support both live mode and installation on permanent drives. The builds come with desktop environments such as Cinnamon, Mate, Xfce, LXQt, Pantheon, Budgie, GNOME, and KDE Plasma. Each environment features optimal default settings (e.g., font settings are optimized) considering each desktop, along with a carefully curated selection of applications.
The core includes proprietary multimedia codecs that are ready to use out of the box, with additional proprietary applications available through repositories, including Google and Skype repositories. The TLP package is used for optimizing power consumption. Installing packages from the Packman repositories is a priority since some openSUSE packages have restrictions related to the use of patented technologies. By default, recommended packages are not installed after setup. The option to remove packages along with their entire dependency chain is provided (so that after an update, the package is not automatically reinstalled as a dependency).
The new 'Static' build has been upgraded to the openSUSE Leap 15.3 package base. All builds have enhanced installer capabilities, built on the Calamares framework. Integration of the GRUB bootloader with Btrfs is provided. Snapper, a tool for managing snapshots in the FS, is included. The default layout for Btrfs subvolumes has been changed, optimized for efficient rollback based on snapshots. The installation logic has been improved in relation to the use of BIOS or EFI. The reliability of package loading through mirrors has been enhanced, thanks to the involvement of the mirrorcache.opensuse.org infrastructure.
The 'Rolling' build features multimedia server PipeWire. A systemd service cpupower has been added to set the CPU into maximum performance mode, which helps reduce latency when processing audio in real-time. The ability to use the Pantheon desktop, developed by the elementary OS project, has been restored. Updated versions of the desktops Cinnamon 5.2.4, KDE Plasma 5.23.4, KDE Frameworks 5.89.9, KDE Gear/Applications 21.12.0, GNOME 41.2, Mate 1.26, Xfce 4.16, Budgie 10.5.3, LXQt 1.0, and Pantheon (from elementary OS 6.1) have been released.
Additionally, the GeckoLinux NEXT branch is offered with KDE Plasma 5.23.5 and Pantheon (from elementary OS 5), built on openSUSE Leap 15.3 but with newer versions of desktop environments from separate openSUSE Build Service repositories.
Cinnamon:
Xfce:
GNOME:
Mate:
LxQt:
Pantheon:
Budgie:
Source: opennet.ru
