Solus

The official Forums of Solus

The official Forums of Solus

The official Forums of Solus

The official Forums of Solus

The official Forums of Solus

The official Forums of Solus

The official Forums of Solus

No summary, post is pretty short. Also questions: Do you like the summary? Which method you like most? Is it useful at all?

This summary is generated with ChatGPT and edited by me

Heya folks! It's news time! Here’s the latest roundup from Solus.

Kernel Updates:

** kernels are updated to v6.9.10 (current) and v6.6.41 (LTS). The BORE scheduler is also updated to v5.2.4 on linux-current. These kernel updates include significant changes to the initrd:

• Removed previous init implementation that relied on symlink hacks.
• Added additional firmware paths to enable proper firmware file pickup.
• Included a depmod.conf file to adjust the kernel module search path within the initrd.
• Added a /.dracut-depmod-invalidate file to NVIDIA kernel module initrds to run depmod in the initrd, generating a new index.
• Adapted NVIDIA modules to the new changes.
• Temporarily moved the nvidia-glx-driver linux-current initrd to a subpackage due to user reports of issues with the 6.9 kernel.
• Disabled firmware initrd generation for NVIDIA drivers older than v555.x.

These changes make early KMS for NVIDIA cleaner and more maintainable. We’re looking for testers to join the packaging channel on Matrix to help improve this process further!

KDE Updates:

• KDE Plasma:

  • Updated to 6.1.3.
  • Bugfix release with translations and fixes including:
    • KWin Plugins nightlight: Relax custom times constraints.
    • KWin Tiling: Don’t put maximized windows in tile.

• KDE Frameworks:

  • Updated to 6.4.0.

MariaDB Update:

• MariaDB:
  • Updated to v10.11.
  • Changes to the package:
    • mariadb-libs is now mariadb-common.
    • Moved libmariadbd.so to mariadb-server, reducing mariadb-common size.
    • Reorganized utilities and man pages, added mariadb-errmsg.
    • Made mariadb and libdbi-drivers stateless.
    • Added perl-dbd-mariadb to replace perl-dbd-mysql.

Other Notable Updates:

• OBS Studio: Updated to 30.2 with UI updates, Hybrid MP4 recording, multitrack video output, and Nvidia NVENC support. Full release notes.
• Pipewire: Updated to v1.2. Read more.
• Abseil C++ (abseil-cpp): Updated to v20240116.2. Testing libraries moved to -devel package, reducing install size.
• PPP: Updated to 2.5.0. Many VPN packages updated. Please report any breakages.
• typos: Added to the repository. A tool to find and correct spelling mistakes in source code.

Deprecations:

• Kodi: Deprecated due to rebuild issues. Users are recommended to switch to the flatpak version or explore alternatives like Jellyfin.
• yubikey-manager-qt and ajour: Also deprecated.

Taskforce Updates:

Our Solus Package Taskforce has been diligently working to bring the repository up to current standards:

• Appstream Metainfo: 216 packages (down 13) need appstream metainfo added.
• Homepage Key: 307 packages (down 12) left without homepages.
• Build Failures: 16 packages (down 2) do not build.
• Obsolete Macros: 6 cargo packages (down 15).
• Tagged for Deprecation: 42 packages (down 2).

Security Updates:

• graalvm: Updated to 22.3.3-7. Includes fixes for CVE-2023-22006, CVE-2023-22036, CVE-2023-22041, CVE-2023-22044, CVE-2023-22045, CVE-2023-22049, CVE-2023-22051.
• libraw: Updated to 0.21.2-19. Includes fixes for CVE-2023-1729.
• nasm: Updated to 2.16.03-19. Includes fixes for CVE-2022-46456.
• openvpn: Updated to 2.6.12-36. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-5594.
• qt5-base: Updated to 5.15.14-106. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-39936.
• qt6-base: Updated to 6.7.2-30. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-39936.

Be sure to install all updates for the latest security protections.

That’s all for this week, folks! Tune in next week for more Solus news.

No Summary this week as the post is pretty short

Cheers!

Sync Updates

• Node.js 20 is now in the repository, and it is co-installable with Node.js 18. Some applications, however, are still using very old versions of Node.js. As such, they have to be removed. This list includes:
  • beekeeper-studio
  • mailspring
  • kitematic
  • mongosh
• emscripten package is also in need of a maintainer, or else it, too, will be removed from the repository.
• linux-firmware is now compressed using zstd. This should save around 400-500MB on end user systems.
• pinentry has been updated to 1.3.0. We now build GTK4 and Qt6 frontends for it. A wrapper script will detect at launch, the DE you are running, and will use a suitable frontends for said DE.
• Qt is now at version 6.7.2. This release contains over 200 bug fixes, security enhancements, and other improvements.
• XWayland 24.1 has landed in the repository, bringing explicit sync for GNOME Wayland users using AMD/Intel hardware.
• The Steam udev rules have been moved into their own subpackage, named steam-udev-rules. People using the Steam flatpak can now install it to enable use of gaming controllers with the flatpak version of Steam.

New Packages

• Several XApps have been added to the repository this week. If you haven't heard of them, XApps are generic applications for traditional GTK desktop environments that don't aim to integrate only in one environment. The following applications have been added:
  • xed, a text editor
  • xviewer, an image viewer based on Eye of GNOME
  • xviewer-plugins, a collection of plugins for XViewer
  • xreader, a PDF viewer
  • pix, a photo organization application based on gThumb
• Other new packages available in the repository this week :
  • ryujinx, a Nintendo Switch emulator
  • distrobox
  • fooyin, a customizable music player
  • lime3ds, a Nintendo 3DS emulator, replacing Citra
  • nxsiv, an image viewer, replacing xsiv

Staff Updates

We formed a taskforce to handle our repository housekeeping tasks. This taskforce will mostly do mundane, but much needed, chores for our packages repository. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Adding appstream metainfo - 316 packages (+8 font packages) need appstream metainfo added
• Adding homepage key - 435 packages left without homepage (Down from 2300 packages in October 2023)
• Fixing packages that do not build - 18 packages do not build
• Replace obsolete macros in recipes
• Tagging packages for deprecation

Most of these tasks are beginner-friendly, and can be a great way to learn Solus packaging. We invite anyone that has the time and inclination to join us!

Security Updates

• ghostscript was updated to 9.56.1-27. Includes security fixes for CVE-2023-28879, CVE-2023-38559, CVE-2023-43115, CVE-2023-52722, CVE-2024-29510, CVE-2024-33869, CVE-2024-33870, CVE-2024-33871.
• kerberos was updated to 1.21.3-22. Includes security fixes for CVE-2024-37371.
• wget was updated to 1.24.5-33. Includes security fixes for CVE-2024-38428.

This summary is generated by me (lol)

Sync updates

Applications updates

• KDE Gear has been updated to 24.05.1
• OBS Studio was updated to 30.1.2.
• Clear Boot Manager (CBM) now supports multiple kernel-dependent initrd extensions. This allows the graphics driver to initialize earlier in the boot, which can reduce flickering.

New application

• Papers has been added to the repository this cycle. It is a new PDF viewer for the GNOME desktop.

Development updates

• As a part of our plan to fully remove Python 2, the Solus Software Center will be replaced by GNOME Software and KDE Discover, since we don't have the developers to maintain the Solus SC application.
• In order for us to be able to do that, AppStream metainfo files have to be added to packages so they show up in the new software centers. There are 319 packages that need metainfo added before a switch can be made.
• Adding metainfo is a good and simple way to get started with packaging. We have an issue up on our tracker reagrding this effort. If you would like to help, get in touch in the Solus Packaging room on Matrix.

Security updates

• mbedtls was updated to 2.28.8-14. Includes security fixes for CVE-2024-28960.

This summary is generated by Open Text Summarizer and edited by me

Sync Summary

• Rust has been updated to 1.79.
• Nheko has been updated to 0.12.0. Note that upstream Qt6 has an issue with scrolling with mouse scroll wheels, to work around this, we've added a downstream patch. As this downstream patch is a significant departure from how it works with upstream Nheko, please report any issues with scrolling on the Solus issue trackers.
• VLC was updated to 3.0.21. VLC package was modified to split it between the binary and the library portion, meaning that VLC should now be able to be uninstalled on Plasma.
• Bash will now inherit the $PATH from the process that spawned it, rather than resetting it.
• An issue was fixed where some processes or services couldn't find configuration files.
• All packages that shipped files in /etc/xdg have been fixed to ship them in the correct stateless directory instead.

Desktop Updates

• GNOME has been updated to 46.2. This is a bugfix update, and should be a safe and uneventful upgrade from 46.1.
• KDE Frameworks has been updated to 6.3.0. This release contains many fixes and improvements to the KDE Frameworks 6 series.
• Mesalib was updated to 24.1.1. GNOME will now use explicit sync for Wayland-native applications for AMD and Intel GPU users. XWayland applications will have to wait for an updated XWayland, and Plasma users have to wait for Plasma 6.1. More news about Mesa 24.1 can be read here.

Security updates

• flask-cors was updated to 4.0.1-10 . Includes security fixes for CVE-2024-1681.
• libvte was updated to 0.76.3-64. Includes security fixes for CVE-2024-37535.

This summary is generated b y ChatGPT and edited by me

Heya folks! We're here with another installment of the weekly Solus news! Let's dive in.

GRUB Update:

• GRUB:
  • Updated to version 2.12.
  • Brings numerous fixes and improved support for various technologies.
  • Important Notes:
    • GRUB does not get automatically updated; it must be done manually.
    • If you have a /boot partition, it must be mounted before the manual installation.
    • To update the GRUB bootloader, run the following command after fully updating your system, replacing sdX with your boot drive:

      sudo grub-install --boot-directory=/boot/ --target=i386-pc --recheck --force /dev/sdX
      

LLVM and Related Tool Updates:

• LLVM:
  • Updated to 18.1.6.
  • Crystal: Updated to 1.12.1.
  • ISPC: Updated to 1.23.0.
  • Ziglang: Updated to 0.12.0.
  • Rust: More tools included in the Rust package and moved into the development subpackage (rust-devel). Install rust-devel for a complete Rust development environment.

Blender Enhancements:

• Blender:
  • Now includes CUDA and OptiX support.
  • NVIDIA users can render projects using their GPU, significantly speeding up rendering times.

Kernel-side Changes:

• BCC (BPF Compiler Collection):
  • Kernel-side changes for BCC have been implemented. BCC is a toolkit for creating efficient kernel tracing and manipulation programs, including several powerful performance tools. These changes enable the tools to work effectively with the updated kernel.

Software Center Updates:

• GNOME Software and KDE Discover:
  • No longer marked as experimental.

Community Contributions:

• Repository Cleanup:
  • Shoutout to those working on adding homepages to package.yml files, cleanup, and adding monitoring.yml files. Close to 1700 packages have been cleaned up since the initiative started in September 2023. This essential work by community contributors is greatly appreciated.

Security Updates:

• GRUB:
  • Updated to 2.12-39.
  • Fixes numerous security issues, including:
    • CVE-2014-4607
    • CVE-2020-10713
    • CVE-2020-14308 to CVE-2020-14311
    • CVE-2020-14372
    • CVE-2020-15705 to CVE-2020-15707
    • CVE-2020-25632, CVE-2020-25647
    • CVE-2020-27749, CVE-2020-27779
    • CVE-2021-20225, CVE-2021-20233
    • CVE-2021-3418, CVE-2021-3695 to CVE-2021-3697
    • CVE-2021-3981
    • CVE-2022-2601, CVE-2022-28733 to CVE-2022-28736
    • CVE-2022-3775
    • CVE-2023-4692, CVE-2023-4693

That’s all for this week, folks! Tune in next week for more Solus news.

This summary is generated by ChatGPT with edits from me

Heya folks! It's time for another roundup of the news! Let's dive in.

Driver Updates:

• NVIDIA Beta Driver:
  • Updated to 555.42.02.
  • Adds support for the linux-drm-syncobj-v1 protocol for Wayland explicit sync in EGL.
  • Issue: Rebooting directly into a Wayland session with Vulkan using the Beta driver causes Vulkan not to work. Workaround: Log into an XOrg session first, then into a Wayland session.

Software Updates:

• Neovim:

  • Updated to 0.10.0.
  • Major release with numerous changes and breaking changes for plugins and configurations. Make sure to update plugins and check configs.

• MimeType Handling:

  • Branding packages that ship a mimeapps.list file are now co-installable again.
  • Files added to the MATE and XFCE desktop branding packages.

• Desktop Environment Updates:

  • KDE Plasma:
    • Updated to 6.0.5.
    • Contains many bugfixes.
    • KDE Frameworks 5 updated to 5.116.0 for applications not yet on Frameworks 6.
  • Qt:
    • Updated to 6.7.1.
    • Brings new features and bugfixes.

Performance Improvements:

• Bash Optimization:
  • Significant speed improvement achieved by building Bash with Profile-guided optimizations (PGO).
  • Startup speed for running a script improved by approximately 60%.
  • Example script startup speed reduced from 1.409 seconds to 1.366 seconds.
  • Shellbench benchmarking tool confirms the performance increase.
  • Trade-off: Binary size increased from 9.68 MB to 9.82 MB, and build times are longer due to multiple compilations required for PGO.

Security Updates:

• gnome-remote-desktop: Updated to 46.2-15. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-5148.
• podman: Updated to 5.0.3-42. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-3727.
• postgresql: Updated to 16.3-49. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-4317.
• qt5-networkauth: Updated to 5.15.13-24. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-36048.
• skopeo: Updated to 1.15.1-29. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-3727.
• wireshark: Updated to 4.2.5-87. Includes fixes for CVE-2024-4853, CVE-2024-4854, and CVE-2024-4855.

Browser Updates:

• Opera and Vivaldi: Updated to include the latest Chromium security updates.

That’s all for this week, folks! Check in next week for another Solus news roundup.

This summary is generated with ChatGPT and edited by me

Here's the latest update for this week:

System Update Measures:

• We've implemented safety measures to ensure system updates won't break your system, regardless of the last update. An in-depth breakdown of last week's issues will be provided later. We're working on further steps to ensure everyone transitions to a fully /usr Merged system safely. Thanks for your patience.

Kernel Updates:

• The Current branch kernel has been updated to 6.8.10.
• The LTS branch kernel has been updated to 6.6.31.
• The build time for these kernels now derives from the SOURCE_DATE_EPOCH.

KDE Frameworks Update:

• KDE Frameworks have been updated to 6.2.0. These are 72 addon libraries to Qt providing commonly needed functionalities.

LibreOffice Icon Theme:

• Previously, LibreOffice on Budgie used the Sifr Dark icon theme by default, causing unreadable icons with a light theme. Now, LibreOffice defaults to the colored Elementary icons, ensuring readability across all editions of Solus.

Boot Loader Management Tool:

• Over at Serpent, Ikey has been developing blsforme, a replacement for clr-boot-manager. blsforme is a tool and library for the Boot Loader Specification, progressing swiftly towards Solus 5. This change addresses several issues associated with clr-boot-manager.

GLib CVE Fix and Application Crashes:

• The recent GLib CVE fix revealed other bugs causing crashes in Inkscape, gedit, HandBrake, and possibly other programs when vala-panel-appmenu is installed. We've backported a patch to GLib to fix these issues.

Security Updates:

• git: Updated to 2.45.1-128, including fixes for CVE-2024-32002, CVE-2024-32004, CVE-2024-32020, CVE-2024-32021, and CVE-2024-32465.
• libxml2: Updated to 2.12.7-48, addressing CVE-2024-34459.
• Chromium-based browsers: Updated to address zero-day flaws CVE-2024-4761 and CVE-2024-4947. If you're using Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, or any Chromium-based browser, ensure these updates are applied due to known exploits.

This summary is generated using ChatGPT and edited by me

Here's the latest from this week's roundup:

1. Package Updates:

   • Steam and xfce4-panel-profiles: Missing dependencies for these packages have been addressed. Update your system to ensure these packages can work properly again.

2. "/usr Merge" Progress:

   • The "/usr Merge" initiative continues, with /bin and /sbin directories fully moved into the /usr directory. Compatibility symlinks have been added. This transition is crucial as the next version of systemd will drop support for unmerged-usr setups.

3. Extended Attributes (xattrs) Support:

   • ypkg and eopkg got new feature to export extended attributes (xattrs) info to files in packages and apply them during installation. This enables setting file capabilities for binaries, such as KWin being able to raise its process priority for improved responsiveness under load. Note that you may not see these benefits until the next package update. You can reinstall KWin to ensure it has capabilities with sudo eopkg it kwin --reinstall. To check which binaries have file capabilities, run getcap -r /usr/bin/.

4. Security Updates:

   • Important security fixes were made to several packages:
     • buildah: Updated to 1.35.3-44, addressing CVE-2024-1753 and CVE-2024-24786.
     • glib2: Updated to 2.80.2-106, fixing CVE-2024-34397.
     • strongswan: Updated to 5.9.14-10, resolving CVE-2023-41913.

Make sure to apply these updates promptly to stay protected!

That's all for this week's roundup! Keep an eye out for more updates next week!