EU Regulates AI, Huge Linux Flaw, ZorinOS 17 & Linux BSOD: Latest Linux & Open Source News
Table of Contents
Zoro S7: A Major Update to the Zorin OS
Zorin OS, a popular Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, has released the beta version of Zorin S7. This update brings significant improvements to the desktop experience, making it more user-friendly and visually appealing. One of the standout features is the Spatial desktop, which reintroduces the concept of a desktop cube with a parallax effect on windows. While not a groundbreaking improvement in terms of usability, it adds a sleek and cool visual element to the desktop environment. Other notable enhancements include a 3D switcher replacing the Alt+Tab switcher and improved window tiling with quarter tiling and experimental tiling layouts. Zorin 17 also addresses bloat concerns by removing unnecessary applications and updating the theme for better compatibility. Overall, the beta release shows promise, and the final version is expected to be released soon.
Mint 21.3: Minor Upgrades and Experimental Wayland Support
Another Linux distro, Linux Mint, is also preparing for an update with Mint 21.3. While it is considered a minor upgrade, there are some interesting additions. One notable feature is the experimental Wayland support, which marks the beginning of Linux Mint's transition to the Wayland display server protocol. Although it will not replace X11 immediately, users can test it out and report any issues on a dedicated GitHub repository. Mint 21.3 also introduces a new feature to Nemo, the file manager, allowing users to add actions through a repository-like system. This means users can easily install, remove, and rate various actions that appear in the right-click menu. Other improvements include enhancements to Hypnotics, the ability to favorite channels, create custom channels, and various fixes and improvements to the login screen, batch renaming tool, and media viewer. While Mint 21.3 may not warrant a dedicated video, it remains a solid update worth considering.
The AI Alliance: Promoting Open and Coherent AI Development
The AI Alliance, a newly formed organization, aims to create an alliance of major companies and entities invested in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). With backing from industry giants such as IBM, Sony, Intel, and AMD, the AI Alliance strives to develop benchmarks, evaluation standards, and open models for AI applications. By ensuring coherence and transparency in AI development, the Alliance aims to address the ethical concerns surrounding AI usage. Additionally, the organization plans to focus on practical use cases, such as solving issues related to climate change and education. Through the creation of working groups and a dedicated board, the AI Alliance aims to establish guidelines and standards for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. While some skepticism may arise regarding the motives of participating companies, the push for open AI development and standards is a step in the right direction.
EU's AI Act: Regulating and Ensuring Transparent AI Usage
Recognizing the potential risks and impact of AI technologies, the European Union (EU) has taken the lead in regulating AI usage with the proposal of the AI Act. This provisional agreement aims to prevent malicious AI applications that may violate civil rights, infringe privacy, or manipulate human behavior. The AI Act establishes requirements for transparency, outlining that general-purpose AI systems, such as chatbots, must share technical documentation, comply with copyright laws, and provide detailed summaries of the content used to train the AI models. Violators of these regulations may face penalties equivalent to 7% of their revenue. While the introduced regulations are a positive step towards responsible AI development, critics argue that the penalties imposed are too lenient. Nonetheless, the EU's proactive approach in regulating AI usage sets a Precedent for other regions to follow.
systemd BSOD: A New System Failure Display
Systemd, a popular system management daemon used in many Linux distributions, has introduced a new component called systemd BSOD (Blue Screen of Death). Contrary to its Windows counterpart, the systemd BSOD aims to provide a more informative and user-friendly experience during system failures. When a severe failure occurs during the boot sequence, systemd BSOD displays emergency log messages in a full-screen format. This allows users to better understand the error and provides them with a QR code for additional information and troubleshooting. While some users may express concerns about Linux imitating Windows, the systemd BSOD component offers an improved approach to handling system failures, replacing the traditional black screen with white lines of text. The introduction of systemd BSOD is accompanied by other features such as storage TM and VM spawn, which offer enhanced storage device accessibility and virtual machine spawning capabilities, respectively.
LogoFail: A Security Vulnerability That Affects Windows and Linux
LogoFail, a newly discovered security vulnerability, poses a threat to both Windows and Linux systems. This vulnerability exploits flaws in UEFI implementations, impacting major BIOS and UEFI interface providers, including AMI, Insyde, and Phoenix. Additionally, it affects popular computer manufacturers such as Lenovo, Dell, and HP, as well as CPUs from Intel, AMD, and ARM. LogoFail takes advantage of the boot process by replacing the manufacturer's logo with a maliciously modified image that contains additional code. By doing so, attackers can gain control over the entire system, including the memory and operating system, even before it boots. This vulnerability can be exploited remotely and leaves little Trace, making it highly difficult to detect using traditional antivirus software. To mitigate the risk, manufacturers and users are encouraged to apply firmware updates promptly and remain vigilant.
Exciting Updates Coming to GNOME
GNOME, a popular desktop environment for Linux, is set to receive several exciting updates. One significant improvement focuses on text and icon scaling, addressing issues that arise when using the accessibility option. The updates include conversion functions to Scale pixels and points into em, ensuring proper scaling of text and assets. Padding has also been adjusted, allowing proper scaling of icons and maintaining a consistent interface. Additionally, buttons in the panel will scale accordingly. These changes offer a more precise and flexible scaling option, reducing reliance on fractional scaling. GNOME developers are also working on a new USB portal, notification grouping, and better fractional scaling implementation. Moreover, efforts are being made to enhance Speech Synthesis on Linux, improving accessibility for users with visual impairments. Another noteworthy addition is triple buffering, expected to improve performance on integrated graphics. These updates showcase GNOME's commitment to providing a seamless and user-friendly desktop experience.
Steam Deck OLED: Performance and Battery Life Comparison
Valve's Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device powered by Linux, is receiving an update with the introduction of an OLED version. While the performance is comparable to the LCD variant, the OLED model offers better battery life and enhanced display quality. The OLED screen provides a more vibrant and immersive gaming experience, with increased contrast and improved color accuracy. Although the OLED version does not significantly boost performance, it does offer an additional 1 to 4 hours of battery life, depending on usage. This upgrade, combined with the improved display and input capabilities, makes the OLED variant a desirable choice for Steam Deck users. However, users who already own the LCD model might not find it necessary to upgrade unless they require extended battery life.
Wine 8.22: Enhanced Wayland Support
The latest release of Wine, version 8.22, introduces further improvements to Wayland support. With the addition of Mouse look support and relative motion events, Wine now offers a more comprehensive gaming experience on systems using the Wayland display server protocol. These enhancements pave the way for native Wayland support in Wine, allowing gamers to enjoy better performance and compatibility with Wayland-based distributions. This development moves towards closing the gap between X11 and Wayland gaming, bringing improved performance and stability to Linux gaming. While some specific bugs and performance issues are still being addressed, the progress made indicates that fully functional native support for Wayland in Wine is on the horizon. This advancement also Hints at potential improvements in Proton, the compatibility layer enabling Windows games to run on Linux.
Upgrade Your Linux Experience with Tuxedo Computers
When considering a new computer for running Linux, Tuxedo Computers offers a range of devices that are purpose-built and optimized for the operating system. Tuxedo Computers ships computers pre-installed with Linux, ensuring a seamless out-of-the-box experience. The hardware is carefully selected and tested to provide Flawless compatibility with Linux, and any issues that arise during testing are promptly addressed, with fixes often contributed Upstream. Tuxedo Computers offers a wide variety of customizable laptops, desktops, and mini PCs, allowing users to tailor their systems to their specific needs. From keyboard layouts to component choices, customization options are plentiful. Additionally, Tuxedo Computers' devices are designed to be user-serviceable, featuring easily accessible and upgradable components. Whether you are a Linux enthusiast, professional user, or gamer, Tuxedo Computers provides an excellent option for obtaining a fully optimized Linux system.
Highlights
- Zorin OS releases the beta version of Zorin S7, featuring improved desktop experience and visual enhancements.
- Linux Mint 21.3 introduces experimental Wayland support and improves Nemo file manager with an action repository.
- The AI Alliance, backed by major companies and entities, aims to promote open and coherent AI development.
- The EU proposes the AI Act to regulate AI usage, ensuring transparency and preventing malicious applications.
- Systemd introduces systemd BSOD, a new component that provides informative system failure messages.
- LogoFail, a security vulnerability, affects UEFI implementations and major computer manufacturers, posing remote exploitation risks.
- GNOME receives updates to enhance text and icon scaling, USB portal, notification grouping, and fractional scaling.
- Steam Deck OLED offers better battery life and display quality, enhancing the gaming experience.
- Wine 8.22 brings additional Wayland support, improving compatibility and performance for Linux gaming.
- Tuxedo Computers provides purpose-built Linux devices with pre-installed Linux, customization options, and user-serviceability.
FAQ
Q: Is Zorin S7 suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, Zorin S7 offers a user-friendly experience with visual enhancements and improved desktop layouts. It is a great choice for beginners exploring the Linux ecosystem.
Q: Can I upgrade from an older version of Zorin OS to Zorin S7?
A: Yes, you can upgrade from older versions of Zorin OS to Zorin S7 when the final release is available. Instructions for upgrading will be provided by the Zorin OS team.
Q: What are the benefits of experimental Wayland support in Linux Mint 21.3?
A: Experimental Wayland support in Linux Mint 21.3 allows users to test and provide feedback on the new display server protocol. It paves the way for future adoption and improved graphics performance.
Q: Is the AI Alliance open to collaboration from smaller companies and organizations?
A: While the AI Alliance includes major industry players, it welcomes collaboration from smaller companies and organizations. The goal is to create open standards and promote coherent AI development.
Q: How does the EU's AI Act ensure transparency in AI usage?
A: The EU's AI Act mandates that AI systems, such as chatbots, share technical documentation, comply with copyright laws, and provide detailed summaries of the content used to train AI models. This promotes transparency and accountability in AI applications.
Q: Can systemd BSOD be disabled if I prefer the traditional black screen on system failure?
A: Yes, the systemd BSOD component can be disabled in appearance settings if you prefer the traditional black screen. It allows users to customize their system failure display according to their preference.
Q: What precautions should I take to protect against LogoFail vulnerability?
A: To mitigate the risks of LogoFail vulnerability, regularly apply firmware updates from your computer manufacturer. Stay vigilant and ensure you have up-to-date security measures to protect against potential attacks.
Q: When can we expect the updates Mentioned in GNOME to be available?
A: The updates mentioned in GNOME, such as improved text and icon scaling, USB portal, notification grouping, and better fractional scaling, are expected to be available in upcoming releases, with some features planned for GNOME 46.
Q: Is it worth upgrading to Steam Deck OLED for better battery life?
A: If extended battery life is important to you, upgrading to Steam Deck OLED is worth considering. It offers an additional 1 to 4 hours of battery life compared to the LCD model, providing a longer gaming session.
Q: What benefits does Wine 8.22's enhanced Wayland support bring to Linux gaming?
A: Wine 8.22's enhanced Wayland support brings better compatibility and performance for gaming on Wayland-based systems. It paves the way for native Wayland support, leading to improved gaming experiences for Linux users.
Q: Why should I consider purchasing a computer from Tuxedo Computers?
A: Tuxedo Computers offers computers specifically designed and optimized for running Linux. With pre-installed Linux, customizable hardware, and user-serviceability, Tuxedo Computers provides an ideal solution for a seamless and tailored Linux experience.
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