Short Bytes: Every week we are greeted with some major Linux distribution release. This September, which isn’t an exception, we are expecting the releases of Tails, openSUSE Leap, and Ubuntu. While you’ll be able to try out the final release of security-focused Tails 2.6, openSUSE and Ubuntu will arrive in beta outfits.
Tails 2.6
Release Date: September 9, 2016
The next version of security-focused Debian-based Linux distribution Tails is slated to arrive on September 9, 2016. It should be noted that Tails has a time-based release schedule (6 weeks) that’s aligned with Firefox ESR.
Tails or the Amnesic Incognito Operating System is a live CD/USB that comes with the aim of providing complete online anonymity to a user. All the outgoing connections are forced to pass through TOR. Tails is designed to leave no digital footprint behind once the system is turned off.
Talking about the changes, Tails 2.6 will be shipping with newer technologies and updated software packages. To get a detailed idea of what’s coming, Tails 2.6 RC1 is out now and you can test it. It’s based on TOR 0.2.8.6 to ensure a better support for TOR network communications. Icedove, the Thunderbird email client for Linux, is now updated to version 45.2.0. Other major changes come in the form of support for more Wi-Fi adapters and sound cards. For the complete set of changes, you can read the complete changelog.
openSUSE 42.2 Beta 2
Release Date: September 21, 2016
openSUSE 42.2 Beta 2 is slated to arrive on September 21, 2016. openSUSE is a popular and community-driven Linux distribution that comes in two versions. The one version–openSUSE Tumbleweed–is focused on constant updates and another one–openSUSE Leap–on stability.
openSUSE developers say that Leap is for “pragmatic and progressive” technology adopters. “This hybrid community-enterprise distribution is the safe choice because it has the stability of an enterprise distribution with community-built packages,” according to openSUSE.
In the interests of stability, the Beta 1 development team decided to go with older releases like systemd 228 and Qt 5.6. For the changes coming to Beta 2, we’ll have to wait for the final change log.
openSUSE Leap gets a minor release every 12 months and one major release approximately 36-48 months. Talking about the current batch, before the final release of openSUSE Leap 42.2, Beta 2, Beta 3, RC1, and RC2 are yet to be released. See the schedule below:
Ubuntu 16.10 Yakkety Yak Beta 2
Release Date: September 22, 2016
The development process of Ubuntu 16.10 is going on and this widely popular Linux distribution has already reached the beta stages of development. The first beta was released last month, but only for opt-in flavors. The second and final beta is scheduled to arrive on September 22. Compared to Beta 1, Beta 2 is more anticipated as the regular version of Ubuntu (with Unity desktop) will be taking part in the release.
The first beta came with updated software packages. For the startup session, systemd replaced Upstart. While Beta 1 was based on Linux kernel 4.4 LTS, the final release will be powered by Linux kernel 4.8. The final release is expected to use GNOME 3.20. Also, Unity 8 will be available for testing.
Are you waiting eagerly for any of these releases? Share your views in the comments section below.
