If you’ve spent any time managing software on a Debian-based Linux system (like Ubuntu or Debian itself), you’re likely familiar with apt and aptitude. While apt is generally the go-to for many, aptitude offers some powerful features, particularly when it comes to understanding software dependencies. Among its most insightful commands are why and why-not. These aren’t just obscure tools for advanced users; they are invaluable for anyone who wants to truly understand how their software is installed and why certain packages are present (or absent).

The Necessity

When managing a system, packages don’t exist in isolation. One package’s presence might be required by another, or certain conflicts may block the installation of some. As systems grow more complex, understanding why a package is here—or why not—becomes key to troubleshooting, planning upgrades, or simply learning how the system is interconnected.

Understanding Dependencies: Imagine you see a package installed that you didn’t explicitly request. The why command helps trace the chain of dependencies, showing you which other packages required it. This is particularly useful if you’re cleaning up unnecessary software or trying to understand how a system was set up.

Resolving Conflicts: Conversely, if you’re expecting a new package to install, but it’s being held back or causing issues, the why-not command steps in. It explains the blockers—be they conflicts or unsatisfied dependency conditions—that prevent the installation. This insight can guide you in resolving conflicts, perhaps by removing, upgrading, or reconfiguring certain packages.

Understanding these tools isn’t just about knowing what commands to type—it’s about gaining insight into the careful balancing act that package managers perform every day.

The why Command

The aptitude why command is like asking, “What’s the trail that led to this package being installed?” When you run this command, you’ll see a dependency chain that explains the reason behind a package’s presence. For example:

Scenario: You notice that package A is installed even though you never explicitly installed it.

Usage: Running aptitude why A might reveal that package B requires package A, and perhaps package C required B.

Features:

• Chain Display: It lists a chain of dependencies starting from a package you explicitly installed down to the dependent package.
• Transparency: It exposes hidden relationships so you can trace back decisions made by the package management system.

This command is indispensable when you’re trying to understand system bloat, plan for removals, or simply appreciate the underlying design of your system. It turns the often opaque dependency graph into a readable chain of events.

The why-not Command

While why explains presence, aptitude why-not tackles absence. Suppose you’re trying to install package D and the system refuses with dependency errors or conflicts. why-not provides a reverse explanation by showing what prevents the installation.

Scenario: You attempt to install package D, but aptitude refuses, citing conflicts.

Usage: Running aptitude why-not D will display the chain of constraints or conflicts that block package D from being installed.

Features:

• Conflict Resolution: It digs into the specific reasons—like conflicts with already installed packages or unsatisfied version requirements—that cause the block.
• Diagnostic Insight: By laying out the dependency puzzle backward, it allows you to pinpoint exactly what must change for the package to be installable.

This command is a boon for troubleshooting installation issues. When you face a roadblock with a package’s installation, why-not gives you actionable information rather than leaving you guessing about system constraints.

Key Differences

While both commands delve into dependency chains, their focus is distinct:

Purpose:

• why: Answers the question, “Why is this package installed?” It traces the reasons behind an already installed package.
• why-not: Answers, “Why can’t this package be installed?” It investigates the conflicts or constraints that prevent an uninstalled package from making it onto your system.

Direction of Analysis:

• why: Moves from the package you see installed backward through the dependency tree.
• why-not: Explores the dependency chain forward from the desired package to the conflicting packages or unmet conditions.

Use Cases:

• Use why for understanding and documenting the system’s current state, especially when refactoring or cleaning up installations.
• Use why-not when planning an install or debugging why a package you expect to be installed isn’t, so you can resolve the underlying issues.

Together, these commands create transparency in a system that could otherwise be an inscrutable tangle of dependencies and conflicts.

While apt is excellent for routine package operations, aptitude’s why and why-not commands elevate your understanding of package management to a new level. They transform dependency resolution from a mysterious black box into a transparent, understandable process. By leveraging these powerful tools, you can debug installation issues, optimize your system, and make informed decisions about your software, ultimately leading to a more stable and efficient Linux experience. So, the next time you’re wondering about a package, don’t just guess – ask aptitude why or why-not!

The buzz has been building, and now it’s official: Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10 has landed. While some keen observers noted its quiet emergence on the Red Hat Customer Portal a few days prior, the formal announcement at Red Hat Summit 2025 has truly set the stage for this pivotal release. Codenamed “Coughlan,” RHEL 10 isn’t just another incremental update; it’s a significant leap forward, designed to meet the evolving demands of hybrid cloud environments, AI workloads, and the ever-present need for enhanced security.

In today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape, agility, security, and efficiency have become the cornerstones of modern enterprise infrastructure. With the release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10, organizations are presented with a platform that not only meets these demands but sets a new standard for how operating systems support digital transformation. This latest version is designed to tackle emerging challenges head-on, from accelerated cloud adoption and dynamic resource constraints to the integration of AI-driven processes and next-generation security protocols

New Features

Red Hat has reimagined familiar workflows to streamline daily operations while boosting overall productivity. For instance, the new installer now grants administrative privileges by default to newly created users—though administrators can always opt out—as well as offering more granular control over system settings like time zone configuration. This change, along with the replacement of the older VNC remote access method with a modern Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), reflects a commitment to both usability and performance. Moreover, the evolution of the image builder—transitioning from the now-deprecated cockpit-composer package to the innovative cockpit-image-builder plugin—demonstrates an emphasis on efficient system image creation and deployment

Enhanced Security

Security remains at the heart of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10. In this release, system-wide cryptographic policies have been refined, enabling toolkits such as OpenSSL, GnuTLS, and NSS to support post-quantum algorithms—a significant step forward in safeguarding sensitive data against emerging threats. The update also brings OpenSSH suite enhancements (now at version 9.9) that deliver a higher level of reliability and security over previous iterations. Additionally, the integration of Sequoia PGP tools alongside traditional GnuPG offerings enriches the operating system’s encryption and signature capabilities, while improvements in SELinux userspace further bolster security by introducing new modes and support improvements

AI-Powered Management with Lightspeed

Recognizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence in IT operations, Red Hat has ingeniously woven AI-based enhancements throughout this release. A standout is the introduction of Red Hat Enterprise Linux Lightspeed, which works as an intelligent command-line assistant. Powered by generative AI, this feature aids in troubleshooting, interprets logs, and even recommends the installation of relevant packages during image creation. By seamlessly integrating AI into daily operations, administrators and developers alike can expect a smoother, more intuitive experience—one that reduces manual overhead and accelerates problem resolution

Innovations for Developers

For developers, RHEL 10 is a playground for exploring emerging technologies. One exciting offering is the RISC-V developer preview, established in collaboration with SiFive. This initiative gives developers early access to the HiFive P550 RISC-V platform, enabling them to experiment with a scalable, secure environment that could very well power the next generation of server deployments. Alongside this, enhancements in image mode support and confidential computing ensure that AI model execution and other cutting-edge applications run with optimal security and reliability.

Optimized for Hybrid Cloud and AI Workloads

RHEL 10 arrives with full support for running RHEL images across major public cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. This deep integration simplifies cloud migrations and ensures consistent performance, whether your workloads are on-premises or in the cloud. Furthermore, RHEL 10 is purpose-built to serve as a robust and trusted foundation for AI initiatives, with features that accelerate time-to-market for the latest AI hardware and software.

General Availability

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 is now generally available through the Red Hat Customer Portal for existing customers with active RHEL subscriptions. For developers looking to explore the new features and build on this cutting-edge platform, RHEL 10 is also accessible via no-cost Red Hat Developer programs with a fully detailed release notes list.

Additionally, pre-tuned, fully supported, and ready-to-run RHEL images for AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are now available, simplifying deployment in cloud environments.

The release of RHEL 10 symbolizes a thoughtful balance between stability and innovation. Whether you’re managing a fleet of servers across a global enterprise or experimenting with next-generation development platforms, this release has something to offer. It serves as a reminder that even in a landscape defined by constant change, the right tools can empower us to not just keep up, but to lead the way forward.

Upgrading a Linux distribution to a new major version can be a significant undertaking. It involves navigating potential compatibility issues, managing package changes, and ensuring a smooth transition while preserving existing configurations and data. In the world of Linux, two prominent tools serve this crucial purpose, each tailored to a different ecosystem: elevate and do-release-upgrade. While both aim to facilitate in-place operating system upgrades, they cater to distinct distribution families and employ different underlying mechanisms.

do-release-upgrade: The Ubuntu/Debian Standard

For users of Ubuntu and its derivatives, do-release-upgrade is the familiar and officially recommended command-line utility for performing major version upgrades. Developed as part of the update-manager-core package, it provides a structured and guided process for transitioning between Ubuntu releases.

do-release-upgrade works by first checking for a new release and then updating the system’s package sources (/etc/apt/sources.list and sources in /etc/apt/sources.list.d) to point to the repositories of the target release. It performs a series of checks to identify potential conflicts, deprecated packages, and necessary changes. During the upgrade process, it handles the download and installation of new package versions, the removal of obsolete ones, and the intelligent management of changing dependencies. For server upgrades, particularly over SSH, do-release-upgrade is designed to be robust, even offering to start an additional SSH daemon on a different port to mitigate connectivity issues during the process.

The process typically involves:

• Checking for the availability of a new release.  
• Updating package lists and performing initial checks.  
• Downloading necessary package files for the new release.
• Installing the upgraded packages and handling configuration file changes (often prompting the user for input).  
• Removing obsolete packages.  
• A final reboot into the new operating system version.

do-release-upgrade is deeply integrated with the Debian package management system (apt) and the Ubuntu release cycle, making it the go-to tool for reliable in-place upgrades within that family of distributions.

ELevate: The RHEL Derivatives Standard

In the realm of RHEL-based distributions, such as CentOS (before its shift to Stream), AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, and Oracle Linux, major version upgrades have historically presented more significant challenges. ELevate emerges as a community-driven project specifically designed to address this need, enabling in-place upgrades between major versions of these RHEL derivatives.

ELevate is built upon the leapp framework, a powerful upgrade utility developed by Red Hat. leapp operates by performing a pre-upgrade analysis of the system to identify potential issues and then executing a series of “actors” that handle the actual upgrade process. ELevate augments leapp with a crucial component: a data library (leapp-data) containing the necessary metadata and rules to facilitate upgrades between specific RHEL derivative versions (e.g., CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8, AlmaLinux 8 to 9).

The ELevate process, leveraging leapp, typically involves:

• Installing the leapp framework and the relevant elevate-release and leapp-data packages for the desired upgrade path.
• Running a pre-upgrade check (leapp preupgrade) to generate a report detailing potential blockers and necessary manual interventions.  
• Addressing any issues identified in the pre-upgrade report.
• Initiating the upgrade process (leapp upgrade), which often involves a reboot into a special environment to perform the core package migration.  
• Completing the upgrade and rebooting into the new system.

ELevate aims to provide a more streamlined and supported path for users migrating from older, often end-of-life, RHEL-based systems to newer, supported versions, even across different distributions within the RHEL family.

Key Differences and Comparison

The fundamental difference between ELevate and do-release-upgrade lies in their target audience and the ecosystems they serve:

• Target Distributions: do-release-upgrade is specifically for Ubuntu and Debian-based systems, while ELevate is designed for RHEL and its derivatives.  
• Underlying Technology: do-release-upgrade is a purpose-built tool integrated with the APT package manager. ELevate is a project built on the leapp framework, extended with specific data for RHEL derivative upgrades.  
• Primary Use Case: do-release-upgrade is the standard, officially supported method for sequential release upgrades in Ubuntu. ELevate addresses the challenge of upgrading between major versions, often across different distributions within the RHEL family, particularly relevant for migrating from CentOS 7.  
• Flexibility (within their domain): ELevate, through its leapp foundation and data modules, offers flexibility in supporting various RHEL-based migration paths. do-release-upgrade is primarily focused on the official Ubuntu release upgrade paths.

By understanding the distinct purposes of these tools, you can select the one best suited for your Linux upgrade requirements. Whether you need the enterprise-level rigor of Elevate or the simplicity of do-release-upgrade, both tools bring reliability and efficiency to the process of operating system upgrades.

Canonical has released Ubuntu 25.04, codenamed “Plucky Puffin”, the latest iteration of its popular Linux distribution. This release continues Ubuntu’s tradition of delivering cutting-edge open-source technology, combined with a user-friendly experience for developers, businesses, and everyday users.

Ubuntu has a fixed release cycle for its operating system. Releases of Ubuntu get a development codename (‘Plucky Puffin’) and are versioned by the year and month of delivery – for example, Ubuntu 25.04 was released in April 2025.

LTS or ‘Long Term Support’ releases are published every two years in April. LTS releases are the ‘enterprise grade’ releases of Ubuntu and are used the most. An estimated 95% of all Ubuntu installations are LTS releases.

Key Features of Ubuntu 25.04

Ubuntu 25.04 introduces a host of innovative features and improvements designed to enhance productivity, security, and user experience:

1. GNOME 48 Integration:
   • Triple buffering for smoother performance.
   • HDR support for vivid visuals.
   • New tools like the “Wellbeing Panel” for screen time tracking and “Preserve Battery Health” mode for optimized power management.
   • Notification grouping for better organization and reduced cognitive load.
2. Linux Kernel 6.14:
   • Enhanced scheduling capabilities with the new sched_ext system, allowing developers to implement custom scheduling policies.
   • Improved Wine/Proton gaming support through the new NTSYNC driver.
   • Better container tooling with decoupled bpftools and linux-perf.
3. Developer Tooling:
   • Introduction of “devpacks,” snap bundles for frameworks like Spring and Go.
   • Updated toolchains for Python, Rust, .NET, LLVM, OpenJDK, and more.
   • Expanded confidential computing support with AMD SEV-SNP for secure AI workload deployment.
4. Modern PDF Reader:
   • “Papers” becomes the default PDF reader, offering a sleek design and enhanced functionality.
5. Installer Improvements:
   • Refined OS installation options for dual-boot setups with Windows.
   • Improved handling of advanced partitioning and encryption.
   • Enhanced enterprise deployments with auto-installation via Landscape.
6. Networking and Identity Management:
   • Secure time synchronization with NTS.
   • Better Active Directory (AD) integration.
   • Cloud authentication against EntraID and Google identity.
   • DNS-aware wait-online logic with Netplan.
7. Hardware Enablement:
   • Performance improvements for AI workloads on Intel GPUs.
   • Introduction of a new ARM64 Desktop ISO for hardware enthusiasts.

Official Flavours

Ubuntu 25.04 also sees the release of updated versions of its official flavours, including Edubuntu, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Cinnamon, Ubuntu Kylin, Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Studio, Ubuntu Unity, and Xubuntu. Each flavour brings its own unique features and enhancements tailored to specific user needs.

Availability and Support

Ubuntu 25.04 is available for download at Ubuntu’s official website. Users of Ubuntu 24.10 can upgrade seamlessly to the new version. Maintenance updates will be provided for nine months, ensuring stability and security.

Experience the Future of Linux

Ubuntu 25.04 reaffirms Canonical’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the open-source community. Whether you’re a developer, a business professional, or a casual user, “Plucky Puffin” offers a powerful and versatile platform to meet your needs. Upgrade today and explore the future of Linux!

Key Improvements in Ubuntu 25.04 over Ubuntu 24.10

Ubuntu 25.04 offers significant improvements in user experience, developer tools, and hardware support, making it a compelling upgrade from Ubuntu 24.10. Let me know if you’d like more details on any specific feature!

Both versions are short-term releases with nine months of support. They cater to users who prefer the latest features and updates over the long-term stability of LTS versions.

The Fedora Project, a community-driven, open-source Linux distribution sponsored primarily by Red Hat, Inc., today announced the general availability of Fedora 42. This latest release continues Fedora’s tradition of delivering cutting-edge free and open-source software, providing developers, enthusiasts, and users with the newest technologies and a robust, reliable platform.

Fedora 42 incorporates a wealth of updates and new features, focusing on enhanced user experience, developer tools, and the latest advancements in desktop environments and core system components.

Key highlights of Fedora 42

Enhanced Installation Experience

The Anaconda installer now operates as a native Wayland application, offering improved keyboard control and a new web-based user interface (UI) for guided partitioning. This UI simplifies the installation process with options for automatic partitioning, dual-boot support, and a “reinstall Fedora” feature for seamless recovery.

KDE Plasma Desktop Edition

Promoted to flagship status, this edition includes KDE Plasma 6.3.4, KDE Frameworks 6.12.0, and a suite of KDE applications. It is now supported on OpenPOWER systems, providing a robust alternative to GNOME.

Fedora COSMIC Spin

A modern Rust-based desktop environment developed by System76, featuring hybrid per-workspace window/tiling management, window stacks with tabs, and extensive customization options integrated with GTK and (soon) Qt.

Accessibility and Performance Improvements

GNOME 48 powers Fedora Workstation 42, introducing dynamic triple buffering for smoother animations, Orca screen reader support on Wayland, and well-being tools like screen time tracking and break reminders.

IBus Speech-to-Text

A new input method enabling offline voice dictation in multiple languages, preserving user privacy and integrating seamlessly with IBus infrastructure. It enables voice dictation in any application that supports IBus input methods. Here are some examples of how you can use this feature:

• Dictating Text in a Document: Open a text editor like GNOME Text Editor or LibreOffice Writer. Activate the Speech-to-Text input method and start speaking. Your words will be transcribed into text in real-time.
• Composing Emails: Use the Speech-to-Text feature to dictate emails directly in your email client, such as Thunderbird or Evolution. This can save time and improve accessibility.
• Programming: Developers can use Speech-to-Text to dictate code snippets or comments in IDEs like Visual Studio Code or GNOME Builder. While it may not be ideal for complex coding, it can be helpful for quick notes or simple tasks.
• Multilingual Communication: The feature supports multiple languages through downloadable voice recognition models. You can switch between languages seamlessly for multilingual dictation.
• Accessibility: Users with physical disabilities can leverage this feature to interact with their systems more easily, enhancing productivity and inclusivity.

Fedora WSL

Fedora Linux images are now available for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing users to explore Fedora in a Windows environment before committing to a full installation.

Matthew Miller, Fedora Project Leader, expressed gratitude to the global community of contributors: “Fedora Linux 42 is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of open-source developers worldwide. Together, we’ve created an operating system that embodies innovation and inclusivity.”

Fedora Linux 42 is now available for download. Users can upgrade their existing systems or start fresh with install media for flagship editions like Workstation, KDE Plasma Desktop, Cloud, Server, CoreOS, IoT, and more.

For more information, visit the Fedora Project website.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has revolutionized cross-platform development, allowing users to run a Linux environment directly on Windows.

While primarily designed for Windows users, you can also leverage WSL from your Linux system, opening up unique possibilities for testing, development, and interoperability.

Why Use WSL from Linux?

• Testing Windows-Specific Applications: If you’re a developer working on cross-platform projects, accessing WSL from Linux allows you to test Windows-specific components without needing a separate Windows machine.
• Accessing Windows Tools: You might need to use a specific Windows tool or application that isn’t available on Linux. WSL provides a convenient way to access these tools without leaving your Linux workflow.
• Automation and Scripting: You can integrate Windows commands and scripts into your Linux workflows, automating tasks that require interaction with both operating systems.
• Simplified Cross-Platform Development: Running both Linux and Windows environments side-by-side on your Linux machine can streamline cross-platform development.

Steps to Access WSL from Linux

1. Enable SSH on Windows (if not already enabled):
   • Ensure that the OpenSSH Server is installed and running on your Windows machine.
   • You can enable it through “Settings” -> “Apps” -> “Optional features” or through PowerShell.  
   • Once installed, start the OpenSSH Server service.  
   • It is advised to set up SSH keys for passwordless login.
   • It is also advised to escalate to sudo user on Windows.
2. Determine the Windows Machine’s IP Address:
   • On your Windows machine, open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type ipconfig.
   • Note the IPv4 address.
3. SSH into the Windows Machine from Linux:
   • On your Linux terminal, use the following command, replacing [Windows_IP_Address] with the IP address you noted:
     • ssh [Windows_Username]@[Windows_IP_Address]
     • If using ssh keys, you may not need to enter a password.
4. Access WSL from the Windows Command Line:
   • Once you’ve successfully SSHed into your Windows machine, you can access your WSL distribution by typing its name. For example, if you’re using Ubuntu, type:
     • wsl -d Ubuntu
   • You are now inside the Linux environment that is running inside of WSL.
5. Running commands:
   • From within the WSL terminal, you can run any linux command that you would normally run.  
   • You can access windows files from within WSL. The windows files are typically mounted under /mnt/c.  
   • You can also run windows commands from within WSL by appending .exe to the command. For example, to run notepad, type notepad.exe.  
6. Automating WSL commands from Linux:
   • You can directly execute WSL commands from your Linux terminal using SSH. For example:
     • ssh [Windows_Username]@[Windows_IP_Address] wsl -d Ubuntu -e "ls -l /mnt/c/Users/[YourWindowsUsername]/Documents"
     • This command will SSH into your Windows machine, launch the Ubuntu WSL distribution, and execute the ls -l command to list the contents of your Windows Documents folder.
7. This can be very useful for scripting tasks that need to interact with both Linux and Windows.

Tips and Considerations

• Network Access: WSL 2 runs in a virtualized environment, so you might need to configure network settings if you need to access network resources from within WSL
• GUI Applications: While you can run GUI applications from WSL, it requires additional configuration, such as setting up an X server on your Linux machine or using a remote desktop solution.

Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distributions, has reached a significant milestone: its 20th anniversary. Since its inception in 2004, Ubuntu has grown from a small, community-maintained project to a leading operating system used by millions worldwide. Today, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Ubuntu remains a cornerstone of the open-source community, empowering individuals and organizations worldwide.

The Ubuntu Journey

Ubuntu was first released on October 20, 2004, with version 4.10, affectionately known as “Warty Warthog.” The goal was to create an easy-to-use Linux distribution that anyone could install and use. The project quickly gained traction, thanks to its regular release cycle, strong community focus, and the backing of Canonical, the company founded by Mark Shuttleworth to support Ubuntu’s development.

Ubuntu, derived from the South African concept of “humanity toward others,” has always been more than just an operating system. It’s a philosophy of community, collaboration, and respect. This ethos has guided Ubuntu’s development from the beginning, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for users and contributors alike.

Over the past two decades, Ubuntu has achieved numerous milestones:

• Desktop Dominance: Ubuntu has become one of the most popular Linux distributions for desktops, offering a polished and intuitive user experience.
• Server Success: Ubuntu is widely used in server environments, powering everything from web servers and databases to cloud infrastructure.
• IoT and Embedded Systems: Ubuntu has expanded into the Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems, providing a reliable and scalable platform for various devices.
• Community-Driven Development: Ubuntu’s development is driven by a large and active community of contributors, ensuring that the project remains relevant and responsive to user needs.

The 20th Anniversary Release: Ubuntu 24.10 ‘Oracular Oriole’

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Canonical released Ubuntu 24.10, codenamed “Oracular Oriole”. This release pays homage to the original 4.10 version with several nostalgic touches, including the original startup sound and wallpaper. It also introduces new features and improvements, such as enhanced support for ARM64 devices and updated file management tools.

The Ubuntu Community

The Ubuntu community has been at the heart of its success. From experienced developers to new users, everyone is welcome to contribute to the project. The community organizes events, provides support, and fosters a sense of belonging among its members. Canonical has also launched a dedicated content hub where users can share their Ubuntu stories and experiences.

Looking Ahead

As Ubuntu enters its third decade, the focus remains on innovation and community. With the continued support of its users, contributors, and partners, Ubuntu is poised to lead the way in open-source software development for years to come.

The project is continually evolving to meet the changing needs of users and the broader technology landscape. With a focus on accessibility, security, and performance, Ubuntu is well-positioned to remain a leading force in the world of open-source operating systems.

The 20-year journey of Ubuntu is a testament to the power of open-source collaboration and the dedication of its community. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the future innovations and contributions that will shape the next 20 years of Ubuntu.

Linux, the open-source operating system, has been steadily gaining market share over the past several years. As of July 2024, Linux’s market share has reached 4.5%, according to a new report from StatCounter. This represents a significant increase from the 3.5% market share that Linux held in July 2023.

Source: StatCounter Global Stats – OS Market Share

Between July 2023 and July 2024, Linux’s market share showed a consistent upward trend, starting at 3.12% and peaking at 4.45%. This growth trajectory indicates a steady increase in user base and interest in open-source alternatives.

The approaching end-of-life (EOL) for Windows 10 in October 2025 is a significant factor contributing to the increasing market reach of Linux. As users and organizations prepare for this transition, many are exploring alternative operating systems, and Linux is emerging as a popular choice. Here are some key reasons why the EOL of Windows 10 is driving Linux adoption:

• Hardware Compatibility: Many existing PCs that run Windows 10 do not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, such as the need for a TPM 2.0. Instead of investing in new hardware, users find Linux a viable option that can run efficiently on their current systems.
• Cost Savings: Linux is open-source and free to use, which is appealing to both individual users and organizations looking to reduce costs associated with software licensing and upgrades.
• Enterprise Solutions: Many enterprises are adopting Linux for its stability and security. As Windows 10 support ends, companies are evaluating their long-term IT strategies and finding Linux to be a reliable alternative

Linux is now used by a wide range of organizations, including businesses, educational institutions, and governments. It is also used by millions of individuals around the world.

Linux’s journey from a niche operating system to a mainstream choice is a testament to the power of open-source development and community-driven innovation. As more users and organizations recognize its benefits, Linux’s market share is poised to continue its upward climb.

Monitoring and understanding system performance is crucial for any Linux user, from casual desktops to mission-critical servers. Choosing the right tool can make a world of difference in efficiency and understanding. Three popular contenders in this arena are top, htop, and atop, each offering unique strengths and weaknesses. This article will guide you through their key features to help you pick the champion for your needs.

The Old Faithful: top

If you’ve used Linux for any length of time, you’ve likely encountered top. This venerable tool provides a quick, real-time overview of your system’s CPU, memory, swap, and process usage. It’s simple to use and perfect for a quick snapshot of current resource consumption. However, its text-based interface can feel clunky, and it lacks interactive features or deeper historical insights.

Basic usage: top
Sort by memory usage: top -o m
Display only one CPU: top -n 1
Refresh every 5 seconds: top -d 5
Show full command lines: top -c

The Interactive Champion: htop

Think of htop as top on steroids. It builds upon the foundation of top, offering a visually appealing, interactive interface. You can navigate processes with arrow keys, kill or renice them directly, filter based on specific criteria, and even view detailed disk and network information. htop strikes a nice balance between ease of use and insightful information.

Basic usage: htop
Search for a specific process: F3 (search bar)
Sort by network usage: F6 (choose "NETWORK")
Kill a process: Select the process with arrows, press F9
Filter by username: Press u and enter username

The Deep Diver: atop

For deeper analysis and historical trends, atop shines. It goes beyond real-time snapshots, recording detailed system and process activity over time. You can analyze historical CPU, memory, disk, and network usage, identify performance bottlenecks, and even track specific processes over hours or days. While atop offers the most detailed data, its interface and configuration options can be more complex, requiring more understanding of the underlying system.

Basic usage: atop
Focus on CPU and disk: atop -P CPU,DSK
Analyze historical data: atop -r /var/log/atop/*.atop (replace * with specific file date/time)
Track a specific process: atop -p PID (replace PID with process ID)
Show command-line arguments for all processes: atop -c

Choosing Your Champion:

• Quick overview: Choose top for a simple, text-based snapshot.
• Interactive exploration: Opt for htop for its user-friendly interface and process management features.
• Deep analysis: Pick atop for historical tracking and detailed resource insights.

Ultimately, the best tool depends on your specific needs and preferences. Experiment with each and see which one helps you conquer the performance monitoring mountain!

Consider these additional factors:

• Resource usage: htop and atop are slightly more resource-intensive than top.
• Customization: atop offers extensive configuration options for tailoring the data you see.
• Learning curve: atop’s interface and features require more learning compared to top and htop.

Rocky Linux, the open-source enterprise operating system designed to be 100% bug-for-bug compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux, has released its latest version, 9.3, on November 15, 2023.

Rocky Linux aims to provide a stable and secure platform for users who want to migrate from CentOS or other RHEL-based distributions. Rocky Linux 9 will be supported through May 2032, with general support until May 2027 and security support through May 2032

Some of the new features and improvements in Rocky Linux 9.3 include:

• Support for PowerPC64le architecture: Images for PowerPC64le systems are now available, expanding Rocky Linux’s reach to a wider range of hardware platforms.
• Updated system toolchain: The system toolchain has been updated to the latest version, providing improved performance and stability.
• Updated performance tools and debuggers: Several performance tools and debuggers have been updated to provide better insights into system performance and identify potential issues.
• Updated compiler toolsets: The compiler toolsets have been updated to support the latest programming languages and development tools.
• Security enhancements: Several security vulnerabilities have been addressed in this release, ensuring that your systems remain protected from the latest threats.
• Updated versions of popular packages such as Redis 7, NodeJS 20, and Apache 2.4.57
• Enhanced security features such as OpenSCAP 1.3.8, SCAP 0.1.69, SEtools 4.4.2
• Introduction of further improvements to support the Extended Master Secret (EMS) extension (RFC 7627) required by the FIPS-140-3 standard for all TLS 1.2 connections.

Breaking Changes

• Azure images for Rocky Linux 9.3 will be published under a new publisher name: resf, instead of the previous long, unreadable name. These images are not published yet, but should be available by the end of the week and will be accompanied by another news post.
• The optional guest-agents group, previously available within both the Minimal Install and Custom Operating System base environments in anaconda, is no-longer available for selection as additional software for those environments. Consult release notes for more details.
• The KDE live image for Rocky Linux 9.3 had problems during the testing phase. For this, we will be providing the older 9.2 images until we can build and provide a working image.

How to upgrade to Rocky Linux 9.3

Current users of Rocky Linux 9 can upgrade to 9.3 from the terminal via dnf update, or from the desktop with GNOME Software, KDE Discover, etc.