Tech News Digest - 2025-07-04

📢 No humans were probed in the making of this blog.

[$] Python audio processing with pedalboard

Category: Linux
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:18:37 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:

The pedalboard library for Python enables audio processing and conversion between formats, as well as adding audio effects. The maintainer of pedalboard, Peter Sobot, gave a talk on audio in Python at PyCon US 2025, which covered the basics of digital audio and featured examples using the pedalboard library.
The pedalboard library for Python is aimed at audio processing of various sorts, from converting between formats to adding audio effects. The maintainer of

pedalboard, Peter Sobot, gave a talk about audio in Python at PyCon US 2025, which was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in May. He started from the basics of digital audio and then moved into working with pedalboard. There were, as might be guessed, audio examples in the talk, along with some visual information; interested readers may want to view the YouTube video of the presentation.
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Security updates for Friday

Category: Linux
Tags: Linux
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:17:58 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

Multiple Linux distributions have issued security updates to patch vulnerabilities in various packages, including AlmaLinux, Debian, Fedora, Oracle, Slackware, SUSE, and Ubuntu. The updated packages include .NET, container tools, Ghostscript, Git LFS, and others, with specific fixes for each distribution listed.
Security updates have been issued by AlmaLinux (.NET 9.0, container-tools:rhel8, ghostscript, git-lfs, grafana-pcp, pandoc, perl-FCGI:0.78, ruby:2.5, ruby:3.3, tigervnc, and varnish:6), Debian (jpeg-xl and mediawiki), Fedora (darktable, guacamole-server, mingw-gdk-pixbuf, and yarnpkg), Oracle (gimp, kernel, libsoup, python-tornado, python3.12, and thunderbird), Slackware (php), SUSE (libgepub), and Ubuntu (libtpms, linux-aws-5.15, linux-intel-iot-realtime, and linux-bluefield).
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Richards: Introducing tmux-rs

Category: Linux
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:40:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

Collin Richards has released version 0.0.1 of tmux-rs, a port of the tmux terminal multiplexer to Rust, after spending six months rewriting the original C codebase into Rust. The project is currently available on GitHub and consists of around 81,000 lines of code, but it's not yet safe and Richards plans to convert it to safe Rust in the next step.

Collin Richards has announced version 0.0.1 of tmux-rs, a port of the tmux terminal multiplexer to Rust.

For the [past] 6 months or so I've been quietly porting tmux from C to Rust. I've recently reached a big milestone: the code base is now 100% (unsafe) Rust. I'd like to share the process of porting the original codebase from ~67,000 lines of C code to ~81,000 lines of Rust (excluding comments and empty lines). You might be asking: why did you rewrite tmux in Rust? And yeah, I don't really have a good reason. It's a hobby project. Like gardening, but with more segfaults.

Richards says that the next goal for the project is to convert it to safe Rust. It is currently "not very difficult to get it to crash", but he wanted to share the project with other Rust fans now. The project is available on GitHub.

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## [$] Kernel API specification and validation Category: Linux
Tags: Linux
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:24:17 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: The Linux kernel project promises to maintain compatibility with user-space code, but there is currently no clear definition of what the "kernel ABI" is or a comprehensive way to test changes that might break it. A proposed framework by Sasha Levin aims to address these concerns, but it is incomplete and requires additional effort, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring kernel stability.
The kernel project makes a strong promise to its users: the kernel ABI will not be changed in ways that break user-space code. The occasional failure notwithstanding, kernel developers do try to live up to that promise. They are handicapped by one little problem, though: there is no description of what the kernel ABI is, and no comprehensive way to test whether a given change breaks it. The kernel API specification framework proposed (in its second revision) by Sasha Levin addresses some of those concerns, but the solution is incomplete and does not come for free.
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## Security updates for Thursday Category: Linux
Tags: Linux, Red Hat
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:18:24 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: Multiple operating systems, including AlmaLinux, Debian, Mageia, Oracle, Red Hat, SUSE, and Ubuntu, have issued security updates to fix various vulnerabilities in software packages such as .NET, Apache Commons Beanutils, Firefox, Git, GStreamer, Java, Python, and others. The updates address issues related to memory corruption, buffer overflow, cross-site scripting, denial of service, and other types of vulnerabilities.
Security updates have been issued by AlmaLinux (.NET 9.0, aardvark-dns, apache-commons-beanutils, bootc, buildah, corosync, delve and golang, exiv2, expat, firefox, ghostscript, git, git-lfs, gnutls, grafana, grafana-pcp, grub2, gstreamer1, gstreamer1-plugins-bad-free, gstreamer1-plugins-ugly-free, and gstreamer1-rtsp-server, gstreamer1-plugins-base, gstreamer1-plugins-good, gvisor-tap-vsock, iptraf-ng, java-21-openjdk, kernel, keylime-agent-rust, krb5, libarchive, libblockdev, libsoup3, libtasn1, libvpx, libxslt, microcode_ctl, mod_auth_openidc, nodejs22, nodejs:20, openjpeg2, osbuild and osbuild-composer, perl-FCGI, perl-Module-ScanDeps, perl-YAML-LibYAML, php, php:8.2, php:8.3, podman, protobuf, python-jinja2, python-requests, python3.11, python3.12, python3.12-cryptography, python3.9, rpm-ostree, rsync, rust-bootupd, skopeo, thunderbird, tigervnc, tomcat, tomcat9, webkit2gtk3, xdg-utils, xorg-x11-server, and xorg-x11-server-Xwayland), Debian (ring), Mageia (libarchive and rootcerts, nss & firefox), Oracle (.NET 9.0, corosync, firefox, osbuild-composer, pam, python3, python3.11, python3.12, python3.9, skopeo, sudo, and thunderbird), Red Hat (microcode_ctl, pam, php, thunderbird, tigervnc, xorg-x11-server, xorg-x11-server and xorg-x11-server-Xwayland, and xorg-x11-server-Xwayland), SUSE (clamav, icu, libgepub, libsoup, python-requests, tomcat, and xorg-x11-server), and Ubuntu (clamav, logback, mongo-c-driver, pcs, and python-flask-cors).
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## Cavil-Qwen3-4B: SUSE’s Open-Source LLM for Legal Automation Category: Linux Today
Tags: automation, AI
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:51:08 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: SUSE has developed an open-source Large Language Model (LLM) called Cavil-Qwen3-4B to streamline legal automation and enhance efficiency in legal processes. The LLM, Cavil-Qwen3-4B, is designed to simplify legal tasks and operations.

Discover Cavil-Qwen3-4B, SUSE's innovative open-source LLM designed to streamline legal automation and enhance efficiency in legal processes.

The post Cavil-Qwen3-4B: SUSE’s Open-Source LLM for Legal Automation appeared first on Linux Today.

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## How to Install PostgreSQL on Debian 13 Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:44:25 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: This guide provides a step-by-step process for installing PostgreSQL on Debian 13, helping to simplify database setup and enhance development environments. The post can be found on Linux Today's blog at the provided link.

Learn how to install PostgreSQL on Debian 13 with our step-by-step guide. Simplify your database setup and enhance your development environment today.

The post How to Install PostgreSQL on Debian 13 appeared first on Linux Today.

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## XLibre Proposed as Fedora’s New Default X11 Server Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:39:18 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: XLibre, a proposed default X11 server for Fedora, aims to enhance performance and user experience. This new default server is expected to transform the Linux environment in some way, although the specific details are not specified in this brief announcement.

Discover XLibre, the proposed default X11 server for Fedora, enhancing performance and user experience. Learn how it transforms your Linux environment.

The post XLibre Proposed as Fedora’s New Default X11 Server appeared first on Linux Today.

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## Fedora 44 Plans to Drop i686 Support and 32-Bit Multilib Compatibility Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:32:24 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: Fedora 44 plans to drop support for 32-bit i686 architecture and 32-bit multilib compatibility, which may impact users who rely on these features. The change aims to improve the platform's future development and maintenance, but may require adjustments from those affected by the shift.

Discover Fedora 44's plans to drop i686 support and 32-bit multilib compatibility. Learn how these changes will impact users and the future of the platform.

The post Fedora 44 Plans to Drop i686 Support and 32-Bit Multilib Compatibility appeared first on Linux Today.

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## Orange Pi RV2 Single Board Computer Running Linux: Power Consumption Category: Linux Today
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 12:29:40 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: The Orange Pi RV2 single board computer runs on Linux and offers efficient power consumption, making it suitable for various projects. The article discusses the Orange Pi RV2's power consumption and its potential to enhance projects efficiently.

Discover the Orange Pi RV2 single board computer running Linux. Learn about its power consumption and how it can enhance your projects efficiently.

The post Orange Pi RV2 Single Board Computer Running Linux: Power Consumption appeared first on Linux Today.

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## The best earbuds we’ve tested for 2025 Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-07-04T12:00:00-04:00
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: Amazon Prime Day is approaching on July 8th, but early deals are already available for those who want to get a head start on their online shopping. Wireless earbuds in particular are hard to find at a bad price, with constant discounts and deals making it easy to score a great deal.
Editor’s note: Amazon Prime Day kicks off on July 8th; however, if you want to get a head start on your online shopping, we’ve rounded up the best early Prime Day deals you can already get. It’s hard to buy a bad pair of wireless earbuds these days, and with constant discounts and deals wherever you look, […]
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## Laid-off workers should use AI to manage their emotions, says Xbox exec Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-07-04T11:23:04-04:00
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: Microsoft's recent layoffs have been particularly challenging for its gaming studios, but one Xbox executive suggests seeking advice from AI chatbots to reduce the emotional and cognitive burden of job loss. The idea was proposed by Xbox Game Studios' Matt Turnbull in a now-deleted LinkedIn post, which has been captured by Aftermath.
The sweeping layoffs announced by Microsoft this week have been especially hard on its gaming studios, but one Xbox executive has a solution to “help reduce the emotional and cognitive load that comes with job loss”: seek advice from AI chatbots. In a now-deleted LinkedIn post captured by Aftermath, Xbox Game Studios’ Matt Turnbull said […]
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## The Ploopy Knob is an open-source control dial for your PC Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-07-04T10:24:28-04:00
TL;DR: Ploopy, a Canadian company, has announced the Ploopy Knob, a new desktop accessory that can be used as a control dial for adjusting volume, scrolling documents, or scrubbing through media on a computer. The Ploopy Knob is part of the company's line of open-source peripherals that offer customizability and are an alternative to well-known brands like Logitech.
Ploopy has announced another desktop accessory called the Ploopy Knob that can function like a control dial for adjusting volume, scrolling documents, or scrubbing through media on a computer. The Canadian company isn’t exactly a household name like Logitech, but Ploopy’s open-source peripherals offer a lot of customizability, and like its mouse and trackballs, you […]
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## The best Bluetooth trackers for Apple and Android phones Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-07-04T10:00:00-04:00
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: Amazon Prime Day kicks off on July 8th, but there are already deals available for those who want to get a head start. Some people may find it easy to keep track of their belongings, with wallets always in the right place and keys never missing, but most of us can't say the same!
Editor’s note: Amazon Prime Day kicks off on July 8th; however, if you want to get a head start on your online shopping, we’ve rounded up the best early Prime Day deals you can already get. Some people rarely lose things. Wallets are always exactly where they’re supposed to be, keys never go missing, and remotes never […]
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## The American system of democracy has crashed Category: The Verge
Tags: General
Published: 2025-07-04T09:00:00-04:00
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: In the past, the American colonies rejected King George III's tyranny, leading to the creation of the Declaration of Independence. This document was a groundbreaking political innovation that laid the foundation for the country that would become the United States.
Once upon a time in America, there was a tyrant. And Congress rejected him totally. The tyrant, of course, was King George III, the target of the Declaration of Independence. We take it for granted now, but the Declaration was an enormous political innovation - in it, the country that became the United States of […]
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## Rocket Report: Japan’s workhorse booster takes a bow; you can invest in SpaceX now Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:00:22 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: The company plans to increase its production capacity for Zephyr products to 50 units per year. This represents a significant scaling up of production, which will likely lead to increased efficiency and potentially wider availability of the product.
"We will be able to industrialize Zephyr production up to 50 units per year."
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## Provider of covert surveillance app spills passwords for 62,000 users Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:36:44 +0000
TL;DR: The creators of an app designed for parental monitoring claim it's meant to help parents keep tabs on their kids, but the app's focus on stealth suggests there may be more to its purpose than initially stated. This raises questions about whether the app is truly intended for parental monitoring or if it has other uses in mind.
Creators say app is intended for parental monitoring. So why the emphasis on stealth?
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## Judge: You can’t ban DEI grants without bothering to define DEI Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:41:15 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: A judge has issued a written ruling that restores funding for many National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. The ruling explains the reasons behind the decision to restore funding, which likely affects the research and projects supported by these grants.
A written ruling details why a judge restored funding for many NIH grants.
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## Meta’s “AI superintelligence” effort sounds just like its failed “metaverse” Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:21:09 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: Four years ago, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and others predicted the arrival of a new technological revolution. However, it appears that prediction did not come to pass, as there has been no major breakthrough or widespread adoption of new technology since then.
Zuckerberg and company talked up another supposed tech revolution four short years ago.
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## The Last of Us co-creator Neil Druckmann exits HBO show Category: Ars Technica
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:11:14 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of your text in 2 sentences: Halley Gross was another prominent writer who worked on the game and show. She has also left her position.
Halley Gross, another prominent writer for the game and show, also departed.
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## GM’s Cruise Cars Are Back on the Road in Three US States—But Not for Ride-Hailing Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:28:41 +0000
TL;DR: General Motors (GM) has confirmed to WIRED that a small number of sensor-equipped Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been repurposed for new uses beyond their original intention as production vehicles. The exact details and scope of the project are not publicly known, but it marks a significant move towards giving old EVs a second life in innovative ways.
After sightings by WIRED, GM confirms that a limited number of sensor-laden Bolt EVs have been given a second life.
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## How to Choose the Right Soundbar (2025): Size, Price, Surround Sound, and Subwoofers Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:03:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: When upgrading your TV's audio, it's important to consider the right speaker size for your room and personal preference, taking into account factors like seating distance and desired sound quality. Additionally, you may need to consider adding a subwoofer to enhance the bass and overall sound experience, but this depends on individual needs and preferences.
What size should you get? Do you need a subwoofer? Here’s everything you need to know when upgrading your TV’s audio.
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## 15 Best MagSafe Wireless Chargers (2025): Power Banks, Stands, Pads, and Travel Chargers Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:30:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: Use a magnetic MagSafe wireless charger to keep your iPhone battery fully charged and ready to go at all times. This convenient accessory makes it easy to top off your phone's power without having to deal with cords or plugs.
Keep your iPhone battery topped up with a magnetic MagSafe wireless charger.
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## 15 Best Heat Protectant Sprays for Wet and Dry Hair (2025) Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:39:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: After extensively testing numerous heat protectants for hair, I've identified the top formulas that work well regardless of whether you're using heat styling tools like blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners. These products provide effective protection for your locks when using heat styling tools.
I spent months testing dozens of heat protectants for hair. Whether you’re blow-drying, curling, or straightening, these are the best formulas I've found.
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## The 13 Best Fans for the Coolest Summer (2025) Category: Wired
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 11:26:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences: WIRED has tested various fan styles, including tower, pedestal, and box fans. The article highlights their top picks based on performance and functionality.
From tower and pedestal styles to utilitarian box fans, these are our WIRED-tested favorites.
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## [$] Python audio processing with pedalboard Category: LWN.net
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:18:37 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: The pedalboard library for Python is designed for audio processing tasks, such as format conversions and adding effects. The maintainer of pedalboard, Peter Sobot, gave a talk about working with the library at PyCon US 2025, which included audio examples and visual information.
The pedalboard library for Python is aimed at audio processing of various sorts, from converting between formats to adding audio effects. The maintainer of pedalboard, Peter Sobot, gave a talk about audio in Python at PyCon US 2025, which was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in May. He started from the basics of digital audio and then moved into working with pedalboard. There were, as might be guessed, audio examples in the talk, along with some visual information; interested readers may want to view the YouTube video of the presentation.
Read more
## Security updates for Friday Category: LWN.net
Tags: Linux
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 13:17:58 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: Multiple Linux distributions have released security updates to address various vulnerabilities, including AlmaLinux, Debian, Fedora, Oracle, Slackware, SUSE, and Ubuntu. The updates pertain to software such as .NET, container-tools, ghostscript, git-lfs, pandoc, perl, ruby, tigervnc, varnish, darktable, guacamole-server, mingw-gdk-pixbuf, yarnpkg, gimp, kernel, libsoup, python-tornado, thunderbird, php, libgepub, libtpms, and various Linux kernels.
Security updates have been issued by AlmaLinux (.NET 9.0, container-tools:rhel8, ghostscript, git-lfs, grafana-pcp, pandoc, perl-FCGI:0.78, ruby:2.5, ruby:3.3, tigervnc, and varnish:6), Debian (jpeg-xl and mediawiki), Fedora (darktable, guacamole-server, mingw-gdk-pixbuf, and yarnpkg), Oracle (gimp, kernel, libsoup, python-tornado, python3.12, and thunderbird), Slackware (php), SUSE (libgepub), and Ubuntu (libtpms, linux-aws-5.15, linux-intel-iot-realtime, and linux-bluefield).
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## Richards: Introducing tmux-rs Category: LWN.net
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 20:40:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary: Collin Richards has announced version 0.0.1 of tmux-rs, a Rust port of the popular tmux terminal multiplexer. The project, which took around 6 months to complete, is currently written in unsafe Rust and consists of approximately 81,000 lines of code, with the next goal being to convert it to safe Rust.

Collin Richards has announced version 0.0.1 of tmux-rs, a port of the tmux terminal multiplexer to Rust.

For the [past] 6 months or so I've been quietly porting tmux from C to Rust. I've recently reached a big milestone: the code base is now 100% (unsafe) Rust. I'd like to share the process of porting the original codebase from ~67,000 lines of C code to ~81,000 lines of Rust (excluding comments and empty lines). You might be asking: why did you rewrite tmux in Rust? And yeah, I don't really have a good reason. It's a hobby project. Like gardening, but with more segfaults.

Richards says that the next goal for the project is to convert it to safe Rust. It is currently "not very difficult to get it to crash", but he wanted to share the project with other Rust fans now. The project is available on GitHub.

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[$] Kernel API specification and validation

Category: LWN.net
Tags: Linux
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:24:17 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:

The Linux kernel project promises to maintain compatibility with user-space code, but developers face a challenge in determining what constitutes the kernel ABI (Application Binary Interface) and testing changes without breaking it. A proposed framework by Sasha Levin aims to address these concerns, but it is incomplete and not without its own costs.
The kernel project makes a strong promise to its users: the kernel ABI will not be changed in ways that break user-space code. The occasional failure notwithstanding, kernel developers do try to live up to that promise. They are handicapped by one little problem, though: there is no description of what the kernel ABI is, and no comprehensive way to test whether a given change breaks it. The kernel API specification framework proposed (in its second revision) by Sasha Levin addresses some of those concerns, but the solution is incomplete and does not come for free.
Read more

Security updates for Thursday

Category: LWN.net
Tags: Linux, Red Hat
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:18:24 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

Multiple Linux distributions have issued security updates to fix various vulnerabilities, including AlmaLinux, Debian, Mageia, Oracle, Red Hat, SUSE, and Ubuntu. The updated packages cover a range of software components, such as .NET, Apache, Git, Java, Python, PHP, and more, with some distributions addressing specific issues like DNS resolution or root certificate management.
Security updates have been issued by AlmaLinux (.NET 9.0, aardvark-dns, apache-commons-beanutils, bootc, buildah, corosync, delve and golang, exiv2, expat, firefox, ghostscript, git, git-lfs, gnutls, grafana, grafana-pcp, grub2, gstreamer1, gstreamer1-plugins-bad-free, gstreamer1-plugins-ugly-free, and gstreamer1-rtsp-server, gstreamer1-plugins-base, gstreamer1-plugins-good, gvisor-tap-vsock, iptraf-ng, java-21-openjdk, kernel, keylime-agent-rust, krb5, libarchive, libblockdev, libsoup3, libtasn1, libvpx, libxslt, microcode_ctl, mod_auth_openidc, nodejs22, nodejs:20, openjpeg2, osbuild and osbuild-composer, perl-FCGI, perl-Module-ScanDeps, perl-YAML-LibYAML, php, php:8.2, php:8.3, podman, protobuf, python-jinja2, python-requests, python3.11, python3.12, python3.12-cryptography, python3.9, rpm-ostree, rsync, rust-bootupd, skopeo, thunderbird, tigervnc, tomcat, tomcat9, webkit2gtk3, xdg-utils, xorg-x11-server, and xorg-x11-server-Xwayland), Debian (ring), Mageia (libarchive and rootcerts, nss & firefox), Oracle (.NET 9.0, corosync, firefox, osbuild-composer, pam, python3, python3.11, python3.12, python3.9, skopeo, sudo, and thunderbird), Red Hat (microcode_ctl, pam, php, thunderbird, tigervnc, xorg-x11-server, xorg-x11-server and xorg-x11-server-Xwayland, and xorg-x11-server-Xwayland), SUSE (clamav, icu, libgepub, libsoup, python-requests, tomcat, and xorg-x11-server), and Ubuntu (clamav, logback, mongo-c-driver, pcs, and python-flask-cors).
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GPD MicroPC 2: Souped-Up Successor to Original Pocket PC

Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 15:26:59 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the article in 2 sentences:

The GPD MicroPC, a small and portable computer, is getting a sequel with the GPD MicroPC 2, which goes on sale this summer. The new version features a larger and brighter screen that rotates, a more powerful processor, faster storage, and additional ports, but it's unclear if it will still appeal to Linux users who were drawn to the original's unique form factor.

Everything receives a sequel eventually, and so it is so for the GPD MicroPC. A souped-up, second-gen successor to the small, serial-port-packing original goes on sale this summer. It boasts a bigger, brighter screen that rotates, a beefier Intel-based processor, faster storage and a slew of more capable ports – but will it still appeal to Linux users? The original GPD MicroPC released in 2021 certainly tried to. The MicroPC’s micro-ness (form factor, size, weight, ruggedness) was its USP: a 6-inch display, compact Blackberry-style keyboard, modest low-power Celeron processor, 109 HRR rating, and serial port (yes, an RS323 serial port). […]

You're reading GPD MicroPC 2: Souped-Up Successor to Original Pocket PC, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

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GIMP 3.2 Dev Release Adds New Paint Mode + More

Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 22:59:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the article in 2 sentences:

The upcoming GIMP 3.2 release will introduce a new "Overwrite" painting mode, allowing for more precise control over brush strokes. Additionally, GIMP 3.2 will support Photoshop pattern files and expand its file format capabilities.

GIMP 3.2 will include a new Overwrite painting mode, support for Photoshop pattern files, and expanded file format support.

You're reading GIMP 3.2 Dev Release Adds New Paint Mode + More, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

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Vivaldi 7.5 Browser Adds Tab Stack Colours, New DNS Settings

Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:24:49 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

The latest update to the Vivaldi web browser, version 7.5, features new tab stack colors and a concise tab context menu as its main updates. These changes aim to enhance user experience and provide a more visually appealing interface.

Colourful tab stacks and concise tab context menu are the headline changes on offer the latest update to the Vivaldi web browser.

You're reading Vivaldi 7.5 Browser Adds Tab Stack Colours, New DNS Settings, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

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GNOME 49 Makes Papers a Core App, Replacing Evince

Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:59:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

Ubuntu's PDF viewer, Papers, has been promoted to a Core App by GNOME, replacing Evince. This change was anticipated since Ubuntu already made Papers its default PDF viewer in version 25.04, knowing that GNOME planned to make it a Core App.

When Ubuntu 25.04 made Papers its PDF viewer, it did so knowing knowing upstream GNOME planned to make it a Core App. Now it has.

You're reading GNOME 49 Makes Papers a Core App, Replacing Evince, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

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Ubuntu Fixes Desktop File Thumbnails Not Showing

Category: OMG! Ubuntu!
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 02 Jul 2025 22:12:48 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:

Ubuntu has fixed an issue that caused file thumbnails, including images and PDFs, to stop appearing on the desktop in Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, after being absent for nearly a year. The fix allows supported file types to once again display thumbnails on the desktop.

Image, PDF and other supported file thumbnails will once again appear on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS desktop, after nearly a year of not showing.

You're reading Ubuntu Fixes Desktop File Thumbnails Not Showing, a blog post from OMG! Ubuntu. Do not reproduce elsewhere without permission.

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FOSS Weekly #25.27: System Info, Retro Tools, Fedora 32-bit Update, Torvalds vs Bcachefs and More Linux Stuff

Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:13:51 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the statement in 2 sentences:

A goal has been accomplished, and it's all due to the efforts of many people (referred to as "wonderful folks"). The person making the statement is expressing gratitude to those individuals who contributed to achieving this goal.
Goal achieved thanks to you wonderful folks.
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Relive the Golden Era: 5 Tools to Get Retro Feel on Linux

Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Mon, 30 Jun 2025 07:16:37 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the topic in 2 sentences:

To get a retro vibe on Linux, you can use various tools that mimic the look and feel of older operating systems, such as DOS or Windows XP. These tools can include emulators, terminal themes, and GUI tweaks to give your Linux system a nostalgic aesthetic.
Get retro vibe on Linux with these tools.
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FOSS Weekly #25.26: Torvalds-Gates Showdown, Hyprland Premium, Fedora's 32-bit Debacle, Xfce Themes and More Linux Stuff

Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:57:35 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:

We've reached the midpoint of the year, with half of it already behind us. It's time to reflect on what's happened so far and look ahead to the rest of the year! 🕰️
We are halfway through the year ⌚🪰🪰
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Linux Jargon Buster: What are Secure Boot & Shim Files?

Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:55:29 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

Secure Boot and Shim are components that play a crucial role in the boot process of a Linux system, ensuring that the operating system boots securely by verifying the authenticity of the kernel and other components. This jargon-busting explanation aims to simplify the concepts behind Secure Boot and Shim, helping users understand their importance and how they affect the overall boot process.
Confused about Secure Boot and Shim in Linux? This jargon buster breaks down what they are, why they matter, and how they affect your Linux system’s boot process — in simple terms.
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Btop++: Linux System Monitoring Tool That is Definitely Better than Top

Category: It's FOSS
Tags: General
Published: Sun, 22 Jun 2025 05:04:55 GMT
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

The system provides a terminal-based interface for monitoring resource utilization and process details, offering in-depth insights into system performance. This allows users to gain a better understanding of their system's activity and make informed decisions about resource allocation.
A sleek terminal-based system monitor that gives you detailed insights to your resources and processes.
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🧱 Building better initramfs: A deep dive into dracut on Fedora & RHEL

Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 08:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

This guide teaches you how to effectively use dracut, the tool used by Fedora and RHEL for boot process management, and provides hands-on experience with real-world scenarios. The guide covers custom module configurations, performance tuning tips, and best practices for building initramfs images that improve system boot times and overall performance.
Learn how to harness the full power of dracut, the modern tool behind Fedora and RHEL's boot process. This hands-on guide explores real-world scenarios, custom module configurations, and performance tuning tips for building better initramfs images.
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🔧 Unlocking system performance: A practical guide to tuning PCP on Fedora & RHEL

Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:

Performance Co-Pilot (PCP) is a powerful framework for collecting and monitoring system performance metrics, available in Fedora and RHEL repositories. This guide provides instructions on how to tune PCP's pmlogger service to suit individual needs, whether for debugging performance issues or other purposes.
Performance Co-Pilot (PCP) is a robust framework for collecting, monitoring, and analyzing system performance metrics. Available in the repos for Fedora and RHEL, it allows administrators to gather a wide array of data with minimal configuration. This guide walks you through tuning PCP’s pmlogger service to better fit your needs—whether you’re debugging performance issues or […]
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🔧 Deep dive into sosreport: understanding the data pack layout in Fedora & RHEL

Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: Red Hat
Published: Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:

The article aims to help users understand the contents and structure of the sosreport output, with the goal of making it more useful. The sosreport utility is a command-line tool available on Fedora, RHEL, CentOS, and other RHEL-based systems that collects a comprehensive snapshot of system information.
This article will describe the content and structure of the sosreport output. The aim is to improve its usefullness through a better understanding of its contents. 🧰 What is sosreport? sosreport is a powerful command-line utility available on Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS, and other RHEL-based systems to collect a comprehensive snapshot of […]
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System insights with command-line tools: free and vmstat

Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Mon, 23 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a 2-sentence summary:

This article explores two command-line tools, free and vmstat, which provide valuable insights into the health of a Linux system. The free tool offers an instant snapshot of RAM and swap usage, while vmstat provides a real-time view of virtual memory statistics.
In this fifth article of the “System insights with command-line tools” series we explore free and vmstat, two small utilities that reveal a surprising amount about your Linux system’s health. free gives you an instant snapshot of how RAM and swap are being used. vmstat (the virtual memory statistics reporter) reports a real-time view of […]
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Flock to Fedora 2025 Recap: Streaming from Kenya

Category: Fedora Magazine
Tags: General
Published: Thu, 19 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000
TL;DR: Here is a summary of the text in 2 sentences:

The writer is recapping their experience attending Flock to Fedora 2025, which was streamed live from Kenya. They express gratitude to the team, including speakers and volunteers, for making the event possible and also note that they attended virtually from Kenya on June 5-6.
This is my recap of Flock to Fedora 2025, streamed live from Kenya! I would really like to thank the amazing team – speakers, volunteers as well, who made FLOCK possible this year!  This recap is from a virtual attendee’s viewpoint, tuning in live from Kenya for June 5–6. Massive appreciation to everyone behind the […]
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