F.O.S.S

by: Abhishek Prakash

Recently, I bought an Asus Zenbook and dual booted it with Ubuntu. But Ubuntu 24.04 didn't perform well on the new hardware and thus I removed Ubuntu from dual boot.

This is typically done by moving the Windows boot manager up the boot order and deleting the Linux partition from within Windows.

The annoyance is that Linux will still show up in the UEFI boot settings.

Although it doesn't hurt to leave it there, it triggers some sort of OCD in me to get a pristine system without unnecessary stuff.

And hence, I went out to 'fix this non-issue' and I am going to share how you can do the same if you like.

The process is composed of these two steps:

• Mount the EFI system partition (ESP) in Windows (has to be command line)

• Delete the Ubuntu/Linux entry from the EFI folder using either command line or GUI

📋

Again, the Linux entry in the UEFI boot menu is not a blocking issue and you can leave it as it is to use only Windows on the system.

Step 1: "Mount" the EFI partition in Windows

Press the Windows start button and look for CMD. Right click on it and select "Run as administrator".

Once the command prompt is open, start the disk partition utility by entering:

diskpart

Type "list disk" to list all the disks present on your system and get the name of the disk where the EFI partition is located.

list disk

If you have only one disk, it should show only one entry.

Enter the disk to see all the partitions on this disk:

select disk 0

You should see 'Disk 0 is now the selected disk' in the ouput.

Now, list all the partitions on this disk with:

list partition

Usually, it is the system partition that is EFI partiton and as you can see in the screenshot below, it is the partition number 1.

🚧

Since my ESP (EFI System Partition) has assigned number 1, I'll select this partition. Yours could be different, so pay attention.

select partition 1

Now, assign it a drive letter. Since C, D, E etc are usually taken, let's go to the end of the alphabet and use the letter x here.

assign letter x

With the EFI partition getting a driver letter, you can now see it in the file explorer like C or D drives.

Basically, all this hassle for mounting the ESP partition. Anyway, exit the disk partition tool:

exit

Step 2: Delete Linux folder from EFI

Till here, we were not doing anything risky. But now, we have to delete the Ubuntu Linux folder from the EFI partition.

This can be done via graphically as well as via command line. You used the command line above but for 'deleting' something, I would recommend using the graphical method.

Method 1: Use GUI

Open the task manager in Windows (Ctrl+Alt+Del) and here, click the 'Run new task':

This will give you the option to create new task. What you have to do here is to click on the "browse" button:

You can now browse the partitions and the files inside them. Using this, you can add or delete files and folders.

Browse to drive X and the EFI folder. You should see ubuntu (or whichever distro you used) listed here. Select it first and then right click to see the option to delete it.

I could not take a screenshot of it as Window's built-in tool didn't allow taking screenshots of the right-click context menu. Once you hit the delete option, a conformation dialogue box will pop up.

Select yes and close the browser and then close task manager as well.

Congratulations! Now if you access the UEFI settings from Windows, you won't see the Linux entry anymore.

Command line warrior? Let's see the other method for you.

Method 2: Use command line

📋

You need to perform all this in command prompt running as administrator.

Use this command to enter the drive you had mounted earlier. Mind the colon after the drive letter.

x:

See the content of the directory with:

dir

It should show a folder named EFI. Enter this directory:

cd EFI

And now look at the content of this folder:

dir

You should see some folder belonging to Linux. It could be named Ubuntu, Fedora etc.

The next step is to use the rd command (remove directory) with the Linux folder's name to delete it:

rd ubuntu /s

Once done, exit the command prompt by typing exit.

Conclusion

The ESP partition mounted as drive X won't be there anymore when you restart the system. And neither will be the Linux boot entry.

In a YouTube video, I discussed uninstalling Ubuntu from the dual boot system, I mentioned the fact that a leftover Ubuntu entry in the boot doesn't hurt. Still, a few comments indicated that they would like everything cleaned up. Hence, this tutorial.

💬 Is it worth the hassle to clean up the Linux boot entry after removing it from dual boot? Share it in the comments, please.

by: Abhishek Prakash

When you think of essential Raspberry Pi accessories, you count a screen, monitor and mouse if you want to use it as a regular desktop computer.

How about turning it into a laptop?

There are a few projects that work on this one. Elecrow's CrowView Note is such a device that lets you attach your Raspberry Pi or Jetson Nano or other SBCs to a laptop like interface.

This sounds interesting, right? Let me share my experience of using CrowView Note.

Just so that you know, Elecrow sent me CrowView Note. The views expressed here are my own and not influenced by Elecrow.

CrowView Note: What is it?

The CrowView Note by Elecrow is a portable, all-in-one monitor with an integrated keyboard and trackpad designed to transform SBCs like Raspberry Pi into a laptop.

Elecrow is a Hong Kong based company that creates and sells hardware for makers and tinkerers. If you are into Raspberry Pi and SBCs, you might have come across their CrowPi kit.

CrowView Note features a 14-inch Full-HD (1920×1080) IPS display with built-in speakers and a 5000mAh battery. There is no CPU, HDD/SSD or even camera here.

The good thing here is that CrowView is not just limited to Raspberry Pi. It's like an external screen with a keyboard and touchpad. You attach it to any single board computer using the Mini HDMI and USB cables.

You can also connect it to your Android smartphone (thanks to features like DeX) and gaming consoles like Steam Deck etc. You should be able to use it with digital cameras, Chromecast like devices and Blu-ray/DVD players (if you still use them).

It is powered by a 12V DC power supply to charge the 5000mAh battery. You can disconnect direct power and run it on battery like a regular laptop.

Technical specifications

Here are the specs that might interest you:

• Display: 14″ IPS (1920×1080), 100% sRGB, 60Hz refresh rate, 16:9 aspect ratio, 300 nit brightness

• Ports: 1x USB-C (full), 1x USB-C (power), 2x USB-A, 1x Mini HDMI

• Audio: 2W speakers, 3.5 mm audio jack, microphone

• Power: 12V DC charging and 5000 mAh battery

• Size: 33.5cm*22cm*1.7cm

• Weight: 1.2 Kg

The device is priced at $169 excluding shipping and custom fee. More details can be found on its official page.

Experiencing CrowView Note

If you look at CrowView at a glance, it looks like a regular laptop. Not a premium one. Just a regular, entry-level, inexpensive but lightweight laptop.

You pick it up and it feels light. My Asus ZenBook and Dell XPS are almost the same weight, I guess.

Which made me curious because I was under an impression that there are not much hardware inside it. The Raspberry Pi is attached from the side, externally. So, there is no CPU, motherboard or graphics inside, or so I am guessing.

I am so tempted to open it up and have a peek inside it. Perhaps I'll do that after a few weeks when I have explored all other aspects of this device.

Bottom View of CrowView Note

There are on-board speakers at the bottom that are not great with 2W of power and I am not complaining. You get the sound feature, at least. If you want something better, connect a headphone or speaker.

So, it is a laptop-like device but there are no processors inside it. You attach a Raspberry Pi to its left side using a dedicated bridge board. This way, you don't need to separately power the Raspberry Pi.

CrowView with a Raspberry Pi 5 attached to it

This connector bridge is also available for NVIDIA Jetson Nano, purchased separately for $7.

The bridge is not necessary. You can connect to Pi or other devices using mini HDMI and USB cables. The device needs to be powered separately in this case.

My other Pi device inside the Pironman case got successfully connected this way.

I also connected it to my ArmSoM Sige7 SBC and it worked the same without any issues.

CrowView Note with ArmSoM Sige7

Display

CrowView Note features a 14 inches, full-HD (1080p) display and there is nothing to complain about it. The IPS display looks sharp and there is no noticeable glare. The 60Hz refresh rate is pretty standard.

Although it looks like there is a webcam in the middle, that's not the case. Which is disappointing, to be honest. I would expect a laptop to have a functioning webcam.

Keyboard

The keyboard is fine. Not premium but fine. Again, I am not complaining. It is definitely better than the cheap Bluetooth keyboard people usually use with SBCs.

In fact, I feel the keyboard felt better than the official Pi keyboard. The plastic on the keyboard feels a bit rough, just like the official Pi keyboard.

There are dedicated function keys that provide additional features to the CrowView Note:

• F1 key lets you switch between devices if you are connected via Type C on the right and HDMI/USB on the left

• F7 key gives you OSD (On-screen display) to access color settings for the display

• F11 key quickly shows the battery status

Other than that, there are function keys for volume, media and brightness control. There is a Num-Lock key to access the number pad on the same keyboard.

Keyboard

Touchpad

Touchpad has invisible left and right click buttons at the bottom. I prefer tapping finger and thankfully, you can also tap to click here. Two finger tap for right click also works in Raspberry Pi OS.

There is one thing that does bother me here. The double click actually takes three tap. You know, you double-click on a folder or file to open it. Two taps don't work. You have to quickly tap it three times. Surprisingly, the left click button at the bottom works fine with two clicks.

There is a thin plastic film on the touchpad. I can see bubbles at the lower part, I am not sure if it is supposed to come out. I tried taking it out but I could not grab the edge. So I left it as it is. The touchpad works, so why bother unnecessarily?

Touchpad close up

CrowView is flexible till 180 degrees. I am not sure if that is very helpful for practical use cases. I let you decide that.

CrowView Note stretched at 180 degrees

Battery

The on-board 5000 mAh battery is not much but it is decent enough to power your Raspberry Pi for a few hours comfortably.

The minor inconveniences

While I was able to connect CrowView Note to my ArmSoM Sige7 through mini HDMI and USB, I could not connect my Samsung Galaxy with it. I tried opening Dex but it was expecting either wireless or HDMI connection.

Another minor annoyance is that when I shut down the Raspberry Pi from within the system, the CrowView still runs on battery. I can see the battery indicator on and Pi's power indicator stays red (meaning it is off but still connected to a power source).

I am guessing it doesn't consume as much power but it is not completely shut down. It can be turned off completely by pressing the on-board power button.

I have mentioned it earlier. Lack of webcam is certainly a disappointment.

I was also wondering about all this bridge system to connect Pi to CrowView. A Pi attached to a laptop looks odd.

Why on the side? Why not a box where it could be plugged in at the bottom? That will make it less weird. Perhaps Elecrow wanted to expose the GPIO pins. Plugging it in at the bottom will also heat it up as there will be no scope to put in a fan without increasing the thickness of the 'laptop'.

Also, Elecrow already has a device like this in the form of the famous CrowPi. So this time, they took a different approach.

Conclusion

The one thing that I am glad CrowView Note it is not confined to just Raspberry Pi. You can use it with various devices and that is indeed a good thing. If you are spending $169 for a display-keyboard setup, it only makes sense that it works for all kinds of computers you have.

In simpler words, it adds more value to the offering.

It is a well-thought device, too. The function keys work irrespective of the devices and operating systems. At least, that's what I noticed in my experiment with it. The idea to add dedicated buttons for battery status and source change is excellent.

Should you buy CrowView Note? That is really up to you. See if you need or even want a gadget like this and if it is well under your budget.

For me, the device targets a specific set of users. And considering the fact that its Crowdfunded campaign attracted 27 times of its initial funding goal, I would say there is a significant interest in CrowView Note.

More Details on CrowView Note

💬 Your turn now. What do you think of Elecrow's CrowView Note? Is it something you need or want?

by: Abhishek Kumar

While I’ve always enjoyed Kodi’s default skin, I’ve found that it can get a bit "boring" after a while.

That’s when I started exploring Kodi builds, these pre-packaged setups not only refresh the interface but also bring in various features and add-ons that make the experience more exciting.

After spending some time fiddling with different builds, I’ve collected the ones I find particularly interesting and amazing.

Whether you're new to Kodi or looking for a fresh look, these builds will definitely take your streaming game to the next level.

What's the point of Kodi builds?

Kodi, by default, gives you the freedom to customize everything from the interface to the content you access.

However, this can sometimes mean a lot of manual work, like searching for and installing individual add-ons for movies, TV shows, live sports, and more. While this gives you control, it can be time-consuming, especially for beginners.

In simple words, Kodi builds bundle everything you need into one pre-configured setup, from add-ons to custom settings, saving you time and effort.

Instead of piecing everything together yourself, you get a fully functional and visually appealing interface right from the start.

How to install Kodi builds?

Installing Kodi build is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Enable Unknown Sources: Open Kodi, go to Settings > System > Add-ons, and toggle Unknown sources on. (Accept the warning)

2. Add the Repository: In Settings > File Manager, click Add Source, enter the repository URL, name it, and save.

3. Install the Build: Go to Add-ons > Install from zip file, select the repository you just added, and install the build wizard (like Chef Wizard or Doomzday Wizard).

4. Open the wizard from your Program Add-ons, pick your desired build, and follow the on-screen steps to install it.

Restart Kodi, and your new build will be ready to use!

📋

All the builds mentioned in this list are designed to work with Kodi 21 Omega, which is the latest release of Kodi right now. Some of these builds may also be compatible with earlier versions like Kodi 20 Nexus, 19 Matrix, and 18 Leia, and I’ve pointed those out where applicable.

1. Doomzday Nova

Compatibility: Kodi 21 Omega & Kodi 20 Nexus

Whether you're using a low-RAM device like FireStick or an Android TV Box, or you have a powerful computer or SBC, Doomzday has something for everyone.

The Nova TV build, for example, is a lightweight option that runs smoothly on lower-spec devices, while other feature-rich builds are perfect for high-end systems.

With a variety of popular Kodi add-ons pre-installed, you can easily access all your favorite content in one place.

Key Features:

• Lightweight builds for low-RAM devices (e.g., Raspberry Pi 3, FireStick)

• Feature-rich builds for high-end devices

• Pre-installed popular add-ons like Asgard, The Crew, and more

• Easy-to-navigate interface with different categories

• Supports a wide range of content: Movies, TV Shows, Sports, Live TV, etc.

• Includes 4K streaming options (Debrid 4K)

• Frequent updates and improvements

• Free and premium streaming options (Debrid support)

• Access to specialized content like documentaries and family-friendly shows

Doomzday

2. Diggz Xenon

Compatibility: Kodi 21 Omega

Diggz Xenon is often regarded as one of the best Kodi builds, and for good reason. Its futuristic interface, vast content library, and a solid collection of add-ons make it a top choice for cord-cutters.

Located within the Chef Wizard, Xenon offers both "Debrid" and "Free" versions, allowing users to choose based on their needs.

The Debrid version requires a Real-Debrid account to access higher-quality streaming links, while the Free version skips the need for a debrid service.

With the addition of the AIO (All-In-One) update, users can now preview builds before selecting, making it even easier to find the perfect setup.

Key Features:

• Sleek, futuristic interface with smooth navigation

• Two versions: Debrid (for higher-quality links) and Free (no debrid required)

• Extensive content library covering Movies, TV Shows, Sports, and more

• Located inside the Chef Wizard, which houses other high-quality builds

• AIO (All-In-One) update for previewing builds before installation

• Includes popular add-ons like Umbrella, Seren, FEN, and Asgard

• Regular updates for improved functionality and content

• Excellent for both new and experienced Kodi users

• Great support for both free and premium streaming options

Diggz Xenon

3. Aspire

Compatibility: Kodi 21 Omega

Aspire is a well-regarded build in the Kodi community, known for its sleek design and solid performance.

It strikes a great balance between style and functionality, making it an excellent choice for users who want both aesthetics and practicality.

Aspire works smoothly on a variety of devices, including lower-spec options like the Onn, Google TV Box and Fire TV Stick Lite.

It can be installed through the Doomzday Wizard or EzzerMans Wizard, offering flexibility in how you set it up.

Key Features:

• Sleek, stylish design with a user-friendly interface

• Small size (267 MB), making it ideal for lower-spec devices

• Packed with content including on-demand titles and live channels

• Supports integration with debrid services for enhanced performance

• Can be installed via Doomzday Wizard or EzzerMans Wizard

• Works well on devices like Fire TV Stick Lite and onn. Google TV Box

• Includes popular add-ons like Diggz Free99, Ghost, and Magic Dragon

• Smooth streaming experience with minimal buffering

• Regular updates to keep the build fresh and functional

• Great for both casual viewers and avid streamers

Aspire

4. Grindhouse

Compatibility: Kodi 21 Omega

Whether you're looking for lightweight builds or feature-rich setups, Grindhouse has something for everyone.

It’s home to over a dozen builds, including popular ones like AR Build, Blue, Decades, Horror, Jaws, and Pin Up.

These builds are designed to provide an all-in-one experience, so you don’t need separate outlets for movies, TV shows, and live programming.

The sleek, dim-themed interface is easy to navigate, with sections for Builds, Maintenance, Backup/Restore, Tools, and more.

Grindhouse continues to be a go-to repository for many Kodi users, and it’s easy to see why it made it to our list.

Key Features:

• Diverse collection of builds, from lightweight to feature-rich

• All-in-one builds for movies, TV shows, and live programming

• Easy-to-navigate, sleek, dim-themed interface

• Includes popular builds like AR Build, Blue, Decades, and more

• Sections for Builds, Maintenance, Backup/Restore, Tools, and Close

• Continually updated and maintained for optimal performance

• Ideal for users who want a variety of content in one place

• Popular among Kodi users for its versatility and ease of use

• No need for multiple add-ons to access all types of content

• Simple setup and installation process

Grindhouse

5. Plutonium

Compatibility: Kodi 21 & Kodi 20

Plutonium is a lightweight, visually engaging build with a colorful interface that makes it a great choice for devices with limited storage.

It’s designed primarily for Video On-Demand (VOD) content, offering a packed library of movies and TV series.

While it doesn’t include live TV channels, this simplicity helps it run smoothly and quickly. If you already have an IPTV service, Plutonium might be the perfect build to complement your setup.

The latest update from EzzerMan ensures compatibility with Kodi 21, continuing to deliver an optimized, user-friendly experience.

Key Features:

• Colorful, engaging user interface

• Extensive library of movies and TV series for on-demand streaming

• No live TV channels, but ideal for users with IPTV services

• Simple setup and navigation for easy use

• Optimized for streaming video content without buffering

• Available through EzzerMan’s Wizard, alongside other notable builds

• Easy-to-install and quick to get started

• Frequent updates to ensure smooth performance

Plutonium

6. Xontrix

Compatibility: Kodi 21 Omega

Xontrix is a powerful all-in-one Kodi build that offers both on-demand content and live TV channels.

It’s housed in the popular Chains Repository, known for its high-quality builds and addons. Installation is straightforward, and the build works seamlessly right after download.

The user-friendly interface allows easy navigation between content categories and addons, making it simple to find what you're looking for.

Xontrix also features a dedicated Kids section for family-friendly content and offers immersive music options.

For optimal performance, integrating a premium resolving service like Real-Debrid is recommended, as many of the build’s addons are “premium” options.

Key Features:

• All-in-one build with both on-demand content and live TV channels

• Easy installation and flawless performance right after download

• User-friendly interface with categories for quick navigation

• Includes a Kids section for family-friendly content

• Music options for an immersive audio experience

• Best used with a premium resolving service like Real-Debrid for enhanced performance

• Located in the reputable Chains Repository

• Customizable settings to adjust categories and services

• Supports a variety of popular addons

Xontrix

7. Green Monster

Compatibility: Kodi 21 & Kodi 20

Green Monster is a visually impressive and versatile Kodi build known for its lightweight design and top-notch video add-ons.

It offers a variety of categories, making it a great choice for streaming movies, TV shows, and live channels.

The build has been around for several years and continues to receive frequent updates.

Although it may take a few minutes to set up after installation due to its slightly heavier size, the wait is worth it.

Once installed, you’ll find a wide range of content options that can be easily customized to suit your needs.

Key Features:

• Impressive user-interface with a visually appealing design

• Lightweight yet versatile with a variety of categories

• Frequently updated by developers to ensure a smooth experience

• Great for streaming movies, TV shows, and live channels

• Slightly heavier than other builds, so it may take time to set up initially

• Provides a wide range of content choices once installed

• Customizable settings to adjust to your preferences

• Top add-ons for enhanced streaming experience

Green Monster

8. Misfit Mods Lite

Compatibility: Kodi 21 Omega

Misfit Mods is back and better than ever! Known for its sleek and modern layout, this build has been a favorite among Kodi users, especially those who used it on Kodi 19 Matrix.

Now, with compatibility for Kodi 21 Omega, it’s even more accessible. Misfit Mods Lite offers thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows, along with hundreds of live channels.

It also features categories for children's shows and music, making it a versatile option for the entire family.

For an enhanced experience, integrating a premium resolving service like Premiumize, AllDebrid, or LinkSnappy is highly recommended.

Key Features:

• Sleek and modern user-interface for easy navigation

• Thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows

• Hundreds of live channels available

• Dedicated categories for children’s shows and music

• Ideal for users looking for a well-rounded build

• Best experience with Premiumize, AllDebrid, or LinkSnappy integration

• Simple installation and quick setup

• Regular updates to ensure smooth performance

Misfit Mods Lite

9. Superman

Compatibility: Kodi 21 Omega

The Superman Kodi build is a fan favorite, known for its Superman-themed interface and versatile content options. Whether you're into movies, TV shows, live channels, or sports, this build has it all.

It even features a dedicated “Marvel & DC” category for superhero content, making it a perfect choice for comic book fans.

The user interface is easy to navigate, ensuring a smooth experience on any device. For the best streaming performance, it’s recommended to integrate a cloud provider.

Key Features:

• Superman-themed interface with easy navigation

• Offers movies, TV series, live channels, sports, and a superhero-specific “Marvel & DC” category

• Smooth user experience on all devices

• Regularly updated with new content

• Works well for both beginners and experienced Kodi users

• Reliable performance with no buffering (with proper cloud integration)

• Top add-ons for enhanced streaming quality

Superman

10. Estuary Switch

Compatibility: Kodi 21 & Kodi 20

If you are like me and prefer the classic, familiar look of Kodi, Estuary Switch is the build for you. It uses the default Estuary skin, ensuring that users don’t have to adjust to a new interface.

While it doesn't offer an overwhelming number of add-ons, it includes the essentials for basic streaming needs.

The build allows users to filter content by Genre, Year, and Decade, making it easy to find what you're looking for.

Its simplicity and lightweight nature make it ideal for less powerful streaming devices, offering a smooth experience without unnecessary bloat.

Key Features:

• Classic Kodi interface with the default Estuary skin

• Easy navigation with content filtering by Genre, Year, and Decade

• Essential add-ons for basic streaming needs

• Simple and lightweight, perfect for low-powered devices

• Familiar home screen layout for quick access to media

• Great for users who prefer a minimalistic setup

• Regular updates for optimal performance

Estuary Switch

Other Notable Builds

Due to space constraints, we couldn’t go into detail about every fantastic build available. However, here are some notable builds worth checking out.

Cosmic One

A Trakt-compatible build from The Crew repo, offering categories like movies, TV shows, sports, live content, and more.

CrewNique

Found in both the Chains Build Wizard and The Crew Wizard, this build includes movies, IPTV, TV shows, and sports categories.

OneFlix

A Debrid-only build described as a “Netflix-style streaming service,” featuring notable add-ons like Ghost, AfFENity, Umbrella, and SEREN.

POVico

With an interface reminiscent of Kodi’s original aesthetic, this build focuses on movies and TV shows.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Kodi build ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and streaming needs.

Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of Diggz Xenon, the torrent-powered Burst, or the sleek interface of Aspire, there’s no shortage of excellent options to enhance your Kodi experience in 2025.

While Kodi builds are legal to install and use, it’s important to remain cautious about the content you access. 🏴‍☠️

Many builds include third-party add-ons, and users should ensure they only stream publicly available titles to stay on the right side of copyright laws.

For safety, stick to trusted sources and scan files for malware before installation. Kodi is a powerful tool, and with the right build, it can transform your media setup into a streaming powerhouse.

Enjoy exploring, and happy streaming! 🎞️

by: Abhishek Prakash

One of the main downside of using AppImages is the lack of desktop integration. This can be achived using AppImage Launcher tool.

Another problematic part is the lack of support for autostarting an AppImage application when the system restarts.

With some effort, you can achieve that, too.

The method involves twp steps:

• Creating a desktop file for the application

• Adding this desktop file to autostart application list

Let me show you the process in detail.

Step 1: Create a desktop file

Desktop files are text files that contain metadata about applications, such as their name, icon, and the command to run them.

These files are stored in specific locations, and the system menu uses them to allow users to launch applications from the menu.

For user-installed applications, the desktop file is typically stored in ~/.local/share/applications.

Before you explore autostarting an AppImage file, let’s first create a desktop file for your AppImage package.

Method 1: Using AppImage Launcher

AppImageLauncher is a handy tool that integrates AppImages with your Linux system. This way, you can find the AppImage apps in the system menu.

Although, AppImage Launcher hasn't see a new release in almost three years, it still works.

For Ubuntu and other Debian-based systems, you can use the deb package to install AppImage Launcher.

First, go to the releases page and download the deb file.

Download AppImageLauncher Deb File

📋

You can either download the stable release file, released in 2020 or the continuous build file, released in 2022.

Then install the deb file to your system.

If you are an Arch Linux user, you can install AppImageLauncher from AUR using an AUR helper like Yay.

yay -S appimagelauncher

There are release files for Fedora on the official releases page.

Once AppImageLauncher is installed, right-click on an AppImage app file and select "Open with AppImageLauncher".

Open AppImage with AppImageLauncher

For the first time, it will ask you to select a centralized location. Go for the default (~/Applications). Click OK. Now, this is where all your AppImage files will be stored.

Default AppImage location

Now, in the next window, chose "Integrate and Run".

Integrate and Run the AppImage

That's it. Your AppImage is now integrated to your system. You can now find the app you just ran with AppImage launcher in the system menu.

And it creates the required desktop file which is located at ~/.local/share/application.

Method 2: Creating desktop file manually

📋

This part requires you to have basic knowledge of Linux commands.

If you do not want to use AppImage Launcher, you can also create a desktop file manually.

Create a file called <your-app-name>.desktop in ~/.local/share/applications. For example, if you are using ClickUp, name it ~/.local/share/applications/clickup.desktop

Inside this file, add the following lines in this manner:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=Logseq
Comment=A Note taking and Knowledge Management Application
Exec=/home/$USER/Applications/Logseq.AppImage
Icon=/home/$USER/Applications/Images/Logseq.png
Terminal=false
Categories=Office;

This is a very minimal desktop file for an application.

Here, the fields should be filled with data:

• Replace the Name and Comment field with the name and description for your application.

• The Exec field should point to the absolute path of the AppImage file.

• The Icon field should point to the absolute path of the icon image file.

• Terminal=false means that the application does not require a terminal to run. For most graphical applications like AppImages, this is the desired setting.

• Categories is where your Application will appear in the system menu.

Once done, save the file. That's it. You have created a desktop file for the AppImage.

💡

I advise placing all the AppImage files in a dedicated directory for better organization and avoiding accidental removal of the AppImage files.

Step 2: Autostart the application

Once you have the AppImage desktop file ready, you can easily autostart the application by just copy and pasting it to the ~/.config/autostart directory.

Use the cp command to copy the file:

cp ~/.local/share/applications/Logseq.desktop ~/.config/autostart

There is a dedicated GUI tool to autostart programs in Ubuntu. You may use that, if you want.

Now, when you restart your system, the selected application will be auto-started.

Conclusion

Out of Snap, Flatpak and AppImages, I like AppImage for the protability feature. You download the AppImage file, make it executable and run it.

The ease of use comes with a few downsides. The desktop integration is the most obvious one. You cannot launch them from the system menu. However, this can be achived using the third-party AppImage Launcher tool.

Not able to auto start an AppImage app when the system starts is another pain point. With some effort, that can also be achieved.

I so wish that AppImage ecosystem provides these feature by default. I mean if a third party AppImage Launcher can allow desktop integration, it can surely be integrated by AppImage officialy. What do you think?

by: Abhishek Kumar

From the title, you might be thinking: yet another clickbait post. But I mean it when I say this, ArmSoM has truly delivered something special.

ArmSoM, yet again, has sent us their Compute Module 5 (CM5) with its IO board for review. Last time, I tested and reviewed their AIM7 board, and my head was blown by its sheer performance. With an RK3588 SoC, 8GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage, it was a beast.

This time around, we’re looking at the CM5, powered by the RK3576, a slight step down from the RK3588 but still impressive.

It comes with 8 GB of RAM (though a 16 GB version is available) and 64 GB of onboard eMMC storage. On paper, it’s shaping up to be a serious contender in the world of compute modules.

In this review, I’ll walk you through its hardware specifications, software support, benchmarks, AI capabilities, and my personal thoughts.

Let’s dive in!

CM5 Specifications

Source: ArmSoM

The ArmSoM Compute Module 5 is a compact powerhouse built around the RK3576 SoC, an octa-core processor that’s both fast and efficient.

With support up to 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 128GB of onboard eMMC storage, it offers twice the memory and storage options of the Raspberry Pi CM4.

What makes it even better? It uses the same 100-pin connector as the CM4, making it compatible with Raspberry Pi IO boards.

Plus, it supports 4K@120fps video output, giving you ultra-smooth visuals for high-resolution displays.

CM5-IO board Specifications

Source: ArmSoM

The CM5-IO board is designed to make the most of the CM5 module. It features an HDMI output for 4K displays, four USB 3.0 ports for peripherals, and a Gigabit Ethernet port with PoE support.

There’s also an SD Card slot and an M.2 slot for adding fast storage or PCIe devices.

With dual MIPI CSI camera interfaces and a 40-pin GPIO header, it’s perfect for projects that demand flexibility.

It’s compact, functional, and pairs seamlessly with the CM5 module to deliver a complete development platform.

Unboxing and first impression

The CM5 and its IO board arrived fully assembled, tucked neatly inside a sturdy, no-nonsense package. While the box wasn’t flashy, it did its job well, everything was secure and free of unnecessary fluff.

Sorry for the potato looking image quality

The first thing I noticed was the compactness of the CM5 module. It’s small, yet it feels solid in hand, like it means business. Looking closely, you can immediately spot the essentials: the RK3576 SoC sitting at the heart of the module, flanked by the eMMC storage chip and LPDDR5 RAM.

The layout is efficient and clean, with every component neatly placed. Even the tiny antenna connectors for Bluetooth and WiFi are exposed, ready to connect to external antennas for better wireless performance.

Flipping it over, the 100-pin connector on the back stands out.

The CM5 is designed to work seamlessly with Raspberry Pi IO boards, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their Pi-based projects.

ArmSoM CM5 supports Raspberry Pi IO board | Source: ArmSoM

The IO board, which came paired with the module, is equally impressive. It’s larger than the CM5 itself but just as well-built.

Ports and connectors are thoughtfully arranged, from the HDMI output and USB 3.0 ports and 40-pin GPIO header.

and don't forget that this IO board also has an M.2 slot unlike Raspberry Pi 500, which came in news with its unpopulated M.2 slot.

Setting it up

Getting started with the CM5 was refreshingly simple. The module slid perfectly into the IO board, just look for the markings on the board.

And to my surprise, this time I didn't have to rely on other sources, as ArmSoM has provided a great documentation for setup and links to all the OS images.

OS Installation & first boot

If you are coming from Raspberry Pi ecosystem, you might find it difficult to flash OS images into CM5 but during my experience with AIM7, it was an ease for me.

RKDevTool is required to flash an OS image in Rockchip devices.

Flashing Android 14 image to CM5 using RKDevTool

Debian

The CM5 came pre-installed with ArmSoM’s custom Debian image, which saved me the hassle of flashing an OS right out of the box.

When I powered it on, the board booted into Debian in under 30 seconds, thanks to the onboard eMMC storage.

However, there was a small hiccup: the default locale was set to Chinese. While this threw me off for a moment, Google Translate came to the rescue. I’ve covered a detailed guide on how to change locales in Debian.

Once the language barrier was out of the way, everything ran smoothly. The system felt responsive, and the ArmSoM image came with just the right balance of pre-installed utilities to get started without feeling bloated.

Android 14

ArmSoM doesn’t just stop at Debian; they also provide an Android 14 image for the CM5, and I couldn’t resist the idea of running Android on this tiny yet powerful board.

Installing it was straightforward, though slightly different from the usual process. Instead of burning the image to an SD card or eMMC, you need to flash it as firmware using the RKDevTool utility.

The process was smooth, and once the flashing was complete, I rebooted the system.

I was greeted with the Android boot animation, and in no time, the familiar Android home screen appeared. Interestingly, the display was in portrait mode, which felt a bit odd on my monitor but didn’t hinder functionality.

The Android image was barebones - just the essentials, nothing more. I scrolled through the settings, checked out the "About" section, and explored the file manager. It felt snappy and responsive, but that was about it.

One noticeable omission was the absence of the Google Play Store. If you’re keen on having it, you can install it using Open GApps Project.

However, since I was pressed for time, I skipped that step and instead sideloaded Geekbench for Android from APKMirror to get straight to benchmarking.

Performance testing

Now comes the most awaited section, the benchmarks!

It’s one thing to talk about specs on paper, but how does the CM5 actually perform in real-world tests? To keep things simple, here’s what I tested:

• Geekbench Performance: Evaluating CPU and overall system power.

• AI Capabilities: Testing the NPU for AI-related workloads.

• YouTube Playback: Checking video performance and hardware acceleration.

📋

The Geekbench test was conducted using the Geekbench Android app. For AI testing, I used the pre-installed Debian image. YouTube performance was tested in the Chromium browser inside Debian as well, with hardware acceleration enabled.

Geekbench results

The Geekbench results gave us a good glimpse of the CM5's raw power. With a Single-Core Score of 321 and a Multi-Core Score of 1261, the CM5 delivers solid performance.

The single-core score of 321 might seem modest, but it’s adequate for basic tasks like file compression (54.9 MB/sec) and lightweight navigation (2.34 routes/sec).

If you’re planning to use the CM5 for simple applications, like hosting a lightweight server or running scripts, this score is sufficient.

However, for tasks that demand high single-threaded performance like intensive image processing or compiling large programs, you might notice some lag.

The multi-core score of 1261 is where the RK3576 shines. This score reflects the strength of its eight cores working together, making it ideal for multitasking and workloads that can leverage parallel processing.

AI workload

The CM5’s 6 TOPS NPU is designed to handle AI inference efficiently, just like its big sibling, the AIM7.

It supports RKNN-LLM, a toolkit that enables deploying lightweight language models on Rockchip hardware with optimized performance.

Source: RKNN-LLM

To test its capabilities, I ran the TinyLLAMA model with 1.1 billion parameters, and the results were consistent with the AIM7.

The NPU achieved a throughput of 13 or 14 tokens /second , showcasing its ability to handle lightweight AI workloads with ease.

With NPU handling AI tasks, the GPU stays free for other workloads. This makes CM5 ideal for edge AI projects where efficient resource use is key.

YouTube playback

YouTube playback is my favorite test for any SBC because it’s where many boards, including the Raspberry Pi (even the Pi 5), still stumble.

Playing 1080p consistently is a challenge for most, and 4K? Forget about it. But the CM5 completely shattered my expectations.

Running Chromium on Debian with hardware acceleration enabled, I tested videos at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. The CM5 didn’t just handle it, it crushed it.

Even at 4K resolution, the playback was smooth, with less than 10 dropped frames throughout the video. That’s right, 4K on an SBC, and it worked beautifully.

What’s more impressive is how efficiently it handled the load. Thanks to hardware decoding, CPU usage stayed low, leaving the board cool and responsive.

I even recorded a video of the CM5 playing a 4K YouTube video to showcase its capabilities.

If you’re considering the CM5 for a media server or as a replacement for your Android TV box, this performance makes it an easy choice. It’s rare to see this level of multimedia smoothness on an SBC, and the CM5 delivers it effortlessly.

What about Raspberry Pi CM5?

I don't want to sugarcoat it, the Raspberry Pi CM5 outperforms the ArmSoM CM5 in raw processing power, and the benchmarks make that crystal clear.

In single-core performance, the Raspberry Pi CM5 delivers a stellar 804 compared to the ArmSoM CM5’s modest 321. That’s a difference of 39.9%, and it’s noticeable in tasks that rely on single-threaded performance, like browsing, lightweight applications, or running certain server processes.

The gap widens further in multi-core performance, where the Pi CM5 scores an impressive 1651, leaving the ArmSoM CM5 trailing at 1261 a 76.4% lead that makes the Pi CM5 the clear choice for CPU-intensive tasks.

That said, the ArmSoM CM5 isn’t trying to play the same game. It’s built with a different focus, and its strengths lie elsewhere.

The 6 TOPS NPU on the ArmSoM CM5 is a game-changer for AI workloads, allowing it to handle tasks like language models or image recognition with ease, something the Raspberry Pi CM5 lacks entirely.

Final thoughts

After spending time with the ArmSoM CM5, it’s clear that this little board has carved out its niche.

It may not outshine the Raspberry Pi CM5 in raw CPU benchmarks, but it brings its own strengths to the table.

The built-in NPU, seamless 4K playback, and thoughtful design make it a compelling choice for AI-driven edge projects, media servers, or even as a replacement for an Android TV box.

What impressed me most was its support for Raspberry Pi IO boards.

I feel that, the ArmSoM CM5 isn’t trying to be a Raspberry Pi killer. Instead, it’s a specialist board that excels in areas where the Pi falters.

As I wrap up this review, I'm also thinking about running some emulators on the CM5 to dive deeper into its GPU performance and for the fun of it.

Recently, many retro game emulation videos have been popping up in my feed, and they’re tempting me to dip my toes in.

If you want to see that, let me know in the comments section! 🕹️

by: Ankush Das

The Raspberry Pi is an extremely popular invention that enabled tinkerers to make interesting projects out of it.

You name it, and there must be a way for tinkerers to make it happen using the Raspberry Pi board. The possibilities are endless. Don't believe me? You can explore our list of Raspberry Pi project ideas to see what kind of projects exist.

That being said, the Raspberry Pi can also be used in arrangement to make a laptop you can use, or maybe a tablet. You can purchase some ready-made Raspberry Pi-based kits or choose to build it yourself following some project ideas out there.

Here, I have compiled all such options for you to take a look at.

🚧

The Raspberry Pi kits and accessories mentioned are available across various platforms. These websites may not have the best return/shipping policies. Please check them carefully before you make a purchase.

📋

The article contains affiliate links. Please read our affiliate policy.

1. RasPad

RasPad is one of the most popular Linux tablets out there. While it is extremely difficult to find it in stock on the official website, you can find several retailers/resellers making it available.

It is built to be used along with a Raspberry Pi device, which you have to purchase separately. Sure, it may not be a slim tablet, like the Android ones, but it is a fun portable gadget to put together and use.

You can install RasPad OS or any other Raspberry Pi operating system.

RasPad

2. CrowPi Raspberry Pi Educational Kit

A portable Raspberry Pi-based kit that looks like a laptop, CrowPi by Elecrow is a decent option available to purchase.

It is compatible with Raspberry Pi 5. So, you can make use of the latest tech available to get yourself a portable Raspberry Pi device with a big 9-inch IPS touch screen.

You can connect a keyboard to it, install any operating system of your choice, and you have a portable laptop to mimic, even if it may not look the prettiest.

CrowPi Compact Educational Kit

3. Piper Computer Kit

A Raspberry Pi-based kit tailored to provide a computer building experience where you end up with a device which you can use to learn and build stuff.

The kit is designed like there are puzzle pieces that you need to put together to learn as you build. It already includes a Raspberry Pi in the kit. So, you do not need to purchase it separately.

Piper Computer Kit

4. CrowPi L

CrowPi L looks relatively close to a laptop, and you have it as an assembled device without the Raspberry Pi.

It is compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B. So, all you have to do is get the board, and install it on its back side just like you would install a removable battery, yes, that easy!

You get an integrated camera + microphone, an 11.6-inch IPS screen, and a 5000 mAh battery to power the device.

You can choose to use it as a real laptop replacement or utilize it to build other projects.

CrowPi L

5. Handeld Nano Pi 2

Unlike the above-mentioned options, this handheld Raspberry Pi device is a project idea that you can refer and build it yourself.

The project runs a Raspberry Pi 2 version board with an incredibly small phone-sized keyboard and screen. You can 3D print the chassis of the keyboard, screen, and the box using the files available. And, customize it for a newer Raspberry Pi board.

For instructions, you will have to check out its Thingiverse page.

Thingiverse Nano Pi2 UMPC

6. CrowView Note

CrowView Note is a portable monitor with a keyboard and all the essentials, like microphone, camera, to turn any SBC like Raspberry Pi into a laptop.

Sure, you can use Raspberry Pi alternatives. But, I have seen people build Raspberry Pi laptops out of it on YouTube, just like this one:

When writing this, it was available as a Kickstarter product. So, it should be available when it's back in stock or at a later date again on its official manufacturer's website, Elecrow.

CrowView Note

7. Raspberry Pi 500 Desktop Kit

Credits: Jeff Gerling

If you are not satisfied with any of the options available in the market, you can go for the Raspberry Pi 500 or its predecessor, Raspberry Pi 400, built on top of the Raspberry Pi 5 and 4 respectively.

It is not a laptop nor a tablet, but if you aren't concerned about the form factor, this can be a portable solution. All you need is a screen to connect to, as the keyboard is the entire computer.

With the kit, you get a mouse, a preloaded SD card with Raspberry Pi OS, and essential cables to connect to a monitor. You will find limited online resellers having it in stock.

Raspberry Pi 400

Any Other Options To Consider?

You can build countless form factors when using a Raspberry Pi board to create a device. The ready-made options are always limited.

If you just want a lightweight hackable laptop to run Linux for your projects (not based on Raspberry Pi), you can take a look at PineBook that uses its custom SBC.

Not a tinkerer? And, looking for a mini PC? We have a list of Linux-based mini PCs as well:

11 Mini PCs That Come With Linux Pre-installed

Looking for a Linux-based mini PC? Here are the options that let you replace your traditional bulky desktop with a compact yet powerful mini PC.

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

💬Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments down below!

by: Abhishek Kumar

Ever since I realized that AI was shaping the future, I’ve been fascinated by its endless possibilities.

I’m someone who enjoys testing large language models (LLMs) on my devices, and the open-source approach to data has always been my preference.

Why? Because open-source projects empower us to have control, privacy, and customization, which is essential in today's data-driven world.

When I decided to explore AI image generation, it felt like a natural extension of this mindset. Why rely on proprietary models when open-source alternatives offer powerful features and flexibility?

Now, I’ll admit - I don’t have the ideal hardware to run these models locally at blazing speeds, but where there’s a will, there’s a way! Sure, CPU inference is painfully slow, but it gets the job done eventually (and hey, patience builds character, right?).

During my research, I stumbled upon several fascinating projects. Some are fully ripe and ready to use, while others are still budding and need more time to mature.

This article is a combined list of some of the best open-source AI image generators that you can run locally. If I’ve missed any gems, feel free to let me know in the comments!

1. Stable diffusion 1.5 (paired with stable-diffusion webui)

Stable Diffusion WebUI | Source: AUTOMATIC1111

Stable Diffusion v1.5 is a powerful latent text-to-image diffusion model designed to generate photo-realistic images from textual prompts.

Developed as an evolution of earlier versions, it was fine-tuned on a large-scale dataset, "LAION-Aesthetics v2 5+", to enhance its capabilities.

This model is particularly well-suited for artistic, creative, and research purposes, offering impressive results with minimal computational requirements.

Key features

• Unlock high-quality text-to-image generation with its latent diffusion process, achieving impressive results with reduced computational overhead.

• Fine-tuned on a large-scale dataset to improve its ability to generate visually appealing images.

• Supports multiple platforms and tools, including Diffusers Library for seamless integration into Python workflows, ComfyUI, Automatic1111, SD.Next, and InvokeAI for local usage.

• Enjoy efficient weight options like EMA-only weights for inference or EMA + non-EMA weights for fine-tuning tasks.

• Leverage the Pretrained Text Encoder, inspired by Google's Imagen model, to robustly understand text prompts.

• Generate artwork, design prototypes, and educational visuals with its creative applications, ideal for artistic and research purposes.

Stable Diffusion 1.5

2. Invoke AI

Source: InvokeAI

InvokeAI is a robust, open-source image generation project that takes its inspiration from upon Stable Diffusion, offering users a highly customizable experience for creating unique visuals.

Whether you're looking to generate artwork, photorealistic images, or something more abstract, InvokeAI provides a powerful toolkit with an easy-to-use interface.

Its flexibility is perfect for those who want more control over the creative process, especially for those working with specific intellectual property or requiring tailored workflows.

Key Features

• Create highly detailed prompts with options for both positive and negative guidance to guide the generation process.

• Generate images based on textual descriptions, with numerous customization options for finer control.

• Use an existing image as a reference to help guide the AI in maintaining specific colors, structures, or themes.

• Access a unified canvas that enables users to modify images by regenerating certain elements, editing content or colors (inpainting), and extending the image (outpainting).

• Experiment with different models, each trained to generate specific styles or outputs, providing flexibility to match your creative needs.

• Utilize advanced customization options like Low-Rank Adaptations (LoRAs) and Textual Inversion Embeddings to focus on specific characters, styles, or concepts.

• Customize the number of de-noising steps and choose from different schedulers to optimize the generation process for quality and speed.

Invoke AI

3. OpenJourney

OpenJourney is a powerful, open-source text-to-image AI art generator that allows users to create stunning visuals from text prompts.

Launched in November 2022 by PromptHero, it has quickly gained popularity as a free alternative to MidJourney.

Built on Stable Diffusion, OpenJourney was trained using thousands of MidJourney images from its v4 update, as well as other AI models like DALL-E 2.

OpenJourney excels at generating photorealistic and artistic images, and its open-source nature ensures it remains accessible to a wide audience.

Key Features

• Create stunning visuals from text prompts with its powerful text-to-image generation capabilities.

• Enjoy photorealistic and artistic images, perfect for artists, designers, and anyone looking to generate high-quality content.

• Access a library of curated prompt ideas to inspire your creativity and get started with generating art.

• Customize the style and content of your generated images by crafting specific prompts that fit your vision.

• Benefit from OpenJourney's stable diffusion-based architecture and additional training on MidJourney images for enhanced capabilities.

• Take advantage of its wide accessibility, available for free download on Hugging Face as part of a broader ecosystem of open-source AI models.

Openjourney

4. LocalAI (all-rounder)

This is an example of telegram-bot created using LocalAI | Source: LocalAI

LocalAI is an open-source, free alternative to OpenAI that enables local AI inferencing on consumer-grade hardware.

It acts as a drop-in replacement for OpenAI's API specifications, allowing you to run large language models (LLMs), generate images, audio, and more without the need for a GPU.

LocalAI API WebUI | Source: LocalAI-frontend

Created and maintained by Ettore Di Giacinto, LocalAI provides a flexible and cost-effective solution for running AI models on-premise.

Key Features

• It offers compatibility with OpenAI API specifications, making integration straightforward for developers.

• The platform operates on consumer-grade hardware, eliminating the need for a GPU.

• Supports a wide range of models and platforms, including Llama, Hugging Face, and Ollama, for diverse applications.

• Enables advanced text generation using models like Llama.cpp and transformers.

• Allows users to generate images from text prompts for creative projects.

• Includes audio features such as text-to-audio and audio-to-text with whisper.cpp.

• Facilitates embedding generation for vector database tasks like semantic search.

• Offers peer-to-peer inferencing for distributed AI processing across multiple devices.

• Integrates voice activity detection using Silero-VAD for improved audio task accuracy.

• Provides an easy-to-use WebUI for managing models without technical expertise.

• Features a model gallery for browsing and downloading models directly from platforms like Hugging Face.

Local AI

5. Foocus (Editor's choice)

Source: Fooocus

Fooocus caught my attention as one of the most user-friendly and innovative open-source image generators out there.

I was especially drawn to its ability to work on modest hardware(like mine, my poor laptop) and can handle diverse styles, having compatibility with various models.

It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for image generation!

Key features

• Fooocus boasts a proprietary inpainting algorithm that delivers superior results for editing and completing images.

• With the ability to use multiple prompts simultaneously, Fooocus enriches creative possibilities and output diversity, opening up new avenues of artistic expression.

• Fooocus supports a vast array of SDXL models, accommodating styles from artistic to photorealistic, giving users endless options for experimentation.

• Users can specify aspect ratios for tailor-made image generation, ensuring that every output meets their unique requirements.

• Advanced style controls, including contrast, sharpness, and color adjustments, empower users to fine-tune generated images with precision.

• Fooocus utilizes A1111's reweighting algorithm, enhancing the influence of specific elements within prompts for more targeted results.

• The platform incorporates InsightFace technology for precise face swapping, ideal for creating personalized avatars or modifications.

• Optimized for performance across a wide range of hardware configurations, Fooocus ensures accessibility and speed, regardless of the user's setup.

Fooocus

Conclusion

And there you have it! From Stable Diffusion to Fooocus, these are some of the open-source projects you can host or deploy locally to create stunning images right on your hardware.

While I won't dive into the murky waters of how these models get trained (support your favorite creators, and remember, stealing is bad!), I can tell you this: each project offers unique capabilities and tons of creative potential.

I like exploring local AI tools. Take this list of open source AI tools for documents.

5 Local AI Tools to Interact With PDF and Documents

Interact with your documents but in private with these local AI tools.

It's FOSSAbhishek Kumar

Now, before I get lost in a sea of stunning visuals and my laptop's fan decides to take off, I have a tiny request for you.

What do you think? Have any hidden gems that I missed? Do you agree with my not-so-secret affection for LocalAI and Fooocus?

Dive into the comments section and let me know your thoughts. Who knows? Your suggestion might just be the next project I test out (if my CPU allows it, of course)!

Until next time, keep generating and keep dreaming!

by: Ankush Das

Whether you are a Windows/macOS user, or someone who is new to computers, Linux often comes as a challenge to everyone when they encounter unfamiliar terms.

You do not usually come across Linux-specific jargon in standard high school academic computer books, unless there is a dedicated chapter for Linux.

So, for the majority of users who never used Linux, the terms associated will sound alien to them.

With this article, I aim to change that by explaining some of the important jargon that should help you navigate the Linux world better.

1. Kernel

The core of an operating system that interacts with the hardware, and software to help you take control of it, is a kernel.

And, Linux is just a kernel. We have an article that explains what Linux is for more details.

Every operating system is built on top of a kernel, like the Windows NT kernel for Windows, and the XNU kernel for Apple's macOS.

2. Distro

A distro (short for distribution) is a complete operating system package built on top of a Linux kernel.

There can be 100s of Linux distros. Each of them can differ in terms of its desktop environment, package manager, software pre-installed, user interface, Linux kernel version, and its use-cases. The combination of such system components that you like should be your preferred Linux distro.

Some of the examples of a distro include Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch Linux, and Linux Mint. Furthermore, there are distros that are based on other existing distros. For instance, Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, and Ubuntu is based on Debian.

It can be confusing to choose a distro based on what's available. So, I recommend going through the list of the best Linux distributions for all kinds of users.

Best Linux Distributions For Everyone in 2025

Looking for the best Linux distribution that suits everyone? Take a look at our comprehensive list.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

3. Dual Booting

The technique of having two operating systems installed in a single computer is called dual booting.

You can decide to use either of them, whether you have two Linux distros or one Linux and Windows operating system.

If you are considering doing it, you must know about the dual booting myths before proceeding.

Don’t Believe These Dual Boot Myths

Don’t listen to what you hear. I tell you the reality from my dual booting experience.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

4. Grub

Grub is the boot manager program (or bootloader) that lists the operating systems installed on your computer. You can find it on most popular Linux distributions, with some exceptions like Pop!_OS.

If you didn't know, a bootloader is a program that starts when you boot up the computer and loads the kernel to execute. You get to customize the order of it, and also customize the look of it to some extent.

You can learn more about grub in our jargon buster article.

What is Grub in Linux? What is it Used for?

If you ever used a desktop Linux system, you must have seen this screen. This is called the GRUB screen. Learn what is GRUB in Linux and what is it used for?

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

5. Desktop Environment

The desktop environment is a component of a Linux distribution that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to interact with all the tech.

It includes elements like icons, toolbar, wallpaper, widgets, and more.

You can get a detailed explanation of what a desktop environment is in our article and explore all the available desktop environments here:

8 Best Desktop Environments For Linux

A list of the best Linux Desktop Environments with their pros and cons. Have a look and see which desktop environment you should use.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

My favorite desktop environments include GNOME and KDE Plasma.

6. Display server

Display server is the core tech of what enables you to see and have a graphical user interface (GUI). Without it, you will not have a GUI to interact with.

It is not the same as desktop environment. In fact, a desktop environment includes a display server under-the-hood to make things possible.

You might have heard about X11, and Wayland sessions, those are the types of display servers available. Explore more here:

Linux Jargon Buster: What is a Display Server in Linux? What is it Used for?

In Linux related articles, news and discussions, you’ll often come across the term display server, Xorg, Wayland etc. In this explainer article, I’ll discuss display servers in Linux. What is display server in Linux? A display server is a program which is responsible for the input and output

It's FOSSDimitrios

7. Display Manager

The display manager is a program that gives login capabilities to the user in a desktop environment.

Some popular display managers are GDM, LightDM, and SSDM. You can learn more about it here:

Linux Jargon Buster: What is Display Manager in Linux?

In this chapter of the Linux Jargon Buster, you’ll learn about display manager in Linux. Is it part of the desktop environment? What does it do?

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

8. GNOME Shell

The user interface component in the GNOME desktop environment that is responsible to managing actions like window switching, notifications, and launching applications is the GNOME shell.

You can customize the behavior and add more functionalities to it using GNOME shell extensions.

9. Terminal Emulator

The terminal emulator is a text-based program that lets you type in commands for the computer to process. Some may even prefer to all it the command-line interface (just like the command prompt in Windows).

By default, every Linux distribution offers a terminal emulator with a set of capabilities. However, you can choose to install a separate one to get more functionalities or a different look/feel.

You can explore our list of available Linux terminal emulators to try out some cool options.

10. Sudo

Sudo is a command on Linux that gives you elevated privileges (or root privileges) temporarily.

It is used whenever you want to make a system modification, or want to simply access a system file. The user is asked to prove that they are the administrators of the computer by typing in the password whenever sudo is used in a command.

Interestingly, the password is not visible when you type it in the terminal for security purposes.

11. Package Manager

A tool that lets you install, manage, and remove applications on your Linux distro, is the package manager. It can be terminal-centric or one with a graphical user interface (GUI).

For instance, APT package manager for .deb files is terminal-focused. And, Synaptic is a GUI-based tool.

Every Linux distro has a different package manager. However, some package managers are predominantly found in most of the Linux distributions. For more information, you can check out our package manager explainer:

What is a Package Manager in Linux?

Learn about packaging system and package managers in Linux. You’ll learn how do they work and what kind of package managers available.

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

12. End of Life

End of Life (EOL) is a term used to point out the particular date/year after which a software will stop receiving any maintenance or security updates. In our context, it can be a Linux distribution. However, it is a term used for all kinds of software.

For instance, the End of Life for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is April 2029. The End of Life differs based on the release cycle of the distribution, which I shall mention in the next point.

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13. Long-Term Support (LTS) and Non-LTS Release

A release cycle is the period when you can expect a software to get a new upgrade while marking the end of life of the current version.

If you find something that mentions — Long-Term Support (LTS) release, it means that the software will get updates for a long duration of time, focusing on its stability over bleeding-edge changes.

Depending on the software or the distro, the duration will differ. For instance, every LTS release of Ubuntu gets at least five years of updates, and its flavours get only three years of updates.

And, non-LTS is the opposite of it, meaning, the software will get updates for a shorter duration (or limited time).

For instance, Ubuntu 24.10 will be supported for only nine months.

14. Point and Rolling Release

A point release is a minor update to a major version of the software. For instance, Linux Mint 22.1 is a point update to Linux Mint 22.

On the contrary, a rolling release does not increment in any similar form. It just gets updates, small or big, with every new push by the developer team after its initial big release. For instance, Arch Linux is one of the best rolling release distros.

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15. Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage

Snap, Flatpak, and, AppImage are three different universal packaging formats for Linux software. Unlike DEB or RPM packages, you can use Snap/Flatpak/AppImage packages on any Linux distributions.

Technically, they have certain differences among each other, but they serve a similar aim, to make things cross-distribution friendly and remove the hassle of dependencies.

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16. Tiling Window Manager

Tiling Window Manager is a program that lets you organize your windows in a tile layout. It is a mighty utility to make the best use of your screen space while keeping things organized.

It boosts your productivity, and also makes your desktop experience prettier.

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17. Upstream and Downstream

In terms of Linux software lingo, upstream is often referred to an original project from which the current software is based on. It can be a kernel, or a distro, or an app in our context. And, the downstream is the one that takes things from the upstream.

For instance, the Linux kernel releases are upstream, and the distro developers customizing it and using it will be termed as downstream.

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Linux Jargon Buster: What are Upstream and Downstream?

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18. Daemon

A daemon is a utility program that runs in the background to make sure certain services are running and monitored. For instance, the system update daemon makes sure to check for updates at a regular interval of time.

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19. TTY

When it comes to Linux, TTY is an abstract device in UNIX and Linux. Sometimes it refers to a physical input device such as a serial port, and sometimes it refers to a virtual TTY where it allows users to interact with the system (reference).

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20. Immutable Distro

Considering you already know what a distro is, an immutable distro is just a type of distro where you cannot modify the core of the operating system (in other words, it is read-only).

This makes it a safer experience, and a more reliable one. Immutable distros have gained popularity recently, and you can find plenty of immutable distros to try the concept for yourself.

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21. Super Key

The Windows key that you normally know and love is the super key for Linux. It acts as the command button (like macOS) with which you can perform a range of keyboard shortcuts.

So, if someone says press the super key, it is just the Windows key on most keyboards. In some rare instance, the keyboard button could have a Linux icon over a Windows one.

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Conclusion

It helps to know the common technical terms, specially if you are in discussion on online forums.

Of course, there is no end to jargon. There are many more that didn't make to this list. There will be newer ones as we progress with time.

What are your favorites Linux jargon that you learned recently? Share it with us in the comments 😄