Fedora Linux 42 Review: Yet another awesome release!

Fedora Linux 42 is the latest stable release from the Fedora Project, a community-driven initiative sponsored by Red Hat. It's designed to be a powerful, versatile, and cutting-edge distribution that showcases the newest GNU/Linux technologies. Think of it as a playground for innovation, where you can get your hands on the latest and greatest tools and features.

Why Should You Care?

Fedora is often seen as a testbed for technologies that eventually make their way into Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). This means you get to experience the future of Linux computing today. Whether you're a developer, system administrator, or just a Linux enthusiast, Fedora 42 offers something exciting.

What's New in Fedora Linux 42?

Here’s a breakdown of the key highlights:

1. Kernel 6.14: The Engine Room

At the heart of Fedora 42 is the Linux kernel 6.14. This brings improved hardware support, performance enhancements, and the latest security patches. Kernels are the core of the operating system. A newer Kernel means better compatibility and efficiency.

2. GNOME 48: A Sleek Desktop Experience

The flagship Fedora Workstation edition comes with GNOME 48. This desktop environment is known for its clean, modern interface and user-friendly design. It’s all about making your computing experience smooth and intuitive.

3. Anaconda WebUI Installer: A Modern Installation Experience

Say goodbye to the old installer! Fedora 42 introduces the Anaconda WebUI installer by default. This modern installer offers a more advanced and user-friendly installation process.

What are the Benefits of the Anaconda WebUI Installer?

• Guided Partitioning: This feature provides a more powerful automatic partitioning, allowing you to select a goal and customize it further. No more struggling with manual partitioning!

• Reinstall Fedora Option: If something goes wrong, you can easily reinstall your system with this option. It's a lifesaver for troubleshooting.

• Dual-Boot Support: Setting up a dual-boot system is now easier than ever.

• Smooth Installation Experience: Enjoy an installation progress indicator, built-in help, and configuration review. The Wizard feature allows you to skip unnecessary steps.

Who Benefits from This?

Anyone who has ever struggled with installing an operating system will appreciate the Anaconda WebUI. It simplifies the process and offers more control.

4. Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop Edition: A New Edition

The Fedora KDE Spin, featuring the latest KDE Plasma 6.3 desktop environment, has been promoted to full Edition status. This means it’s now officially recognized alongside the GNOME-based Fedora Workstation edition.

What Does This Mean?

KDE Plasma is a popular desktop environment known for its customization options and feature-rich design. By making it a full Edition, Fedora is giving users more choice and support.

Who is This For?

If you love customizing your desktop environment, KDE Plasma is for you. It offers a plethora of options to tweak and personalize your experience.

5. Fedora COSMIC Spin: A New Contender

A new Fedora Spin featuring the COSMIC desktop environment has been introduced. COSMIC is developed by System76, the company behind the Ubuntu-based Pop!_OS Linux distribution, using the Rust language.

Why is This Exciting?

COSMIC aims to provide a refined and efficient desktop experience. It’s built with modern technologies and focuses on performance and usability.

Who Should Try It?

If you're curious about new desktop environments and want to try something different, the Fedora COSMIC Spin is worth exploring.

6. Under-the-Hood Improvements

Fedora 42 comes packed with numerous under-the-hood improvements that enhance performance, security, and usability.

What are These Improvements?

• RPM Support for systemd sysusers.d: This allows for creating users and groups according to the configuration provided in sysusers.d.

• Composefs by Default for Fedora Atomic Desktops: Composefs is enabled by default for Fedora Atomic Desktops, improving system immutability.

• SDL3 Transition and Wayland-by-Default for SDL Apps: The Fedora Workstation edition received the SDL3 transition and Wayland-by-default for SDL apps, enhancing graphics performance.

• Firewalld IPv6_rpfilter=loose by Default: Fedora now supports firewalld to use IPv6_rpfilter=loose by default.

• Unification of /usr/bin and /usr/sbin: This simplifies the file system structure.

• DNF/RPM Copy on Write Enablement: This is enabled for all variants, improving system stability.

• Updated python-setuptools: The latest upstream release of python-setuptools is included.

• Support for More MIPI Cameras: Fedora 42 adds support for more MIPI (non-USB) cameras found on x86 laptops and tablets.

• Simpledrm Kernel Mode Setting by Default: This is enabled for the Plymouth boot splash.

• Improved edk2 Security: Security improvements for edk2.

• SquashFS to EROFS Switch: Fedora Linux live media switches from SquashFS to EROFS.

How Do These Improvements Help?

These changes contribute to a more stable, secure, and efficient operating system. They address various aspects of the system, from user management to file system structure.

7. DNF5 Package Manager Improvements

Fedora 42 includes improvements to the DNF5 package manager, including a new logic to remove expired and obsolete repository keys.

Why is This Important?

Keeping your repository keys up to date is crucial for security. This improvement automates the process and reduces the risk of using outdated or compromised keys.

8. Updated Toolchain

Fedora 42 features an up-to-date toolchain, including:

• GCC 15

• GNU Binutils 2.44

• GNU C Library 2.41

• GDB 15

• LLVM 20

• Golang 1.24

• Tcl/Tk 9.0

• IBus 1.5.32

• Haskell GHC 9.8

• Stackage 23

• Django 5.x

• Ansible 11

• PHP 8.4

What Does This Mean for Developers?

Having the latest versions of these tools ensures that developers can take advantage of the newest features and optimizations. It makes Fedora an excellent platform for software development.

How to Download and Install Fedora Linux 42

Ready to give Fedora 42 a try? Here's how you can download and install it:

1. Visit the Official Fedora Website:

   • Go to the official Fedora Project website.

   • Navigate to the "Get Fedora" or "Download" section.

2. Choose Your Edition:

   • Select the edition you want to download. The primary options are:

     • Fedora Workstation: For desktop users, with GNOME as the default desktop environment.

     • Fedora Server: For server environments, with a focus on stability and performance.

     • Fedora IoT: For Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

     • Fedora Atomic Desktops: An immutable desktop option with technologies like Flatpak and OSTree.

   • You can also find Fedora Spins for other desktop environments like KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXQt, and more.

3. Download the ISO Image:

   • Click on the download link for your chosen edition.

   • You'll be prompted to download an ISO image file. This file contains the installation files for Fedora 42.

4. Verify the Download (Optional but Recommended):

   • To ensure the integrity of the downloaded ISO image, you can verify it using checksums.

   • The Fedora website provides checksum files (SHA256) for each ISO image.

   • Download the checksum file corresponding to your ISO image.

   • Use a checksum utility (like sha256sum on Linux or similar tools on Windows and macOS) to calculate the checksum of your downloaded ISO image.

   • Compare the calculated checksum with the value in the checksum file. If they match, your download is intact.

5. Create Bootable Media:

   • Once you have the ISO image, you need to create a bootable USB drive or DVD.

   • For USB Drive (Recommended):

     • Download a tool like Rufus (Windows), Etcher (Windows, macOS, Linux), or Fedora Media Writer (Windows, macOS, Linux).

     • Run the tool and select your downloaded ISO image.

     • Choose your USB drive as the destination.

     • Start the process to create the bootable USB drive. This will erase all data on the USB drive, so make sure to back up any important files.

   • For DVD:

     • Use a DVD burning tool (like ImgBurn on Windows, or the built-in Disk Utility on macOS) to burn the ISO image to a DVD.

6. Boot from the Installation Media:

   • Insert the bootable USB drive or DVD into your computer.

   • Restart your computer.

   • During the startup process, you need to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings to change the boot order. This is usually done by pressing a key like Delete, F2, F12, Esc, or another key specified by your computer manufacturer.

   • In the BIOS/UEFI settings, find the boot order or boot priority settings.

   • Set the USB drive or DVD drive as the first boot device.

   • Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.

   • Your computer will now boot from the Fedora installation media.

7. Start the Installation Process:

   • Once the system boots from the installation media, you'll be presented with the Fedora installation screen.

   • Choose "Start Fedora" or a similar option to boot into the live environment.

   • From the live environment, you can test Fedora before installing it.

   • To start the installation, look for an icon on the desktop labeled "Install to Hard Drive" or a similar option.

   • Double-click the icon to launch the Anaconda installer.

8. Follow the Anaconda Installer:

   • The Anaconda installer will guide you through the installation process.

   • Language and Keyboard Settings:

     • Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.

   • Installation Destination:

     • Select the hard drive or partition where you want to install Fedora.

     • You have several options:

       • Automatic: The installer will automatically partition the disk. This is the easiest option for beginners.

       • Custom: You can manually create and configure partitions. This option is for advanced users who want more control over the partitioning scheme.

       • Advanced Custom (Blivet-GUI): Provides a more advanced partitioning tool.

     • If you choose the "Custom" option, you'll need to create the following partitions:

       • /boot: For the bootloader files.

       • /: The root partition, where the operating system files will be installed.

       • swap: For swap space (optional but recommended).

       • /home: For user home directories (optional but recommended).

   • Network and Hostname:

     • Configure your network settings and set a hostname for your system.

   • Root Password:

     • Set a strong password for the root user.

   • User Creation:

     • Create a user account for yourself.

9. Begin Installation:

   • After configuring all the settings, click "Begin Installation" to start the installation process.

   • The installer will copy the necessary files to your hard drive and configure the system.

   • This process may take some time, depending on the speed of your hardware.

10. Reboot Your System:

    • Once the installation is complete, the installer will prompt you to reboot your system.

    • Click "Finish" and then "Reboot."

    • Remove the installation media (USB drive or DVD) from your computer.

    • Your system will now boot into your newly installed Fedora 42.

11. First Boot and Setup:

    • After the reboot, you'll be greeted with the Fedora welcome screen.

    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup, such as:

      • Connecting to the internet.

      • Setting up online accounts.

      • Configuring privacy settings.

12. Update Your System:

    • Open a terminal and run the following commands to update your system:

          sudo dnf update
        

    • This will update all installed packages to the latest versions.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Fedora Linux 42 on your computer. Enjoy exploring the latest features and improvements!

Who is Fedora Linux 42 For?

• Developers: With its up-to-date toolchain and support for various programming languages, Fedora is a great platform for software development.

• System Administrators: Fedora offers the latest system administration tools and technologies, making it ideal for managing servers and networks.

• Linux Enthusiasts: If you love exploring new technologies and want to stay on the cutting edge, Fedora is the distribution for you.

• Desktop Users: With its various desktop environments, Fedora caters to a wide range of desktop users.

In Conclusion

Fedora Linux 42 is a significant release that brings a host of new features and improvements. Whether you're a developer, system administrator, or Linux enthusiast, there's something in this release for you. So, go ahead and give it a try!