30# Weekly Linux and Tech Update

Microsoft Breaks Dual Boots for Linux and Windows

  • Microsoft recently pushed a patch meant to fix a flaw related to Grub 2, which could allow attackers to bypass Secure Boot.
  • The patch inadvertently affected dual-boot systems running both Linux and Windows, causing numerous issues.
  • Microsoft has yet to respond to those affected. For now, users can disable Secure Boot or uninstall the latest Windows security update to fix the issue.

Google’s Influencer Controversy

  • Google was caught trying to coerce influencers to speak positively about their latest Pixel phone.
  • Google admitted there was an issue and claimed their communication “missed the mark,” but the attempt to manipulate influencers was still apparent.

New NVIDIA Drivers for Linux

  • NVIDIA released stable drivers for Linux version 5.560, featuring numerous fixes:
    • Resolved plasma shell freezes under Wayland.
    • Improved support for multi-monitor setups.
    • Enhanced XWayland support, particularly for running games.
    • Added hardware-accelerated screen sharing through PipeWire, even for multiple clients.

GNOME 47 Beta Released

  • GNOME 47 beta brings significant changes:
    • Hardware-accelerated screen recording.
    • New features for drawing tablets and styluses.
    • Initial steps towards color management protocol for HDR support.
    • Enhanced handling of secondary GPU failures.
    • New customization options like accent colors and ICS file import for calendars.
    • Updates to the Epiphany web browser with features like auto-fill, privacy reports, and more.
    • Improved remote desktop support under Wayland.
    • Various bug fixes and backend updates.

KDE’s User Feedback Insights

  • KDE shared findings from its SL Telemetry tool, which gathers voluntary user feedback:
    • Wayland adoption among KDE users is at 45%, but reaches 80% among KDE Plasma 6 users.
    • The majority of X11 users rely on AMD GPUs, while Wayland users are less likely to use NVIDIA.
    • Some users still use very low-resolution displays (800×600 or 640×480), often for virtual machines.
    • The feedback data led to preserving support for OpenGL2, despite earlier plans to drop it.
    • KDE plans to propose changes to improve data collection and make the tool more useful.

Linux vs. Windows Gaming Performance

  • Linux has caught up to, or even surpassed, Windows in gaming performance in some cases:
    • Jason Evangelho’s benchmarks showed Linux outperforming Windows in games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Cyberpunk 2077, using Fedora 40 and Proton.
    • Differences in performance are minimal, making Linux a viable option for gaming.
    • The results were based on lower-powered hardware, so high-end setups might yield different outcomes.

Wine Version 9.16 Released

  • Wine’s new release, version 9.16, introduces significant updates:
    • First implementation of the Windows driver store from the Vista era.
    • Updated Wine Wayland driver.
    • 25 bugs fixed, improving compatibility for applications like Anarchy Online, Foxit PDF Reader, and Paint Shop Pro X7.
    • Enhanced overall application performance, not just for games.

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