> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # FOSS Weekly #25.49: Kernel 6.18 'LTS', Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, Linus Torvalds on BSOD, Obsidian Distro and More Linux Stuff - URL: https://itsfoss.com/newsletter/foss-weekly-25-49/ - Published: 2025-12-04T04:17:06.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-04T13:55:53.000Z - Description: And we enter the Christmas month. - Author: Abhishek Prakash - Tags: Newsletter ✉️ Recently, [Linus Torvalds and Linus Sebastian come together](https://itsfoss.com/news/torvalds-blue-screen-of-death/) for a YouTube video collaboration. There, Torvalds said that the infamous blue screen of death in Windows is not a software issue in most cases. Hard to disagree with him. [Linus Torvalds Defends Windows’ Blue Screen of DeathAnd he is not wrong actually.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-74.png)It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/torvalds-blue-screen-of-death.webp)](https://itsfoss.com/news/torvalds-blue-screen-of-death/) Also, if you like It's FOSS and rely on Google search, please [add us as your preferred source in Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=itsfoss.com&ref=itsfoss.com). This way, you get reliable and more accurate information on Linux in this age of AI slop. **Here's the highlight of this edition of FOSS Weekly:** - A new open source font by Google. - KDE Plasma dropping X11 in the future. - The Linux kernel 6.18 release. - Ubuntu 26.04 LTS is dropping some default apps. - Firefox based browsers. - And other Linux news, tips, and, of course, memes! - This week of FOSS Weekly is supported by the awesome folks at [Prepper Disk](https://www.prepperdisk.com/?ref=itsfoss.com). [![CTA Image](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/12/prepper-disk.webp)](https://prepperdisk.myshopify.com/cart/43591131332662:1,43384681136182:1?discount=FOSSEMP&ref=itsfoss.com) With privacy and Internet stability more challenging than ever, Prepper Disk is a private offline stash of over 500 GB of vital websites in any emergency. Wikipedia, iFixit repair guides, StackExchange, world road maps, HAM radio repeater information, and much more are inside a compact, easy-to-carry device. ****It’s FOSS Newsletter readers get a FREE EMP Bag** with a purchase of the Prepper Disk Premium, using [this link](https://prepperdisk.myshopify.com/cart/43591131332662:1,43384681136182:1?discount=FOSSEMP&ref=itsfoss.com). [Get This Exclusive Offer ](https://prepperdisk.myshopify.com/cart/43591131332662:1,43384681136182:1?discount=FOSSEMP&ref=itsfoss.com) ## 📰 Linux and Open Source News - [Linux kernel 6.18](https://itsfoss.com/news/linux-kernel-6-18/) arrives with "less bugfixing noise." - KDE Plasma 6.8 [will drop support for the X11 session](https://itsfoss.com/news/kde-plasma-to-drop-x11-support/). - [ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.2](https://itsfoss.com/news/onlyoffice-docs-9-2-release/) lands with an AI grammar checker tool. - A group of Swiss data protection officers has declared [US cloud giants can't meet privacy standards](https://itsfoss.com/news/privatim-declares-international-cloud-unsuitable/). - Google just [open-sourced its Sans Flex font](https://itsfoss.com/news/google-sans-flex/) and launched [a new AI tool](https://itsfoss.com/news/google-code-wiki) for automated documentation creation. ## 🧠 What We’re Thinking About Are self-hosting and homelabbing the logical next step for Linux users? It does seem so as [Linux users are already leading the revolution of self-hosting](https://itsfoss.com/self-hosting-rising/). [Self-Hosting is Rising and Linux Users are Leading This RevolutionSelf‑hosting isn’t anti‑cloud; it’s pro‑agency. It’s choosing the right locus of control for the things you care about.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-78.png)It's FOSSTheena Kumaragurunathan![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/self-hosting-is-rising-1.webp)](https://itsfoss.com/self-hosting-rising/) ## 🎓Get certified, get job ready, at 65% less [![Linux Foundation exam sale](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/12/image-15.png)](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85919&awinaffid=429005&ued=https%3A%2F%2Ftraining.linuxfoundation.org%2Fcyber-week-2025%2F&ref=itsfoss.com) Being the most prominent and official organization behind Linux and many other Enterprise open source projects, Linux Foundation's certifications hold good value in the job market. Their [Kubernetes certifications helps you land DevOps jobs](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85919&awinaffid=429005&ued=https%3A%2F%2Ftraining.linuxfoundation.org%2Fcyber-week-2025%2F&ref=itsfoss.com). Linux Foundation is running Cyber Monday offer, and you can get upto 65% off on certification exams and training courses. So, if you are looking for a career in Linux sysadmin and DevOps field in 2026, [take the advantage of the sale](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85919&awinaffid=429005&ued=https%3A%2F%2Ftraining.linuxfoundation.org%2Fcyber-week-2025%2F&ref=itsfoss.com) as the exam period is valid for one year. Get it for discount today, prepare for the certification exam and attempt it in a few months. You can take two attempts at the exam. [Explore Linux Foundation Cyber Monday Deals](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85919&awinaffid=429005&ued=https%3A%2F%2Ftraining.linuxfoundation.org%2Fcyber-week-2025%2F&ref=itsfoss.com) ## 🧮 Linux Tips, Tutorials, and Learnings Not every web browser needs to be based on Chromium. [Here are some great alternatives](https://itsfoss.com/firefox-based-browsers/). [Not Every Browser is Built on Chrome: Explore These Firefox-based OptionsThink all popular browsers out there are Chromium based? Take a look at this Firefox-based options.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-75.png)It's FOSSPulkit Chandak![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/firefox-based-browsers-1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/firefox-based-browsers/) Ubuntu 26.04 is a few months away, but [it doesn't hurt to take an early look at what's coming](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-26-04-release-features/), does it? [Ubuntu 26.04: Release Date and New FeaturesThe development for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS has started and it’s time to start looking towards the features and changes it is bringing.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-77.png)It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/ubuntu-26-04-features.webp)](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-26-04-release-features/) And a quick tip on [checking the temperature of your NVMe SSD from the command line](https://itsfoss.com/ssd-temperature-linux/). We are in December now and I can safely say that Christmas is here. This may sound like ****Mariah Carey**, but ****all I want for Christmas is...your support**. As one of the rare few publications with a special focus on desktop Linux users, we have been functioning for the past 13 years with the support of readers like you, not corporate backers. If you believe in our work, if we ever helped you, do consider upgrading to an [It’s FOSS Plus membership](https://itsfoss.com/membership/) — just $3/month or a single payment of $99 for lifetime access. [Show Your Support With It's FOSS Plus ](https://itsfoss.com/membership/) ## 👷 AI, Homelab and Hardware Corner Raspberry Pi 5's [1GB variant has arrived](https://itsfoss.com/news/raspberry-pi-5-1gb-worth-it/), but who is it for in 2025? [Raspberry Pi 5 1GB Variant: Is It Worth $45?Other SBCs offer more RAM at this price point. So, should you still pay $45 for a 1 GB Pi?![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-79.png)It's FOSSSourav Rudra![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/raspberry-pi-5-1gb-alternatives.png)](https://itsfoss.com/news/raspberry-pi-5-1gb-worth-it/) Fitbit couldn't keep Pebble down. [It is now on course for a big return](https://itsfoss.com/news/pebble-returns-as-open-source/)! ## ✨ Project Highlights Most new distros don't offer anything of substance other than a few themes perhaps. This is why [ObsidianOS](https://itsfoss.com/obsidianos-review/) is different as it offers the innovative concept for system wide rollback with the classic Ext filesystem.. [ObsidianOS Review: A New, Innovative Linux Distro Built Around A/B PartitioningThe idea to rollback via two root partitions is interesting. This is certainly not your regular rethemed Arch distro.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-76.png)It's FOSSNeville Ondara![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/obsidian-os.webp)](https://itsfoss.com/obsidianos-review/) Think you know the best Linux system monitor? [This showdown may surprise you](https://itsfoss.com/mission-center-vs-resources/). [Mission Center vs. Resources: The Ultimate Linux System Monitor ShowdownTwo of the best GUI-based system monitors for desktop Linux users. Which one is better of the two? Let’s find out.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-80.png)It's FOSSRoland Taylor![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/resources-vs-mission-center.webp)](https://itsfoss.com/mission-center-vs-resources/) ## 📽️ Videos I Am Creating for You It is nearly a year since I have been using Zen as my primary browser. It is based on Firefox but feels so different to use. [Watch me use Zen in the latest video](https://youtu.be/Auqu1RnEVfU?ref=itsfoss.com). [Subscribe to It's FOSS YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@itsfoss?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 💡 Quick Handy Tip In Firefox, you can use `@` in the address bar to access various searching areas. These search areas include things like searching among tabs, your bookmarks, the history, a different search engine, and more. This works in other browsers too, but the availability of search areas will differ. ![firefox search tip](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/12/search-areas-firefox.png) [](https://t43217012.p.clickup-attachments.com/t43217012/da09f1e7-b651-4c93-b93b-141e46671d4b/copy-link-to-highlight-firefox.png?ref=itsfoss.com) ## 🎋 Fun in the FOSSverse Governance in open source is an important thing. Can you beat [this crossword](https://itsfoss.com/quiz/governance-open-source-quiz/) to prove your knowledge? [Governance in Open-Source Projects: CrosswordA crossword to help you figure out governance in the open-source world.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/android-chrome-512x512-81.png)It's FOSSAnkush Das![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/Governance-in-Open-Source-1.png)](https://itsfoss.com/quiz/governance-open-source-quiz/) **🤣 Meme of the Week**: Musings of a wise ape... No offense to Manjaro users or users of [other Arch-based distros](https://itsfoss.com/arch-based-linux-distros/). ![manjaro meme, dumb animal (the human)](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2025/12/meme5.png) **🗓️ Tech Trivia**: On December 3, 1968, [Control Data Corporation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control%5FData%5FCorporation?ref=itsfoss.com) unveiled the [CDC 7600](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CDC%5F7600?ref=itsfoss.com), a machine often hailed as the first true supercomputer. Engineered by [Seymour Cray](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seymour%5FCray?ref=itsfoss.com), the system pushed boundaries with performance nearing 40 megaflops, an extraordinary achievement for its era. **🧑‍🤝‍🧑 From the Community**: A tutorial on [how to setup LVM with dedicated /mnt/data\_backups](https://itsfoss.community/t/complete-guide-for-lvm-with-dedicated-mnt-data-backups/15146?ref=itsfoss.com) by one of our regular FOSSers. [Complete guide for LVM with dedicated /mnt/data\_backupsComplete guide Two Volume Groups (VGs): vg\_data: A massive <4.55 TiB storage pool across 5 physical volumes (/dev/sdb1, /dev/sdc1, /dev/sdd1, /dev/nvme0n1p1, and /dev/sdf1). vgmint: A <2.25 TiB volume group for your operating system (/) and swap, spanning 3 physical volumes (/dev/nvme1n1p2, /dev/sde1, and /dev/sda1). Logical Volumes (LVs): > I have a dedicated <1.40 TiB logical volume (lv\_backups) specifically for backups, which is where I put Timeshift data (/mnt/data\_backups). A larg…![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/icon/f274f9749e3fd8b4d6fbae1cf90c5c186d2f699c_2_180x180-80.png)It's FOSS Communityjackfrost![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/thumbnail/3e4c0f7830529014f98fdc58a37d64fc1ba68db6.png)](https://itsfoss.community/t/complete-guide-for-lvm-with-dedicated-mnt-data-backups/15146?ref=itsfoss.com) ## ❤️ With love **Please share it with your Linux-using friends** and encourage them to subscribe (hint: [it's here](https://itsfoss.com/newsletter/)). Share the articles in Linux Subreddits and community forums. [Follow us on Google News](https://news.google.com/publications/CAAiENHoh-T8yP9Q8Qywor2dwGkqFAgKIhDR6Ifk%5FMj%5FUPEMsKK9ncBp?ref=itsfoss.com) and stay updated in your News feed. Opt for [It's FOSS Plus membership](https://itsfoss.com/membership) and support us 🙏 Enjoy FOSS 😄