When open source is spoken about, it is done so just as a licensing model for software. But when you think about it, it is often deeper than just that. With the open source philosophy, developers make good software exist just for the sake of its existence. Sometimes this good software is so good, that it disrupts the already existing players of the area, tipping the balance entirely. We'll be looking at the most significant cases of such an event in this article. So sit back and enjoy this casual read.

1. Git decimates BitKeeper

Imagine being the creator of Linux and yet people know you more for creating Git. That's the story of Linus Torvalds.

Before Git, BitKeeper was the primary software used for distributed revision control of Linux kernel source code. And it was revolutionary because before that, according to Torvalds, the only good option was to manually check the patches and put them in.

While Stallman and some others crticized the use of a properitary tool for the development of open source Linux kernel project, BitKeeper remained the choice of VCS tool.

It was in 2005, that BitKeeper revoked the free license for Linux kernel project. They blamed Andrew Tridgell who tried creating an open source version of BitKeeper, the same way he had created Samba protocol, by resevre engineering existing project.

This move violated BitKeeper's terms as Tridgell was employed by OSDL, predeccors of Linux Foundation, the non-profit organization pushing the Linux kernel development.

After a public feud with Tridgell, Torvalds started working on his own source control software and released the first version before the month ended. And that's how Git was born, out of necessity, just like Linux project.

Fun fact, this incident also led to the birth of Mercurial, another open source VCS. Popularity of Git overshadowed Mercurial.

BitKeeper then turned open source before eventually being discontinued. Git, however, remains the most popular software control tool, with GitHub and GitLab, etc. being the most massive code bases used by everyone.

2. X.Org takes on XFree86's advertising clause

X Window System, aka X11 is one of the graphic windowing systems that are used in many Linux distributions as of now, and was used almost exclusively all major distributions before Wayland came along.

The most popular implementation of X11 used to be XFree86. It began to go sour when the development of the software started to stagnate, as the core team began to resist progress. Things changed in 2004 when XFree86 wanted to include an advertising clause in their license, making it incompatible with the GPL license. This caused some tension within the community with the developers of major distributions warning to pull out.

As a response, X.Org Foundation made the X.Org Server based on the last open source compatible version of XFree86. It became really popular really fast, replacing XFree86 in most of the major distributions within months. With a modular structure and transparency in development, X.Org became integral in graphical Linux operating systems, only now starting to be slowly replaced by a different windowing system entirely, Wayland.

3. Icinga takes on Nagios

In an IT workplace, all the technological elements of the system need to be monitored well. This is what is done by a network and infrastructure monitoring system, like Nagios. It is an application that can watch over servers, devices, applications, computers, etc. over a network, and report errors, if there are any.

Nagios dominated this area, being open-source and extensible. This modularity, however, became the reason for its downfall as the developers made the decision to move certain plugins and features behind paid tiers. Due to this increased commercialization and closed development, they started losing their users.

As a response, Icinga was made from a Nagios fork in 2009. They kept the backward compatibility to keep system from breaking, but put a step towards the future. Icinga offered a new web-interface, configuration format and improved scalability, essentially replacing Nagios as the preferred platform.

4. Illumos carries the legacy of OpenSolaris

Sun Microsystems had been a major player in the tech world, both hardware and software wise, during the dot-com boom. Solaris was a proprietary, UNIX based operating system designed by them that became really important in the industry. They then released OpenSolaris, which was their daring attempt at open-sourcing their powerful OS. Eventually, however, Oracle acquired Sun in 2010, abruptly abandoning the OpenSolaris project, leaving a lot of people hanging in the process.

The solution? Some of the former Sun engineers and the open-source community came together to build Illumos from the last open-source version of OpenSolaris. It aimed to carry forward the userbase and legacy of OpenSolaris, and to continually develop new features, keeping the OS relevant. It has retained the excellent and distinguishing features of OpenSolaris such as the ZFS filesystem and DTrace. It has since then been the basis for other operating systems as well, like OpenIndiana, OmniOS and SmartOS.

5. OpenSearch when ElasticSearch went SSPL

ElasticSearch, soon after its release became the preferred search engine of enterprises all across the world. Providing rich analytics and usage statistics, it seemed to fulfill all the needs. Initially open source under Apache 2.0, ElasticSearch was later on moved to the SSPL (Server Side Public License), which is not a license recognized by the OSI. Amazon saw the opportunity and picked up the slack by forking the last open source release of ElasticSearch and adding their own spin to it, bringing about OpenSearch, which is open source.

OpenSearch retains most of the important features ElasticSearch had along with the look and feel, and adds more on top such as easy AWS integration and cloud alignment, which proves to be a great advantage for most web service purposes.

ElasticSearch came back as open source project again in 2024. But the damage was done as big players like Amazon has already put OpenSearch at the forfront of cloud servers.

6. VeraCrypt continues TrueCrypt

Disk encryption is one of the most, if not the most important security feature on an operating system. For a very long time, this job was reliably done by TrueCrypt, with automatic and on-the-fly encryption. However suddenly in 2014, TrueCrypt announced that they would not develop the program any further, and that the program was "not secure". It is unclear what the proper reasoning was (as flaws that major were not found) but in their message, they asked the users to switch to Microsoft's BitLocker.

That didn't seem to take with the open-source community, which them proceeded to build VeraCrypt, forked from the last version of TrueCrypt. VeraCrypt carried on the existing features well, also improving various factors including stronger encryption algorithms, better key derivation functions and rapid bug fixing. It is known for being transparent and community-driven and hence very trusted.

7. Rocky Linux born in the aftermath of CentOS fiasco

CentOS was an operating system by Red Hat that was based on RHEL (Red Hat Enterprise Limited) source code, getting all of its features a few months after RHEL itself, only free of cost. CentOS was eventually transitioned into CentOS Stream, which is a rolling release. The features now came in faster, but the stability was significantly hindered. This made is unsuitable for development environments, commercial uses or even personal usage.

To resolve the situation, one of the original creators of CentOS created Rocky Linux in 2021, filling in the gap that CentOS left behind. It was, and ever since has been enterprise-ready and rock-solid stable. Being based on RHEL, it can be used in high-performance computing, cloud and hyperscale computing, as well as for smaller commercial systems.

8. OpenELA tackles RHEL's partially close source moves

Following up the previous point, this one carries it further. RHEL had announced that the only source code that will be publicly available related to RHEL would be the CentOS Stream, and for Red Hat customers, it would be available through the customer portal. Understandably, the developers of the distributions based on RHEL were not pleased with the decision.

CIQ, the company backing Rocky Linux, SUSE and Oracle responded by forming OpenELA (Open Enterprise Linux Association) with the goal of creating distributions compatible with RHEL, while keeping the source code open to all. It was supposed to be an answer to the hole that the dependency of enterprise operating systems on CentOS had left behind.

The group has automated the task of paying to get access to the source code and then publishing it on a public repository, out for everyone to be able to access it and make an operating system out of it. Several distributions like Rocky Peridot, SUSE Open Build Service, Fedora Koji, and the AlmaLinux Build System were born out of the same.

9. OpenTofu fills the void after Terraform opted for Business Source License

The story starts with Terraform being a terrific open source for IaC (infrastructure-as-code) purposes. The idea is that it will let you visualize, manage and plan your computing infrastructure (such as VMs, databases, VPNs, etc.) not manually, but as code, which automatically then executes the needed action.

Terraform started as as open source, cross-cloud and was very extensible, which made it the go-to choice for everyone to the point where other services were being build around Terraform. In 2023, however, they decided to move from the open source MPL license to a BSL (Business Source License), which put several restrictions that put certain users at risk.

Concerned about the problems that might occur in the future, open source developers forked the last open source version of Terraform and released OpenTofu, which then was backed by the Linux Foundation itself. Now after some time has passed, OpenTofu has not only proven successful in its mission, but has features that Terraform lacks. Listening to the community and its needs, OpenTofu has found great success.

10. Valkey forked from Redis as it changed license

Redis (REmote DIctionary Server) was built to be an in-memory data store with blazing speed and utility. This meant that it could contain and retrieve data from RAM (with optional persistence to disk) with microsecond latency. This has several essential uses such as caching, session storage (like shopping carts), real-time analytics (like, share counts, etc.) and so on. Initially open source under the BSD license, it became wildly popular and an integral part of the internet's infrastructure.

In 2024, however, Redis announced a change in license which would restrict its use in commercial clouds, heavily affecting the users. In response, Valkey was created, which was born out of the last open source version of Redis. 100% Redis compatible and not governed by a single company, Valkey thrived as a drop-in replacement for Redis.

11. LineageOS carries on after CyanogenMod's demise

For a very long time, CyanogenMod had been the go-to option for Android users to install an alternative open-source operating system which could give them more control, customization and most importantly, freedom from any of the manufacturer's proprietary trackers, etc. Eventually, Cyanogen Inc. shifted its focus to more proprietary projects and discontinued the project.

The developers' response was to fork the last known version into LineageOS, successfully taking the place of CyanogenMod. It is still going strong as the best open-source option for Android, different ROMs for different devices, with enhanced security and customization. Not only that, but it offers extended software support to older devices that are not supported by their parent companies any longer.

12. MariaDB, the OG Business Source Licensee

MySQL is an open-source database management system that has been the biggest program of its kind, and for good reason. It has had amazing support and documentation, can be used for extremely large databases with read-heavy purposes, and is very simple to use (so easy that it is taught to schoolchildren). It was acquired by (yet another time) Oracle, and the open-source community feared that the development might become slow, features might become proprietary, and it might lose the openness.

In response, the original creator of MySQL Michael "Monty" Widenius created MariaDB, keeping it under the GPL license. It acted as a drop-in alternative to MySQL while also introducing new and exciting features that set it apart. It has since become the preferred management system in open-source projects.

Conclusion

Time and time again, the open source philosophy often trumps some rash business decisions, favoring openness and innovation. The twists and turns of these changes come from all sorts of different directions, but more often than not, good open source software has existed and thrived solely because people wanted them to. Let us know if you enjoyed this article in the comments. Cheers!

Arduino has been the cornerstone of embedded electronics projects for a while now. Be it DIY remote-controlled vehicles, binary clocks, power laces, or as is relevant to the month of publishing, flamethrowing Jack-O'-Lanterns! The versatility and affordability of the board has been uniquely unparalleled.

But now that Qualcomm has acquired Arduino projecting more AI-forward features with more powerful hardware, there might be some changes around the corner. Perhaps I am reading too much between the lines but not all of us have favorable views about Big Tech and corporate greed. We thought it might be a good time to look at some alternatives.

Since Arduino has a lot of different models with different features, we will not draw a comparison between Arduino and other boards, but just highlight the unique features these alternative boards have.

1. Raspberry Pi Pico

Raspberry Pi needs no introduction, it being the one company besides Arduino that has always been the favorite of tinkerers. While Raspberry Pi is known for its full fledged single-board-computers, the Pico is a development board for programming dedicated tasks like the Arduino boards.

There are two releases of the Pico at the time of writing this article, 1 and 2. The major upgrade being the processor. There are certain prefixes which denote model features, "W" denoting wireless capabilities, "H" denoting pre-soldered headers. Here, I describe the cutting-edge model, the Pico 2 W with Headers.

• Processors: Dual Cortex-M33 (ARM) upto 133 MHz and optional Hazard3 processors (RISC-V)
• Memory: 520 KB on-chip SRAM
• Input-Output: 26 GPIO pins
• Connectivity: Optionally 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 on the W model
• Power: Micro-USB
• Programming Software or Language: MicroPython or C/C++
• Price: $8
• Extra Features: Temperature sensor

The greatest advantage of Raspberry Pi is the huge userbase, second probably only to Arduino. Besides that, the GPIO pins make projects easier to construct, and the optional RISC-V processors give it an open-source experimental edge that many long for.

2. ESP32

ESP32 is a SoC that has soared in popularity in the past decade, and for all the right reasons. It comes in very cheap, screaming "hobbyist" and is committed to good documentation and an open SDK (software development kit). It came as a successor to the already very successful and still relevant ESP8266 SoC.

The categorization is a little to get a hang of because of the sheer number of boards available. The original ESP32 SoC boards come with dual-core Xtensa LX6 processors that go up to 240 MHz, and they come with Wi-Fi + Bluetooth classic/LE built-in. The ESP32-S series are a little enhanced, with more GPIO pins for connectivity. Now the ESP32-C series transitioned to RISC-V chips, and finally the ESP32-H series are designed for ultra low-power IoT applications. If the board name has WROOM, it belongs to the original basic family but the ones with WROVER indicate modules with PSRAM and more memory in general. You can find all the "DevKits" here.

Getting over the whole naming culture, I will directly describe one board here that might fulfill your Arduino-alternative needs, ESP32-DevKitC-VE:

• Processors: Dual-core 32-bit LX6 upto 240 MHz
• Memory: 8 MB
• Input-Output: 34 programmable GPIOs
• Connectivity: 802.11 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE
• Power: Micro-USB
• Programming Software or Language: Arduino IDE, PlatformIO IDE (VS Code), LUA, MicroPython, Espressif IDF (IoT Development Framework), JavaScript
• Price: $11
• Extra Features: Breadboard friendly, rich set of peripheral interfaces

I encourage you to do your own research based on your needs of the board and choose one, as the support and hardware is rock solid but the sheer number of options can be a little tricky to figure out.

3. Adafruit Feather

Adafruit Feather isn't a single board, but a category of hardware boards that come with all sorts of different features and processors each. The idea is getting a "feather", which is the board, and then getting "wings" which are hats/shields, basically extending the features and abilities of the board, and there are a huge number of them. This extensible versatility is the most attractive features of the boards but also the reason why I cannot describe one board that best suits the needs of any user. I can, however, tell you what options they provide.

All Feathers

• Can be programmed with Arduino IDE
• Come with Micro-USB or USB-C
• Are 0.9" long and breadboard-compatible
• Can be run with either USB power or a LiPo battery

Processors

The boards are available with several different processors, such as:

• Atmel ATmega32u4 and ATmega 328P - 8 bit AVR
• Atmel ATSAMD21 - 32 bit ARM Cortex M0+
• Atmel ATSAMD51 - 32-bit ARM Cortex M4
• Broadcom/Cypress WICED - STM32 with WiFi
• Espressif ESP8266 and ESP32 - Tensilica with WiFi/BT
• Freescale MK20 - ARM Cortex M4, as the Teensy 3.2 Feather Adapter
• Nordic nRF52832 and nRF32840 - ARM Cortex & Bluetooth LE
• Packet radio modules featuring SemTech SX1231
• LoRa radio modules featuring SemTech SX127x

A good model to look into for an Arduino alternative is Adafruit ESP32 Feather V2.

Connectivity and wings

The "feathers" have different categories based on their connectivity. The categories include:

• Basic Feathers
• Wi-Fi Feathers
• Bluetooth Feathers
• Cellular Feathers
• LoRa and Radio Feathers

This doesn't mean that these connectivity features are mutually exclusive, there are several boards which have more than one of theses connectivity options.

The Wings add all the functionality to the boards, and the number of options are immense. I cannot possibly list them here.

4. Seeeduino

As Arduino alternatives go, this board seems to be one of the most worthy of holding that title. It looks like an Arduino, works with the software that Arduino is compatible with, and even supports the shields made for UNO-R3. Here is the description of the most recent model at the time of writing this, Seeeduino V4.3:

• Processors: ATmega328
• Memory: 2 KB RAM, 1 KB EEPROM and 32 KB Flash Memory
• Input-Output: 14 digial IO pins, 6 analog inputs
• Power: Micro-USB, DC Input Jack
• Programming Software or Language: Arduino IDE
• Price: $7.6

If you need a no-brainer Arduino alternative that delivers what it does with stability and efficiency, this should be your go-to choice.

5. STM32 Nucleo Boards

STM32 offers a very, very wide range of development boards, among which the Nucleo boards seem like the best alternatives for Arduino. They come in three series as well: Nucleo-32, Nucleo-64 and Nucleo-144, the numbers at the end of which denote the number of connectivity pins that the board offers. Every single series has a number of models within, again. Here, I will describe the one most appropriate as an Arduino alternative:

STM32 Nucleo-F103RB

• Microcontroller: STM32
• Input-Output: 64 IO pins; Arduino shield-compatible
• Connectivity: Arduino Uno V3 expansion connector
• Power: Micro-USB
• Programming Software or Language: IAR Embedded Workbench, MDK-ARM, STM32CubeIDE, etc.
• Price: $10.81
• Extra Features: 1 programmable LED, 1 programmable button, 1 reset button
• Optional Features: Second user LED, cryptography, USB-C, etc.

STM32 provides great hardware abstraction, ease of development, GUI based initialization, good resources and more. If that is the kind of thing you need, then this should probably be your choice.

6. micro:bit

micro:bit boards are designed mostly for younger students and kids to learn programming, but offer some really interesting features that can help anyone make a project without buying many extra parts. In fact, this is one of the ideal tools for introducing STEM education to young children.

Here are the details of the most recent version at the time of writing, micro:bit v2:

• Processors: Nordic Semiconductor nRF52833
• Memory: 128 KB RAM, 512 KB Flash Memory
• Input-Output: 25 pins (4 dedicated GPIO, PWM, I2C, SPI)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, radio
• Power: Micro-USB
• Programming Software or Language:
• Price: $17.95 (other more expensive bundles with extra hardware are also available)

The extra built-in features of the board include:

• 2 built in buttons that can be programmed in different ways
• Touch sensor on the logo, temperature sensor
• Built-in speaker and microphone
• 25 programmable LEDs
• Accelerometer and compass
• Reset and power button

If a plethora of extra hardware features capable of executing almost anything you might want, or if you want a development board with extensive documentation for younger audiences, this should be your go to choice. The company doesn't only make great boards, but also supports inclusive technological education for children of all abilities, and sustainability, which is admirable.

7. Particle Photon 2

The Particle Photon 2 is a board designed with ease of prototyping in mind. It enables IoT projects, giving broad customization options to both hardware and software. The Photon is also Feather-compatible (from Adafruit), giving the ability to attach Wings to extend the features.

• Processors: ARM Cortex M33, upto 200 MHz
• Memory: 3MB RAM, 2MB Flash Memory
• Input-Output: 16 GPIO pins
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi and BLE 5.3
• Power: Micro-USB
• Programming Software or Language: VSC plug-in
• Price: $17.95

The Photon also has a built-in programmable LED. Particle also provides a Wi-Fi antenna add-on component if your project requires that. If building new product ideas is your need, this might just be what you're looking for.

8. Teensy Development Boards

The Teensy board series, as the name suggests, aims for a small board with a minimal footprint with a lot of power packed at an affordable price. There have been several releases of the board, with the most recent one at the time of writing being Teensy 4.1:

• Processors: ARM Cortex-M7 at 600 MHz
• Memory: 1024K RAM, 8MB Flash Memory
• Input-Output: 55 digital IO pins, 18 analog input pins
• Power: Micro-USB,
• Programming Software or Language: Arduino IDE + Teensyduino, Visual Micro, PlatformIO, CircuitPython, command line
• Price: $31.50
• Extra Features: Onboard Micro SD card

If you need a stable base for your project that just works, this might be your choice. It is worth noting that the Teensy boards have excellent audio libraries and offer a lot of processing power.

9. PineCone

PineCone is a development board from one of the foremost open source companies, Pine64. It provides amazing features and connectivity, making it ideal for a lot of tinkering purposes.

• Processors: 32-bit RV32IMAFC RISC-V “SiFive E24 Core”
• Memory: 2 MB Flash Memory
• Input-Output: 18 GPIO pins
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, BLE 5.0, Radio
• Power: USB-C
• Programming Software or Language: Rust
• Price: $3.99
• Extra Features: 3 on-board LEDs

The RISC-V processor capability gives it the open-source hardware edge that many other boards lack. That makes it quite good for IoT prototyping into devices and technologies that might be very new and untapped.

10. Sparkfun Development Boards

Sparkfun has a whole range of boards on their website, out of which the two most notable series are the "RedBoard" series and the "Thing" series. A big part of some of these boards is the Qwiic ecosystem, in which I2C sensors, actuators, shields, etc. can be connected to the board with the same 4-pin connector. Not only that, but you can daisy-chain the boards in one string, making it more convenient and less prone to errors. Here's a great article to learn about the Qwiic ecosystem.

Sparkfun RedBoard Qwiic

This is another board that is a perfect alternative to Arduino with extra features because it was designed to be so. It is an Arduino-compatible board, supporting the software, shields, etc.

• Microcontroller: ATmega328 with UNO's Optiboot Bootloader
• Input-Output: 20 Digital IO pins, 1 Qwiic connector
• Connectivity: 20 Digital I/O pins with 6 PWM pins
• Power: Micro-USB, Pin input
• Programming Software or Language: Arduino IDE
• Price: $21.95

Sparkfun Thing Plus Series

The Sparkfun Thing Plus series comes in with sorts of different processors and connection abilities like RP2040, RP2350, nRF9160, ARM Cortex-M4, ESP32-based, STM32-based, etc. We've chosen to describe one of the most popular models here, SparkFun Thing Plus - ESP32 WROOM (USB-C).

• Microcontroller: ESP32-WROOM Module
• Input-Output: 21 Multifunctional GPIO
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, dual integrated Bluetooth (classic and BLE)
• Power: USB-C, Qwiic connector
• Programming Software or Language: Arduino IDE
• Price: $33.73
• Extra Features: RGB status LED, built-in SD card slot, Adafruit Feather compatible (you can attach the "Wings")

Sparkfun offers a lot of options, especially based on the form-factor. They not only provide /new unique features of their own, but also utilize the open technologies provided by other companies very well, as you can see.

Conclusion

The Arduino boards clearly have a lot of alternatives, varying in size, features and practicality. If Arduino being acquired puts a bad taste in your mouth, or even if you just want to explore what the alternatives offer, I hope this article has been helpful for you. Please let us know in the comments if we missed your favorite one. Cheers!

The e-ink display technology arrived on the scene as the answer for a long list of issues and desires people had with digital book reading. The strain on the eyes, the distractions, the low battery life—all of it fixed in one swoop.

While the most popular option that remains in the category is an Amazon Kindle, not everyone of us would want a DRM-restricted Big Tech ecosystem.

As a Linux user and open source enthusiast, I wanted something more 'open' and thus I scoured the World Wide Web and came up with a few interesting options.

I have put them into two categories:

• DIY: You use a board like Raspberry Pi Pico and you build it yourself thanks to the blueprint provided by the project developer. This is for hardware tinkerers.
• A couple of non-DIY options that may be considered here.

Needless to say, you should not expect a polished, out of the box eBook experience like Amazon Kindle but that's not what we are aiming for here, are we?

Also, I have not tested these projects on my own. As much as I would like to, I don't have enough money to get all of them and experiment with them.

1. The Open Book

The Open Book project is the definitively DIY ebook reader project. It is based on the Raspberry Pi Pico, and makes a point of having to buy a minimum number of components. The pins on the Pico make it easy to control all necessary actions including button controls, power controls, etc. The firmware is called libros, which needs to be flashed onto the Pico. It also uses a library called Babel that gives it the ability to display the text of all languages in the world, which is a major advantage.

• Display: 4.2" GDEW042T2 display, designed for fast refreshing
• Formats supported: Plain UTF-8 text, TXT files (a converter is given by the creator)
• Battery: 2 AAA batteries
• Cost: Can differ depending on the cost of the hardware you decide to go with, but a decent build can be made at about $130.

The PCB for the main board as well as the e-paper driver are easily printable because the schematics are given by the creator. The instructions for setting up the device and getting books ready to be read on the device are given very clearly and concisely on the website.

2. ZEReader

ZEReader is a device inspired by The Open Book, making another iteration of the Raspberry Pi Pico based e-ink device. This project is relatively more convenient as it provides a USB-C port for charging. The convenience is not only limited to the usage, but also the assembly. The software is based on Zephyr Real-Time OS, which makes it easier for the software to be adapted to other hardware boards as well.

• Display: 7.5" Waveshare ePaper display
• Formats supported: EPUB, very basic HTML parsing
• Battery: LiPo battery
• Cost: Unknown

For navigation, there are 4 buttons designed on the casing. The board is printable with schematics available online, and the parts can be gathered as the user pleases according to the requirements. There's a micro SD card necessary for storage of files. The instructions can all be found on the GitHub page, along with the information of the parts and software commands. Get more information on our news article about the device.

3. Dual-Screen E-Reader

The big idea behind this project is getting back to the feeling of reading a two-paged book instead of a single-page pamphlet-like structure like a Kindle provides. A button press to change the page moves both the pages ahead, making it feel more natural, similar to an actual book.

Instead of a full single-board computer like a Raspberry Pi, this uses a SoC, ESP32-S3. This provides a significant edge to the power consumption, drawing very low power as it is in the reading mode, but in the deep sleep mode, which occurs after 10 minutes of inactivity, it reduces power consumption even more dramatically, basically never needing to be turned off.

• Display: 2 x 4.2" panels
• Formats supported: EPUB, basic HTML
• Battery: 2 x 1300 mAh batteries
• Cost: Original creator's estimate is a little over $80.

The parts are all laid out in a very concise list on the originating Reddit post with all the relevant information linked there effectively. The project is posted on Yanko Design as well in a well written post.

4. piEreader

The piEreader aims for a fully open approach, that includes the hardware, software, and even a server to host a library. The heart of the device is a Raspberry Pi Compute Module, giving it more capabilities than an average microcontroller.

The display on the build has a touch-screen as well as a backlight. The software revolves around MuPDF, which is a very well known popular e-book reader on the Linux platform.

• Display: 4.2" e-paper display
• Formats supported: EPUB, MOBI, CBZ, PDF, etc.
• Battery: Lithium battery
• Cost: Unknown

The Hackaday page contains all the necessary information, and the GitLab page hosts all the necessary code. It is worth noting that the creator has been able to successfully try out the software on other boards like PINE64-LTS, SOQUARTZ, etc. as well. Read more about this device in our news article.

5. TurtleBook

Taking an extremely practical approach, the creator of TurtleBook made some really innovative choices.

First, and as they mention, most e-book readers have a lot of unnecessary features when mostly all that is needed is turning a page. As such, the reader doesn't have any physical buttons. It works on gestures, which can be used to switch pages, open menus and adjust brightness, among other things.

Also since e-ink technology doesn't require a lot of power, the power setup is solar with hybrid capacitors, making it truly autonomous and one-of-a-kind. The device is based on an Arduino MEGA2560 board.

• Display: Waveshare 5.3" e-ink display, and a small OLED panel for easily accessing the menu options
• Formats supported: CB files (custom formatting website is given by the creator)
• Battery: Hybrid capacitors
• Cost: $80-$120

All the necessary parts and the links to them are provided by the creator in a list on the GitHub page, as well as the schematics for the PCBs and 3D-printable casing. There are two options, one with SRAM, a charger and WiFI capabilities and the other one with no charger or WiFi. The Instructables page for the device has very detailed instructions for the entire process, making it one of the most friendly options on this list.

6. EPub-InkPlate

Inkplate 6 from Soldred Electronics is basically an ESP-32 based e-Paper display. Inkplate uses recycled screens from old, discarded e-Book readers. Excellent intiative.

The project is open source both software and hardware wise. While you can build a lot of cool devices on top of it, the EPub-InkPlate project allows you to convert it into an eBook reader.

Although, the GitHub repo doesn't seen any new updates since 2022, it could be worth giving a shot if you already have an InkPlate display.

7. PineNote (not DIY)

While not DIY like the other projects on the list, PineNote is from the company Pine64, which has been one of the most actively pro-open source companies in recent times.

Since it is pre-built by a proper manufacturer, it can provide a lot of stable features that the DIY projects might lack. To start with, it is immensely powerful and has a Linux-based OS. It has a 128 GB eMMC storage, 4 GB RAM, and an ARM processor.

• Display: 10.3" multi-touch e-ink panel with frontlighting and an optional Wacom EMR pen
• Formats supported: PDF, MOBI, CBZ, TXT, etc. virtually any format
• Battery: 4000 mAh lithium battery
• Cost: $400 (I know but it's not just an e-Book reader)

It also is charged by USB-C and can be expanded into different sorts of projects, not just an e-book reader since it is based on an unrestricted Linux OS.

Special Mention: paper 7

Don't confuse this paper 7 with the Paper 7 e-ink tablet from Harbor Innovations. That Paper 7 is also an excellent device but not open source.

Yes. The paper 7 I am talking about is an open source device, or at least it is in the process. It is developed by a company called paperless paper based in Leipzig, Germany. It has been designed mainly as a photo frame, but I think it can be repurposed into an e-book reader.

Presently, the official integration shows that you can save and read webpages on it. Adding the ability to read PDF and ePUB files would be wonderful.

Conclusion

There are a lot of options to choose from, each with something more distinct than the last. The extent of the open-source philosophy, the amount of effort it might require, the extra features the devices have are some of the factors that might influence your decision when choosing the right device for yourself.

Whatever your choice may be, you might find yourself with a new device as well as a new interest, perhaps, after dabbling into the DIY side of open technology. We wish you the very best for it. Let us know what you think about it in the comments. Cheers!

Hyprland is a dynamic tiling Wayland compositor that has been gaining traction in the Linux community due to its modern aesthetics, smooth animations, and extensive configurability.

Unlike traditional X11 window managers, Hyprland leverages Wayland's capabilities to provide a more fluid and visually appealing desktop experience. Its growing popularity is evident in discussions across forums and communities, where people have been praising its performance and customization options.

But if you look at our Hyprland tutorial series, you'll realize that setting up Hyprland can be a huge challenge. And that's why I am listing a few options that lower the entry barrier by providing a preconfigured Hyprland option. Let's see them.

1. Garuda Linux

Garuda Linux offers a dedicated Hyprland edition, preconfigured with themes, wallpapers, and essential applications. It is designed for users who want a visually appealing and ready-to-use desktop without manually configuring Hyprland.

The distribution includes performance-oriented buffs such as the Zen kernel, Btrfs snapshots, and optimized compositor settings. Users can enjoy a responsive system with minimal tweaking needed post-install.

Garuda’s tools, like "Rani," simplify maintenance and system management. This ensures even users new to Linux can manage updates, drivers, and desktop settings efficiently.

⭐ Key Features

• Preinstalled tools for system management.
• Ready-to-use desktop layout with Hyprland.
• Rolling release updates via Arch Linux repos.

2. ArchRiot

ArchRiot is a community-driven, Arch-based distribution that comes with Hyprland preinstalled. It includes essential applications and cool themes for a ready-to-use desktop experience.

The distribution provides a Go-based installer that automates setup and includes rollback support, reducing setup errors. Plus, the distro follows a rolling release model, allowing users to stay up to date with the latest packages and Hyprland features.

Initially started as a fork of Omarchy (discussed later), it has evolved into a distinct project with custom developed tools.

⭐ Key Features

• Go-based installer with rollback support.
• Dependable community support for new users.
• Preconfigured Hyprland with curated apps and themes.

3. CachyOS

CachyOS is an Arch-based distribution focused on speed and ease of use. It offers a Hyprland option during installation, letting users start with a functional, preconfigured desktop.

It includes a simple installer, and the post-install tools are helpful to manage packages, settings, and desktop customization without extra complexity. This is a suitable option for both beginners and experienced users who want a fast Arch-based system with Hyprland ready to go.

⭐ Key Features

• GUI and CLI installation options.
• Tools for hardware detection and system customization.
• Optimized kernel with BORE scheduler for better performance.

CachyOS: Arch-based Distro for Speed and Ease of Use

A performance-focused Arch-based distro for newbies and experts.

It's FOSS NewsAnkush Das

4. Omarchy (A Script for Arch Linux)

Omarchy is a script for Arch Linux that automates the installation and configuration of Hyprland. It sets up themes, layouts, keybinds, and essential applications.

The script reduces manual setup effort, allowing users to get a functional desktop with a single command. It supports optional packages for productivity and multimedia, letting users tailor the environment to their needs.

Omarchy is ideal for users who want the flexibility of Arch Linux without configuring every component manually.

⭐ Key Features

• Many preinstalled themes.
• Automated Hyprland setup in one command.
• Optional productivity and multimedia integrations.

This One Command Turned My Arch Install Into a Beautiful Hyprland Setup

This script turned my boring Arch install into something special.

It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra

5. KooL's Arch - Hyprland (Another Script for Arch Linux)

KooL's Arch - Hyprland is an automated installation script that sets up a complete Hyprland desktop environment on minimal Arch Linux systems. The script installs Hyprland along with a curated collection of themes, applications, and preconfigured dotfiles from a centralized repository, creating a polished and functional desktop experience out of the box.

While the setup is relatively opinionated and comes with various configurations, users still need to be comfortable with terminal usage and basic configuration file editing for system maintenance and minor adjustments.

⭐ Key Features

• One-script setup with complete Hyprland environment installation.
• Curated preconfigured dotfiles from an actively maintained repository.
• Flexible display manager options, including GDM and SDDM support.

Conclusion

If you want a distribution that boots directly into Hyprland with minimal setup, Garuda Linux (Hyprland edition), CachyOS, and ArchRiot are the best candidates. They provide preconfigured desktops, themes, and essential tools without requiring you to fiddle with anything.

For Arch enthusiasts who want to stay close to vanilla, Omarchy with Arch Linux or Arch Linux combined with JaKooLit’s script (number 5) are strong alternatives. These do not qualify as full "Hyprland distros," but they automate the setup process and deliver a comparable experience.

And don't forget that there are several enthusiasts who have specific Hyprland setups that can be achieved with their dot files.

GitHub - msmafra/dotfiles: My Hyprland environment (dotfiles)

My Hyprland environment (dotfiles). Contribute to msmafra/dotfiles development by creating an account on GitHub.

GitHubmsmafra

Suggested Read 📖

Getting Started With Hyprland

Let’s get on the “hyp” wagon with Hyprland

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

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.

Suggested Read 📖

What is End of Life in Ubuntu? Everything You Should Know About it

Learn what is end of life of an Ubuntu release, how it impacts you, how to check support status and what you should do if your system reaches end of life.

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

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.

What is a Rolling Release Distribution?

What is rolling release? What is a rolling release distribution? How is it different from the point release distributions? All your questions answered.

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

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.

Suggested Read 📖

Flatpak vs. Snap: 10 Differences You Should Know

Flatpak vs Snap, know the differences and gain insights as a Linux user to pick the best.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

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.

Suggested Read 📖

Explained: What is a Tiling Window Manager in Linux?

Learn what a tiling window manager is, and the benefits that come along with it.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

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.

You can learn more in our article here:

Linux Jargon Buster: What are Upstream and Downstream?

The terms: upstream and downstream are rather ambiguous terms and, I think, not really used by the general public. If you are a Linux user and do not write or maintain software, chances are pretty good that these terms will mean nothing to you, but they can be instructive in

It's FOSSBill Dyer

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.

Get more insights on this on our article here:

What are Daemons in Linux? Why are They Used?

You’ll often come across the term daemon while using Linux. Don’t be scared. Learn what are daemons in Linux & why they are used in UNIX-like operating systems.

It's FOSSBill Dyer

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).

What is TTY in Linux?

Sooner or later, you’ll come across the term tty while using Linux. Learn what it is and what is its significance.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

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.

12 Future-Proof Immutable Linux Distributions

Immutability is a concept in trend. Take a look at what are the options you have for an immutable Linux distribution.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

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.

What is the Super Key in Ubuntu Linux?

Get familiar with the super (or is it meta) key in Linux in this chapter of the Jargon Buster series.

It's FOSSSagar Sharma

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 😄

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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! 🎞️

One of the superpowers of having a computer is dual booting. You can have two operating systems installed on a single computer, and switch between them at boot time.

If you are hearing it for the first time, I suggest you read our article on dual booting to learn more about the impressive capability.

And, the most popular option to dual boot is Linux and Windows. So, you can have the best of both worlds, without any compromises.

However, there are some myths surrounding this combination of dual booting. Here, I tell you the reality of the myths as per my experience with dual booting for more than a decade now.

1. Dual Booting Slows Down Your System

If you have been dual booting for a long time, you must have come across this thought where some were convinced that dual booting affects your system speed.

Fortunately, it is not true, as you only use one operating system at any given time.

When you are greeted with the grub screen or dual boot screen with the two options, you merely choose what to load up for using your computer. It is either Windows or the Linux distribution.

So, when you do pick one, the other remains dormant, until you reboot and select it.

It never slowed down my system, and it will not slow down yours.

2. Dual Boot is Only About Windows and Linux

I have a dual boot Windows and Linux setup for my use-case, and that is the most common choice among users.

But, that does not mean that is the only possible choice.

You can choose to have two Linux distributions for dual booting, and you can also have two Linux distributions, and Windows. Something like this:

If I can think of a combination, I can do that, it is that simple.

3. You Cannot Dual Boot With Secure Boot

When it comes to dual booting with secure boot, you are limited to certain Linux distributions that support it (and offer documentation for it). But, it is not impossible.

For instance, Ubuntu supports dual booting with UEFI secure boot enabled.

You can follow our tutorial on installing Ubuntu with Windows to get it done.

4. You Need Two Disks to Dual Boot a System

While I admit that I utilize two disks for dual booting conveniently, but it is not what everyone does.

Plenty of users have just a single disk, and install the secondary OS to dual boot on a separate partition. Linux distributions have made it easy by offering an "Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager" option during installation:

You just have to be more careful when selecting the path to the bootloader, and the partition to install the OS. But, it is entirely possible.

5. You have to install Linux after Windows

It is a no-brainer that most Windows users think of installing Linux as a secondary OS. I find it so peaceful for a change, even if you rely on some Windows-specific applications for work.

So, that is the popular norm. But, it also works the other way. If you have Linux installed already, you can install Windows later without any hiccups. Just like we have done here:

How to Install Windows After Ubuntu Linux in Dual Boot

When it comes to dual boot, the general idea is that you have a system preinstalled with Windows and then you install Linux alongside Windows. On the boot, you select whether you want to use Windows or Linux. How about the opposite situation? What if you have a system that

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

Or, if you have nothing pre-installed. You can choose to first install Linux, and then Windows, it does not make a difference.

6. You Cannot Go Back to Windows Without Formatting The Entire System

Whether you have Linux or Windows installed currently, you can always go back to your favorite as the only option again.

Let us assume that you want to go back to Windows as your daily driver over your Linux distribution.

In such a case, all you need to do is add Windows as a secondary OS for dual booting and then remove format the partition that housed Linux, that's it:

Beginners Guide to Install Windows With Ubuntu in Dual Boot

This detailed article shows you how to dual boot Ubuntu with Windows 10, step-by-step, accompanied with proper screenshots.

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

And, if you added Linux as the secondary OS to boot, and no longer want to use Linux. You can remove that too by simply deleting the partition/disk drive where you installed it. Here's some more information regarding that:

How to Uninstall Ubuntu from Windows Dual Boot Safely

This beginner’s guide shows you how to safely remove Ubuntu or any other Linux distribution from Windows dual boot.

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

So, you can always go back to either of the operating systems as per your choice. You do not need to format the entire system to get rid of one.

Wrapping Up

I have been on a dual boot setup with Linux distributions and Windows for years now.

Yes, I might have put myself into trouble, thinking that I almost lost all my data. But, once you learn how to do it correctly, it is an interesting life.

💭 What do you think about dual booting? Let me know your thoughts on the same!

I found it cool enough to watch someone, often portrayed as a hacker, use the Linux terminal, especially in the movies. What if I try to become one of the super cool hackers from the Hollywood movies? 😎

Now that I'm older, I'm no longer fooled by those movie skits 😌 But, I'm still a kid at heart, and I want others to think that I am a secretive hacker when they see me using the terminal.

To pursue that, I started exploring a list of cool Linux terminal tools that I can use for the job.

If I can feel like a hacker with these tools, you can too! Let's give them a try!

1. genact

Do you often feel like all you do in the terminal is run update commands, with nothing impressive to show off? Don’t worry—genact is here for you!

This little command will fill package download, network and other entries to your terminal. Those watching will think you are compiling some great programs.

You can install this from the Ubuntu Snap store or grab the prebuilt binary for genact from the official GitHub repository as per your CPU architecture.

If you downloaded the binary, open a terminal in the downloaded directory, and give the file execution permission with the following command:

chmod +x ./genact-file-name

The file name will look like genact-1.4.2-x86_64-unknown-linux-gnu

Next, execute it using:

./genact-file-name

2. Cmatrix

Anyone who has seen The Matrix movie cannot forget the iconic effect of characters raining down the screen. With CMatrix, you can recreate this mesmerizing display right in your terminal.

You can install Cmatrix from the official repository of most Linux distributions. For instance, here's the command for Ubuntu-based distributions:

sudo apt install cmatrix

Now, just run it using the command:

cmatrix

For more fun, you can pair it with other fun terminal tools like lolcat, one of the fun ASCII art tools.

3. Hollywood

Hollywood is that command which will make others think that your system has been hacked my someone.

It will burst a huge text and animation effects on your terminal, where regular keyboard entries will do nothing. For a minute, I forgot I had to stop it to continue writing the article, it looked so cool! 😎

To install hollywood on Ubuntu, use the command:

sudo apt install hollywood

4. TEXTREME

Do you want a text editor that will show all types of fancy animation for character entry and deletion?

Textreme is for you.

This is not a regular text editor, where you will code swiftly, but a cool fancy text editor, that gives a festive party vibe while you write something.

You can grab an executable binary from the official website. And, extract the tar file and double-click on the file to start the editor.

5. No More Secrets

No More secrets will show an encrypt/decrypt effect for everything piped into it. It tries to recreate the famous data decryption effect seen on screen in the 1992 hacker movie Sneakers.

There are no release files for this package. So, you need to compile it from GitHub.

Make sure you have git and essential build tools like make installed. Then use the following commands to proceed:

git clone https://github.com/bartobri/no-more-secrets.git
cd ./no-more-secrets
make nms
make sneakers
sudo make install

This will install two tools, no-more-secrets or nms and sneakers.

Sneakers

Sneakers recreates the movie clip for you. Once the command completes printing encrypted characters, press any key to start the decrypting effect.

No More Secrets

Pipe any text output to this command and see the effect for yourself. If you would rather not press a key to start decryption, use:

cat agatha.txt | nms -a

This will print the contents of the file in encrypted form and then automatically start to decrypt it and show the original content.

You can experiment with it to show different colors as well!

6. Cool Retro Term

Sometimes the feeling of a hacker or a whiz comes from retro tools. This is one of the super cool terminal emulators that helps achieve what we want here.

You can install the Cool Retro Term terminal emulator application on Ubuntu using the command:

sudo apt install cool-retro-term

Next, open the terminal from your Activities Overview or app menu:

Do not forget to right-click on the terminal and explore the settings. There are more effects waiting!

7. gping

Did you ever use the Ping command to check whether you have an active internet connection? Or to check whether a site is up and running?

The ping command is just a text command, where you need to look at the values to get the picture. You can do the same, but have some aesthetically pleasing outputs (graph) using gping.

Install GPing on Ubuntu using the command:

sudo apt install gping

8. Bpytop

Bpytop is a htop alternative that prints system information neatly. You can use this command to make someone think that you're monitoring super serious aspects of your computer.

To install it, use the command:

sudo apt install bpytop

When it comes to Linux terminal tools, there are endless options from various individual developers.

Here, I have shared the ones that I tried to make myself look like a hacker to anyone who observes me when I use the computer 😄

You can also choose to explore some terminal emulators or system monitoring tools to have fun with:

Top 14 Terminal Emulators for Linux (With Extra Features or Amazing Looks)

Want a terminal that looks cool or has extra features? Here are the best Linux terminal emulators you can get.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

💬 What is your favorite on the list? Do you have some fun tools that I missed listing here? Do share your thoughts in the comments below.

I host nearly all the services I use on a bunch of Raspberry Pis and other hardware scattered across my little network.

From media servers to automation tools, it's all there. But let me tell you, the more services you run, the more chaotic it gets. Trying to remember which server is running what, and keeping tabs on their status, can quickly turn into a nightmare.

That's where dashboards come to the rescue. They're not just eye candy; they're sanity savers.

These handy tools bring everything together in one neat interface, so you know what's running, where, and how it's doing.

If you’re in the same boat, here’s a curated list of some excellent dashboards that can be the control center of your homelab.

1. Homer

It’s essentially a static homepage that uses a simple YAML file for configuration. It’s lightweight, fast, and great for organizing bookmarks to your services.

Customizing Homer is a breeze, with options for grouping services, applying themes, and even offline health checks. You can check out the demo yourself:

While it’s not as feature-rich as some of the other dashboards here, that’s part of its charm, it’s easy to set up and doesn’t bog you down with unnecessary complexity.

Deploy it using Docker, or just serve it from any web server. The downside? It’s too basic for those who want features like real-time monitoring or authentication.

✅ Easy YAML-based configuration, ideal for beginners.
✅ Lightweight and fast, with offline health checks for services.
✅ Supports theme customization and keyboard shortcuts.
❌ Limited to static links—lacks advanced monitoring or dynamic widgets.

2. Dashy

If you’re the kind of person who loves tinkering with every detail, Dashy will feel like a playground.

Its highly customizable interface lets you organize services, monitor their status, and even integrate widgets for extra functionality. Dashy supports multiple themes, custom icons, and dynamic content from your other tools.

You can check out the live demo of Dashy yourself:

However, its extensive customization options can be overwhelming at first. It’s also more resource-intensive than simpler dashboards, but the trade-off is worth it for the sheer flexibility it offers. Install Dashy with Docker, or go bare metal if you’re feeling adventurous.

✅ Highly customizable with themes, layouts, and UI elements.
✅ Supports status monitoring and dynamic widgets for real-time updates.
✅ Easy setup via Docker, with YAML or GUI configuration options.
❌ Feature-heavy, which may feel overwhelming for users seeking simplicity.
❌ Can be resource-intensive on low-powered hardware.

3. Heimdall

Heimdall keeps things clean and simple while offering a touch of intelligence. You can add services with optional API integrations, enabling Heimdall to display real-time information like server stats or media progress.

It doesn’t try to do everything, which makes it an excellent choice for those who just want an app launcher that works. It’s quick to set up, runs on Docker, and doesn’t demand much in terms of resources.

That said, the lack of advanced features like widgets or multi-user support might feel limiting for some.

✅ Clean and intuitive interface with support for dynamic API-based widgets.
✅ Straightforward installation via Docker or bare-metal setup.
✅ Highly extensible, with the ability to add links to non-application services.
❌ Limited customization compared to Dashy or Organizr.
❌ No built-in user authentication or multi-user support.

4. Organizr

Organizr is like a Swiss Army knife for homelab enthusiasts. It’s more than a dashboard, it’s a full-fledged service organizer that lets you manage multiple applications within a single web interface.

Tabs are the core of Organizr, allowing you to categorize and access services with ease. You can experiment yourself with their demo website.

It also supports multi-user environments, guest access, and integration with tools like Plex or Emby.

Setting it up requires some work, as it’s PHP-based, but once you’re up and running, it’s an incredibly powerful tool.

The downside? It’s resource-heavy and overkill if you’re just looking for a simple homepage.

✅ Tab-based interface with support for custom tabs and user access control.
✅ Extensive customization options for themes and layouts.
✅ Multi-user and guest access support with user group management.
❌ Setup can be complex for first-time users, especially on bare metal.
❌ Interface may feel cluttered if too many tabs are added.

5. Umbrel

Umbrel is more like a platform, since they offer their own umbrelOS and devices like Umbrel Home. Initially built for running Bitcoin and Lightning nodes, Umbrel has grown into a robust self-hosting environment.

It offers a slick interface and an app store where you can one-click install tools like Nextcloud, Home Assistant, or Jellyfin, making it perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a “plug-and-play” homelab experience.

The user interface is incredibly polished, with a design that feels like it belongs on a consumer-grade device (Umbrel Home) rather than a DIY server.

While it’s heavily focused on ease of use, it’s also open-source and completely customizable for advanced users.

The only downside? It’s not as lightweight as some of the simpler dashboards, and power users might feel limited by its curated ecosystem.

✅ One-click app installation with a curated app store.
✅ Optimized for Raspberry Pi and other low-powered devices.
✅ User-friendly interface with minimal setup requirements.
❌ Limited to the apps available in its ecosystem.
❌ Less customizable compared to other dashboards like Dashy.

6. Flame

Flame walks a fine line between simplicity and functionality. It gives you a modern start page for your server, where you can manage bookmarks, applications, and even Docker containers with ease.

The built-in GUI editor is fantastic for creating and editing bookmarks without touching a single file.

Plus, the ability to pin your favorites, customize themes, and add a weather widget makes Flame feel personal and interactive.

However, it lacks advanced monitoring features, so if you’re looking for detailed stats on your services, this might not be the right fit.

Installing Flame is as simple as pulling a Docker image or cloning its GitHub repository.

✅ Built-in GUI editors for creating, updating, and deleting applications and bookmarks.
✅ Supports pinning favorites, local search, and weather widgets.
✅ Easy Docker-based setup with minimal configuration required.
❌ Limited dynamic features compared to Dashy or Heimdall.
❌ Lacks advanced monitoring or user authentication features.

7. UCS Server (Univention Corporate Server)

If your homelab leans towards enterprise-grade capabilities, UCS Server is worth exploring.

It’s more than just a dashboard, it’s a full-fledged server management system with integrated identity and access management.

UCS is especially appealing for those running hybrid setups that mix self-hosted services with external cloud environments.

Its intuitive web interface simplifies the management of users, permissions, and services. Plus, it supports Docker containers and virtual machines, making it a versatile choice.

The learning curve is steeper compared to more minimal dashboards like Homer or Heimdall, but it’s rewarding if you’re managing a complex environment.

Setting it up involves downloading the ISO, installing it on your preferred hardware or virtual machine, and then diving into its modular app ecosystem.

One drawback is its resource intensity, this isn’t something you’ll run comfortably on a Raspberry Pi. It’s best suited for those with dedicated homelab hardware.

✅ Enterprise-grade solution with robust user and service management.
✅ Supports LDAP integration and multi-server setups.
✅ Extensive app catalog for deploying various services.
❌ Overkill for smaller homelabs or basic setups.
❌ Requires more resources and knowledge to configure effectively.

8. DashMachine

Dash Machine is a fantastic lightweight dashboard designed for those who prefer simplicity with a touch of elegance.

It offers a tile-based interface, where each tile represents a self-hosted application or a URL you want quick access to.

One of the standout features is its search functionality, which allows you to find and access services faster.

Installing Dash Machine is straightforward. It’s available as a Docker container, so you can have it up and running in minutes.

However, it doesn’t offer multi-user functionality or detailed service monitoring, which might be a limitation for more complex setups.

✅ Clean, tile-based design for quick and easy navigation.
✅ Lightweight and perfect for resource-constrained devices.
✅ Quick setup via Docker.
❌ Limited to static links—no advanced monitoring or multi-user support.

9 Hiccup (newbie)

Hiccup is a newer entry in the self-hosted dashboard space, offering a clean and modern interface with a focus on user-friendliness.

It provides a simple way to categorize and access your services while keeping everything visually appealing.

What makes Hiccup unique is its emphasis on simplicity. It’s built to be lightweight and responsive, ensuring it runs smoothly even on resource-constrained hardware like Raspberry Pis.

The setup process is easy, with Docker being the recommended method. On the downside, it’s still relatively new and it lacks some of the advanced features found in more established dashboards like Dashy or Heimdall.

✅ Sleek, responsive design optimized for smooth performance.
✅ Easy categorization and Docker-based installation.
✅ Minimalistic and beginner-friendly.
❌ Lacks advanced features and monitoring tools found in more mature dashboards.

Bonus: Smashing

Smashing is a dashboard like no other. Formerly known as Dashing, it’s designed for those who want a widget-based experience with real-time updates.

Whether you’re tracking server metrics, weather, or even financial data, Smashing makes it visually stunning.

Its modular design allows you to add widgets for anything you can imagine, making it incredibly versatile.

However, it’s not for the faint of heart, Smashing requires some coding skills, as it’s built with Ruby and depends on your ability to configure its widgets.

Installing Smashing involves cloning its repository and setting up a Ruby environment.

While this might sound daunting, the results are worth it if you’re aiming for a highly personalized dashboard.

✅ Modular design with support for tracking metrics, weather, and more.
✅ Visually stunning and highly customizable with Ruby-based widgets.
✅ Perfect for users looking for a unique, dynamic dashboard.
❌ Requires coding skills and familiarity with Ruby.
❌ More complex installation process compared to Docker-based solutions.

Wrapping It Up

Dashboards are the heart and soul of a well-organized homelab. From the plug-and-play simplicity of Umbrel to the enterprise-grade capabilities of UCS Server, there’s something here for every setup and skill level.

Personally, I find myself switching between Homer for quick and clean setups and Dashy when I’m in the mood to customize. But that’s just me!

Your perfect dashboard might be completely different, and that’s the beauty of the homelab community.

So, which one will you choose? Or do you have a hidden gem I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to feature your recommendations in the next round!

It has been a while since I switched to Linux as the daily driver over Windows.

Yes, I still have a dual boot system with Windows, coming handy for some games. But, largely, I have been a full-time Linux user for more than half a decade now. And, that says a lot.

Of course, Linux as the preferred desktop operating system was not the best choice always, because of some major annoyances.

Fortunately, that has changed since long, and if you have not tried Linux for a while, you would not know that. So, let me highlight some of those to help you decide if you should give Linux another chance.

Installation

The major pain point for most Linux distributions was the unintuitive installation.

While it was possible for you to get it working on your system, it was not easy for every user. You needed to know a couple of things in great details before you attempted an installation.

If you ever tried installing Linux around 2010, you would understand this.

Now, that is a thing of the past. The installation process is now streamlined across almost every Linux distribution. I mean, even Arch Linux has an installer now, even if it is command line based. Some Arch-based distributions like EndeavourOS and Garuda Linux can also be installed by users with a tiny bit of Linux knowledge.

And installing Ubuntu has never been so easy and the installer automatically identifies if Windows is installed, lets you manually partition it, choose encryption and filesystem.

Overall, it is a straightforward, and hassle-free experience nowadays.

Dual Booting

It is also easier to install Linux distributions alongside Windows, as they detect the presence of Windows, and will present the options with the grub bootloader screen once installed.

That's not it. Several mainstream distributions also support secure boot with UEFI. And I have find Ubuntu installer smart enough to

Like I mentioned, I have a dual boot setup with EndeavourOS, and Windows 10.

Yes, an Arch-based distribution and the notorious Windows together. So, you can easily have Ubuntu-based distributions set up without any help.

The Look & Feel

Considering Linux was always tagged as a thing for "nerds" or "experts", it did not show any potential for its look and feel in the first decade of its existence.

However, the tables have turned now.

Many prefer the look/feel of certain Linux distributions over the likes of Windows and macOS.

And, I am not exaggerating it. For example, just look at Zorin OS, Pop!_OS, Ubuntu, and elementary OS.

There are many more distributions that offer a pretty out-of-the-box experience.

I recently had an impressive experience with Archcraft, and I would seriously not choose a Windows/macOS look over it.

Not to forget, you can go miles ahead if you start customizing the look yourself.

You get a mad amount of customization capabilities with Linux. Of course, you will need to invest a significant time in it (like every good thing), but once you know how to do it, you can put your creativity into it as much as possible.

Virtual Machines

If you are not ready to install Linux on bare metal, you can totally try it on as a virtual machine.

Some distributions provide an optimized virtual machine image, and some don't. However, even without a special VM image, you can easily set it up as a virtual machine and play around to experiment and test.

There are many other benefits of using Linux as a virtual machine as well.

10 Reasons to Run Linux in Virtual Machines

Want to try Linux? A Virtual Machine is what you need. Here we tell you some benefits of a VM for Linux.

It's FOSSAnkush Das

Not to forget, you can find several useful virtualization software available for Linux.

Graphics Card Support

Yes, the NVIDIA graphics card support has always been on the notorious side because they choose not to open source their driver. However, distros now support installations for NVIDIA graphics systems by pre-installing proprietary drivers by default.

While there are still some issues to be ironed out, but it works most of the time.

Want proof? I use EndeavourOS with RTX 3060 Ti as shown in the screenshot above. And, yes, that works for me.

Secure Boot Support

Earlier, we used to entirely disable secure boot because Linux distributions did not boot up with it enabled.

However, that has changed with some options like Ubuntu and openSUSE. You can enable secure boot with these distributions and continue using them as usual.

Yes, it needs a bit of research before you try doing that. So, you can follow Ubuntu's official documentation for reference.

Using Printers

Printers have been considered the enemy of computer users for a long time.

The driver support for printers was always a special annoyance for Linux (and Windows too). Without the correct driver installed, it was always a hassle to successfully connect the printer to your computer.

But, nowadays, it is mostly plug and play. Especially, when plenty of modern printers support wireless (Wi-Fi) options and the ability to connect to it via IP address.

So, theoretically, you should not encounter any issues with it.

Of course, if you have a particularly older printer that has limited compatibility, it might still struggle to connect, but most of the new ones should not have an issue.

HiDPI Support

With advancements in technology, high-resolution displays have become common.

However, to clearly have your desktop visible with such high-res monitors, you need fractional scaling support to make up for a comfortable viewing experience.

Fortunately, now, almost every major distribution like Ubuntu or Linux Mint includes HiDPI or fractional scaling support.

Icons Look too Small? Enable Fractional Scaling on Ubuntu

If you have a 2K or 4K screen, the icons will look small on Ubuntu. Using fractional scaling will help you get the better view.

It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

Kernel Patching

Most of the modern desktop Linux users probably never encountered this. That includes me 😉

But as I have seen in online discussions, more than a decade back, it was not uncommon for alert Linux users to keep tracks of CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), download a kernel patch (piece of Kernel code) and manually install it.

However, with the improvement in distribution development cycles, and features like Ubuntu Livepatch, the manual intervention is almost unnecessary, specially for the desktop users.

Mainstream distributions like Ubuntu, Red Hat, Fedora etc. take care of providing kernel and even security updates for the software distributed through the official repositories.

Of course, some mission-critical use-cases might require the expertise, but for home and desktop users, it is a thing of the past.

Conclusion

Again, I am not saying the Linux experience on desktop has become perfect. There is no perfect operating system, after all. Check the web and forums and you'll find people struggling with Windows and macOS, too.

Things have improved and the people who have been using Linux for the past 15-20 years or so would relate more to this article.

Of course, things do change over time and this should not surprise us. I just wanted to take (some of) you on a trip down the memory lane and remind you of things that used to be part of your Linux experience.

What do you think has been the most annoying thing for Linux in the past? And, what do you think should be fixed in the near future? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

We’ve covered a lot of local LLMs on It's FOSS. You can use them as coding assistants or run them on your tiny Raspberry Pi setups.

But recently, I’ve noticed many comments asking about local AI tools to interact with PDFs and documents.

Now, during my research, I stumbled upon countless AI-powered websites that promise to summarize, query, or analyze PDFs.

Some were sleek and polished but unsurprisingly, most were paid or had limited “free tier” options. And let’s be honest, when you’re uploading documents to a cloud service, there’s no real guarantee of privacy.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of open-source AI projects that let you interact with PDFs locally. These tools enable you to have your data stay on your machine, offline, and under your control.

Whether you’re summarizing long research papers, extracting key insights, or just searching for specific details, these tools will have your back.

Let’s dive in!

1. Chatd

chatd is a desktop application that allows you to chat with your documents locally using a large language model.

Unlike other tools, chatd comes with a built-in LLM runner, so you don’t need to install anything extra, just download, unzip, and run the executable.

Key features:

• All your data stays on your computer and is never sent to the cloud.
• Comes pre-packaged with Ollama, a local LLM server that manages the language model for you. If you already have Ollama running, chatd will automatically use it.
• Works seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Advanced users can enable GPU support or select a custom LLM.

2. localGPT

LocalGPT is an open-source solution that enables you to securely interact with your documents locally.

Built for ultimate privacy, LocalGPT ensures that no data ever leaves your computer, making it a perfect fit for privacy-conscious users.

Key features:

• All processing happens on your machine, ensuring no external data leaks.
• Integrates seamlessly with popular open-source models like HF (HuggingFace), GPTQ, GGML, and GGUF.
• Uses LangChain and ChromaDB to run a fully local Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline.
• Comes with two GUIs, one API-based and the other standalone using Streamlit.
• Optional session-based history to remember your previous questions.
• Supported File Formats: PDFs, TXT, CSV, DOCX, Markdown, and more. You can add custom loaders via LangChain.

3. PrivateGPT

PrivateGPT is a production-ready, privacy-focused AI project that enables you to interact with your documents using Large Language Models (LLMs), completely offline.

No data ever leaves your local environment, making it ideal for privacy-sensitive industries like healthcare, legal, or finance.

Having personally used this project, I highly recommend it for its privacy and performance once set up.

Key features:

• 100% offline, no internet connection required.
• Built on a robust Retrieval-Augmented Generation pipeline.
• Offers OpenAI-compatible APIs for building private, context-aware AI applications.
• Includes a user-friendly interface (Gradio UI) to interact with your documents.
• Uses LlamaIndex for document ingestion and RAG pipelines and FastAPI, making it extensible and easy to integrate.
• Provides tools for advanced users to customize embedding generation and document chunk retrieval.

Setting Up PrivateGPT to Use AI Chat With Your Documents

Set up the PrivateGPT AI tool and interact or summarize your documents with full control on your data.

It's FOSSAbhishek Kumar

4. GPT4All

GPT4All is another open-source project that enables you to run large language models (LLMs) offline on everyday desktops or laptops, no internet, API calls, or GPUs required.

The application is designed to run smoothly on a variety of systems. It's perfect for privacy-conscious users who want local AI capabilities to interact with documents or chat seamlessly.

Key features:

• Run LLMs locally without the need for cloud-based API calls.
• Works entirely offline, ensuring privacy and control over your data.
• Download and install the application on Windows, macOS, or Linux to get started immediately.
• GPT4All offers a Python client for integrating LLMs into your own applications.
• The LocalDocs feature allows you to privately chat with your documents, offering a secure way to interact with local data.
• Can be integrate with Langchain for enhanced functionality and access to external databases such as Weaviate.

5. LM Studio (Editor's Choice ⭐)

LM Studio has become my go-to tool for daily use, and it’s easily my favorite project in this space.

With the latest release (version 0.3), it introduced the ability to chat with your documents, a beta feature that has worked exceptionally well for me so far.

Key features:

• LM Studio lets you download LLMs directly from Hugging Face using its in-app browser.
• Use a simple, user-friendly interface to chat with AI models for tasks like answering questions, generating text, or analyzing content.
• Introduced in version 0.3, you can now upload documents and interact with them locally (still in beta).
• It works as a local server, allowing seamless integration of AI models into your projects without relying on third-party services.
• On-demand model loading helps optimize system resources by loading models only when needed.
• Explore trending and noteworthy LLMs in the app’s Discover page.
• It also supports vision-enabled AI capabilities with MistralAI’s Pixtral models for advanced applications.
• Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux and Apple Silicon Macs.

Using LM Studio to Run LLMs Easily, Locally and Privately

LM Studio makes it easier to find and install LLMs locally. You can also interact with them in the same neat graphical user interface.

It's FOSSAbhishek Kumar

Wrapping up

Personally, I use LM Studio daily. As a university student, reading through PDFs day in and day out can be quite tiresome. That's why I like to fiddle around with such projects and look for what best suits my workflow.

I started with PrivateGPT, but once I tried LM Studio, I instantly fell in love with its clean UI and the ease of downloading models.

While I’ve also experimented with Ollama paired with Open WebUI, which worked well, LM Studio has truly become my go-to tool for handling documents efficiently.

These are some of the projects I recommend for interacting with or chatting with PDF documents. However, if you know of more tools that offer similar functionality, feel free to comment below and share them with the community!