The Fedora Project, a community-driven open-source operating system, has released its latest iteration, Fedora 40. This release expands the user experience by offering a broader range of spins than ever before.
Fedora is known for its cutting-edge software and focus on innovation. It provides users with access to the latest technologies while also maintaining a stable and reliable platform. Perhaps most notably, Fedora serves as a testing ground for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), ensuring the stability and reliability of the commercially supported version.
This latest iteration, Fedora 40, expands the user experience by offering a broader range of spins than ever before. Spins are variants of the core Fedora operating system that cater to specific user needs and preferences. Each spin comes pre-loaded with a different desktop environment and a curated set of applications. The wider range of spins in Fedora 40 ensures that there is a version suitable for a wider range of users.
What is Fedora 40?
Fedora 40 is a Linux distribution known for its cutting-edge software and focus on innovation. Released every six months, it provides users with access to the latest technologies while also maintaining a stable and reliable platform.
Fedora serves as a testing ground for Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), ensuring the stability and reliability of the commercially supported version.
What are Fedora Spins?
Fedora spins are variants of the core Fedora operating system that cater to specific user needs and preferences. Each spin comes pre-loaded with a different desktop environment and a curated set of applications. Fedora 40 boasts a wider range of spins compared to previous releases, providing users with a more diverse selection.
- Fedora Workstation: The flagship spin, Fedora Workstation, features the GNOME 46 desktop environment, known for its modern and user-friendly interface. It includes a comprehensive set of tools for developers and everyday users alike.
- KDE Plasma Spin: This spin offers the KDE Plasma 6 desktop environment, renowned for its customization options and powerful features. Fedora 40 marks the debut of KDE Plasma 6 within a Fedora spin, providing users with a chance to experience this latest iteration.
- Fedora Atomic Desktops: Previously known as “immutable” desktops, Fedora 40 introduces the “Atomic Desktops” branding for spins utilizing rpm-ostree technology. These spins prioritize security and offer a unique update experience. Fedora Silverblue (GNOME), Fedora Kinoite (KDE Plasma), Fedora Budgie, and Fedora Atomic Sway (Wayland) fall under this category.
Fedora’s offerings extend beyond traditional desktop environments. It also provides spins specifically tailored for server and cloud deployments.
- Fedora Server: This spin caters to server administrators, offering a robust and secure platform for running various workloads. It includes essential server software and tools for managing and configuring a server environment.
- Fedora Cloud Base: Designed for cloud deployments, this spin provides a container-focused foundation optimized for cloud infrastructure.
For tech experts, here are the names of all the new Fedora 40 spins:
- Astronomy Spin – for astronomy amateurs and professionals
- Budgie Spin – uses the Budgie desktop
- Cinnamon Spin – uses the Cinnamon desktop
- Comp Neuro Lab – for working in computational neuroscience
- Design Suite – for publishing, image creation, 3D content, and more
- Fedora Jam – an audio creation spin
- Games Spin – a showcase for the best games available to Fedora.
- i3 Spin – uses the i3 tiling window manager
- KDE – use the KDE Plasma desktop
- Kinoite – an rpm-ostree sprint based on LXDE
- MATE-Compiz Spin – uses the MATE desktop with he addition of Compiz compositor
- Mobility Phosh Image – Wayland shell for mobile devices
- Python Classroom Lab – for teachers and instructors to use Fedora within a classroom setting
- QA Test Day Spin – provides a model kickstart file for organizing Test Days
- Robotics Spin – provides robotics-related packages
- Fedora Scientific – includes a generic toolset for scientific research
- Security Spin – for security auditing, forensics, system rescue, and more
- Sugar on a Stick Spin – for children
- Sway Spin – uses the Sway tiling Wayland compositor
- Xfce Spin – uses the Xfce desktop
- LXQt Spin – uses the LXQt desktop
See the full specifications and sizes of the Fedora 40 Spins above from the link here.
How to install Fedora 40
For those interested in experiencing Fedora 40, the installation process is straightforward. The Fedora Project offers downloadable installation images for various architectures on the Fedora Project website.
These images can be used to create a bootable USB drive or DVD, allowing users to try or install Fedora on their computers, just like how you flash a Windows on a computer.
Whether you’re a professional Linux user or curious about exploring a new operating system, Fedora 40 offers a compelling option with its focus on cutting-edge technologies and a vibrant community.
Featured image credit: Richard Horvath/Unsplash
