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Linux Lite Changelog

What's new in Linux Lite 5.0

Jun 1, 2020
  • UEFI is now supported
  • GUFW has been replaced by the highly configurable FirewallD
  • Integrity Check during live boot
  • No hidden telemetry
  • HiDPI - 4 x Settings
  • New Updater notifier
  • Mousepad replaces Leafpad
  • Paint now added to Accessories
  • XFCE Screensaver included
  • Zim replaces unsupported CherryTree as the note taker in Lite Software
  • Google Chrome has been added to Lite Software
  • NitroShare has been added to Lite Software
  • Lite Welcome (shortcuts now work) and Lite User Manager now updated to GTK3 and Python3
  • New Logout options
  • OEM installer for retailers and manufacturers (Legacy and UEFI)
  • Firewall status added to Lite Widget
  • Language choice included on Login screen
  • Dual architecture support
  • New Wallpapers
  • All Lite applications updated to new code base
  • Minor bug fixes and improvements

New in Linux Lite 4.8 (Jan 13, 2020)

  • Browser: Firefox: 71.0 Quantum
  • Email: Thunderbird: 68.2.2
  • Office Suite: LibreOffice: 6.0.7.3
  • Media Player: VLC: 3.0.8
  • Image Editor: Gimp: 2.10.14
  • System Backup: Timeshift 19.08.1
  • Kernel: 4.15.0-74 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 5.4)
  • Base: 18.04.3

New in Linux Lite 4.6 (Aug 31, 2019)

  • Kernel: 4.15.0-58 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 5.2)
  • Firefox: 68.0.2 Quantum
  • Thunderbird: 60.8.0
  • LibreOffice: 6.0.7.3
  • VLC: 3.0.7.1
  • Gimp: 2.10.12
  • Timeshift 19.08.1
  • Base: 18.04.3

New in Linux Lite 4.6 RC1 (Jul 29, 2019)

  • Kernel: 4.15.0-55
  • Firefox: 68.0.1 Quantum
  • Thunderbird: 60.8.0
  • LibreOffice: 6.0.7
  • VLC: 3.0.7
  • Gimp: 2.10.12
  • Base: 18.04.2

New in Linux Lite 4.4 (Mar 31, 2019)

  • Kernel: 4.15.0-45 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 5.0)
  • Firefox: 65.0 Quantum
  • Thunderbird: 60.4.0
  • LibreOffice: 6.0.7.3
  • VLC: 3.0.4
  • Gimp: 2.10.8
  • Base: 18.04.2

New in Linux Lite 4.4 RC (Feb 27, 2019)

  • Kernel: 4.15.0-45 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 5.0)
  • Firefox: 65.0 Quantum
  • Thunderbird: 60.4.0
  • LibreOffice: 6.0.7.3
  • VLC: 3.0.4
  • Gimp: 2.10.8
  • Base: 18.04.2

New in Linux Lite 4.2 (Oct 31, 2018)

  • Kernel: 4.15.0-38.41 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 4.19)
  • Firefox: 63.0 Quantum
  • Thunderbird: 60.2.1
  • LibreOffice: 6.0.6.2
  • VLC: 3.0.3
  • Gimp: 2.10.6
  • Base: 18.04.1

New in Linux Lite 4.2 Beta (Sep 26, 2018)

  • Kernel: 4.15.0-34.37 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 4.18)
  • Firefox: 62.0.2 Quantum
  • Thunderbird: 52.9.1
  • LibreOffice: 6.0.6.2
  • VLC: 3.0.3
  • Gimp: 2.10.6
  • Base: 18.04.1

New in Linux Lite 4.0 Beta (Apr 28, 2018)

  • Kernel: 4.15.0-19.20 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 4.16)
  • Firefox: 59.0.2 Quantum
  • Thunderbird: 52.7.0
  • LibreOffice: 6.0.3.2
  • VLC: 3.0.1
  • Gimp: 2.10.0
  • Base: 18.04

New in Linux Lite 3.8 (Jan 31, 2018)

  • Kernel: 4.4.0-112 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 4.14)
  • Firefox: 58.0 Quantum
  • Thunderbird: 52.5.0
  • LibreOffice: 5.1.6.2
  • VLC: 2.2.2
  • Gimp: 2.8.22
  • Base: 16.04.3

New in Linux Lite 3.6 (Sep 4, 2017)

  • Kernel 4.4.0.93.98 (custom kernels also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 4.12)
  • Firefox 55.0.2
  • Thunderbird 52.2.1
  • LibreOffice 5.1.6.2
  • VLC - 2.2.2
  • Gimp 2.8.22
  • Base: 16.04.3

New in Linux Lite 3.4 (Mar 31, 2017)

  • Lite Updates Notify - A new application for Linux Lite. Lite Updates Notify is a desktop notification that informs the user of all available updates. Menu, Favorites, Install Updates should be run before executing Lite Updates Notify for the first time. A HUGE thank you to Ralphy for his collaboration on this challenging application.
  • This is a notification only. Go to Menu, Favorites, Install Updates if the notification says you have updates to install. This is an optional application, you do not have to use it if you don't want to and it is disabled by default.
  • To set the above Notification theme, go to Menu, Settings, Notifications. Select the theme 'Default'.
  • 16.04.2 Base - Linux Lite 3.4 is based off 16.04.2, however, we do not include the 4.8 kernel Hardware Enablement Stack. The HWE stacks were never meant to be supported for the entire life of the LTS release. In the past, support has been limited between HWE releases. I prefer to offer people the option to switch to one of our custom kernels should you require newer hardware support, not forcefully impose a newer kernel where it is not necessary or where it may drop support for older hardware.
  • Lite Welcome - Has been improved by recommending people follow a basic 3 step post-install process. Install Updates > Install Drivers > Setting a Restore Point.
  • Window snapping by default - Dragging windows to the corners and snapping windows which is a feature familiar to Windows users, is now available in Linux Lite 3.4 Thank you to torreydale and others for this suggestion.
  • Lite Tweaks - Added zRam feature - zRam is a compressed RAM block device for faster I/O. Perfect for older computers. Added Login & Logout Tweaks feature - enable or disable Login window options. Useful for multi user set ups. There will be updates to this feature following the release of 3.4 so look out for that. A huge thank you to Ralphy for these additions.
  • Kernel 4.4.0-70 (custom kernels are also available via our Repository for versions 3.13 - 4.10)
  • Firefox 52.0.1
  • Thunderbird 45.7.0
  • LibreOffice 5.1.6.2
  • VLC - 2.2.2
  • Gimp 2.8.20
  • Netflix - native support now in Firefox
  • Lite Help Manual - added how to switch repositories tutorial
  • Execute bash scripts - double click on bash scripts to run them
  • Desktop Notifications theme now set to Default
  • 2 new Wallpapers, Fireworks, Waterfalls (community chosen)
  • Base: 16.04.2

New in Linux Lite 3.2 (Oct 31, 2016)

  • The overall theme of this release is a focus on Security. Linux Lite will now download and install the latest Linux kernel security updates when they become available via Install Updates. In this release we introduce for the first time the Lite Desktop Widget. This features basic system information as well as Updates status to emphasize the importance of keeping your computer up to date. Also in this release we've included several theme enhancements, lots of updates to our Lite packages, as well as the usual fixes from the 3.2 Beta.

New in Linux Lite 3.2 Beta (Oct 5, 2016)

  • Firefox 49.0
  • Thunderbird 45.3.0
  • LibreOffice 5.1.4.2
  • VLC - 2.2.2
  • Gimp 2.8.18
  • Base: 16.04.1
  • WhiskerMenu - latest
  • Additional Changes:
  • New - Wallpapers (community selected)
  • New - 'Release Notes' link on installer now opens 'Start' page in the Help Manual
  • Fixed - Mime type for debian packages should now open with Gdebi by default
  • Fixed - Lite User Manager - /var/mail/ error after removal of user
  • Updated - comprehensive sources.list
  • Linux Generic Kernel - should now ensure automatic kernel upgrades via Install Updates
  • No longer able to report Share Hardware Information from a Virtual machine

New in Linux Lite 3.0 (Jun 1, 2016)

  • Firefox 46.0.1
  • Thunderbird 38.8.0
  • LibreOffice 5.1.2.2
  • VLC - 2.2.2
  • Gimp 2.8.16
  • Base: 16.04
  • Kernel: 4.4.0-21
  • New - Arc as the default Theme
  • New - Folders access from the Menu
  • New - Share Hardware Configuration (Lite Info)
  • New - 'Lite Themes' package
  • New - Automatic, seamless upgrades within the Series
  • New - Login Theme: LightDM GTK Greeter Custom Linux Lite Theme (keyboard navigable)
  • New - Boot Theme
  • New - Search here ... Thunar custom action added
  • New - Installer slides, less clutter, simpler
  • Updated - Lite Software revamped
  • Fewer PPA's
  • Screensaver dropped
  • QT applications default to GTK Theme

New in Linux Lite 3.0 Beta (May 9, 2016)

  • Firefox 46.0
  • Thunderbird 38.7.2
  • LibreOffice 5.1.2.2
  • VLC - 2.2.2
  • Gimp 2.8.16
  • Base: Ubuntu 16.04
  • New - Folders access from the Menu
  • New - Share Hardware Configuration (Lite Info)
  • New - Arc as the default Theme
  • New - Lite Themes package
  • New - Automatic upgrades within the Series
  • New - Login Theme: LightDM GTK Greeter Custom Linux Lite Theme (keyboard navigable)
  • New - Boot Theme
  • New - Search here ... Thunar custom action added
  • New - Installer slides, less clutter, simpler
  • Updated - Lite Software revamped
  • Fewer PPA's
  • Screensaver dropped
  • Java Applets (icedtea-8-plugin) included by default

New in Linux Lite 2.8 (Feb 1, 2016)

  • Firefox 44.0
  • Thunderbird 38.5.1
  • LibreOffice 5.0.4~rc2
  • Base: 14.04.3
  • New Wallpapers.
  • Hardware Enablement Stack 3.19 Kernel - Thanks Zead
  • Help Manual now accessible from the Desktop.
  • Added BTRFS Support.
  • Added HEVC H.265 Support in VLC - Thanks rokytnji
  • Added xbacklight - Thanks Lenny
  • New Thunar Media Tags Plugin.
  • Hulu now works out of the box - Thanks tomt
  • Ctrl+Shift+Esc key combo, brings up the Task Manager - Thanks Teddy
  • Fixed bug where Blueman applet was storing files in /etc/skel - Thanks vaikus84

New in Linux Lite 2.8 Beta (Jan 12, 2016)

  • Firefox 43.0.4
  • Thunderbird 38.4.0
  • LibreOffice 5.0.4.2
  • Base: 14.04.3
  • Hardware Enablement Stack 3.19 Kernel - Thanks Zead
  • Help Manual now accessible from the Desktop.
  • Added BTRFS Support.
  • Added HEVC H.265 Support in VLC - Thanks rokytnji
  • New Thunar Media Tags Plugin.
  • Hulu now works out of the box - Thanks tomt
  • Ctrl+Shift+Esc key combo, brings up the Task Manager - Thanks Teddy
  • Fixed bug where Blueman applet was storing files in /etc/skel - Thanks vaikus84

New in Linux Lite 2.6 (Sep 1, 2015)

  • Firefox 40.0.3
  • LibreOffice 5.0.1.2
  • Base: 14.04.3
  • New Wallpapers.
  • New Lite Welcome.
  • New root terminal theme.
  • Updated Help Manual.
  • Added Linux Lite Control Center - provides one central location for everything you need to configure your computer.
  • Added Systemback - system back up and OS creation tool.
  • Added Disks - easy to use partition, hard drive and SSD configurator.
  • Added Crtl+Alt+Del - brings up logout/restart/shutdown dialogue.
  • Added VLC Browser Plugin.
  • Added Dark theme - Zukitwo Dark Reloaded.
  • Latest WhiskerMenu.

New in Linux Lite 2.6 Beta (Aug 8, 2015)

  • Firefox 39.0
  • LibreOffice 5.0
  • Base: 14.04.3
  • New Wallpapers.
  • New Lite Welcome.
  • New root terminal theme.
  • Updated Help Manual.
  • Added Linux Lite Control Center - provides one central location for everything you need to configure your computer.
  • Added Systemback - system back up and OS creation tool.
  • Added Disks - easy to use partition, hard drive and SSD configurator.
  • Added Crtl+Alt+Del - brings up logout/restart/shutdown dialogue.
  • Added VLC Browser Plugin.
  • Added Dark theme - Zukitwo Dark Reloaded.
  • Latest WhiskerMenu.

New in Linux Lite 2.4 (Apr 1, 2015)

  • New Lite Software Menu, System, Lite Software (formerly Install Additional Software and Remove Additional Software).
  • New Lite Tweaks (formerly Lite Cleaner).
  • New Install Updates.
  • New Network Share Settings Menu, System, Network Share Settings (see below for notes on this).
  • New Wallpapers.
  • New Terminal theme.
  • Added support for: VPN connections, Thunar thumbnail previews, Mugshot, exFAT, NTP, LVM, Android MTPFS, Bluetooth.
  • Added: Reboot, Shutdown options to Live media. Live media now also defaults straight to the Menu.
  • Fixed: syslog, auth.log not logging.
  • Fixed: Disk encryption during installation now works.
  • Fixed Backups popping up randomly.
  • Latest WhiskerMenu.
  • Latest version of the Help Manual.
  • Latest Lite Welcome.
  • Windows key (Super key) opens the Menu (not in the Live version).
  • Disabled Screen Off and Screensaver.
  • Removed obsolete PPA's.

New in Linux Lite 2.4 Beta (Mar 12, 2015)

  • New Lite Software: Menu, System, Lite Software.
  • New Lite Tweaks (formerly Lite Cleaner).
  • New Install Updates GUI.
  • New Network Share Settings: Menu, System, Network Share Settings.
  • New Wallpapers.
  • Added support for: VPN connections, Thunar thumbnail previews, Mugshot, exFAT, NTP, Android MTPFS.
  • Fixed Backups popping up randomly.
  • Fixed syslog, auth.log not logging.
  • Latest WhiskerMenu.
  • Changed Terminal theme.
  • Windows key (Super key) opens the Menu (not in the Live version).
  • Disabled Screen Off and Screensaver.
  • Removed obsolete PPA's.

New in Linux Lite 2.0 (Jun 2, 2014)

  • Linux Lite repositories.
  • Whisker Menu as the default Menu, complete with left side categories and switch categories by hovering enabled.
  • Easier sound control from the tray. Hot-swapping of usb sound devices now available, sound system will automatically switch.
  • New feature - start up sound added.
  • Terminal windows now have descriptive title bars.
  • Install Additional Software redesign - now offering 20+ popular programs to easily install.
  • Stylish new system font, Droid Sans.
  • Tabs in the file manager.
  • New dialog boxes for enabling/disabling login.
  • Firefox 29
  • Kernel 3.13.0-24
  • Whisker Menu
  • LibreOffice 4.2.4.2
  • New 'lighter' theme.
  • New boot screen design.
  • Newest versions of: LibreOffice, VLC, Wine, Gimp and many more.
  • Support link directly from the Internet Menu.
  • Support for hot-swapping usb audio devices - audio system will now automatically revert back to the default device when hot swapping usb audio devices.

New in Linux Lite 2.0 Beta (May 16, 2014)

  • Firefox 29
  • Kernel 3.13.0-24
  • Linux Lite Repositories
  • Lite User Manager, Lite Manual, Lite Software and Lite Fix
  • Easier Volume control
  • Terminal windows have custom title bars
  • New 'lighter' theme
  • New system font - Droid Sans
  • New Software - Lite Fix: a tool for new users to easily fix common issues without needing to go to the command line (see end of post)
  • New boot screen design
  • The latest software from - LibreOffice, Gimp and some of the software from Install Additional Software (see below)
  • Install Additional Software now offers the latest: Wine, Chrome, Chromium, Netflix, Skype, Teamviewer and XBMC.

New in Linux Lite 1.0.8 Beta (Dec 25, 2013)

  • Firefox 26.0
  • Kernel 3.8.0-34
  • Added Webcam, PAE kernel install options to Install Additional Software scripts.
  • Added a custom .bashrc file.
  • Added Lite User Manager.
  • Added option to install the Lite Software Center.
  • Added Whisker Menu (you just need to add this to the taskbar)
  • Added more right click options, Create backup copy, Make file executable.
  • Added more install slide consistency across all languages.
  • Replaced Epdfviewer with Evince.
  • Provide a 'Install Games Pack' link in Install Additional Software: Games Pack Script includes: Solitaire, Chess, Mahjongg, Mines and Hearts.
  • Bug fixes.

New in Linux Lite 1.0.6 (Jun 24, 2013)

  • Firefox 21.0
  • Kernel 3.2.0.40 pae
  • Rewrote Help & Support Manual
  • Added Scanner support.
  • Added Bluetooth.
  • Added 'Drives' shortcut to home folder.
  • Added Show Desktop button.
  • Added support for iDevices.
  • Added right click 'Open as Administrator' to Thunar.
  • Added/Removed Install Additional Software scripts.
  • Added Enable/Disable automatic login to System menu.
  • Added Network Share Settings to System menu.
  • Added Create System Report to System menu.
  • Replaced Wicd with Network Manager.
  • New live boot menu.
  • New login screen.
  • New install slides.
  • Announcement of the Linux Lite Shop.
  • Fixed auto login if chosen during installation.
  • Bug fixes.

New in Linux Lite 1.0.4 (Feb 2, 2013)

  • All system software updated.
  • Firefox 18.0
  • Kernel 3.2.0.36 pae
  • Added new default theme and icon set.
  • Added Steam for Linux (requires Nvidia driver 304.22 or higher/ATI experimental drivers).
  • Added Keyboard Shortcuts information to the Help & Support Manual.
  • Added open USB storage device in file manager on insert.
  • Added 2 new right click menu options, Task Manager and Screenshot.
  • Replaced Pcmanfm with Thunar.
  • Replaced EOG image viewer with Ristretto.
  • Changed Menu icon.
  • Changed login screen.
  • Changed Internet/Network Manager entry.
  • Install Additional Software scripts now fully automatic, only password is needed.
  • Fixed LibreOffice Impress anti-aliasing bug.
  • Fixed screenshot bug.
  • Dropped the i386 reference in iso name.

New in Linux Lite 1.0.4 Beta (Jan 18, 2013)

  • All system software updated.
  • Firefox 18.0
  • Kernel 3.2.0.35 pae
  • Added new default theme and icon set.
  • Added Steam for Linux (requires Nvidia driver 304.22 or higher/ATI experimental drivers).
  • Added Keyboard Shortcuts information to the Help & Support Manual.
  • Added open USB storage device in file manager on insert.
  • Added 2 new right click menu options, Task Manager and Screenshot.
  • Replaced Pcmanfm with Thunar.
  • Replaced EOG image viewer with Ristretto.
  • Changed Menu icon.
  • Changed login screen.
  • Changed Internet/Network Manager entry.
  • Install Additional Software scripts now fully automatic, only password is needed.
  • Fixed LibreOffice Impress anti-aliasing bug.
  • Fixed screenshot bug.
  • Dropped the i386 reference in iso name.

New in Linux Lite 1.0.2 (Nov 26, 2012)

  • All system software updated.
  • Firefox 17.0
  • Kernel 3.2.0.33 pae
  • Reduced size of iso by maximizing compression of filesystem. (the iso for 1.0.2 is approx. 150mb smaller than 1.0.0)
  • Added LibreOffice Impress.
  • Added ability to 'dd' the iso file.
  • Added tooltips for applications.
  • Added support for Vmware.
  • Added libopenal1 for extra sound support.
  • Added keyboard shortcuts:
  • Super key(Windows key)+h opens home folder.
  • Ctrl+Alt+t opens a terminal.
  • PrintScreen key opens the Screenshot tool.
  • Fixed bug where laptops unplugged from mains power source lost use of USB mouse.
  • Fixed LibreOffice interface theme.
  • Renamed 'Mixer' in Multimedia Menu to 'Audio Mixer'.
  • Updated Help & Support Manual.
  • New default wallpaper.