Linux version of Project Banana advances to pre-alpha stage, allowing users to test the software
KDE Linux, a brand-new desktop Linux distribution, is currently in pre-alpha development and making waves as a showcase for the KDE desktop project. The operating system is designed to be a super-stable, end-user-friendly operating system, distinct from KDE Neon, which is often used as an experimental or showcase build.
Development Status
KDE Linux is actively being developed, with public testing editions available for adventurous users who want a daily-driving experience. However, it's important to note that some key features and hardware support are still incomplete. The project, originally codenamed "Project Banana," was unveiled at Akademy 2024.
The Testing Edition offers builds from the latest KDE development branches (Plasma, KWin, apps) and supports app deployment via Flatpak, development workflows, and system rollbacks. However, some features are still problematic, such as the lack of Secure Boot support, incomplete camera support, large system updates due to no delta update implementation, and some Flatpak packaging issues for apps like Dolphin and Konsole.
Features
KDE Linux is heavily influenced by Valve’s SteamOS 3 and uses an immutable root filesystem architecture, with dual read-only Btrfs root partitions that update alternately for increased system stability and rollback ability. This approach provides atomic image updates, ensuring reliable and consistent system upgrades.
The focus is on stability, security, and immutability, aiming at a stable desktop experience rather than constant bleeding-edge software like KDE Neon. KDE Linux uses KDE Plasma desktop and KDE applications, with recent builds available from Git master branches. It also supports Flatpak applications, enabling sandboxed app management.
Intended Purpose
KDE Linux is explicitly created as a general-purpose, end-user desktop OS and a platform to demonstrate KDE technology in a fully integrated, well-architected environment. It positions itself as a stable and secure alternative using modern Linux filesystem and update techniques borrowed from SteamOS 3, signaling ambitions beyond traditional KDE Neon experimental frameworks.
This new operating system enables developers and users to test and develop KDE software in an environment aligned with the project's vision for a stable, robust desktop. Versions of KDE Linux are available to download and try out, although it's important to note that the current work-in-progress test version of KDE Linux, when tested inside QEMU, boots as far as the login screen, but the desktop crashes on login.
The download size of KDE Linux is over 5 GB. Its design is heavily based on existing upstream tooling and a design that is already used by millions of users. Updates in KDE Linux are big, as they are managed directly by systemd and cannot handle incremental upgrades, resulting in a whole new OS image each time. KDE Linux is Wayland-only and does not support Secure Boot.
In summary, KDE Linux is an ambitious, immutable, Btrfs-based KDE showcase distribution in early development, aiming for a stable, secure, and developer-friendly desktop OS influenced by SteamOS 3’s architecture, distinct from but complementary to KDE Neon. The promise of KDE Linux is considerable, and it could turn out to be one of the most radical end-user distros.
It's important to note that KDE Linux only supports recent Nvidia GPUs for which Nvidia supplies FOSS drivers, such as "Nvidia Grace Hopper" or "Nvidia Blackwell" and "newer GPUs from the Turing, Ampere, Ada Lovelace, or Hopper architectures." The current version of KDE Linux is not ready for production.
Developers of KDE Linux are actively answering questions in a Reddit discussion about the new OS. For more information and to participate in the discussion, visit the KDE website or the KDE Linux subreddit.
The operating system, KDE Linux, is being developed with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology, such as software from SteamOS 3, in a user-friendly, end-user desktop environment. As part of its development, it utilizes an immutable root filesystem architecture, which supports the deployment of AI and modern software applications.
When it reaches a stable production stage, KDE Linux is expected to offer a secure, stable, and developer-friendly operating system for testing and developing AI and advanced software applications based on KDE technology.
