SparkyLinux 8.0 has been released, based on Linux kernel 6.12 LTS and Debian 13 “Trixie”

SparkyLinux has announced the release of version 8.0, code-named “Seven Sisters”, powered by the Linux kernel 6.12 LTS and based on Debian 13 “Trixie”. Offering flexibility for different user needs, versions 6.16.0, 6.12.41 LTS, and 6.6.99 LTS kernels are also available from the distribution’s repositories.

Alongside this, updated desktop environments are available. This release brings KDE Plasma 6.3.6, LXQt 2.1.0, MATE 1.26, Xfce 4.20, and Openbox 3.6.1, modernizing the user interface offerings. Updated applications have been shipped as well; LibreOffice 25.2.3, Firefox 128 ESR (with Firefox 141 available in the repositories), and Thunderbird 128 ESR are included by default. The GIMP image editor is now present on all ISO images, aiming to offer broader functionality out of the box.

Building on system management features, the CLI-based Sparky Installer introduces home partition encryption and auto-partitioning, catering to users seeking improved data security and simplicity during setup. While Openbox users will see Thunar replace PCManFM as the default file manager, package managers benefit from the new sparky-package-tool for console-based package management. Additionally, the Sparky APTus AppCenter has been updated, reflecting removals from the upstream Debian Trixie repositories.