DietPi 9.17 released with faster backups, smaller images, improved Navidrome config & more

DietPi 9.17 is now available, marking the latest release of this lightweight Debian-based Linux distribution designed for single-board computers. A noteworthy system change is that DietPi images are now shipped without an ext3 or ext4 journal. Instead, the journal is created after the root file system is expanded using the dietpi-fs_partition_resize script. This approach leads to smaller image files and ensures the file system journal is optimally located and sized, which can potentially enhance performance during setup and operation.

For Raspberry Pi users, this update brings improved support for HiFiBerry sound cards via dietpi-config. It now recognizes newer models and the project's newly split device overlays, ensuring compatibility with DAC+/AMP2/AMP4 and DAC+ Pro/DAC2 combinations.

Backup procedures in DietPi have also been improved. When multiple backups are maintained, the use of rsync --link-dest option means that unchanged files are hard-linked across backup iterations, saving significant disk space and expediting backup completion while keeping each backup fully self-contained.

In media management, Navidrome's default configuration now matches upstream defaults by fetching album art from embedded sources, local directories, and, if necessary, from online providers such as Last.fm. Additionally, the update includes a Roon Server early access toggle, improves NZBGet, and implements various bug fixes for enhanced reliability.