News – SparkyLinux

Sparky 2021.09

2021/09/19 by pavroo

Sparky 2021.09 of the (semi-)rolling line is out; it is based on Debian testing “Bookworm”.

Changes:
– repositories set to Debian “Bookworm” and Sparky “Orion Belt”
– all packages updated as of September 17, 2021
– new backgrounds: desktop, login manager, plymouth & boot screen, etc.
– Linux kernel 5.10.46 (5.14.6 & 5.15-rc1 in Sparky unstable repos)
– GCC 10 still as default, but GCC 11 is also installed
– no more Sparky Advanced Installed GUI; the Advanced installer works in text mode only now; the first window lets you choose the standard version of the installer or DEV version with disk encryption and LVM support;
– ‘sparky-upgrade’ text based tool is also preinstalled in CLI iso
– packages removed from iso: mc, gparted
– new package installed: lfm
– Calamares 3.2.43

No system reinstallation is required, if you installed Sparky using 2019.x, 2020.x, 2021.x or 6.0 iso image. If you would like to keep Sparky rolling, change Debian repos to ‘bookworm’ and Sparky repos to ‘orion’: https://sparkylinux.org/new-testing-line-of-sparky-7/
and make full system upgrade:
sparky-upgrade

New iso images of Sparky semi-rolling can be downloaded from the download/rolling page

Many thanks to all community members for supporting and helping Sparky project.

Informacja o wydaniu w języku polskim: https://linuxiarze.pl/sparky-2021-09/

Sparky news 2021/08

2021/09/01 by pavroo

The 8th monthly Sparky project and donate report of 2021:
– Linux kernel updated up to version 5.14.0
– Added to repos: Cinerella video editor, Gammy screen brightness/temperature tool, Pinta graphics editor, Ulauncher
– Sparky 6.0 “Po Tolo” released
– new repos of Sparky 7 “Orion Belt” (next stable; semi-rolling/testing now) created

Many thanks to all of you for supporting our open-source projects. Your donations help keeping them alive.

Don’t forget to send a small tip in September too, please.

Country	Supporter	Amount
	Olaf T.	€ 10
	Krzysztof M.	PLN 50
	Stefan L.	$ 5
	Mitchel V.	$ 50
	Tom C.	$ 15
	Nick V.	$ 5
	Krzysztof S.	PLN 70
	Jerzy W.	PLN 50
	Robert H.	€ 11
	Joseph G.	€ 6
	Andrzej M.	PLN 5
	Paweł S.	PLN 40
	Karl A.	€ 1.66
	Marek B.	PLN 10
	Alexander F.	€ 10
	Rudolf L.	€ 10
	Andrzej T.	PLN 100
	Magdalena T.	€ 4.23
	Daniel B.	€ 10
	Jeremy Y.	€ 40
	Jacek G.	PLN 40
	Stanisław G.	PLN 20
	Andrzej P.	PLN 10
	Jorg S.	€ 5
	Lev P.	€ 5
	Girolamo S.	€ 5
	Aymeric L.	€ 10
	Dariusz M.	€ 10
	Stephen E.	€ 20
	Maciej P.	PLN 22
	Michał M.	PLN 10
	Paolo R.	€ 150
	Aggeusz K.	€ 10
	Wojciech H.	PLN 10
	Barbara & Tomasz Z.	PLN 50
	Dariusz B.	PLN 50
	Total:	76% € 317.89 PLN 537 $ 75

* Keep in mind that some amounts coming to us will be reduced by commissions for online payment services. Only direct sending donations to our bank account will be credited in full.

* Miej na uwadze, że kwota, którą przekażesz nam poprzez system płatności on-line zostanie pomniejszona o prowizję dla pośrednika. W całości wpłynie tylko ta, która zostanie przesłana bezpośrednio na nasze konto bankowe.

Sparky Dist Upgrade script

2021/08/22 by pavroo

According to the last Sparky 6.0 release, and created new testing repository for Sparky 7 (next stable), there are 2 separated scripts which lets you upgrade your Sparky installation:
* from Sparky 5 (oldstable) to 6 (stable)
or
* from Sparky 6 (stable) to 7 (testing)

1. It is provided as it is, means no guarantee that will be working with no problems, you are using it on your own risk!
2. Backup your personal files before starting.
3. Dependencies (should be already installed): apt bash coreutils dialog dpkg grep iputils-ping sparky-info sudo

Upgrading Sparky 5 to 6:
Get it:
wget https://sparkylinux.org/files/sparky-dist-upgrade56
Make it executable:
chmod +x sparky-dist-upgrade56
Run it:
sudo ./sparky-dist-upgrade56

Upgrading Sparky 6 to 7:
Get it:
wget https://sparkylinux.org/files/sparky-dist-upgrade67
Make it executable:
chmod +x sparky-dist-upgrade67
Run it:
sudo ./sparky-dist-upgrade67

New testing line of Sparky 7

2021/08/212021/08/20 by pavroo

A new testing/rolling line of Sparky 7 (next stable) is ready to upgrade.

The next Sparky 7 code name is “Orion Belt”

From Wikipedia:

Orion’s Belt or the Belt of Orion, also known as the Three Kings or Three Sisters, is an asterism in the constellation Orion. It consists of the three bright stars Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka…

…The Orion correlation theory (or Giza–Orion correlation theory) is a fringe theory in alternative Egyptology. It posits that there is a correlation between the location of the three largest pyramids of the Giza pyramid complex and Orion’s Belt of the constellation Orion, and that this correlation was intended as such by the original builders of the Giza pyramid complex.

If you would like to keep Sparky rolling, and have Sparky 6 installed, you have to fully upgrade it, then you can switch to the new testing repos now.

1. Change Debian repository from “bullseye” to “bookworm” at the file:
/etc/apt/sources.list

2. Change Sparky repository from “potolo” to “orion” at the file:
/etc/apt/sources.list.d/sparky.list

3. Make upgrade
sparky-upgrade
or:
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

4. If any problem, run:
sudo dpkg --configure -a

Then reboot to take effects.

Check the Wiki page too: wiki.sparkylinux.org/doku.php/repository_testing

Informacja w języku polskim: https://linuxiarze.pl/nowa-linia-testowa-sparky-7/

Sparky 6.0 “Po Tolo”

2021/08/212021/08/19 by pavroo

Sparky 6.0 “Po Tolo” has been released. It is based on and fully compatible with Debian 11 “Bullseye”.

Highlights:
– based on Debian stable 11 “Bullseye”
– all packages updated from Debian “Bullseye” & Sparky “Po Tolo” repos as of August 16, 2021
– Firefox 78.13.0ESR instead of Firefox (latest)
– Thunderbird 78.13.0
– VLC 3.0.16
– LibreOffice 7.0.4
– Calamares 3.2.41.1
– Linux kernel 5.10.46 LTS as default
– desktop fonts set to 11
– exfatprogs replaced exfat-fuse & exfat-utils to manage exFAT partitions
– installed ipp-usb to allow a USB device to be treated as a network device
– MinimalGUI: PCManFM replaces DoubleCMD-GTK; Firefox-ESR replaces Epiphany browser
– MinimalCLI: removed multilingual from boot settings and cli installer

Sparky APTus is no loger under development and has been replaced by Sparky APTus AppCenter, introduced over a year ago. It lets you:
– install, reinstall & remove over 2300 popular applications, including over 20 pre-configured desktops

– use all tools from the old APTus

– install and remove Linux kernels:
* Debian default, RealTime, (Backports & Backports RealTime when ready)
* Liquorix
* XanMod
* Sparky

Having in mind security and anonymity whilst surfing the net, all Sparky 6 iso images have RiseupVPN application preinstalled. It is not loaded as default, but can be started from your application’s Internet menu.

Sparky FirstRun app has been removed and replaced by Sparky Welcome.

Package “sparky-artwork-nature” features 12 new, beautiful nature wallpapers created by:
– Pavbaranow: sparky-nature 36-38
– Aneta: sparky-nature 39-43
– Dana: sparky-nature: 44-47

There is no need to reinstall your Sparky installation, if you have Sparky rolling (Po Tolo) installed – simply keep Sparky up to date. Sparky 6 “Po Tolo” has been moved from rolling to stable automatically.

If you want to keep Sparky rolling, based on the testing branch – wait a few days to new repos will be created. It will be posted separately, so stay tuned.

Sparky 6 “Po Tolo” is avialable in the following flavours:
amd64: Xfce & KDE Plasma
amd64 & i686: LXQt, MinimaGUI (Openbox) & MinimalCLI (text mode)

Note 1: Sparky 6 still supports old machines x86 (32bit).

Note 2: Sparky 6 amd64 can be installed on BIOS or UEFI machines using Sparky Installer (Calamares) or Sparky Advanced Installer (with Yad GUI or cli) as well. Sparky 6 i686 works on BIOS machines only.

Note 3: Installation of Sparky 6 on UEFI machines can be done with Secure Boot off. After installing, the Secure Boot can be turned on back, all required libs is installed during the system installation process.

Note 4: There are 3 repo mirrors located in Germany and USA, feel free to switch to a one:
wiki.sparkylinux.org/doku.php/mirrors
If you would like to provide a new one – simply send out a message.

Note 5: If you would like to upgrade Sparky 5 to the present stable Sparky 6 – follow the Wiki page: wiki.sparkylinux.org/doku.php/upgrade_5_to_6

Note 6: ARM images are not ready, stay tuned.

Send a small tip if you like SparkyLinux.

New iso images of Sparky 6 “Po Tolo” can be downloaded from the download/stable page

Many thanks to all community members for supporting and helping Sparky project.

Informacja o wydaniu w języku polskim: https://linuxiarze.pl/sparky-6-0-po-tolo/

Sparky news 2021/07

2021/08/01 by pavroo

The 7th monthly Sparky project and donate report of 2021:

– Linux kernel updated up to version 5.13.7 & 5.14-rc3
– Added to repos: Komorebi wallpapers manager, Nuclear audio player, Shortwave radio player, Enve 2D animation software, Viper web browser, Systemback
– preperation to a new stable version of Spaky 6.0 “Po Tolo” is on the way

Many thanks to all of you for supporting our open-source projects, specially in this difficult days. Your donations help keeping them alive.

Don’t forget to send a small tip in August too, please 🙂

Country	Supporter	Amount
	Krzysztof M.	PLN 50
	Olaf T.	€ 10
	Krzysztof S.	PLN 140
	Jacek G.	PLN 100
	Stefan L.	$ 5
	Mitchel V.	$ 50
	Tom C.	$ 15
	Tristan A.	€ 5
	Achim Z.	€ 60
	Andrzej M.	PLN 5
	Paweł S.	PLN 44.44
	Philippe C.	€ 20
	Rudolf L.	€ 10
	Karl A.	€ 1.66
	Wolfgang L.	€ 12
	Łukasz S.	PLN 50
	Marek B.	PLN 10
	Alexander F.	€ 10
	Lech Ś.	PLN 50
	Magdalena T.	€ 4.21
	Jacek G.	PLN 40
	Amanda C.	€ 50
	Stanisław G.	PLN 20
	Andrzej P.	PLN 10
	Brian B.	€ 50
	Aymeric L.	€ 10
	Jorg S.	€ 5
	Arnold A.	€ 30
	Dariusz M.	€ 10
	Maciej P.	PLN 22
	Robert C.	PLN 50
	Sebastian K.	PLN 80
	Ryan S.	€ 25
	Ralf A.	€ 15
	Krzysztof M.	PLN 100
	Wojciech H.	PLN 5
	David C.	€ 20
	Total:	88% € 347.87 PLN 776.44 $ 70

Sparky news 2021/06

2021/07/01 by pavroo

The 6th monthly Sparky project and donate report of 2021:
– Linux kernel updated up to version 5.13.0
– Added to repos: FreeTube, FrostWire, Lightworks
– Sparky 2021.06 of the semi-rolling line released
– new app Sparky Welcome replaces Sparky First Run

Many thanks to all of you for supporting our open-source projects, specially in this difficult days. Your donations help keeping them alive.
Don’t forget to send a small tip in July too, please.

* Thank you very much for your support, but it is getting smaller every next month 🙁
We are not able to collect even the minimum amount of the necessary monthly support.
Income from the advertising is also smaller – it is even not enough to cover living a one person in Warsaw, but there are two of us.
It is getting harder for us to live and work now, so we ask you – consider monthly support, please.
SparkyLinux, Linux, ArchiveOS and our other services are our only work we have.
We will not survive without your support!

* Bardzo dziękujemy Wam za wsparcie, jednak z miesiąca na miesiąc jest ono coraz mniejsze 🙁
Nie udaje się nam uzbierać w miesiącu nawet minimum kwoty potrzebnego wsparcia.
Przychody z reklam są jeszcze mniejsze – nie wystarczają nawet na utrzymanie 1-ej osoby w Warszawie, a jest nas dwoje.
Jest nam coraz trudniej, dlatego bardzo Was prosimy – rozważcie comiesięczne wsparcie na naszą pracę.
SparkyLinux, Linuxiarze, ArchiveOS i inne nasze serwisy to jedyna nasza praca i utrzymanie.
Bez Waszego wsparcia nie przetrwamy!

Country	Supporter	Amount
	Andrzej T.	PLN 100
	Lars M.	€ 15
	Krzysztof M.	PLN 50
	Olaf T.	€ 10
	Krzysztof S.	PLN 70
	Łukasz S.	PLN 50
	Tommaso S.	€ 10
	Ryan S.	€ 25
	Douglas M.	€ 50
	Andrzej M.	PLN 5
	Paweł S.	PLN 44.44
	Michael R.	$ 10
	Stefan L.	$ 5
	Mitchel V.	$ 50
	Tom C.	$ 15
	Karl A.	€ 1.66
	Rudolf L.	€ 10
	Mark H.	€ 15
	Marek B.	PLN 10
	Alexander F.	€ 10
	Bartłomiej P.	PLN 30
	Jacek G.	PLN 40
	Magdalena T.	€ 4.30
	Stanisław G.	PLN 20
	Andrzej P.	PLN 10
	Jorg S.	€ 5
	Sebastian K.	€ 10
	Aymeric L.	€ 10
	Dariusz M.	€ 10
	Maciej P.	PLN 22
	Ralph A.	€ 10
	Robert C.	PLN 50
	Wojciech H.	PLN 5
	Total:	57% € 195.96 PLN 506.44 $ 80

Sparky 2021.06

2021/06/24 by pavroo

Sparky 2021.06, the semi-rolling release which is based on Debian testing “Bullseye” is out.
Debian Bullseye is hard frozen now, and is going to Full Freeze soon, so it is perfect time to give Sparky 6 a try before become stable.

Changelog:
– all packages updated from Debian and Sparky testing repos as of June 22
– Linux kernel 5.10.40 LTS (5.12.13 & 5.13-rc7 in Sparky unstable repos)
– added RiseupVPN to all iso images, which helps you protect your privacy using all networking applications
– fonts set to size 11
– a new application Sparky Welcome which replaced Sparky First Run
– small improvements
– MinimalGUI: changed Thunar to a two panels DoubleCMD-Gtk

System re-installation is not required, make full system upgrade via Sparky Upgrade gui tool or a command:

sparky-upgrade

or:

sudo apt update sudo apt full-upgrade

New rolling iso images can be downloaded from the download/rolling page.

Sparky news 2021/05

2021/06/01 by pavroo

The 5th monthly Sparky project and donate report of 2021:
– Linux kernel updated up to version 5.12.8 & 5.11.22 (EOL) & 5.13-rc3
– Sparky 5.15 “Nibiru” of the stable line released
– Yad updated up to 10.1 & APTus AppCenter up to 20210524
– added new mirror in USA; thanks to fosshost.org
– added to repos: TagSpaces, Librewolf, Riseup-VPN, Hamsket
– added an option of ProtonVPN installation via APTus AppCenter, the package is not in Sparky repos, but can be automatically downloaded and installed from ProtonVPN server

Thanks to:
– Daniel for his help of settings the new mirror in USA
– lami07 for new social icons and web page logo

Many thanks to all of you for supporting our open-source projects, specially in this difficult days. Your donations help keeping us and them alive.

Don’t forget to send a small tip in June too, please.

Country	Supporter	Amount
	Michael R.	$ 10
	Stefan L.	$ 5
	Mitchel V.	$ 50
	Tom C.	$ 15
	Gernot P.	$ 10
	C.M.M. H.	€ 15
	Olaf T.	€ 10
	Krzysztof S.	PLN 70
	Krzysztof M.	PLN 50
	Andrzej T.	PLN 100
	Władysław K.	PLN 20
	Andrzej M.	PLN 5
	Dariusz B.	€ 1.66
	Karl A.	€ 1.66
	Krzysztof S.	PLN 50
	Marek B.	PLN 10
	Paweł S.	PLN 55.55
	Alexander F.	€ 10
	Rudolf L.	€ 10
	Magdalena T.	€ 4.26
	Jacek G.	PLN 40
	Варюхин С.	€ 7.79
	Aleksander G.	€ 10
	Stanisław G.	PLN 20
	Jorg S.	€ 5
	Andrzej P.	PLN 10
	Four F.	€ 25
	Jan Z.	PLN 50
	Americ L.	€ 10
	Paweł B.	PLN 100
	Maciej P.	PLN 22
	Daniel B.	€ 20
	Harry T.	€ 20
	Marek S.	PLN 100
	Zbigniew B.	PLN 50
	Dariusz M.	€ 10
	Ralf A.	€ 10
	Wolfgang L.	€ 12
	Tomasz W.	PLN 60
	Wojciech H.	PLN 5
	Total:	68% € 182.37 PLN 817.55 $ 90

Mirror in USA

2021/06/182021/05/11 by pavroo

There is a new repo mirror available for Sparkers, located in Chicago, USA.

Mirror US1 is provided by the https://fosshost.org – thanks a lot!
http://us1.repo.sparkylinux.org

If you would like to provide a mirror repo server in your location, send a message via contact form, please.

Requirements and settings: https://wiki.sparkylinux.org/doku.php/mirrors

If you’d like, I can set your Sparky mirror for you.

Thanks go to Daniel for his help of some settings.

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