Ultramarine Linux, an immutable spin of Fedora, has released version 43 with KDE Plasma as its new default desktop environment, replacing Budgie. The update reintroduces RPM packages as an option alongside Flatpak and employs the Readymade installer for simpler setup. These enhancements focus on security, ease of use, and performance for Linux users.
Ultramarine Linux builds on Fedora by making its core operating system immutable, mounting it in read-only mode to boost security and reliability. This approach ensures the OS "just works" without unexpected changes, distinguishing it from standard Fedora installations.
The version 43 release introduces several key updates. Developers responded to user feedback by restoring RPM as a package management choice, moving away from the prior emphasis on Flatpak, which some view as resource-intensive. The Readymade installer, a graphical interface for the systemd-repart tool, automates disk partitioning and simplifies the process to a few clicks, rivaling Ubuntu's ease.
Shifting from Budgie, the new flagship edition defaults to KDE Plasma 6.5, praised for its polish and modernity. As noted on the official release page, "KDE Plasma's 6.0 release made Plasma into a highly polished, modern experience, and it's only gotten better since. KDE and the Fedora KDE SIG put an insane amount of effort into Plasma, from its 5-Minute-Bugs initiative to dropping X11 support before GNOME." Other editions include Budgie 10.10, Xfce 4.20, and GNOME 49, available via the download page.
Out of the box, the distribution includes essentials like LibreOffice, Firefox, KDE Connect, Elisa music player, Haruna media player, and Kamoso webcam software. Users can easily add more through KDE Discover. Performance remains strong, with quick app launches and efficient upgrades, even in virtual machines running tasks like localized AI via Ollama.
This release positions Ultramarine as a versatile option for creativity, productivity, and entertainment, appealing to newcomers with its familiar Plasma interface while maintaining Linux's flexibility and security.