Fedora Linux 38 Beta has been released, offering exciting changes and improvements. The final version of Fedora Linux 38 is expected to be released at the end of April.



The Fedora Project has introduced several enhancements with Fedora 38 Beta, including updated programming languages and libraries, new security features, and support for unified kernel images. Fedora Workstation 38 comes with GNOME 44, which brings improvements such as a new lock screen and a display of Flathub applications without any filters.

The release of Fedora 38 Beta reflects the community's demand for advancements in security and development.

In Fedora Linux 38 Beta, there are numerous updates and improvements, including package updates, Linux kernel version 6.2, GNU Toolchain Update (gcc 13.0, binutils 2.39, glibc 2.37, gdb 12.1), LLVM 16, Ruby 3.2, support for unified kernel images, unfiltered Flathub, Pyramid 2.0, Xfce-4.18, and more.

For Fedora Workstation, Fedora 38 comes with GNOME 44, which offers notable enhancements such as a new lock screen, a "background apps" section on the quick menu, and improved accessibility settings. Third-party repositories now provide an unfiltered display of applications on Flathub.

In terms of security, Fedora Linux has added new features to protect against buffer overflows, implemented stricter compiler flags, and included a Sequoia-based OpenPGP parser in the rpm package manager. Several programming languages and libraries have also been updated.

As Fedora 38 Workstation Beta is a pre-release version, users may encounter bugs or missing features. They can report any issues to the Fedora QA team through the test mailing list or the #quality channel on Fedora Chat. Common issues are tracked in the "Common Issues" category on Ask Fedora.

In terms of commercial use, Fedora is a free and open-source operating system that can be used for commercial purposes without any restriction. It is widely adopted by commercial organizations and supported by Red Hat, which provides enterprise-level support and services. Users can download and use Fedora without any cost or licensing fees. Fedora also offers tools and features designed for enterprise use, making it a reliable choice for businesses and organizations.

Fedora 38 introduces two new versions, one for the Budgie desktop environment and another for the Sway mosaic window manager. The default GNOME version in Fedora switches to GNOME 44. Furthermore, Fedora 38 removes restrictions and whitelists from its flatpak implementation.

Released on April 18, 2023, Fedora 38 offers updated applications, desktop environments, including GNOME 44, and the addition of Budgie and Sway as new options. Fedora prioritizes stability and reliability, making it a popular choice for those who value consistent performance.

During the beta testing phase of Fedora 38, we took a closer look to highlight the new features and improvements in this release. This distribution continues to gain strength and has an early final target date of April 18, with a possibility of extension until April 25 if required.

Fedora 38 provides updated versions of various desktop environments, including Xfce 4.18, KDE Plasma 5.27, MATE 1.26, LXQt 1.2.0, and GNOME 44. Additionally, two new official spins are introduced: one featuring the Budgie desktop and another utilizing the Sway mosaic window manager, based on i3 configuration files.

The default GNOME version in Fedora now incorporates GNOME 44, offering several improvements without significant drastic changes compared to previous releases. Notable updates include enhancements to the system menu and quick settings, with each button supporting two lines of text for clearer representation of settings.

One significant change in Fedora 38 is the removal of whitelists and filters in the flatpak implementation. This allows users unrestricted access to the broader flatpak ecosystem, eliminating restrictions on proprietary or unofficial applications. The Software application also reflects these changes, enabling users to easily identify whether an application is available as an RPM or a flatpak from remote sources like flathub.

With Fedora 38, users can embrace a wider range of desktop environments, updated software versions, and an improved flatpak experience, all contributing to an enhanced Linux distribution.

Fedora's update includes advancements in the following areas:

Updated packages and software: Fedora often bundles the latest stable versions of popular tools, languages, desktop environments (like GNOME, KDE), and servers.

Newer kernel: Each release usually includes the latest possible Linux kernel which means improved hardware support and performance tweaks.

Improved system and security features: Fedora strives to improve security and system management with each release. This could mean improvements or changes in the policies, SELinux, and other core components.

Testing of new tech: Fedora is known for implementing and testing newer technologies which are often later adopted by other distributions.

User interface and experience enhancement: In case of workstation versions, enhancements and updates to the Graphical User Interface is common. Each release, especially ones updating GNOME, often feature enhancements aimed at improving user experience.

Installer improvements: Fedora regularly updates their Anaconda (the Fedora installer), which may have improved usability, new features, or performance improvements in Fedora 38.

Virtualization improvements: Fedora, as with many Linux distributions, is known for focusing on enhancements and improvements for virtualization tools like QEMU, libvirt, and KVM.

Support for new hardware and protocols: This can span a range of areas, from new CPUs and GPUs to technologies like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth versions, and more.

Possible retirement or deprecation of older packages: Sometimes, older, less-maintained packages are eliminated from the repository. Keep an eye out for such changes, which can sometimes cause issues if software you rely on is affected.

Enhancements to default applications: Working towards usability and productivity, Fedora occasionally modifies its default software. These changes may include introducing new apps or replacing existing ones.

Fedora Spins and variants updates: Fedora Spins, which are variations of Fedora built with different desktop environments (like XFCE, MATE, LXDE, KDE), also receive updates.

New driver support: Fedora routinely adds support for new hardware drivers, improving the range of hardware compatible with the distribution.

Fedora is a popular Linux distribution that is sponsored by Red Hat, which is a part of IBM as of 2021. It is a free and open-source operating system, meaning anyone can use, modify, and distribute it. Fedora serves as a kind of testing ground for new technologies that eventually make their way into Red Hat Enterprise Linux, a commercial operating system product from Red Hat.

Fedora has a reputation for embracing cutting-edge features, applications, and systems before other distributions, which is part of the project's philosophy. This approach can provide users with the latest developments in the open-source world, but it may occasionally lead to instability or software bugs.

Here are some key facts about Fedora:

1. **Release Cycle**: Fedora operates on a roughly six-month release cycle, meaning users can expect two new versions each year, typically around May and October. With each new version, updates are typically available for the previous two versions.

2. **Software Management**: Fedora uses the DNF package manager, which was introduced as a replacement for Yum. DNF helps manage the software on a Fedora system, including installing new software packages, upgrading existing ones, and removing unneeded packages.

3. **Spins and Labs**: Fedora provides various desktop environments through its "Spins," allowing users to choose their preferred user experience. For example, there's a KDE Spin, an Xfce Spin, etc. There also exist Fedora "Labs," which are "pre-packaged" sets of software aimed at specific users – for example, there's a Scientific Lab, a Robotics Lab, etc.

4. **SELinux**: Fedora includes support for Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux), a set of modifications to the Linux kernel and utilities that provide an added layer of system security. SELinux was initially developed by the United States National Security Agency (NSA).

5. **Community Involvement**: Fedora has a strong community around it, with a multitude of contributors adding to the project. Its community-driven nature makes it appealing to those who appreciate the open-source culture.

Fedora is just one of many Linux distributions out there, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Your choice depends on your specific use case – whether it's for a desktop, a server, programming, security research, etc. Other popular ones include Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Arch Linux, etc.