Trisquel 12.0: free Linux on Ubuntu 24.04

Trisquel 12.0: Release of a Fully Free Linux Distribution Based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

On April 11, 2026, Trisquel 12.0 was released—a Linux distribution that meets the FSF's strict free software criteria. It's based on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS package repository. Update support will last until April 2029. ISO images are available for x86_64, ppc64el, arm64, and armhf: MATE (3.4 GB), KDE (2.7 GB), LXDE (1.9 GB), Sugar (1.5 GB), netboot (79 MB). The distribution excludes all non-free components: binary drivers, firmware, elements with non-free licenses or trademarks.

The project is endorsed by Richard Stallman and recommended by the Free Software Foundation for businesses, education, and home use. It's compatible with OpenJDK and supports audio/video formats and protected DVDs through free implementations.

Key Updates in Trisquel 12.0

Switching to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS brought significant changes to the kernel and toolset:

• Linux-libre kernel 6.8 (previously 5.15)—fully stripped of proprietary firmware and drivers, with improved modularity.
• AppArmor: Reworked profiles for desktop environments with a focus on security.
• APT 3.0 with repositories in deb822 format.
• Browsers: GNU IceCat, ungoogled-chromium, and Abrowser (Trisquel's Firefox build).
• Desktop environments: MATE 1.26.1 (default), LXDE 0.99.2, KDE Plasma 5.27, Sugar 0.121 for education.

Package and Application Improvements

Backports integrate the latest versions of key tools. This gives mid/senior-level developers a fresh stack without compromising software freedom.

Updated Components:

• LibreOffice (latest versions).
• yt-dlp for media downloads.
• Inkscape for vector graphics.
• Nextcloud Desktop for synchronization.
• Kdenlive for nonlinear editing.
• Tuba (Fediverse client), 0 A.D. (strategy game), fastfetch (system information).

The distribution maintains Java compatibility via OpenJDK, focusing on free multimedia implementations.

Key Points

• Full Software Freedom: No proprietary drivers, firmware, or branded elements—FSF certification.
• Long-Term Support: Updates until 2029 based on LTS.
• Multiple DEs: MATE, KDE, LXDE, Sugar for various use cases.
• Fresh Stack: Linux-libre 6.8, APT 3.0, backports of popular apps.
• Security: Enhanced AppArmor profiles for GUIs.

Trisquel 12.0 is ideal for small business servers, educational labs, and desktops where license purity matters. Developers get a ready-to-use CI/CD environment without proprietary vendor software.

— Editorial Team