Linux Lite just got a useful AI feature for desktop – and it’s more subtle than you think

AI is being promoted in all places. Many Linux distributions have already proclaimed they are going to by no means add it to the desktop (as Apple and Microsoft have for MacOS and Home windows). With the most recent launch, Linux Lite determined to buck that pattern… type of.

I am going to clarify that bit in a second.

The brand new launch of Linux Lite (model 7.2) is nearly as good because it’s at all times been. It is lean, glossy, simple to make use of, and contains the whole lot that you must be social, productive, and/or entertained. I’ve coated Linux Lite earlier than, proclaiming it as the easiest way to revive your outdated laptop. I nonetheless stand by that declare as a result of Linux Lite actually is a good choice for these getting old machines.

That stated, Linux Lite may also serve you nicely on fashionable {hardware}. Plus, like almost each Linux distribution in the marketplace, Linux Lite is free to obtain and set up on as many computer systems as wanted.

What’s on this new launch?

Let’s begin with the plain freshness that is been added to the desktop. 

At the beginning, Linux Lite ships with model 4.18 of the Xfce desktop, which incorporates loads of enhancements to the Thunar file supervisor (similar to an editable toolbar, cut up view, file highlighting, recursive search, on-screen notifications for undo/redo, and extra), a brand new Lite Theme Supervisor, new preferences within the Panel, new font choices for the clock applet, the power to disable header bars in dialogs, decide a default monitor earlier than you add a secondary monitor, and extra.

Okay, I do know what you are considering… that is not a lot. The factor to bear in mind is that the builders of the Xfce desktop take a extra conservative strategy to new releases. This desktop has developed at a snail’s tempo as a result of what they’ve works, and the Xfce group is aware of this. It is one of many few desktop environments the place you do not discover a number of customers clamoring for game-changing new options. 

“It simply works… and at all times will” must be Xfce’s mantra.

Model 7.2 additionally ships with Linux kernel 6.8.0-49. That may sound like an older kernel (given the most recent is 6.11.6), nevertheless it was solely launched on March 10, 2024. In response to endoflife.date, model 6.8 of the Linux kernel stopped receiving safety help on Could 30, 2024. Model 6.8 is just not an LTS (Lengthy Time period Assist), so that is no shock. It additionally does not imply you must keep away from Linux Lite 7.2. This launch relies on Ubuntu 24.04, which is a Lengthy Time period Assist launch, and if that you must improve to the 6.11 kernel, you’ll be able to set up it with this command:

sudo apt-get set up linux-headers-linuxlite-6.11.0 linux-image-linuxlite-6.11.0 -y

After set up, reboot, so the modifications will take impact. Assist for the 6.11 kernel ends on January 15, 2025. 

Typically, help appears to be like an always-spinning rotating door.

You will additionally discover LibreOffice 24.2.6, GIMP 2.10.36, and VLC 3.0.20 (amongst different apps) put in and able to go.

What about this AI factor?

As I discussed earlier, AI has been added to the combo, nevertheless it’s not fairly what you are most likely considering. There is no AI app to open or integration to be discovered. The Linux Lite crew went way more delicate than that. The AI is admittedly only a web site that serves as a direct help choice: “Linux Lite AI Chat.” It is there to “assist you to with your whole Linux Lite-related questions and points.” You may kind a question, similar to How do I set up a theme in Linux Lite?, click on Ship, and you will get your reply.

Only for enjoyable, I made a decision to open the default Chrome browser, level it to the AI Chat, reserve it as an app, and voilà… an AI net app that’s accessible as a launcher on the desktop. I examined the AI chat for accuracy and located it fairly spot on. Though the directions for upgrading the kernel differ from mine, they nonetheless work.

Personally, I imagine that is the best way to go for introducing AI to the Linux desktop, and I do not imagine it must go any additional than that. Integrating AI into the Linux working system can be extremely tough, given how disparate the event groups are that create the assorted desktop apps. The Linux Lite builders must coordinate with groups from Xfce, Linux Kernel builders, LibreOffice, and numerous others. I can not think about that occuring on a stage that will be essential to get AI built-in all through the desktop. 

All informed, Linux Lite 7.2 is a small step ahead for the distribution, however a barely bigger step ahead for customers. If you happen to’re frightened you will not be capable of work out use Linux, you’d do nicely with this distribution as a result of you’ve got a devoted AI chatbot to reply Linux Lite-specific questions particular.

If you wish to give this distribution a strive, obtain the model 7.2 ISO and have at it.