Key Takeaways
1. Nobara 42 replaces Firefox with Brave as the default web browser, implementing policies to limit certain features criticized by the FOSS community.
2. A new Flatpak store called Flatpost is introduced to manage Flatpak applications and permissions, enhancing software installation usability.
3. The distribution includes a new driver manager for easy switching between various GPU drivers, including Nvidia options.
4. Nobara has transitioned to a rolling release model, providing regular updates, and it comes with pre-installed desktop environments KDE 6.3.4 and Gnome 48.
5. Nobara Linux aims to be user-friendly and ready to use out of the box, with features like a handheld/HTPC mode for devices like the Lenovo Legion Go.
Nobara Linux is a gaming-centered Linux distribution built on Fedora. Its main developer, GloriousEggroll, is also known for creating Proton-GE, a modified version of Valve’s Proton compatibility layer. On May 13, GloriousEggroll shared the news about Nobara 42, which is an update to Nobara 41 that includes several important modifications to the default setup, software, and drivers.
Significant Changes in Browsing
One major update in Nobara 42 is the shift from Firefox to Brave as the default web browser. This decision was made due to a video issue found in the current version of Firefox and other browsers that rely on it. With the switch to Brave, the Nobara team has put in place a special policy that turns off certain Brave features often criticized by the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) community, such as Brave Rewards, Brave Wallet, Brave VPN, and AI Chat. Additionally, Tor is turned off by default and the DNS Over HTTPS setting is set to automatic. These adjustments aim to create a less intrusive Brave browsing experience, but users can easily change or remove the policy file if they want to revert to the original settings, as noted in the update log.
New Features to Enhance Usability
Along with the new default browser, GE has introduced Flatpost, their own Flatpak store that can manage Flatpak applications and repositories, including permission management—something usually found in apps like Flatseal or Warehouse. Flatpost comes pre-enabled in Nobara 42, and Flatpaks are the recommended method for software installation. However, users still have the option to use app images or install other app stores if they prefer to.
Under-the-Hood Improvements
Nobara 42 also includes some less visible upgrades, particularly a new driver manager that allows users to switch between various GPU drivers easily. This includes both open-source and closed-source versions of Nvidia’s drivers, and users can select from production, beta, or new feature versions.
As of Nobara 41, the Nobara Project has transitioned to a rolling release model, ensuring that updates are provided more regularly and promptly. Nobara 42 comes with two desktop environments pre-installed: KDE 6.3.4 and Gnome 48. There are multiple ISOs available for different scenarios, including versions with Nvidia drivers already installed and an HTPC ISO designed to mimic SteamOS. The Nvidia driver at the time of Nobara 42’s release is 570.144, while the Mesa version stands at 25.1.0, and the Kernel is the latest stable version, 6.14.6.
A User-Friendly Distribution
Nobara Linux is designed to be a straightforward, user-friendly distribution that is mostly ready to use straight out of the box. The updates in Nobara 42 seem to advance this aim, particularly with the new store and enhanced driver management features. Additionally, it includes a handy handheld/HTPC mode, making it a solid alternative to Windows for devices like the Lenovo Legion Go (currently priced at $649.99 on Amazon).
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