Linux Lite, one of best Windows-like distrosjust released its latest version, 6.0.

Linux Lite 6.0 is based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and includes Linux Kernel 5.15 LTS out of the box.

This upgrade comes with a huge number of exciting new features, including a new window theme and assistive technologies.

Let’s dive into what’s new!

Linux Lite 6.0: Overview

Linux Lite 6.0 includes many changes, including:

• Updated software
• New window theme
• New on-screen keyboard
• screen reader
• Screen magnifier
• Firefox replaced by Chrome as the default browser
• New grub menu

Accessibility improvements

Linux Lite has entered the big leagues with this change. Accessibility, which has always been a specific advantage of GNOME, has improved considerably. This comes in three different tools: an on-screen keyboard, a screen reader (Orca), and a screen magnifier.

The on-screen keyboard will be very useful for many touchscreen users and those without a keyboard. On the other hand, the screen reader will be perfect for visually impaired users.

The latest accessibility improvement, Screen Magnifier, also targets the same audience as the screen reader. However, it is a bit more aligned with the traditional desktop philosophy, so it may be preferred by many users over a screen reader.

These accessibility improvements help make Linux Lite 6.0 a mainstream alternative.

Updated software

As with almost all distribution upgrades, Linux Lite 6.0 includes updated software. Most notable is the latest stable release of LibreOffice, 7.2.6.

Other updates include VLC 3.0.16, Thunderbird 91.7, Chrome 100, GIMP 2.10.30, etc.

While not necessarily a massive upgrade per se, it demonstrates a significant change in the included LibreOffice version.

Previously, Linux Lite was held back by an older version due to the increased stability offered. However, Linux Lite developers now feel comfortable with the latest stable release, with more people testing new versions of LibreOffice than ever before.

New window theme

Linux Lite 6.0 introduces a new window theme called ‘Material.’ Members of the themed community will likely be familiar with it, as it’s been ported to almost every platform. These include GTK 2, 3 and 4, GNOME Shell, Budgie, Cinnamon, MATE, Unity, Xfce, LightDM, GDM and even Google Chrome.

The move to Materia should bring a familiar interface to ChromeOS users, as it’s based on the Material UI developed by Google.

Google Chrome is the new default browser

With Ubuntu moving its Firefox version to an instant app, Linux Lite has completely ditched Firefox for Google Chrome. While I can’t say I’m a fan of this change, it does make sense, especially for a distro targeting Windows users.

Although you’re free to install whatever you want, Chrome is a popular option for most users no matter what.

Additionally, Linux Lite developers include a Virus Total scanner extension (disabled by default) with Chrome if you want to scan files before accessing them.

Note that you can install Firefox from the Linux Lite software center, but it will install the snap package.

System Monitor Center as a replacement for Task Manager

Linux Lite 6.0 now comes with the System Monitoring Center to replace Task Manager and Process Viewer.

Note that the Linux Lite developers have forked the app to provide distribution-specific information in the system tab.

It offers all the essential features to help you keep an eye on your resources.

Other improvements

In addition to fundamental changes, Linux Lite 6.0 brings updates to the grub menu, the ability to apply emergency patches to packages, a new mustache menu, and many other tweaks.

As you can see, the new grub menu also includes shutdown and restart while removing the memtest option.

You can explore more technical details in its official announcement.

Wrap

Linux Lite 6.0 seems like a solid release, especially for those expecting accessibility features and visual refreshes.

The ISO file is available on the official download page if you want to try it for yourself.