Re-inventing the Ubuntu experience
Innovator
© Photo by Matt Ridley on Unsplash
Rhino Linux, an Ubuntu derivative, rethinks Linux conventions.
Many distributions are based on Ubuntu. DistroWatch lists 53 based on Ubuntu [1] and 17 based on Ubuntu LTS releases [2]. Most of these releases are minor variants that can often hardly seem worth the work required to maintain them. An exception is Rhino Linux [3], which since its recent 2025.1 release, has quickly gained a reputation for innovation based on its repositories, desktop modifications, and custom applications.
The first sign of innovation is the installer. Rhino Linux uses its own variation of the Calamares installer, with no choice of packages but with concise embedded help (Figure 1). The abstract wallpaper with its garish black and purple color scheme carried over from the installer is another sign. However, the extent of the innovation only becomes obvious on the desktop. From the Setup Wizard, users are immediately given a choice of which universal package managers to activate, how Flatpak and AppImage packages are handled, and extras, such as the APT variation Nala. That page is followed by a choice of containers and virtual machines to enable, after which, there are likely updates available from the Your System icon, because Rhino is a rolling release. A simple illuminated button signals if updates await (Figure 2).
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
The Bullet-Proof KDE Software Initiative Is Coming
KDE, Techpaladin, and Kubuntu Focus have announced a new initiative that will provide at least three years of support for KDE Plasma 6.6 LTS and related software.
-
Linux Mint Shares a Possible Kernel Cleanup Solution
For those on Linux Mint who like to keep multiple kernels around but don't want them to take up too much space, you might be getting a new automated tool.
-
CachyOS Gets an Update
CachyOS August 2026 release is now available with the latest version of KDE, some new features, and plenty of improvements.
-
The Linux Kernel Dev Staging Area Now Rejects AI-Generated Patches
Unless a kernel patch is a valid security fix, it will be rejected if it was created using AI.
-
Linux Surpasses Double-Digit Market Share
According to two sources, the Linux operating system has hit a major milestone in market share that naysayers thought would never happen.
-
AI Helped Develop a Linux Exploit
A use-after-free race exploit was discovered and exploited on CentOS Stream 9.
-
Yet Another Linux Kernel Vulnerability Discovered
Affecting millions of systems, a kernel flaw discovered by Qualys could allow users to gain root privileges.
-
Ubuntu 26.10 to Include Ubuntu Certified Hardware Check
If you've ever wondered if your laptop or PC is officially certified to run Ubuntu, that curiosity will soon be met.
-
Substantial Update to IPFire Now Available
The lastest version of IPFire features a fundamental change to how the system handles DNS.
-
Gnome Working on Test Center App to Make Testing Easier
It's now possible to test experimental features on the Gnome desktop without worrying that you'll break things.