GNOME is one of the most widely used Linux desktops in the world. This desktop has changed a lot throughout its history, from the classic desktop with the two taskbars to the copy of Unity and, finally, a desktop that mixes concepts from both Windows 11 and macOS.
Many of the most used distributions, such as Ubuntu, Debian or Fedora, use this desktop by default in its main flavors. Now the new version of this, GNOME 41It is ready, and anyone who is not convinced by the new Windows 11 can give this new OS a try.
What’s New in GNOME 41
One of the main novelties that we are going to find in this new version of the popular desktop is with a new software section. This is now much clearer and more useful, showing the captures much more orderly and offering users much more useful information such as, for example, download sizes or the type of license.
In the status menu (the section from where we turn off the equipment) we can find a new section that will allow us to switch between the different energy profiles. This is especially useful for users who use laptops and want to choose between better performance or more battery life with a click. By default, GNOME 41 will use a power saving profile, although it allows applications to request different power profiles.
Within the settings we will also find a new option called “Multitasking” that will help us to work better with the operating system. For example, we can create and configure different workspaces in the purest style Windows 11 Snaps. There is also a new section from which we can configure a mobile data network, in case our equipment has a SIM.
The main applications have also been updated, highlighting:
- Calendar: with ISC file support.
- Calls: now supports a SIP account to make VoIP calls.
- Connections– Allows you to open and switch between multiple remote connections at the same time.
- Records– Adds support for creating encrypted ZIP folders.
- Music: new design.
How to test the Linux desktop
The biggest problem with major Linux distributions is package updates. Although these constantly receive patches and corrections, the most important parts of the system, such as the desktop or the Kernel, are not updated to the latest, unless we use a Rolling Release model distro. Therefore, even if we use the latest version of Ubuntu, we will not be able to use GNOME 41 if we do not install it by hand.
The best way to have a first contact with this desktop is to use a distribution designed especially for it: GNOME OS. This distro is designed by the team responsible for the desktop and allows us to test the news of the latest version. Of course, it is an unstable system, so we must test it on a test PC or a virtual machine, not on our work PC.
If we are interested in testing this system, and the new GNOME 41, we can download it from the following link to the GNOME OS website. Fedora 34 it is also another option that allows us to easily test this new Linux desktop.
