15 FOSS Apps to Replace Windows Software + FOSSLinux Is Now on Social
"This week, PHP2Shell hit with two critical 9.2-rated RCE flaws — CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619 — now patched, while a third issue remains unpatched with only a mitigation. We walk through patching and verifying PHP on Ubuntu, Fedora, and CachyOS. We also separate the Linux 7.4 Rust Binder deletion that removes 11,470 lines of C from the hype, review Kali Purple 2026.3's defensive toolset, and list 15 FOSS apps to replace your Windows and Mac software. And we have a big announcement: we are now on social media. Patch your PHP, test your knowledge, and keep building."
FOSSLinux Is Now Everywhere
We have expanded to seven social platforms. Follow us wherever you are — same Linux content, different feeds.
PHP2Shell: Critical PHP RCE Flaws and How to Patch Them
Liam's Brief: PHP2Shell hit on October 21 with two critical 9.2-rated flaws, CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619, now patched, while a third issue, CVE-2026-115560, remains unpatched with only a mitigation. This guide explains what each flaw breaks, then walks through patching and verifying PHP on Ubuntu, Fedora, and CachyOS so you know the fix is live.
🐧 Releases & Kernel
Linux 7.4 Features: Rust Replaces C, Faster Boot, HDMI 2.1
Linux 7.4 is not installable yet, but the merge window tells the story. We separate the Rust Binder deletion that removes 11,470 lines of C from the hype, explain why the 268-second boot fix is narrower than it sounds, and cover HDMI 2.1 defaults.
Kali Purple 2026.3: What It Is, What's Inside, How to Get It
Kali Purple 2026.3 is the defensive flavor of Kali: over 100 blue-team tools, NIST CSF menus, and a SOC-in-a-box reference setup on one installer image. We verify the ISO checksum and walk the toolset.
💻 FOSS Apps & Desktop
15 Must-Have FOSS Apps to Replace Windows and Mac Software
Windows and macOS keep charging rent for software you could own instead. These 15 must-have FOSS apps cover office work, browsing, email, photos, video, passwords and notes, each installing in under a minute.
How to Check Virtualization Support in Linux (VT-x/AMD-V)
Checking VT-x and AMD-V before you install a hypervisor takes ten seconds and saves an afternoon. Five real checks with terminal output from Ubuntu, Fedora and CachyOS virtual machines.
🔬 The Latest from the Lab
- Build Kali Linux ISO in Docker or Podman: 2026.3 Guide
- Kali Linux 2026.3 Released: 6 New Tools and How to Upgrade
- Why Linux Uses Forward Slash Instead of Drive Letters
- How to Safely Clear Your Package Manager Cache on Linux
🧠 Test Your Knowledge
Challenge yourself with our latest Linux quizzes. Pick a topic and see how you score.
Linux Kernel Internals Quiz: syscalls, modules & cgroups
Take the Quiz, Download Your Free Brag Card. Think you can master Linux kernel internals? Take the quiz, then download...
Linux Basics Quiz: Essential Commands Every Beginner Must Know
Take the Quiz, Download Your Free Brag Card. Think you can master basic Linux commands? Take the quiz, then download...
Tmux Quiz: Test Your Terminal Multiplexer Knowledge
Take the Tmux Quiz, Download Your Free Brag Card. Think you have mastered tmux panes, windows, and keybindings? Take the...
♻️ 2026 standards
Our core infrastructure guides, freshly updated to 2026 standards.
How to Install KDE on MX Linux
Updated Oct 2026 — We walk through installing KDE Plasma on MX Linux with the package manager and post-install configuration...
Ubuntu Media Center: Turn Your Ubuntu PC into a Home Theater
Updated Oct 2026 — We set up Kodi and Plex on Ubuntu for a complete home theater experience with remote control support...
Change Themes on Linux Mint: 3 Easy Approaches
Updated Oct 2026 — We cover Cinnamon Themes, MintThemes, and manual GTK/Icon theme installation for customizing your Mint desktop...
How to Install Discord on Fedora
Updated Oct 2026 — We install Discord on Fedora 44 using RPM Fusion, Flatpak, and the official .rpm with update verification...
💬 The Open Discussion
Trending conversations from the FOSSLinux Community Forum this week:
SuperTuxKart pulls online server after PHP2Shell scare
"The reassuring part is that nothing about the downloaded game binaries was affected..."
Calibre 9.17 faster ebook conversions
"I convert ARCs and review copies constantly and the conversion speed improvements are noticeable..."
Firefox 159 Wayland Linux fixes
"Smoother scrolling plus fixed fractional scaling covers the Wayland issues I've been hitting..."
Ubuntu plans firmware HWE for older kernels
"Please let this cover GPU firmware too — keeping my old hardware running is the whole point..."
Ubuntu Core Desktop accelerating ahead of 27.04
"I have hopped across Silverblue Aeon and NixOS chasing immutable desktops — Core Desktop could be the one that sticks..."
KDE Plasma 6.8 marks KDE 30th anniversary
"Thirty years of KDE and the desktop still feels like it is just getting started..."
Linux Mint new system monitor does more than you would expect
"Compared to btop this is not going to win power users over but for Mint users it is a solid default..."
Ubuntu 26.10 officially launches October 15
"With 26.10 now official it is a nice landing spot ahead of the LTS cycle..."
NordVPN 6.0 for Linux brings breaking changes — heads up before you update
"I read the 6.0 notes this morning and the architecture changes are significant..."
Microsoft Defender is now available on Linux desktops
"Microsoft definition of protection includes telemetry and Defender arriving on Linux raises privacy questions..."
The Open Discussion
Join other Linux enthusiasts in our community forum. Ask questions, share your setup, and help others build the future of open source.
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