Leap 15.1 just dropped with multiple new features and improvements

The development team of the famous Linux-based operating system, namely the openSUSE community, has announced the release of Leap 15.1. According to the release notes, the new Leap will provide updated support for modern hardware.

In addition to that, a member of the Leap community states that the new version is focused on stability and continuity. This gives us a brief idea of what this update offers.

Leap-15.1-Xfce

Why update?

Even if you’re satisfied with Leap 15.0, there are a bunch of features and improvements that you could be missing out on if you don’t update. Accordingly, let’s have a look at some of them.

Graphical Improvements

When you get your hands on the all-new Leap 15.1, you’re bound to notice some graphical changes, owing to the fact that this update comes with a brand new graphics stack. It is also worth mentioning that this version provides better support for AMD Vega chipsets and many graphics drivers. With the new Leap, users can take advantage of better GPU virtualization as well.

Thanks to all of these features, you will be able to get an optimal graphical experience.

Enhanced Network Handling

In case you were having problems with your internet connection, this update could make things easier for you to a certain extent. The first thing to note is that in Leap 15.1, NetworkManager is the default network manager (no pun intended) now for both laptop and desktop users. With that being said, Wicked (which is openSUSE’s very own network configuration system) will take care of all the server installations. The makers have also integrated several widely-used WiFi drivers into this update.

Better Installation and Configuration

For those of you who don’t know, Leap depends on YaST for all its setup and configuration operations. Accordingly, this update targets YaST for improving the management of services.

After updating to Leap 15.1, users will be able to use Firewalld in text mode and with a new UI. The updated YaST will also come with an enhanced partitioner and allow management of SSH keys per user. Moreover, the yast2-configuration-management module will come with Salt formulas, providing more control to system administrators.

In terms of the visual aspects, the user interface of the installer will also become more well-defined due to the fact that YaST can now better detect and configure HiDPI 4K displays. Not only that but YaST will also come with new icons all designed by the Leap community.

Other Changes

• Leap is now based on Kernel 4.12
• This update comes with many containerization technologies (such as Singularity), the Podman container runtime, and Buildah build tool
• Raspberry PI users can get a full-fledged Linux experience through Leap 15.1 (which is the first multi-purpose operating system to allow so)

Conclusion

Although this can be termed as a minor update, the developers have still managed to integrate an adequate number of new features into Leap 15.1. Alongside that, users will also find many graphical and technical changes after updating to this version. So if you’re interested in getting Leap 15.1, just visit this link for downloading its ISO image.