SparkyLinux is a GNU/Linux distribution based on the Debian GNU/Linux operating system.
Sparky Linux 7.3 Changes:
all packages updated from Debian and Sparky stable repos as of March 13, 2024
Linux kernel PC: 6.1.67 LTS (6.8.0, 6.6.21-LTS & 5.15.151-LTS in sparky repos)
Linux kernel ARM: 6.6.20 LTS
LibreOffice 7.4.7
KDE Plasma 5.27.5
LXQt 1.2.0
MATE 1.26
Xfce 4.18
Openbox 3.6.1
Firefox 115.8.0esr (123.0.1-sparky in sparky repos)
Thunderbird 115.8.0
VLC 3.0.20
Exaile 4.1.3
added new application (amd64 only): Noi – a chatboot GUI application with support for ChatGPT, Claude, Bard, Poe, Perplexity, Copilot, HuggingChat, Pi, Coze and YOU.
Sparky is a fast, lightweight and fully customizable operating system which offers several versions for different use cases, such as:
a fully featured standard desktop version with a lightweight desktop environment. It works out of the box on almost any hardware and delivers a curated selection of software for home users.
the frugal MinimalGUI version with the Openbox window manager. It contains only the bare necessities and is intended for users who want full flexibility when creating their own desktop, using only the packages they desire.
the even more frugal MinimalCLI version without a graphical desktop. For advanced users who want to create their own desktop from the ground up or don’t need a GUI.
Three special versions:
GameOver for computer gaming
Multimedia for audio and video enthusiasts and/or web-developers
Rescue, a system rescue toolbox (uses Openbox as a window manager)
Sparky supports about 20 desktop environments and window managers giving you freedom of choice, having in mind that your computer is made for working, having fun, entertainment, keeping in touch with friends, and many, many other things.
If you like Sparky, simply install it side to side or over your present OS.
Main features of Sparky
Debian based
stable or (semi-)rolling release
lightweight, fast & simple
your favorite desktops to choose
special editions: GameOver, Multimedia & Rescue
CLI Edition (no X) for building customized desktop
most wireless and mobile network cards supported
set of selected applications, multimedia codecs and plugins
own repository with a large set of additional applications
easy hard drive / USB installation
In general, Sparky is not targeted to Linux beginners, rather to users with some amount of Linux knowledge. Anyway, the Linux beginners are welcome too – our forums is open for any question.
Is Sparky free? Yes, Sparky was, is and always will be free of charge for end users. Simply grab Sparky iso image, burn it to a blank CD/DVD disk or copy to a flash USB disk and use it to launch your computer.
Does Sparky need your support? Yes, we don’t sell Sparky, so we don’t earn money. Your support, tip, donation can keep Sparky alive.
