PorteuX, the portable Linux distribution built on Slackware roots, has reached version 2.4 (download here). This update brings a big visual change for users who are on the “current” branch: the addition of System76’s COSMIC desktop environment. It is still in beta, and the developers are upfront that users should expect rough edges, including a known issue where cosmic-osd can run at full CPU load. Still, having COSMIC available here is a notable moment for fans who have been waiting to try the upcoming Rust-based desktop outside of Pop!_OS.
The more emotional news for long-time PorteuX fans is that this release marks the final version that will include a build based on Slackware stable. The developers say Slackware’s stable branch is simply too old now and does not offer advantages over Slackware current, especially since PorteuX tests current thoroughly before new releases. In other words, the project is moving forward and leaving the past behind.
The 2.4 release also includes a steady stream of quality-of-life improvements. These range from improved touchpad behavior and more reliable module deactivation to fixes involving Cinnamon on Wayland and cropped title bars in Xfce. Even little things like notification close buttons in LXQt were addressed. PorteuX continues to polish what already feels like a lightweight, flexible desktop system that doesn’t get in your way.
The new PorteuX Timezone Switcher is worth highlighting. It lets users change not only their timezone but also whether the system clock runs on UTC or localtime, which can matter a lot in dual-boot setups. The boot process now also updates both system and BIOS time using pool.ntp.org, avoiding the classic “my clock is wrong again” problem many Linux users know too well.
On the performance side, the developers tweaked linker flags for smaller and faster binaries, updated the kernel to 6.17.7, and refreshed major desktops across the board for the current branch. Cinnamon has been bumped to 6.4.13, GNOME to 49.1, KDE Plasma to 6.5.2, and LXQt to 2.3.0. A rewritten PorteuX Modules tool also aims to make module handling faster and more reliable.
HEIC image support was added to LXQt, which is handy in a world where Apple devices are everywhere. Meanwhile, cron and Docker daemons can now autoload if enabled. And Openbox, MATE, and LXDE users receive various theme and UI refinements.
One philosophical thing that stands out is how PorteuX continues to cater to those who value control. Cheatcodes for boot behavior remain an important part of the experience, and this update adds the “noupdateclock” option for users who absolutely do not want the system touching their hardware clock. The “kmap” cheatcode also now works in Wayland sessions, with the exception of Cinnamon and GNOME.
PorteuX has always presented itself as a practical distribution for power users who want something portable, modular, and respectful of user choice. Dropping Slackware stable might upset some long-time users, but the reasoning makes sense: stability loses meaning when the base is years behind. Moving forward with Slackware current and continuing to experiment with realistic desktop options feels like a signal that PorteuX wants to stay relevant, not nostalgic.
PorteuX 2.4 is available to download now. Users who want to try COSMIC should select the current edition and remember that beta means beta. Those who have relied on the stable edition will likely need to decide whether to stay on their existing install or move forward with the project’s new direction.
Either way, folks, PorteuX remains an interesting distribution for Linux users who like to experiment, tinker, and travel lightly.
