SparkyLinux 2025.03 has been released and marks the first update to the Sparky semi-rolling ISO images for the year 2025. The update encompasses package enhancements from Debian and Sparky testing repositories, the introduction of new Linux kernel versions, and revisions to the repositories. There are several issues to address, including the installation process through Calamares, the inability to install the temporary UKUI desktop, and modifications within the KDE Plasma environment.

Sparky 2025.03

This is the first update of Sparky semi-rolling iso images in the 2025.

Main changes:
– all packages upgraded from Debian and Sparky testing repos as of March 10, 2025
– Linux kernel 6.12.17-LTS (6.13.6, 6.12.18-LTS, 6.6.82-LTS & 6.1.130-LTS in Sparky repos)
– repository lists converted to the new format ->  /apt-2-9-26-changes-on-trixie/
– Calamares 3.3.14 built with Qt6
– Xfce 4.20
– LXQt 2.1.0
– MATE 1.26.0
– Openbox 3.6.1
– Midori 11.5 (Firefox 136.0 in Sparky repos)
– Thunderbird 128.7.0esr
– LibreOffice 24.8.5
– VLC 3.0.21

Know isuess:
– installation via Calamares with full disk or root partition encrypting doesn’t work properly (sparky cli installer lets you encrypt a separate home partition)
– UKUI desktop is temporary not installable
– due to changes in KDE Plasma environment 5 -> 6; KDE iso image is temporarily suspended; KDE 2024.12 iso image is available instead

The live user password: live
root password is empty.

For better performance, I recommend making Sparky installation on UEFI machines with active internet connection, for installing efi related packages.

If you have Sparky rolling installed – simply keep it up to date. There is no need to reinstall your OS.

Get new semi-rolling iso images from:  /download/rolling/ page.

Sparky 2025.03