the community of Devuan GNU+Linux Devuan has released version 6.1, a one-off update to its stable branch that continues to offer a Debian experience but without relying on systemd. This edition maintains Devuan's classic approach, focused on freedom of choice of boot system and the removal of components closely tied to systemd.
Although it is a relatively modest updateThe release of Devuan 6.1 is significant for those who prioritize stability, long-term consistency, and the ability to continue using alternatives like SysVinit, OpenRC, or Runit. The project thus consolidates its role within the European GNU/Linux ecosystem as an option for those seeking a more traditional and controllable environment.
Devuan 6.1: Spot update based on Debian 13.2
Devuan 6.1 arrives as maintenance release Series Devuan 6 "Excalibur" and updates the system base to the Debian 13.2 "Trixie" packages. This means that users benefit from the security fixes and improvements incorporated by the parent distribution, but without adopting systemd as their init system or its associated services.
The integration of the latest packages from Debian 13.x It allows Devuan to keep pace with developments in the ecosystem, maintaining compatibility with recent software and key libraries, while preserving its own development path focused on "init freedom".
Devuan 6.1 introduces specific improvements: speech synthesis and SLiM
On a technical level, version 6.1 introduces adjustments focused on the installation experience and access to the systemOne of the most notable changes is the improvement in the installation of speech synthesis packages, an important aspect for users with accessibility needs and for those who prefer spoken or assisted interfaces.
In addition, they have been corrected Several errors detected in SLiMThe lightweight login manager used by many desktop environments in Devuan has been updated with these fixes, which aim to increase the stability and reliability of the login screen. This is crucial for systems seeking predictable behavior on desktops, as well as in lighter or embedded environments.
Linux Kernel 6.12 LTS and features inherited from Devuan 6
Devuan 6.1 maintains the series as its core reference. Linux 6.12LTSUpdated in this revision to version 6.12.57 LTS. The use of a long-term support branch fits with the stability approach that characterizes the project, something especially valued in servers, workstations and deployments in European organizations that require conservative update cycles.
The following are also preserved structural innovations introduced with Devuan 6.0 "Excalibur"Among the highlights are the merged /usr file system, support for /run/utmp for session logging, and the adoption of the PipeWire media server. The latter simplifies audio and video management on modern desktops, which is particularly relevant for those using Devuan in content creation or remote work environments.
Another decision that remains in effect is the reduction of traditional support for i386A dedicated installation ISO for this architecture is no longer offered, although Devuan maintains packages and compatibility in other areas. This move aligns with the approach of several European distributions, which are reserving development resources for more recent architectures.
Devuan 6.1 with images for Raspberry Pi, now also for Raspberry Pi 5
One of the most striking aspects of Devuan 6.1 is the availability of Images for Raspberry Pi boardsThese are mentioned as unofficial and community-produced. Even so, their inclusion in the release notes indicates a growing interest in using Devuan on low-power devices, both in home environments and in educational and professional projects, which are very common in Europe.
The new compilations cover the models Raspberry Pi 2, Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5This allows you to deploy a GNU/Linux environment without systemd on a fairly wide range of ARM hardware, from older machines to the latest models. For developers, system administrators, and makers, it provides an alternative to the official images of other systemd-centric distributions.
Devuan 6.1 installation options: ISOs, live image, netboot, and Docker
Devuan 6.1 is distributed through various Image formats adapted to various use cases. From the official website The project's mirrors offer downloadable classic installation ISOs, live images for testing the system without modifying the disk, and specific media for network installations (netboot), which are very common in corporate environments or training labs.
The project also offers Docker imagesThis facilitates the integration of Devuan into container-based workflows. This option is particularly interesting for development teams or IT infrastructures in Europe that want to maintain an environment as close as possible to Devuan, but work within modern orchestration platforms.
In live mode, Devuan 6.1 comes with Xfce 4.20 As the default desktop environment, it's a lightweight and stable choice. For those who prefer other interfaces, such as KDE Plasma or Cinnamon, installation is done via the "netinstall" ISO for online installations, or the "desktop" ISO for installations that don't require an internet connection during the process.
Supported architectures and focus on compatibility
The new version maintains a broad spectrum of supported architecturesincluding i386, amd64, armel, armhf, arm64, ppc64el and riscv64. This diversity allows Devuan to be used on both personal computers and x86_64 servers widely used in Spain and the rest of Europe, as well as on ARM devices and emerging RISC-V-based platforms.
The presence of riscv64 This is especially significant for the future, given the growing European interest in this open architecture for academic and research projects, and for reducing dependencies on external technologies. Devuan thus positions itself as a viable option in experimental or proof-of-concept environments that avoid dependencies on systemd.
Upgrade for existing users
Those who already have Devuan branch 6 installed can update to version 6.1 using standard package management tools, without needing to reinstall from scratch. The standard procedure, provided the system is correctly configured with the official Devuan repositories, involves running the following command in a terminal:
Recommended command: sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
This method takes advantage of the compatibility with the Debian APT ecosystemThis reduces maintenance effort for administrators and advanced users. In practice, the transition to 6.1 is performed as a standard update, incorporating the security fixes and minor adjustments introduced in this release.
With Devuan 6.1, the project reinforces its role as a stable alternative within the Debian family for those who prefer a system without systemd, incorporating the improvements of Debian 13.2 "Trixie", correcting details such as the installation of the voice synthesis and the shortcomings of SLiM, and expanding its reach to devices like Raspberry Pi and architectures like riscv64, all while maintaining a solid foundation designed for long-term use in all types of deployments.
