4MLinux 48.0 is now available for download and is making headlines as the new stable version of this lightweight Linux distribution, geared towards both older computers and users seeking a fast and functional operating system. Its release comes shortly after the previous version, bringing together numerous new features designed to improve the user experience and enhance the system's technical capabilities.
The new release includes the Linux 6.12 LTS kernel , a significant improvement in stability and hardware compatibility, along with an update to the entire graphics stack with Mesa 24.3.3 . It maintains its philosophy of low resource consumption and ease of use thanks to the classic JWM (Joe's Window Manager) window manager, continuing to offer a simple, fast, and efficient graphical environment on any 64-bit compatible system.
4MLinux 48.0 Main New Features
Among the most notable changes in this version are new applications integrated by default. For example, the Kino video editor for DV IEEE 1394 is now included, a classic tool that is once again functional on current systems. On the multimedia front, the introduction of the VVenC encoder, compatible with H.266/VVC , stands out , expanding video compression and playback options.
Productivity and entertainment are also well-covered: LibreOffice 25.2 , AbiWord 3.0.5, GIMP 2.10.38, and Gnumeric 1.12.59 are part of the office and graphic design software. For web browsing, users have Mozilla Firefox 137 and Google Chrome 135.0, while email management is handled by Thunderbird 128.9 . For audio and video enthusiasts, Audacious 4.4.2, VLC 3.0.21, and SMPlayer 24.5.0 cover all their music and movie playback needs.
One of the more interesting additions in this update is FreeTube , a desktop client for watching YouTube more privately, as well as Bristol , an emulator of classic synthesizers and electric pianos. With gaming and compatibility in mind, it includes improved support for Windows games and applications thanks to WINE 10.4.
Updates for advanced users and servers
4MLinux also caters to more technical users or those who need to set up lightweight services on modest machines. Its 4MServer variant allows for the rapid deployment of LAMP environments (Linux, Apache, MariaDB, and PHP) and HTTP/FTP servers. The core components have been updated: BusyBox 1.36.1 , Perl 5.40.0 , Python 2.7.18 and 3.13.1 , and Ruby 3.4.1, among others, enabling the development and execution of scripts or web services with modern software without requiring high-end hardware.
Details on the download and life cycle
As usual, 4MLinux is only available for 64-bit systems and can be downloaded in both its 'Full' and 'Core' editions from the official website. The development team notes that the previous version, 47.0 , is now considered "old stable," recommending an upgrade, and that the 46.0 series is no longer supported.
With this new version, 4MLinux reinforces its position as a preferred choice for reviving older computers or setting up personal and test servers without major complications. The balance between simplicity, functionality, and performance remains its main strength in the world of lightweight GNU/Linux distributions.
