The arrival de LXQt 2.4 This represents another step in the evolution of one of the best-known lightweight desktops in the Linux ecosystem. It's not a version seeking headlines, but rather a set of tweaks designed to make the environment run more smoothly in everyday use, especially when Wayland is involved. This version arrives about five months after the previous release. previous 2.3.
At a time when Wayland is gaining ground against X11LXQt 2.4 attempts to square a complex circle: maintaining very low memory and CPU usage without sacrificing modern sessions and a more polished visual experience. The result is an update that stands out more for its streamlined performance than for the introduction of spectacular new features.
Wayland, the focus of a delicate update
The bulk of the changes in LXQt 2.4 are focused on fine-tune the behavior on WaylandThis is one of the most sensitive aspects of the current Linux desktop. The update doesn't reinvent the environment, but it does correct details that directly affect how a session feels, especially on modest machines or multi-monitor setups.
One of the most visible improvements is that, with LXQt 2.4 on Wayland, desktop icons in multi-monitor setups They are displayed more consistently. This reduces strange behavior when screens are connected or disconnected, a fairly common scenario in office or remote work environments.
Furthermore, the update establishes a clearer separation between X11 session settings and Wayland within LXQt Sessions. This makes it easier to adapt the desktop according to the graphics protocol in use, preventing a configuration designed for X11 from causing problems in Wayland or vice versa, something that until now could cause more than one headache.
Another small change that affects daily use is the possibility of Open the LXQt main menu in Wayland Adding a shortcut for "lxqt-qdbusopenmenu" in the compositor settings is a small adjustment, but it contributes to a more consistent experience with this protocol, bringing it closer to what many users were already familiar with from X11.
Power management and panel in LXQt 2.4: adjustments that will be noticeable in the medium term
In addition to the Wayland-specific improvements, LXQt 2.4 incorporates changes to the power management These features can be useful for laptops and computers that are left on for extended periods. The system now allows you to define a different screen timeout for when the computer is plugged into a power outlet (AC) and when it's running on battery power.
This differentiation helps users better adjust the balance between autonomy and ease of useYou can configure a more aggressive shutdown when using battery power to squeeze out extra minutes of use, while when plugged in you can opt for more relaxed shutdown times. At the same time, the developers have removed some options considered "unnecessary" in power management, with the aim of simplifying menus and avoiding redundant settings.
The LXQt panel also receives tweaks. Now the volume add-on supports a horizontal arrangementThis allows for more flexibility in adapting the desktop to personal preferences or screens of different aspect ratios. While it may seem like a small detail, this kind of flexibility is often appreciated in desktops where every pixel counts.
QTerminal and other software improvements in LXQt 2.4
The terminal integrated into the ecosystem, QTerminalIt also benefits from the update. The behavior of custom tab names has been improved, making it easier to organize complex work sessions in the same window—something that advanced users and system administrators appreciate daily.
Among the visual innovations, QTerminal is launching a theme "Nord"A dark and sober color palette, already popular in other editors and tools, has been implemented. Additionally, the search function within the terminal now highlights all matches, with a clearer highlighting of resultsThis makes it easier to locate specific text fragments in long command outputs.
The code responsible for the highlighted within the terminalThese improvements aim for a more robust experience, less prone to unexpected behavior. They may seem like minor adjustments, but together they make intensive use of the device more comfortable.
In the area of ​​system integration, the component xdg-desktop-portal-lxqt now incorporates an access portal under the identifier "org.freedesktop.impl.portal.Access". This aligns with the overall effort of the Linux ecosystem to unify how applications request permissions and interact with the desktop, something especially relevant in solutions that rely on containers and sandboxing.
Ultimately, LXQt 2.4 reinforces a clear message: the lightweight desktop still has a place if it can adapt to the transition to Wayland and new ways of integrating desktop software. Not breaking what already works, refining what falls short, and keeping resource consumption under control are the keys to success. key pieces of an update that prefers quiet work to showcasing features.
