Elementary OS 8 Released: Aiming to Replace Windows and macOS

Elementary OS, a desktop operating system developed based on Ubuntu, brands itself as a thoughtful, capable, and ethical alternative to Windows and macOS.

Today marks the official release of Elementary OS 8, which is built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, incorporates Linux Kernel 6.8, and introduces new security sessions to enhance application privacy control.

This update focuses on new features like secure sessions and a revamped Dock, with secure sessions ensuring applications respect user privacy by requiring permission through pop-up windows to access files or sensors — only proceeding with user authorization. The new Dock boasts multitasking and window management capabilities.

The introduction of secure sessions, achieved through sandboxing, mandates that apps run within a sandbox, accessing specific features only after obtaining user consent.

Improvements extend to the AppCenter, where third-party developers can now include GitHub or Patreon sponsorship links with their app submissions, enabling users to support developers directly.

Significant enhancements in multi-window management are also highlighted, inviting users to explore more through the Elementary OS 8 release blog: https://blog.elementary.io/os-8-available-now/

Download link: https://elementary.io/ - Users can download for free by setting the custom donation amount to $0.