OpenMandriva ROME Gets A Big Upgrade!

OpenMandriva ROME users have a big upgrade to look forward to! This upgrade brings lots of new software and improvements. To upgrade, you need to use the dsync command. This is different from other Linux distributions that use dnf command.

How to Upgrade OpenMandriva ROME

Open a terminal window and run the following command:

sudo dnf dsync --refresh

This command will update all your software packages to the latest versions.

After the upgrade, it's a good idea to remove old files that are no longer needed.

To delete old files, run the following commands:

sudo dnf autoremove    
sudo dnf clean all

Sometimes, you might need to use the --allowerasing option with the dsync command. This is usually needed when developers change package names.

To do so, run:

sudo dnf dsync --allowerasing --refresh

Remember:

Pay close attention to what the autoremove and --allowerasing commands are removing. They might try to remove something you want to keep, although this is rare.

If you have any problems during the upgrade, you can create a log file to help you troubleshoot.

For example, to create a log file for the dsync command, run:

sudo dnf dsync 2>&1 | tee rome-dsync.log.txt

This upgrade is available for all OpenMandriva ROME users, regardless of which desktop environment they are using.

New installation images with the latest upgrades are available on OpenMandriva SourceForge. You can find more information about the upgrade on the OpenMandriva forum.

What is OpenMandriva?

OpenMandriva Lx is a Linux distribution that is unique and independent. It is a descendant of Mandriva Linux. OpenMandriva is developed entirely independently and is not based on any other distribution.

The OpenMandriva Association develops the distribution with the goal of providing the best user experience for all users, from beginners to developers. This is achieved by balancing modern features and stability.

OpenMandriva was also the first distribution to be built using the Clang compiler, starting in early 2016 with the OMLx 3.x development cycle. This was even before Android switched to using Clang.

OpenMandriva Editions

OpenMandriva offers three main editions catering to different user needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown:

Main Editions:

• ROCK: This is the stable, workstation and home edition, ideal for users who prioritize stability and a polished experience. The current Rock release is OpenMandriva Lx 5.0.
• ROME: This is the rolling release, constantly updated with the latest software. It’s best suited for users who want to be on the cutting edge and don't mind occasional bugs. It's designed for individual users.
• COOKER: This is the development branch where active development takes place. It’s for experienced users and developers who want to test the latest features and contribute to OpenMandriva.

Within ROME, you have further choices:

• Containers: These are the core ROME editions with different desktop environments (Plasma 6) and architectures (x86_64, znver1). Some are “slim” versions, likely with fewer pre-installed applications.
• Spins: These are community-driven alternative desktop environments like Gnome, LXQt and COSMIC. They are less polished and mainly for enthusiasts who want to experiment.

Which to download?

• If in doubt, start with the full-featured ROCK (OMLx 5.0) Plasma5 x86_64 ISO image. This offers a stable and well-tested experience.
• For the latest software and features, go for ROME. Choose the container that matches your preferred desktop environment and hardware architecture.
• Spins are for those who know what they’re getting into and are comfortable troubleshooting.

Officially released ISOs are found on OpenMandriva SourceForge. The most recent ROME builds are listed in the OpenMandriva forum, but they may not be as extensively tested.