Lovers of Linux distros that run well on low-end hardware can rejoice: Bodhi Linux 7.0 has been released.

Bodhi Linux 7.0 is based on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and uses the Enlightenment-based Moksha window manager by default. The distro is notable for running deftly on devices with limited resources (though there’s no reason you can’t run it on high-end devices as well).

I took a look at the Bodhi Linux 7.0 beta and came away impressed.

Since then the distro’s devs have updated the S76 ISO to use Linux kernel 6.4, refreshed their HWE ISO with Linux kernel 6.2, added in a newer version of slick-greeter (login screen) and continued fixing bugs and polishing rough edges.

With the stable release now here, let’s take a closer look.

Bodhi Linux 7.0: What’s New?

Screenshot showing the Bodhi Linux 7 desktop with file manager and image viewer apps open
Bodhi Linux 7.0 uses a new green theme

Those migrating from the previous Bodhi Linux 6.x series will notice plenty of visual changes, while those coming to the distro encounter a UI that’s better than it’s ever been.

A new Plymouth boot screen adds some flair to the startup experience, while a new login screen theme adds some personality to perfunctory session starts. The distro now dresses in “MokshaGreen”, a new theme and icon set combo with a darker, sleeker appearance.

A new keybindings viewer (press super + f1 to open it) makes Moksha’s keyboard shortcuts more discoverable; snapping windows to screen edges can be enabled through a new module; and it’s possible to drag menu items out and drop them on the desktop to copy/move/create link.

Modularity is a key USP of Moksha and this release delivers a myriad of improvements to the many included modules that help make up the Bodhi Linux experience.

screenshot of Moksha desktop in Bodhi Linux 7.0
Moksha desktop is inherently modular

Charging status in the Battery Module pop-up has been tweaked; date/time settings are included in the Clock Module; notification actions are accessible in the Notifications Module; there’s a copy shortcut I the Shot Module; and a slew of new settings in the Shelf Module, including icon size.

Apps-wise, this release comes with non-Snap Chromium web browser (and a web browser manager app is included to install other browsers); the Terminology terminal client; LeafPad text editor; and Thunar for file management needs.

Chromium included, as is a tool to install other browsers

Performance is a key consideration in Bodhi Linux so a new ‘mem trimming’ function has been introduced. This sees Moksha trim its own memory ‘every now and then’ to ensure that the user interface remains responsive.

That just about sums up this release. A sizeable set of changes for a lightweight Linux distro. More details in the official Bodhi Linux 7.0 release notes.

Download Bodhi Linux 7.0

Bodhi Linux 7.0 is available to download in 3 distinct versions:

  • Standard ISO uses Linux 5.15 kernel (base kernel in Ubuntu 22.04 LTS)
  • HWE ISO uses Linux 6.2 kernel (included in Ubuntu 22.04.3 LTS)
  • s76 ISO uses Linux 6.4 kernel (courtesy of System76’s Pop!_OS)

If you’re on old-ish 64-bit hardware the standard ISO is the best fit. Those on spangly new systems may prefer to opt for the S76 ISO to ensure best support for newer hardware thanks to its more recent Linux kernel.

Download Bodhi Linux 7.0 by following the links on the project’s official download page.