- Trisquel is a 100% free GNU/Linux distribution, endorsed by the Free Software Foundation, currently based on Ubuntu LTS.
- The new version introduces an updated base, modern kernel, and improvements to APT and deb822, while maintaining multiple desktop editions.
- It reinforces its commitment to free browsers and applications, with backport repositories and expanded support for educational and professional environments.
- Its strict focus on free software involves checking hardware compatibility, but offers maximum auditability and ethical consistency.
Trisquel returns to the forefront with a new version that marks a turning point within the ecosystem of completely free distributions endorsed by the Free Software Foundation. After several years of work and a significant effort from its community, the Galician distro takes a fundamental leap forward, renewing key components and reinforcing its commitment to offering a 100% free system, without shortcuts or concessions to proprietary software.
In the following lines, we will calmly break down everything that the new version of Trisquel brings : technical changes, available editions, project philosophy, advantages and disadvantages compared to other distros like Ubuntu, as well as the historical context of a system that was born at the University of Vigo and today is part of the small group of distributions officially recommended by the FSF.
What is Trisquel GNU/Linux and why is it so special?
Trisquel GNU/Linux is a GNU operating system distribution that uses Linux-libre as its kernel; that is, a variant of the Linux kernel from which all firmware blobs and non-free components have been removed. Its main goal is to offer a completely free operating system that fully respects the four software freedoms championed by the Free Software Foundation.
The project began in 2004 with sponsorship from the University of Vigo and was officially launched in April 2005 at an event featuring none other than Richard Stallman, founder of the GNU project, as a special guest. Initially based on Debian, it switched to Ubuntu as its base starting with version 2.0, while maintaining its own repositories derived from Ubuntu's main and universe components, but with all proprietary software removed.
The name Trisquel comes from the Celtic symbol of three intertwined spirals , and its logo consists of three swirls in the style of Debian, as a sign of gratitude to the project it originally supported. Beyond aesthetics, its identity revolves around an extremely strict filter: it only distributes packages that grant the four freedoms of free software, firmly excluding closed firmware, proprietary drivers, and any component that limits user freedom.
This total commitment to free software led to Trisquel being included by the Free Software Foundation on December 11, 2008 , in the official list of 100% free distributions. To achieve this, it had to pass a verification process that reviewed not only the distributed code, but also the project's stance regarding the recommendation or support of proprietary software in forums, documentation, and other channels.
From a practical standpoint, Trisquel's key differences from a standard Ubuntu lie in its selection of pre-installed software, the absence of proprietary drivers and firmware, and certain desktop settings geared towards simplicity and minimalism. For example, it has historically opted for less cluttered desktop configurations, understated custom artwork, and carefully chosen components to remain within the 100% free software framework.
New version of Trisquel: jump to an updated base
After three years without a major release , Trisquel 12, codenamed "Ecne," has arrived. This major version brings a profound overhaul of the system's foundation. Built on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, it marks a significant shift from previous versions, updating much of the software stack and aligning with a long-term support cycle.
Being based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS means that many fundamental parts of the system are now one or two years old , which in the free software world is considered reasonably recent and stable. We're talking about a balance between modernity and maturity: not aiming for the very latest version, but rather for sufficiently up-to-date and thoroughly tested versions.
This new release features a curious combination of component versions: Linux kernel 6.8, systemd 255.4, and Mesa 25.2 , along with the adoption of APT 3.0 and the new deb822 repository format. This mix reflects the project's commitment to significant updates without losing sight of its core objectives: robustness, consistency with the free software philosophy, and ease of long-term maintainability.
One of the major structural changes comes precisely from APT 3.0 and deb822. The new deb822 format has been integrated into all installation paths : from the Ubiquity graphical installer to the network installation system (netinstall) for advanced users, as well as graphical package management tools like Synaptic. This infrastructure improvement may not be the most visually striking for the end user, but it simplifies system administration and lays the groundwork for easier maintenance in the future.
The Trisquel team explains that working on the kernel has been one of the biggest challenges with each version . This time, the focus has been on further modularizing the changes, reducing issues with the udeb components used during installation. In addition, AppArmor rules for graphical environments have been revised, expanding security coverage for everyday desktop use without hindering the user experience.
One of the most striking aspects of Trisquel 12 for users is its strengthened commitment to free web browsers . Until now, the main focus was Abrowser, the project's own browser, derived from Firefox but without proprietary dependencies or components. This version expands the offering with two additional alternatives that will satisfy even the most demanding users who prioritize software freedom.
Specifically, Abrowser is now joined by GNU IceCat and ungoogled-chromium , forming a trio of completely free browsers available in the official Trisquel repositories. GNU IceCat is a version of Firefox maintained by the GNU project, focused on privacy and freedom, while ungoogled-chromium is a variant of Chromium without integration with Google services and without proprietary elements.
However, in practical terms, Abrowser remains the default browser in the standard installation . If the user wants to use IceCat or ungoogled-chromium, they will have to install it from the repositories via the package manager or the command line. This strategy maintains a consistent experience for most users, while leaving the door open for those who wish to explore a browser even more closely aligned with their preferences.
Another important feature in this new version is the so-called "backports." Trisquel maintains a backports repository offering the latest versions of popular applications without requiring users to switch branches or compromise the stability of the LTS base. This repository includes updated versions of programs like LibreOffice, Inkscape, Kdenlive, and the Nextcloud desktop client, as well as some interesting additions such as FastFetch and the real-time strategy game 0 AD.
This backports policy allows Trisquel 12 users to enjoy relatively modern software without sacrificing the stable base offered by Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, adapted to the 100% free environment. This is especially beneficial for those who use the distribution in productivity, design, education, or content creation environments, where having more recent tools can make all the difference.
Available editions of Trisquel 12 and variants of the system
Trisquel 12.0 is offered in several editions geared towards different uses and hardware types, all maintaining the same core open-source philosophy. Each flavor differs primarily in its default desktop environment and the selection of pre-installed applications.
The main edition of Trisquel uses MATE 1.26.1 as its desktop environment . This is a deliberately conservative choice: it's not the most modern or flashy desktop, but it's well-known, lightweight, stable, and easy to use, making it ideal for home users, small businesses, or educational institutions looking for a traditional GNOME 2-style experience.
For those who prefer a more advanced and customizable desktop, there's the Triskel edition, which uses KDE Plasma 5.27 . While not the absolute latest version of Plasma, it offers a very complete environment with a multitude of options, effects, and additional utilities, maintaining a good balance between performance and resource consumption.
If the goal is to get the most out of modest or older computers, Trisquel Mini continues to rely on LXDE , an extremely lightweight desktop environment that breathes new life into machines with limited memory or older processors. This edition sacrifices some visual embellishments in exchange for speed, simplicity, and efficient resource consumption.
For early childhood education, we offer TOAST, an edition based on the Sugar learning environment . It is designed for school use, from preschool through secondary school, with a desktop focused on educational activities and tools specifically designed for interactive teaching and learning.
In addition to these desktop variants, Trisquel offers a special text-based edition for network installations , ideal for both servers and advanced users who want to customize the system in detail from the start. This netinstall image allows for minimal, highly optimized installations and integrates with the project's repository infrastructure.
History, versions and release cycle of Trisquel
Trisquel's journey began with several early versions based on Debian Unstable, with codenames such as Fyre (0.9), Ogmios (0.95), Morrigan (0.97), and Nemain (0.99), culminating in Arianrhod (1.0) in January 2007, based on Debian 4.0 Etch. Shortly after, Sirona (1.5) appeared, also based on the Debian Unstable branch.
The turning point came with Trisquel 2.0 Robur, which marked the transition to Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy as the LTS base . From then on, the project maintained different LTS and STS (short-term support) lines, with releases such as Robur 2.1 and 2.2, Dwyn 3.0 (based on Ubuntu 9.04), Awen 3.5 (Ubuntu 9.10), Taranis 4.0 LTS (Ubuntu 10.04), and Slaine 4.5 (Ubuntu 10.10).
Later versions included Dagda 5.0 and Brigantia 5.5, linked to Ubuntu 11.04 and 11.10 respectively, culminating in Toutatis 6.0 LTS, based on Ubuntu 12.04 , which marked a turning point for the project. This was followed by Belenos 7.0 LTS (Ubuntu 14.04), Flidas 8.0 LTS (Ubuntu 16.04), Etiona 9.0 LTS (Ubuntu 18.04), Nabia 10.0 LTS (Ubuntu 20.04), and Aramo 11.0 LTS (Ubuntu 22.04).
At a certain point, the team decided to abandon the six-month STS release model to focus solely on Long Term Support (LTS) versions. The reasoning was clear: to dedicate the project's limited resources to providing robust and long-lasting support, with backward-compatible improvements to key components such as the kernel, browser, and graphics system, instead of spreading them out over short-lived releases.
In terms of support, each LTS version of Trisquel has an extended maintenance period that includes security updates and critical bug fixes. For example, Nabia 10.0 is supported until April 2025, while Aramo 11.0 extends to 2027. The new Trisquel 12, being based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, follows the same philosophy, aiming to provide several years of stability.
Alongside the development of desktop versions, the project has maintained more specialized areas of work , such as Trisquel Pro (focused on small businesses, with management software such as Abanq, OpenbravoPOS or GNUCash), as well as tools for educational environments, with support for technologies such as LTSP (thin clients), classroom managers such as iTALC and low-cost digital whiteboard solutions based on projector, Wii controller and free software.
Languages, internationalization, and desktop experience
Trisquel has taken great care to offer a truly multilingual experience . Current versions include translations for a long list of languages: Albanian, German, Arabic, Aranese, Asturian, Low German, Bulgarian, Catalan, Cambodian, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Korean, Danish, Dutch, English, Slovak, Slovenian, Esperanto, Estonian, Finnish, French, Galician, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk, Occitan, Punjabi, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Swedish, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Valencian, and Vietnamese.
During installation, if an internet connection is available , the system can automatically download the user's chosen language, greatly simplifying setup in international environments. The pre-installed images already include a good number of languages, but the ability to add others during the installation process minimizes the language barrier.
Regarding the desktop experience, the main edition, geared towards home users and small offices, includes a well-balanced suite of applications . This includes Abrowser as the web browser, Icedove as the email client, LibreOffice for office applications, VLC and Rhythmbox for multimedia, as well as other tools for design, file management, and content consumption. Historically, a media center application capable of playing protected DVDs and most video and audio formats using only open-source software has also been included.
Lighter editions, such as Trisquel Mini, use more streamlined applications to suit computers with limited resources. It's common to find Sylpheed as the email client, Abiword as the word processor, or GNOME MPlayer for video and audio, maintaining a functional experience without overloading the hardware.
The TOAST edition, meanwhile, focuses on the Sugar educational desktop , which replaces the classic window and desktop paradigm with an activity-based environment. It includes various tools designed for different age groups, from educational games for elementary school to useful resources for secondary school, making it an attractive option for schools that want to adopt free software from the earliest grades.
Supported hardware, open firmware and multimedia in Trisquel
One of the direct consequences of the 100% free software commitment is that Trisquel does not include support for many proprietary formats and drivers that are available in other distributions. For example, the .swf format and the official Adobe Flash player are proprietary, so they are neither distributed nor recommended. Instead, alternatives based on open standards are promoted.
In the realm of web video, Trisquel favors formats like Ogg Theora and WebM , which are typically supported by browsers such as Abrowser, GNU IceCat, Konqueror, and Epiphany. Regarding video hosting platforms, it recommends using open-source projects like GNU MediaGoblin instead of proprietary solutions.
Tools like Gnash, Swfdec, or Lightspark can be used as replacements for the Flash player . Although Flash is practically obsolete today, for years these alternatives allowed content to be played without relying on Adobe's proprietary plugin. For services like YouTube, the use of the HTML5 player, the WebM format, or applications like SMTube and Magic Lantern has also been encouraged to avoid proprietary components.
Regarding hardware, Trisquel pays particular attention to devices compatible with open-source software . One example is its support for ThinkPenguin hardware starting with version 5.5, as these computers use chipsets designed to work with completely open-source drivers. This allows users to purchase computers knowing they won't need proprietary software for the Wi-Fi, network card, or other components to function correctly.
This philosophy has its good and bad sides: it guarantees a complete system audit , without closed code that could introduce security vulnerabilities or unwanted features, but it also means that certain devices, especially recent WiFi cards or modern GPUs with proprietary drivers, may not work immediately or may do so with limited capabilities.
Trisquel for system administrators and professional environments
From the perspective of a sysadmin or IT manager , Trisquel offers clear advantages for organizations with strict open-source software policies or where code transparency is a legal or ethical requirement. Having a system where every component can be audited, without blobs or closed firmware, is a significant plus for security and compliance audits.
This feature makes Trisquel an attractive option for public administrations, NGOs, educational institutions , and security laboratories that want to operate in the most controlled environment possible. It can also be useful in enterprise environments where the goal is to reduce the attack surface associated with proprietary, difficult-to-inspect controllers.
On the downside, hardware support isn't as extensive as in more pragmatic distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora. Proprietary NVIDIA drivers, firmware for some Wi-Fi cards, or very recent technologies may not be available, requiring careful compatibility checks before considering a large-scale migration.
In critical production scenarios, this means it's essential to validate hardware and workflows on Trisquel beforehand, ensuring that all essential components have adequate open-source support. If the company relies on specific proprietary software or closed drivers for certain tasks, it might not be the most practical option, however appealing its underlying philosophy may be.
Ultimately, Trisquel shines especially when the priority is compliance with free software policies, auditability, and ethical consistency, rather than compatibility with any hardware or application on the market.
Future of the project: RISC-V and expansion of open hardware
Looking ahead, the Trisquel team has already begun working on support for the RISC-V architecture . This move aligns perfectly with the project's philosophy, as RISC-V is an open architecture that is gaining traction in the open hardware sector, offering an alternative to traditional proprietary platforms.
The integration of RISC-V into Trisquel is still in its early stages, and there's a way to go before it becomes a mainstream option . The ecosystem of RISC-V-based hardware, boards, and end devices continues to mature, but Trisquel's early adoption of this technology indicates a strategic commitment to a future where both software and hardware respect user freedom.
Along with the already established versions for x86-64 and ARMv8, the arrival of RISC-V will broaden the range of supported platforms . Currently, installation materials for architectures such as ppc64el, arm64, and armhf are available through Trisquel's official image repositories. This is all part of a long-term vision in which the distribution aims to remain a leader in the field of strict open-source software.
Meanwhile, the project continues to refine its development infrastructure and ISO images , as seen with Trisquel 10.0 "Nabia" and the Etiona 9.0.2 updates, which included numerous package fixes and improvements resulting from direct collaboration with the community. This internal work results in a distribution that is easier to maintain, more robust, and more welcoming to new volunteers.
Taken together, the new version of Trisquel, its renewed focus on its technical foundation, the multiple editions available, its unwavering commitment to 100% free software, and its move towards architectures like RISC-V paint a picture of a project that, while not aspiring to be the most popular distribution in the world, does aim to be the benchmark for those who prioritize freedom over immediate convenience . If you're looking for a system that's fully auditable, with LTS support, diverse desktop options, and a community committed to free software principles, Trisquel remains one of the most robust and consistent alternatives you can install on your computer today.
