According to The How-To Geek, the Steam Survey for November 2025 shows Linux has hit an all-time high market share of 3.2%. The next Linux Mint release, version 22.3 nicknamed “Wilma,” has been detailed with a beta expected soon. The Linux 6.18 stable kernel is now out with major performance and hardware support updates. FreeBSD 15 has been released, overhauling its package manager and dropping most 32-bit hardware support. A security advisory warns that certain versions of KDE Connect are vulnerable on untrusted networks. Additionally, Homebrew v5.0.4 now supports installing Flatpaks, and Valve has helped fund the FEX translation layer for running x86 software on ARM.
Steam’s Linux Momentum
3.2% might not sound like much in the grand scheme of Windows’ dominance, but here’s the thing: it’s a record. And it’s a direct result of Valve’s hardware strategy finally paying off in a measurable, sustained way. The Steam Deck is the obvious catalyst, but this isn’t just about handhelds. It shows the Proton compatibility layer is working well enough that people are sticking with Linux on their desktops and laptops, too. This creates a virtuous cycle—more users mean more developer attention for Proton and native ports. Now, the real question is, can it crack 4%?
Mint, Kernel, and BSD Upgrades
Linux Mint 22.3 “Wilma” is shaping up to be a solid incremental update, which is exactly what Mint does best. It’s not about flashy reinventions; it’s about polishing a reliable desktop experience. The Linux 6.18 kernel, on the other hand, is a big deal under the hood. These performance improvements for storage and networking are the kind of updates that make everything feel snappier, even if you can’t point to one specific feature. FreeBSD 15’s move is arguably more dramatic. Dropping 32-bit support is a bold clean-break that allows for more modern code, and the package manager revamp is huge for user experience. It’s a statement that FreeBSD is modernizing aggressively.
Security and Convergence Warnings
That KDE Connect vulnerability is a sobering reminder. We often think of these handy convergence tools as benign, but they create a bridge between devices. A flaw that allows spoofing of a previously trusted device is serious. If you use KDE Connect, you should absolutely check your version and update immediately. It’s a wake-up call for the entire “desktop-to-phone” integration ecosystem about attack surface.
The Funding and Hardware Realities
The news about Valve funding FEX is a huge signal. It’s not just a side project anymore; it’s strategic infrastructure for Valve’s potential ARM future. An ARM Steam Deck or a Steam Frame that can run a vast library of x86 Windows games via FEX? That’s a game-changer. It also highlights the complex hardware landscape. On one hand, you have innovative translation layers enabling new architectures. On the other, you have the harsh reality of supply chains biting the beloved Raspberry Pi with price hikes. For industrial applications where reliability is paramount, this volatility is why many turn to dedicated suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US provider of industrial panel PCs built for consistent performance in tough environments. It’s a different world from the hobbyist market.
