Xubuntu Development Update September 2021

Table of Contents

The Xubuntu development update for September 2021 shows a strong pulse in our quiet project. Xubuntu’s development server was funded, our latest wallpaper was published, and several new packages were uploaded. We’ve also added Xfce 4.17 packages to a PPA for testing.

Funding the Xubuntu Development Server

Thanks to the Ubuntu Community Fund, the Xubuntu web server has been funded for another two years. Elizabeth announced the news on Twitter early in September. The community fund is the way to go if you want to sponsor Xubuntu and the other flavors. Other options are available on the Xubuntu website.

Thanks to the @Ubuntu Community Fund 💰 ( https://t.co/2L3DIvWvnU) the @Xubuntu development server is funded for another two years! 🥳 #Ubuntu #Xubuntu
— Elizabeth K. Joseph (@pleia2) September 5, 2021

Wallpaper Update

On September 30, Pasi uploaded the new wallpaper for Xubuntu 21.10. This cycle’s wallpaper features overlapping teal geometric shapes, continuing the tradition of calm and clean backdrops. The updated xubuntu-artwork package has been submitted and is currently awaiting acceptance into the 21.10 archive.

Featuring teal geometric shapes, the Xubuntu 21.10 wallpaper gives off a relaxing vibe.

Package Updates

In September, the Xubuntu packageset saw only a few updates to Xfce and Xubuntu components.

greybird-gtk-theme 3.22.15-1
libxfce4ui 4.16.1-1
sgt-launcher 0.2.7-0ubuntu1
xfce4-whiskermenu-plugin 2.6.0-1

Greybird-dark was updated with a much smoother gradient for non-CSD window title bars, better aligning with the CSD version.

In other package-related (semi-Xubuntu-related) news, Ayatana indicators have replaced the original libappindicator and libindicator in Ubuntu, with the originals demoted from main to universe. libappindicator and libindicator have been removed entirely from Debian.

Xfce 4.17 PPA Update

Xfce 4.18 is still very early in its development, with Xfce 4.17 as its development series. Our Debian package manager, Unit 193, has started publishing Xfce 4.17 builds to the Xubuntu QA Experimental PPA for testing and development. There’s not much to see here yet, but if you’re curious (and don’t mind the occasional breakage), check it out! If you prefer not to install bleeding-edge packages on your system, you can also use the XFCE Test docker image to try out the latest changes.

Xfce 4.17 packages are now available for 21.10 (featured), 21.04, and 20.04.

Upcoming Dates

If you’re following along with the Release Schedule, you know that Xubuntu 21.10 “Impish Indri” is just around the corner! The BETA release notes are up on the Xubuntu Wiki. More than ever, please take the time to test Xubuntu to help us catch some last-minute bugs.