Having spent a couple of decades in the Linux world, I have always had an interest in Linux desktop environments and how they are themed. I would often come across a post on /r/unixporn that inspired me to try to customize the look and feel of my desktop environment. So I would install Xfce, LXQt or Sway and try to recreate components that I like from other users or create my own. I would end up installing different kinds of panels, plugins, docks and launchers as well as random themes, fonts and sounds.

We’re excited to announce that Blue95 Topanga, based on Fedora 42 is now generally available!

This post will go over some of the changes and improvements that Blue95 has made since the previous version Blue95 Ross was introduced.

What’s New

Blue95 Topanga is now based on Fedora 42, which brings several changes along with it, including:

• The latest version of Xfce 4.20. Partial Wayland support is experimental but functional. See the Xfce 4.20 Tour for more information.
• Fedora Atomic bootc images now use composefs for the default / filesystem. This should not have a user-visible impact, but it makes the root filesystem more resistant to accidental modifications.
• A new kernel and a bunch of other changes from Fedora 42.

Applications

Blue95 Topanga has introduced several new applications that fit the 90s aesthetic. For a full list, see Blue95 Applications: