# Solus

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q22013701](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22013701)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solus_(operating_system))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solus

## Summary
Solus is a user-friendly Linux distribution developed independently since 2015, focusing on simplicity and a curated software experience. It offers a stable, rolling-release model and is known for its Budgie desktop environment. As of 2025, the latest version is 4.8 "Opportunity".

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: December 27, 2015
- **Latest Version**: 4.8 "Opportunity" (released November 29, 2025)
- **License**: GNU General Public License
- **Founder**: Joshua Strobl
- **Default Desktop**: Budgie (also offers GNOME and KDE Plasma)
- **Package Manager**: eopkg (formerly PiSi)
- **Website**: https://getsol.us
- **Related Software**: Nushell (structured data shell)
- **Former Names**: Evolve OS, SolusOS

## FAQs
### Q: What is the latest version of Solus?
A: As of 2025, the latest stable version is 4.8 "Opportunity", released on November 29, 2025.

### Q: How is Solus different from other Linux distributions?
A: Solus emphasizes simplicity, a curated software selection, and a unique Budgie desktop environment. It uses a rolling-release model with stable updates, avoiding disruptive major releases.

### Q: What happened to Evolve OS?
A: Evolve OS was rebranded to Solus in 2015 due to trademark concerns, marking the start of the Solus Project.

## Why It Matters
Solus stands out in the Linux ecosystem for its balance of stability and modernity. It simplifies the user experience with a carefully selected set of default applications and a user-friendly Budgie desktop, making it accessible to newcomers while retaining appeal for power users. Its rolling-release model ensures users receive timely updates without requiring frequent reinstallation. Solus also demonstrates the viability of independent, community-driven projects in the open-source world, offering a distinct alternative to larger distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora.

## Notable For
- **Budgie Desktop**: A lightweight, modern interface designed specifically for Solus.
- **Independent Development**: Maintained by a dedicated team without corporate backing.
- **Rolling-Release Stability**: Combines continuous updates with rigorous testing for reliability.
- **Rebranding History**: Evolved from Evolve OS to Solus in 2015.
- **Curated Software**: Focuses on quality over quantity in its default repositories.

## Body
### History
- **2015**: Launched as Evolve OS, later rebranded to Solus on December 27, 2015.
- **2016**: Introduced the Budgie desktop environment, replacing GNOME as the default.
- **2017**: Transitioned from the PiSi package manager to eopkg for improved performance.
- **2023–2025**: Released versions 4.4 ("Harmony") through 4.8 ("Opportunity"), emphasizing stability and hardware support.

### Features
- **Desktop Environments**: Budgie (default), GNOME, KDE Plasma.
- **Package Management**: eopkg handles installations and updates from curated repositories.
- **Software Selection**: Prioritizes modern, actively maintained applications (e.g., Firefox, LibreOffice).
- **Hardware Support**: Includes firmware and drivers for newer devices.

### Versions
- **4.4 "Harmony"**: Released July 8, 2023, with updated kernel and security patches.
- **4.5 "Resilience"**: January 8, 2024, featuring improved hardware compatibility.
- **4.6 "Convergence"**: October 14, 2024, enhancing Budgie desktop performance.
- **4.7 "Endurance"**: January 26, 2025, focusing on stability and bug fixes.
- **4.8 "Opportunity"**: November 29, 2025, latest release with updated software stack.

### Community & Development
- **GitHub**: Hosted under "getsolus" and "solus-project" repositories.
- **Social Media**: Active on Twitter (@solusproject), Mastodon, and Reddit (r/SolusProject).
- **Funding**: Supported via Patreon and community contributions.

## References

1. [Solus 4.4 Released; Joshua Strobl (Comms & DevOps) July 8, 2023. 2023](https://getsol.us/blog/)
2. [Solus 4.5 Released](https://getsol.us/2024/01/08/solus-4-5-released/)
3. [Solus 4.6 Released. 2024](https://getsol.us/2024/10/14/solus-4-6-released/)
4. [Solus 4.7 Released. 2025](https://getsol.us/2025/01/26/solus-4-7-released/)
5. [Solus 4.8 Released. 2025](https://getsol.us/2025/11/29/solus-4-8-released/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013