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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11If you’re asking what free and open source software updates arrived in January 2025, notable releases included 17 GNU package releases, Debian 12.9, KDE Plasma 5.27.12, OPNsense 24.7.12, and new openSUSE Tumbleweed snapshots. These are representative highlights, not a ranked or exhaustive list: some are individual application releases, while others update a whole distribution or arrive through rolling snapshots.
All versions below are historical January 2025 releases, not claims about the latest versions available today. Whether an update is right for you depends on what you use and how your operating system delivers it.
January 2025 releases at a glance
| Project | What changed | How it was delivered |
|---|---|---|
| GNU | The Free Software Foundation counted 17 GNU package releases through January 31, 2025, including Coreutils 9.6, GDB 16.1, glibc 2.41, Linux-libre 6.13-gnu, and GNU Parallel 20250122. | Individual packages, available through GNU project download and mirror routes. GNU |
| Debian | Debian 12.9 collected security corrections and fixes for serious problems in Debian 12 “bookworm.” | Point update distributed through Debian package mirrors. Debian announcement |
| KDE Plasma | Plasma 5.27.12 delivered desktop bug fixes. | Distribution packages, live images, or source; availability varied by distribution at announcement time. KDE announcement |
| OPNsense | Version 24.7.12 was the last stable 24.7-series update before the planned 25.1 release. | OPNsense release and upgrade routes. Release notes |
| openSUSE Tumbleweed | January snapshots brought a changing set of package updates, including GIMP 3.0.0~RC2, KDE Gear 24.12.1, Plasma 6.2.5, Rsync 3.4.1, and libvirt 11.0.0. | Rolling distribution snapshots managed by openSUSE. Monthly report |
These projects are not direct substitutes: GNU’s roundup covers individual packages, Debian and OPNsense update operating-system distributions, KDE updates a desktop environment, and Tumbleweed integrates package changes into rolling snapshots.
GNU: 17 package releases, across several categories
The Free Software Foundation’s GNU Spotlight, published February 3, reported 17 releases through January 31, 2025. That is the FSF’s count of GNU package releases, not a count of all free-software releases that month. Its list spans system tools, developer utilities, libraries, and other software. See the GNU project directory.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Coreutils 9.6 provides common command-line file, shell, and text utilities.
- GDB 16.1 is a debugger used to inspect and troubleshoot programs.
- glibc 2.41 is the GNU C Library.
- GNU Linux-libre 6.13-gnu is a Linux kernel variant modified to remove non-free binary blobs.
- GNU Parallel 20250122 runs shell jobs in parallel across inputs such as files or hosts.
Other named releases included GNU Artanis 1.2.2, bc 1.08.1, ddrescue 1.29, GNU Mailutils 3.18, and GNU Shepherd 1.0.1. A package version is relevant only if you use that software and your platform provides or supports the corresponding release.
Debian 12.9: a point update to bookworm
Announced January 11, Debian 12.9 was the ninth update to Debian stable, code-named “bookworm.” Debian explicitly notes that a point release “does not constitute a new version of Debian 12.” It gathers security corrections and selected fixes for serious problems rather than introducing a new major Debian release. Read Debian’s announcement.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The package list includes updates for ansible-core, avahi, dnsmasq, glib2.0, and systemd, among many others. Debian says users who regularly install updates from security.debian.org will already have received many of the included changes. Existing installations can update through a Debian mirror; the announcement also says older installation media need not be discarded.
KDE Plasma 5.27.12: a bug-fix release
KDE announced Plasma 5.27.12 on January 6 as a bug-fix update. Examples in its notes include explicitly setting Breeze as the default look and feel, checking the actual battery for a charge-state workaround, and preventing a crash when the weather applet receives empty JSON objects. KDE provides the full changelog and release routes.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to get it depends on your Linux distribution: KDE listed distribution packages, live images, and source, and cautioned that packages might not yet be available on every distribution when the announcement appeared. The project describes itself as “an international technology team that creates free and open source software for desktop and portable computing.” KDE Community.
OPNsense 24.7.12: the final stable 24.7 update
Dated January 15, OPNsense 24.7.12 was the final stable update in the 24.7 series before the transition to 25.1. The notes describe a new kernel with smaller reliability fixes, alongside targeted changes for CSR subjectAltName support, configuration-revert cleanup, NetFlow file-descriptor handling, and IPsec and mobile-client issues. See the 24.7.12 release notes.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
The announcement set January 29 as the planned date for the final 25.1 release and said the release candidate would use FreeBSD 14.2. Those dates describe OPNsense’s 2025 schedule; they should not be read as current availability information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.openSUSE Tumbleweed: January updates through rolling snapshots
Unlike a single bundle released on one date, Tumbleweed delivers updates in a stream of snapshots. The openSUSE report published January 29 highlighted GIMP 3.0.0~RC2, KDE Gear 24.12.1, Plasma 6.2.5, Rsync 3.4.1, and libvirt 11.0.0 among its January updates. It also covered changes to the Linux kernel, systemd, Mesa, Flatpak, Coreutils, and other packages. Read the monthly report.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Notable changes included build and dependency updates for GIMP; fixes in KDE applications such as Dolphin, Itinerary, Kdenlive, and KMail; and new virtualization capabilities in libvirt. For Slowroll, openSUSE said these updates arrive later, averaging 5 to 10 days after Tumbleweed snapshots.
Rsync 3.4.1 security fixes
The report associates Rsync 3.4.1 with fixes for CVE-2024-12747 and CVE-2024-12084 through CVE-2024-12088. The described issues include a symbolic-link race, heap buffer overflows, information leakage, and unsafe file handling. Whether a particular installation is affected depends on its installed version and distribution packaging; the report does not establish that every user or distribution was affected in the same way. openSUSE’s report details the update.
How to decide whether to install an update
First identify what you are updating: a GNU package, Debian stable system, KDE desktop, OPNsense firewall, or openSUSE rolling installation. Then use the project’s or distribution’s instructions for that product and branch.
Quick Recap
- Confirm applicability. Check the installed version and operating-system branch against the release notes. A named package version does not automatically apply to every distribution.
- Use the supported delivery route. Debian points existing systems to package mirrors; KDE package availability varies by distribution; Tumbleweed updates arrive as distribution snapshots. Follow the official instructions for your installation rather than assuming a standalone download is the right route.
- Check security relevance. For a cited vulnerability, verify whether your installed build is affected and whether your distribution has supplied a fix. Version numbering and patch delivery can differ across distributions.
- Plan recovery where appropriate. openSUSE’s report recommends using snapper to roll back if a Tumbleweed update causes problems. For other systems, follow their own backup and recovery guidance.
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