Updates that don't break your bench.

An immutable GNOME desktop for workstations. Core packages follow LTS releases and the desktop runs GNOME Oldstable, so the system stays stable while security fixes arrive promptly. Every update is a snapshot that can be rolled back.

“Let other people be your beta testers.”

Base
openSUSE Tumbleweed / MicroOS
Kernel
LTS and Current
Desktop
GNOME Oldstable
System
Immutable with btrfs snapshots
Apps
Flatpak and Homebrew, per user
Hardware
x86 and ARM
Status
Alpha images on OBS

Rolling updates on an LTS foundation

Even though the system uses a rolling release model, its core packages track LTS releases and its desktop is GNOME Oldstable. Security fixes arrive promptly, with no major-version upgrades. Every update is a snapshot that can be rolled back.

Flatpak provides applications and Homebrew provides command-line tools. Both are managed per user.

Tuned for the bench

Benchtop Linux is tuned for low interactive latency and stability, so that its desktop remains responsive under heavy load.

Benchtop Linux runs on x86 and ARM workstations. Its LTS and Current kernels include patches for laptops, tablets, convertibles, and common peripherals.

Supported workflows

AI
Local inference and model development
Virtualization
KVM and QEMU virtual machines and containers
Software development
Editors, debuggers, and build tools
System administration and DevOps
Remote access, configuration management, backup, and storage tools
Security
Vulnerability assessment, network analysis, and digital forensics
Reverse engineering
Disassembly, decompilation, and debugging
Content creation
Audio, video, graphics, and publishing tools

Status

Benchtop Linux is in alpha. Installable images are released through the openSUSE Build Service.