Oracle has announced the introduction of Solaris 11.4.81 CBE (Common Build ENVIRONMENT), a version of the Solaris 11.4 operating system specifically designed for open software developers and personal use. The CBE aims to provide simplified access to current program versions and updates for those individuals interested in utilizing Solaris for free. This release marks the second installment in the CBE series, with the initial version being launched in 2022. Distinct from the primary Solaris 11.4 edition, which permits free use for testing, development, and personal projects, the CBE editors operate on a continuous publishing model that closely resembles the Solaris 11.4 SRU (Support Repository Update).
The assembly of Solaris 11.4.81 CBE incorporates new program versions, enhanced functionalities, and error corrections that are accessible at the time of the release. For users interested in obtaining this version, there is a separate ISO image available for download, as well as the option to switch to CBE functionality post installation of the regular Solaris 11.4 edition. To transition to CBE, users can simply connect to the PKG.oracle.com/solaris/release repository in the IPS package and execute the PKG Update command. Additionally, the code for open Solaris components can be accessed via the GitHub repository, with individual packages downloadable through the Oracle Solaris 11.4 repository.
- The desktop environment has been upgraded to GNOME 45 (previous version was GNOME 3.38), with cosmetic adjustments made to the interface, such as replacing the “Activities” indicator on the desktop with a virtual desktop indicator. The X server has been updated to branch 1.20, and new versions of the NVIDIA 470.182 graphic drivers have been added.
- The implementation of the MDNS protocol (MulticastDNS/Zeroconf) has been switched to the Avahi 0.8 package, replacing the Solaris port previously using Apple Bon