In today's open source roundup: Ubuntu 15.04 might be the first version that uses systemd. Plus: The advantages and disadvantages of rolling release distributions, and eleven Linux games on sale on Steam this week Ubuntu 15.04 and systemd Systemd is still gettings lots of media attention, and now it seems that the folks at Canonical are preparing to switch to it in a future version of Ubuntu. Version 15.04 could be the first time Ubuntu users see systemd in their favorite distribution. Michael Larabel at Phoronix reports on Ubuntu’s eventual switch to systemd: While Ubuntu was one of the last big hold-outs to systemd instead preferring Upstart, it looks like soon in the Ubuntu 15.04 cycle that systemd could become the default init manager. Among the bugs that need to be addressed for the switch to happen is needing some AppArmor fixes, support for Ubuntu working in a LXC container with systemd, working cryptsetup integration with systemd during the boot process, and other changes. More at Phoronix Phoronix It is possible to use systemd right now in Ubuntu 14.10 with unexpectedly good results, as the same writer at Phoronix reported in an earlier article from back in June: On an Intel ultrabook I had a clean install from today of the Ubuntu 14.10 x86_64 daily live image so I decided to go ahead and install systemd. When booting up the Ubuntu 14.10 latest image with systemd 204, the system (to some surprise) booted fine and I encountered no immediate issues. The laptop has been running fine since today and was pleased it was a trouble-free experience. More at Phoronix Why rolling release distros might not be a good idea Rolling release distributions can be quite convenient since you never have to do a complete upgrade the way you’d have to upgrade Ubuntu from version 13.10 to 14.10, for example. But there are pluses and minuses to everything, and Datamation points out that you should be aware of the downsides to using rolling release distributions. Matt Hartley at Datamation warns of the dangers of rolling release distros: I believe newbies should avoid using rolling release distros until they’re more comfortable rolling back packages and/or overcoming sudden breakage. Whether it’s something as silly as a broken GNOME extension that worked yesterday, or your Ethernet card suddenly stopped working, if you can’t overcome these issues – avoid rolling releases. More at Datamation In an article from back in July, How To Geek noted the advantages and disadvantages of rolling release and standard release distributions: A rolling release cycle is best if you want to live on the bleeding edge and have the latest available versions of software, while a standard release cycle is best if you want to benefit from a more stable platform with more testing. More at How To Geek Eleven Linux games on sale this week on Steam TuxArena has a roundup of eleven Linux games that are on sale on Steam this week. Cracium Dan at TuxArena on Steam’s Linux sale: This Monday Steam has kicked off a new Weeklong Deal which will last until November 24, during which 11 titles for Linux are available at special promotional prices. Postal 2 Cities in Motion Electronic Super Joy Avadon the Black Fortress Postal The Collider Time Mysteries: The Final Enigma MirrorMoon EP Terrian Saga: KR-17 Survivor Squad Doorways: Chapters 1 to 3 Collection More at TuxArena What’s your take on all this? Tell me in the comments below. Open Source