In today's open source roundup: Systemd is the controversy that just won't die. Plus: Gentoo Linux 20140826 LiveDVD is available for download, and WordPress 4.0 has been released Systemd has turned into the Godzilla of Linux controversies. Everywhere you look it’s stomping through blogs, rampaging through online discussion threads, and causing white-hot flames that resemble Godzilla’s own breath of death. TechNewsWorld has a roundup of the systemd hostilities in case you missed any of it and want to savor some of the drama. According to TechNewsWorld: They say art imitates life, but it’s surprising how often the same can be said of the Linux blogs. Case in point: Just as the world at large is filled today with fiery strife — Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Ferguson — so, too, is the Linux blogosphere. Of course, it’s not political, social or racial struggles tearing the FOSS community apart. Rather, the dividing issue here is none other than Systemd. More at TechNewsWorld I’ve been following the systemd saga and it’s quite amazing how much passion it has generated among Linux users. Some are vehemently for systemd while others utterly loathe it. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground between the two sides as the debate has become so incredibly polarized. Now there’s even a boycott systemd site that has been set up. Unfortunately, I think the systemd drama train is going to hurtle on down the tracks for quite a long time. It seems to have become a perpetual controversy in the Linux community. With both sides digging in for a long battle, I don’t see it going away anytime soon. Perhaps the best we can hope for is that some of the heat will die down over time and the debate will become a little more rational. If you’re tired of the systemd brouhaha altogether and you’re looking for a fun diversion, do check out the Godzilla 2014 movie site. I loved the new flick and the site has a bunch of fun Godzilla stuff on it. You can even buy Godzilla coffee mugs and t-shirts if you’re as big a fan as I am. I saw a couple of mugs I’m going to snag so I can have my coffee with Godzilla each morning as I do my work. Heh, heh. Gentoo Linux 20140826 LiveDVD: Iron Penguin Edition The Gentoo Linux developers have announced the release of a new LiveDVD. According to Gentoo: Gentoo Linux is proud to announce the availability of a new LiveDVD to celebrate the continued collaboration between Gentoo users and developers. The LiveDVD is available in two flavors: a hybrid x86/x86_64 version, and an x86_64 multi lib version. Packages included in this release: Linux Kernel 3.15.6, Xorg 1.16.0, KDE 4.13.3, Gnome 3.12.2, XFCE 4.10, Fluxbox 1.3.5, LXQT Desktop 0.7.0, i3 Desktop 2.8, Firefox 31.0, LibreOffice 4.2.5.2, Gimp 2.8.10-r1, Blender 2.71-r1, Amarok 2.8.0-r2, Chromium 37.0.2062.35 and much more. More at GentooHat tip: Reddit You can download the Gentoo 20140826 LiveDVD via these links: x86 image amd64 image If you run into any problems, be sure to check out the Gentoo forums and the Gentoo 20140826 LiveDVD FAQ for help and other support information. WordPress 4.0 released WordPress 4.0 has been released, with the code name “Benny.” According to WordPress: Version 4.0 of WordPress, named “Benny” in honor of jazz clarinetist and bandleader Benny Goodman, is available for download or update in your WordPress dashboard. While 4.0 is just another number for us after 3.9 and before 4.1, we feel we’ve put a little extra polish into it. This release brings you a smoother writing and management experience we think you’ll enjoy. More at WordPress I updated all of my blogs yesterday to WordPress 4.0 and had no problems with the upgrade. You can check out some reactions to WordPress 4.0 on Reddit, and Computerworld has a positive review of WordPress 4.0. What’s your take on all this? Tell me in the comments below. The opinions expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the views of ITworld. Software DevelopmentOpen Source