HackerOS 4.0: Linux distribution with optimized XanMod kernel

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HackerOS

HackerOS is a Linux distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux that primarily focuses on security tools. However, with its optimized XanMod kernel, this free operating system also aims to appeal to gamers.

HackerOS, which has just been released in the new version 4.0, is a Linux distribution based on the isolated development branch of Debian GNU/Linux aka Debian Testing ("Forky") and attaches great importance to its many security tools. However, the open-source operating system also wants to address gamers, enthusiasts and demanding users with its optimized Xanmod kernel. A very exciting project.

HackerOS 4.0 Sis available for download in a total of five versions. In addition to the main release with KDE Plasma 6.5.3, versions with Gnome 49 and Xfce 4.20 as well as a Hydra and a cybersecurity edition are also provided. However, all applications and tools can be installed without having to be installed across all versions.

As mentioned at the beginning, HackOS 4.0 relies on the xanmod kernel optimized for games and multimedia, which is based on Linux 6.17 and has been extensively adapted to high performance and low system latencies as Linux 6.17.11-xanmod1. The official documentation explicitly addresses players and security enthusiasts as well as demanding power users, this is where HackerOS wants to shine.

HackerOS Operating System Linux

The optimized operating system kernel promises faster boot times and reduced resource consumption. Geforce graphics cards are supported "out-of-the-box" via the latest graphics driver Nvidia Linux x86_64 580.105.08, while the free Mesa graphics stack comes with the latest Vulkan graphics driver for the current Radeon graphics cards and Intel Arc. Players will also receive the latest software packages such as Mesa 25.3.1 and the new customizable desktop user interface KDE Plasma 6.5.3.

With the so-called Hacker Mode, HackerOS offers an in-house gaming GUI, which, like Proton Plus, allows switching between different proton versions and splits ("forks") as well as storing user-defined settings and start parameters. In addition, the slim GUI serves as a launcher.

HackerOS 

HackerOS 4.0, which is based on Debian Testing, which in turn serves as a test branch for the upcoming Debian GNU/Linux 14 ("Forky"), is then presented in detail as follows:

Basis and ancestry

• GNU/Linux →
• Debian GNU/Linux →
• Debian Testing ("Forky") →
• HackerOS 4.0

Working environment and desktop

• KDE Plasma 6.5.3 [NEW]
• KDE Frameworks 6.20.0 [NEW]
• KDE Gear 25.08.3 [NEW]
• Qt 6.10.1 [NEW]

Operating system kernel

• Linux 6.17.11 →
• XanMod 6.17.11 [NEW]

Grafikstack

• Mesa 3D 25.2.8 [NEW]
• Mesa 3D 25.3.1 [NEW]
• Nvidia Linux x64 580.105.08

Further information on this project, which is aimed at more experienced Linux users, can be found on the official website and the project page on the developer platform GitHub.