Pop!_OS is the popular Linux built by computer company System76. It is built on a Ubuntu base with many logical and helpful additions. System76 developers are gradually building a distribution with its own unique identity, separate from Ubuntu.
Changes to 22.04
With 22.04 coming as a Long Term Support (LTS for short) release, the changes should be no surprise. Automatic updates are now an option.
Support shows in Settings now. There are convenient links to Documentation and a Community Support chat.
Update the System
Even with a new release, there may be updates waiting. These updates can patch bugs or bring new features. In general, its a smart idea to keep software updated. Begin by opening a Terminal window. This can be download by pressing the Super key and typing Terminal. After installing updates, reboot the computer.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
flatpak updateA command line is not the only way to install updates. The Pop Shop is the main way to find software and update the system.
Open Pop Shop. At the top, navigate to Installed. If updates are available, Pop Shop will display how many and how large they are. Updates can be installed individually or all at once with the Update All button.
Cosmic Customizations
The biggest visible change on Pop!_OS is also the visible: the Cosmic Desktop. System76 took note of how its Pop users tended to modify the desktop and decided to apply those directly. The developers added in a Ulauncher style search and app launcher that opens with the super key.
To customize Cosmic Desktop, open System Settings and navigate to Desktop. There are numerous options present to tweak.
The dock can be moved from bottom to the left or right sides. There are three preset sizes along with a Custom Size option. Of course, the Dock can be hidden or left out. The Dock can be extended out to the edges or left floating. Or the Dock can be skipped altogether.
The Super Key can be remapped open Workspaces or Applications in lieu of Launcher. Minimize and Maximize can be toggled on and off separately.
There is also a wealth of wallpapers. Pop includes an interesting assortment with some more cartoonish while others are stunning outer space and nature shots.
Graphics Support
The biggest single advantage to choosing Pop!_OS over other distros is the Nvidia and hybrid graphics support.
System76 releases a Pop!_OS ISO with the proprietary Nvidia graphics drivers included. My Thinkpad has a hybrid Intel Nvidia setup called Nvidia Optimus. Pop!_OS recognizes that but defaults to Nvidia. Any of the graphics can be chosen but all require a reboot to take effect.
I can opt for Hybrid Graphics where Intel will handle most of the work and Nvidia is available on demand for heavier applications. I can also choose to use only the Intel (displayed as integrated graphics) to save on power and extend battery life.
Power Management
Pop!_OS has strong built in power management. In the image above, three options are listed: Battery Life, Balanced, and High Performance. Do not install TLP on Pop!_OS as it will conflict with the built in system.
Multimedia Support
Ubuntu Restricted Extras is required to play common media files. This package also supports other proprietary or third party drivers
sudo apt install -y ubuntu-restricted-extrasDVD playback is supported with the libdvd package.
sudo apt install -y libdvd-pkg && sudo dpkg-reconfigure libdvd-pkgInstalling Software
Most software is packaged as “Deb” for Pop!_OS. AppImage, Flatpak, and Snap are all means to install software that’s not distro specific. There are relative pros and cons between them all but all three formats accomplish roughly the same goal: to make it easier to distribute software on Linux.
AppImage
AppImage is supported natively. To make it easier to track and integrate AppImages, install AppImageLauncher first.
Flatpak
Pop!_OS natively supports Flatpak so no additional setup is required. Many Gnome applications are available as Flatpaks now. Many titles even default to Flatpak in Pop Shop. Check out Best Flatpaks for more options.
Snap
While Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu, Snap is not included by default. I’m not a huge gamer but Urban Terror is a great online FPS to test Snap. Copy and Paste into the Terminal to enable Snap support.
sudo apt install snapd
sudo apt updateInstall Apps via Terminal
Most software can be installed in Pop Shop. For installing multiple packages quickly, the packages can be stacked together. For example, sudo apt install package will install “package” and multiple packages can be listed. In the command below, Synaptic, VLC, and Gnome Tweak Tool will all be installed. the -y is included to tell the system, that yes, it is indeed okay to install the packages.
sudo apt install -y synaptic vlc gnome-tweaksOne last note, Flatpaks and Snaps have been merged into Terminal category. Flatpaks are also available in Pop Shop. There is no need to install the same application multiple times. Flatpaks and Snaps commands cannot be mixed with each other or Apt.
Synaptic Package Manager feels like an old school app store with the many individual packages listed. Use Synaptic with great caution. Available as DEB.
sudo apt install -y synapticGnome Tweak Tool makes it easy to modify the system. Available as DEB.
sudo apt install -y gnome-tweaksEnable the number pad at startup.
sudo apt install -y numlockxVLC is a popular media player. It can play virtually anything. Available as DEB, Flatpak, or Snap.
sudo apt install -y vlc
flatpak install flathub org.videolan.VLC
sudo snap install vlcArchive tools for opening random compressed files. Available as DEB.
sudo apt install -y unzip 7zip unrar GIMP is an open source photo editor often touted as the alternative to its proprietary counterpart. Available as DEB, Flatpak, or Snap.
sudo apt install -y gimp
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMP
sudo snap install gimpAudacity is an excellent audio editor. Available as DEB, Flatpak, or Snap.
sudo apt install -y audacity
flatpak install flathub org.audacityteam.Audacity
sudo snap install audacitySteam is a gaming platform. I’m not a gamer but for this is the place to download games. Available as DEB or Flatpak.
sudo apt install -y steam
flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.SteamSpotify is a popular music streaming service. Available as DEB, Flatpak, or Snap.
sudo apt install -y spotify-client
flatpak install flathub com.spotify.Client
sudo snap install spotifyBitwarden is an open source password manager with syncing. It integrates nicely on Android with autofill ability. It syncs passwords across Android, Linux, iOS, OS X, and Windows. AppImage, DEB, and RPM downloads available. DEB and RPM packages do not auto update. CLI Tools are available along with browser extensions for most browsers. Available Flatpak or Snap.
flatpak install flathub com.bitwarden.desktop
sudo snap install bitwardenTutanota is a privacy focused email service.
flatpak install flathub com.tutanota.TutanotaNote Taking
Simplenote is a free note taking app developed by Automattic (the WordPress people). Simplenote syncs across virtually everything and supports AppImage, DEB, and RPM. Part of the appeal of Simplenote is markdown support but the other cool thing is WordPress support. Simplenote can be tied to a WordPress account for easy posting. Available Flatpak or Snap.
flatpak install flathub com.simplenote.Simplenote
sudo snap install simplenoteVisual Studio Code is a lightweight source code editor. Available Flatpak or Snap.
flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.code
sudo snap install code --classicStandard Notes is a lot like Simplenote. Its free. Its open source. Its crazy cross platform. If the Automattic/Wordpress relationship makes you uncomfortable or maybe you just don’t need it, try Standard Notes instead. Standard Notes has one big advantage over Simplenote: extensions. Yes, the extensions do cost but they effectively turn Standard Notes into a mini office suite with support for markdown, rich text, LaTeX, and HTML. Standard Notes has backup support for Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
flatpak install flathub org.standardnotes.standardnotes
sudo snap install standard-notesZoho Notebook has a sticky note in a notebook feel. Create different notebooks, change the cover image, and fill it with text notes, pictures, and links. While Notebook is not open source, Zoho promises to never read your data, sell your data, or show you ads. They even claim to encrypt it. Not bad a free service. Zoho Notebook is available for Linux as a DEB, Android, and Apple devices.
wget https://downloads.zohocdn.com/notebooklinux-desktop/Notebook-1.2.0.deb
sudo apt install ./Notebook-1.2.0.debOBS Studio
YouTube production program. Before installing the obs-studio package, ffmpeg needs to be installed. If you’re unsure if its present, try installing it anyway.
sudo apt install -y ffmpegAfter installing ffmpeg, add the PPA.
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:obsproject/obs-studioFinally, install the obs-studio package.
sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y obs-studioWeb Browsers
Firefox is the de facto standard browser across Linux. The Mozilla team that produces Firefox strives to maintain a standards compliant, free and open source means of accessing the Internet. There are several other choices that may work better for particular users.
Google Chrome is the most popular browser. It is based on the open source Chromium with added Google bits. For different releases, change the package from -stable to -beta or -unstable. Pop includes the Chrome repo by default.
sudo apt install -y google-chrome-stableBrave is a Chromium based browser focused on privacy. Brave users earn tokens called BAT for viewing ads. BAT can be exchanged for money or given to content creators. Brave is available as a Snap.
sudo apt install -y apt-transport-https curl
sudo curl -fsSLo /usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg
echo "deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/brave-browser-archive-keyring.gpg arch=amd64] https://brave-browser-apt-release.s3.brave.com/ stable main"|sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/brave-browser-release.list
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y brave-browserVivaldi is yet another Chromium based browser with its own sync tool and tweaks.
wget https://downloads.vivaldi.com/stable/vivaldi-stable_5.2.2623.41-1_amd64.deb
sudo apt install ./vivaldi-stable_5.2.2623.41-1_amd64.debMicrosoft Edge originally used a Microsoft built engine but its now based on Chromium. Edge is still in development for Linux so some features may be lacking. Sync was recently added.
Opera has been around longer most others on this list. It offers multiple desktop and mobile browsers. Snaps are available for Stable, Beta, and Developer.
Install via Pop Shop
Most applications can be installed with Pop Shop, the native app center.
Pop Shop includes all the basics of a modern app store: software categories, a search menu, an update mechanism, and reviews. Many applications are now present in both the Pop!_OS DEB repositories and in Flathub. A drop down menu next to the install button allows users to select the source for each application.
Non Repo Software
Use a cloud service to back up your files. There are several that work well with Linux like NextCloud, Mega, and Dropbox. I prefer Mega.
(that’s an affliate link, by the way)
Try a secure email service like Protonmail or Tutanota. Gmail, Outlook, and other free email services offer tons of storage. In exchange, they mine your data to show you ads. Secure email services encrypt your data so they are unable to read it. Tutanota offers a free AppImage desktop client while Protonmail enables IMAP with a paid plan.
PPA
PPA or Personal Package Archive is sort of a mini repo for software that for whatever reason isn’t in the official repositories. The software may still be in a beta testing or is a small project just starting. While PPAs can be a convenient means to installing non repo software, be cautious. Too many PPAs can make software updates unreliable. PPAs could, though very unlikely, contain malicious software. I use the Mozilla Team’s official PPA to install Firefox Beta because Mozilla is a trusted source.
Extensions
I don’t recommend using many Gnome Extensions. They allow easy customization of the desktop but more than a couple may hurt system performance.
GSConnect aka KDE Connect
GSConnect works with the Android counterpart KDE Connect. Before I go any further: Do not install KDE Connect on Gnome. It will interfere with GSConnect. GSConnect is the Gnome implementation of KDE Connect. The Android app works with both.
That said, GSConnect allows notification syncing so that your phone calls, messages, and app notifications will all appear on your desktop. Phone battery life is also displayed. It goes beyond just notifications though.
Text messages can be responded to or even started from the desktop. It also opens up file transfers between devices. While I like Google Messages for RCS and web access, it doesn’t compare to the features GSConnect offers.
Conclusion
The changes to Pop!_OS with the new Cosmic Desktop make setup a little quicker and easier. New features like the improved app drawer and app launcher move Cosmic in an exciting and more useful direction.
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I returned to UBUNTU Budgie, although with regrets. POP has the perfect DE. However, I received a regular dose of white screen of death. Contact the system administrator it tells me. That’s me. Fix the crashes and System 76 has a fine Debian distro.