COSMIC Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS: This is the new System76 desktop

The arrival of Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS This represents a turning point for System76 and, by extension, for the GNU/Linux desktop ecosystem. This version marks the official release of COSMIC as a stable desktop environmenta whirlpool bath, Custom interface developed from scratch in Rust which definitively abandons the old customization layer on top of GNOME.

After several years of work, alpha versions and public betas, System76 finally presents COSMIC Desktop Environment Epoch 1which becomes the default experience on Pop!_OS. The core remains Ubuntu LTS 24.04However, the visual aspect, workflow, and many of the key applications become directly controlled by the company, with the focused on a faster, more consistent and easier-to-adapt desktop.

A new desktop environment written in Rust that says goodbye to GNOME Shell

System76 had been customizing GNOME for years, but the company acknowledges that it had reached the limit of what could be done with the traditional shellWith COSMIC they have opted for a radical change: their own modular desktop built in Rust using the toolkit Iced. The idea is to offer a modern, agile, and secure environment without dragging along the structural restrictions of GNOME.

In a first contact, the user will recognize certain familiar features of the GNOME styleA clean design, panels, a launcher, and a strong focus on productivity. However, when opening multiple applications, moving between workspaces, or changing the panel layout, it becomes clear that it's a different environment, with its own internal logic and much deeper customization.

The goal of System76 is that Those who already used Pop!_OS shouldn't feel lostbut that they can break old corsetsCOSMIC blends elements of a classic desktop with concepts typical of tiled window managers (tiling), something that until now many users were forced to set up using extensions or advanced configurations.

Beyond aesthetics, the commitment to Rust has a clearly technical component: prioritize memory security and performanceThe company insists that Much of COSMIC's value lies in being a set of open and reusable "LEGO pieces". that other projects can extend, adapt, or integrate into their own distributions.

A change of era: from Pop!_OS with GNOME to Pop!_OS with COSMIC

Until now, Pop!_OS relied on GNOME with its own set of extensions and tweaks. With Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS, COSMIC becomes the default desktop environmentGNOME is relegated mainly to internal components and some applications that do not yet have a direct replacement.

System76 has started with the basic tools that every user uses daily. Several common GNOME applications have been replaced by native alternatives COSMICdesigned specifically for this desktop and also written in Rust:

• COSMIC Files, a file manager that takes over from Nautilus.
• COSMIC Terminal, a command-line client that replaces GNOME Terminal.
• COSMIC Text Editor, a lightweight text editor for documents and code.
• COSMIC Media Player, simple multimedia player with subtitle support.
• COSMIC Store, a new app store that replaces Pop!_Shop.

In addition, the environment includes a welcome assistant which facilitates the first steps, from regional settings to desktop layout, and an integrated capture tool reminiscent of GNOME's but adapted to COSMIC's visual language.

Despite this profound change, Pop!_OS continues to rely on GNOME for some parts that have not yet been reimplemented: the image viewer, the system monitor, and other utilities remain the GNOME versions. In addition, there are reference applications in the Linux ecosystem such as Firefox, Thunderbird or LibreOffice, which remain as default options due to their maturity and mass adoption.

All of this is integrated on the basis of Ubuntu LTS 24.04with updated components such as the kernel Linux 6.17, systemd 255 and the graphics stack Table 25.1In addition, NVIDIA 580 drivers are available for those who require proprietary graphics. In practice, this translates into broad hardware support and a desktop environment that, apart from a few minor issues, already shows promise as a robust system for the long term.

Personalization, window tiling, and advanced workspaces

One of COSMIC's biggest selling points is the way in which manages windows, workspaces, and multiple screensThe environment offers a mosaic system (tiling) which can be used with both the mouse and keyboard shortcuts, without forcing anyone to completely abandon the floating window model.

The user can activate the mosaic from a simple selector on the panel, and from there Organize windows by workspace and by monitorThe shortcuts are quite easy to learn, and it's possible to reposition windows simply by dragging them, with visual cues indicating where they will fit.

The Workspaces They have also been significantly enhanced. COSMIC allows you to choose between horizontal or vertical layout, decide whether each monitor has its own set of workspaces or if they are shared, pin certain desktops so they don't disappear, and retain the configuration after restarts. For those who work with multiple desktops simultaneously, there is even a applet which shows the number of active spaces on the panel or dock.

Support for multi-monitor It's designed for modern setups: high-resolution displays can be mixed with standard monitors, with automatic scaling based on pixel density and fine-tuning options in the settings. When a display is disconnected, the windows displayed on it are moved to a new workspace on the remaining displays, ensuring they remain visible.

Regarding personalization, the section on Settings > Desktop allows you to change themes, accent colors, panel positions, and dock behaviorYou can choose a top panel with a bottom dock, a single panel, or place both elements on any edge of any screen. From there, you can also manage the panel's "applets," which provide extra functionality without relying on third-party extensions.

COSMIC apps and revamped software store

Pop!_Shop is being replaced by the new COSMIC Store This is another significant change. This store allows you to install and update applications in both formats. DEB as in Flatpak, with Flathub and System76's own repositories enabled from the first bootThe goal is to simplify the search and management of software, preventing the user from having to manually add extra sources.

The store is complemented by a set of COSMIC native applications These tools cover essential day-to-day tasks. Files streamlines folder navigation, Terminal includes tabs and window splitting, the text editor is lightweight yet capable, and the media player covers the basics, including subtitle support. For screenshots, the system offers a GNOME-style tool integrated into the COSMIC design.

These applications share the same philosophy: lightness, speed and visual coherenceThe use of Rust is noticeable in the speed with which they open and respond, something especially appreciable in mid-range computers, very common in homes and offices in Spain and Europe, in a context of RAM shortage.

Of course, Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS maintains full access to the Ubuntu 24.04 repositoriesTherefore, the entire usual catalog of applications remains readily available for installation. In addition, Flatpak offers advantages for those who prefer to isolate applications or always have the latest stable versions without breaking the system's core.

Hybrid graphics, security, and hardware support

For laptops and computers with dedicated GPUs, one of the most practical improvements is the new support for hybrid graphicsPop!_OS is able to detect which applications need the most powerful GPU and automatically run them on it, while the rest continue using the integrated one to save battery.

The user can also manually force the GPU with a simple right-click This automatic management is based on an application icon, without having to switch system-level graphics modes, which was a hassle in other environments. It's designed for games as well as video editing software, 3D design, and computationally intensive applications, which are increasingly common in European professional settings.

Safety is also a key consideration. The installer now offers a simpler full disk encryptionDesigned for work laptops or devices that store sensitive data. Along with this comes a feature of “Refresh install” which allows you to reinstall the system while keeping personal files, settings and Flatpak applications, either from the ISO or by holding down the space bar during boot.

In terms of compatibility, System76 boasts a broad hardware support, enhanced by kernel 6.17 and the latest generation of open graphics drivers. To ensure motherboard compatibility, see How to tell if your motherboard needs a BIOS updateIn addition to the standard images for x86_64 with integrated or dedicated graphics, Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS offers ARM-specific versions, officially supported on the brand's own Thelio Astra desktop, although with some leeway for the community on other computers.

Those who need NVIDIA's proprietary drivers have a ISO optimized imageThis is relevant for users in Europe who choose to build their own computers with GeForce cards or use GPU-based workstations for modeling, AI, or CAD.

Installation, available variants and availability in other distributions

The installation process for Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS remains relatively simple, with a mode of clean installation For those who want to format the disk, there's a manual partitioning option for more advanced configurations. During user creation, the system incorporates a password strength checker, which warns if the key is weak or does not match, a small but useful detail.

After the initial start, a welcome assistant which guides you through the essential settings: accessibility, network, language, keyboard layout, and time zone. In that same flow, you can choose a theme (including the well-known one). Nebula Dark(in shades of purple) and the initial desktop layout, with various panel and dock combinations designed for different usage habits.

Regarding downloads, Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS is distributed in four main variants:

• ISO standard for systems with Intel/AMD or NVIDIA graphics from the 10 series and earlier.
• NVIDIA ISO for newer NVIDIA GPUs (GTX 16 series up to RTX 6xxx).
• ISO ARM for ARM64 processors without a dedicated NVIDIA GPU.
• ARM ISO with NVIDIA geared towards ARM64 systems with the brand's graphics, including the Thelio Astra.

The official minimum requirements remain moderate: 4 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and a 64-bit processorHowever, to fully utilize COSMIC and its mosaic and multi-monitor capabilities, it is recommended to have more memory and a decent GPU.

Although Pop!_OS is the "home" of COSMIC, the desktop environment is not exclusive. Other desktops already exist. bundles and spins with COSMIC in other distributions such as Arch Linux, Fedora, openSUSE, NixOS, or even some BSD and Redox-oriented variants. However, for those who want to experience it as the System76 developers intended, the recommendation remains to install Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS, where everything is fine-tuned to work out of the box.

First impressions: high performance and minor flaws

Initial tests and analyses agree that COSMIC It arrives surprisingly mature for being its first stable version.The desktop feels light, the animations are smooth, and the native applications respond quickly even on older machines, which may be interesting for home and professional users in Spain who want to get the most out of older equipment.

La navigation between workspaces It's intuitive thanks to the switch located in the upper left corner, which allows you to fix and rearrange desktops to your liking. Combined with keyboard shortcuts centered on the Super key, it provides a streamlined workflow for those who prefer not to take their hands off the keyboard.

The top panel integrates a notification center with Do Not Disturb modea battery indicator that also displays the status of the GPU and its associated applications, and a audio control From here, multimedia output and playback devices can be adjusted. In terms of sound, however, some early users have noticed some issues when switching between built-in speakers and headphones, or when using Bluetooth; this is expected to be resolved in future updates.

In the software field, there are still some minor incompatibilities and bugsTools like OBS Studio, for example, don't fully integrate with the new capture system in certain scenarios, forcing users to resort to occasional workarounds. Minor cosmetic glitches have also been observed, such as generic icons in the dock when pinning some applications, which are usually resolved with a restart.

Despite these details, the overall feeling is that Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS with COSMIC already offers a solid enough experience to consider using it on a daily basis, even in work contexts, as long as the user is aware that it is the first generation of a completely new desktop.

Positioning within the European Linux ecosystem

The launch of COSMIC comes at a time when Many desktop users in Europe are looking for alternatives to proprietary systems, whether due to privacy issues, the end of support for older versions of Windows, or the interest in more open platforms for programming and creativity.

Pop!_OS had already gained a certain reputation as a recommended distribution for development, data science and designThanks to its excellent integration with graphics drivers, its support for modern hardware, and its similarity to Ubuntu, which is widely used in European universities and businesses, COSMIC is a desktop environment that System76 is taking a further step by offering a desktop that doesn't require so many extensions or manual adjustments to be truly productive.

For those who work with multiple monitors, need window tiling, rely on containers or virtualization, or simply want an environment that doesn't fall short on customization, COSMIC presents itself as an option to consider compared to more traditional desktops. And being Published as free and modular softwareIt leaves the door open for other projects in the region to adopt it, adapt it, or create their own variations.

Looking ahead, the big question is how the project will evolve: whether it will manage to build a large enough community of developers and contributors, and what pace of innovation It remains to be seen whether System76 will be maintained and to what extent other distributions will integrate COSMIC as an official option. What does seem clear is that, with Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS, the company has laid the foundations for its own desktop environment with the ambition of a long lifespan.

With this version, Pop!_OS goes from being "Ubuntu with tweaks" to becoming a much more differentiated proposition, combining a solid LTS base, a modern desktop written in Rust, and a set of tools designed to get the most out of current hardware.It still has some rough edges to smooth out, but the generational leap that COSMIC represents makes it clear that System76 is not content to follow in the footsteps of other desktops: it wants to chart its own course within the Linux universe.

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Alberto navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

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