System76 COSMIC & Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS Stable Release Now Available

Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS Launches with the New COSMIC Desktop Surroundings

Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS has been released by System76, marking a important shift for the Linux distribution with the introduction of the COSMIC Desktop Environment.This release represents over three years of development and a departure from the customary GNOME desktop, aiming to provide a more streamlined and productive user experience. The update also includes several new applications and replacements for existing ones, signaling a complete overhaul of the Pop!_OS ecosystem.

What is COSMIC?

COSMIC is a complete desktop environment built by System76,designed to address limitations they encountered while working with existing options. According to System76 founder and CEO Carl Richell, the team reached a point where they needed to “create something fully new” to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Linux . COSMIC focuses on providing a more integrated and efficient workflow, especially for developers and power users.

Key Changes in Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS

The release introduces several notable changes to the user experience:

* COSMIC Desktop Environment: The core of the update, COSMIC replaces the standard GNOME desktop environment. it features a redesigned interface with a focus on window management and request launching.
* COSMIC Store: Replacing the Pop!_Shop, the COSMIC Store is a new graphical package manager for installing and managing applications.
* GNOME Text Editor Replacement: The default text editor is now GNOME Text Editor (formerly known as Gedit).
* COSMIC Media Player: Totem, the previous default video player, has been replaced with COSMIC Media Player.
* Enhanced Window Management: COSMIC introduces a new approach to window tiling and association, aiming to improve productivity. Phoronix details the new window management features, including a focus on keyboard-driven workflows.

Why the Change to COSMIC?

System76’s decision to develop its own desktop environment stems from a desire to create a system tailored to the needs of its users, particularly those involved in software development and creative work. The company believes that COSMIC offers a more efficient and customizable experience than existing options. Richell emphasizes that this release isn’t just an update,but a “breakthrough” and a contribution to the open-source community .

Is Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS a Long Term Support (LTS) Release?

Yes, Pop!_OS 24.04 is a Long Term Support (LTS) release. This means it will receive security updates and bug fixes for an extended period, making it a stable and reliable choice for users who prioritize long-term stability. According to System76’s documentation, LTS releases are supported for several years.

Key Takeaways

* Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS introduces the COSMIC Desktop Environment, a complete replacement for GNOME.
* The update includes new applications like COSMIC Store and COSMIC Media Player, and replaces existing ones like Pop!_Shop and Totem.
* System76 developed COSMIC to overcome limitations with existing desktop environments and provide a more tailored experience for its users.
* This is an LTS release,guaranteeing long-term support and stability.

Looking Ahead

The release of Pop!_OS 24.04 LTS with COSMIC represents a bold step for System76 and the Pop!_OS community.The company’s commitment to open-source development and its willingness to create a completely new desktop environment demonstrate its dedication to innovation. As COSMIC matures and receives feedback from the community, it has the potential to become a significant player in the Linux desktop landscape.