Pop!_OS was developed by System76, a Colorado-based hardware company specializing in Linux-based computers. Its development is rooted in System76’s mission to create an optimized operating system for Linux users, particularly those using their hardware. Here’s an overview of Pop!_OS’s history and evolution:
- System76 was founded in 2005 by Carl Richell and Erik Fetzer. The company initially provided Ubuntu pre-installed on its laptops and desktops, making it easier for users to get Linux-compatible hardware.
- Over time, as System76 grew, it began considering creating its own Linux distribution to offer a more polished and hardware-optimized experience.
- In 2017, Ubuntu announced the switch from the Unity desktop environment back to GNOME. System76 saw an opportunity to create its own customized Linux distribution with GNOME as the base.
- Pop!_OS was born out of the desire to tailor an operating system optimized for both their hardware and the wider Linux community. System76 designed Pop!_OS to focus on productivity, user experience, and ease of use.
- October 19, 2017: The first version of Pop!_OS (based on Ubuntu 17.10) was released, featuring a customized GNOME desktop, tiling window support, and a clean, professional aesthetic.
- 2018: The company continued releasing updates in tandem with Ubuntu’s LTS and interim releases, focusing on stability and providing out-of-the-box support for NVIDIA and AMD hardware.
- Pop!_OS also started to gain traction as a Linux distro suited for gamers and developers, thanks to its streamlined experience and support for graphics drivers.
- During this period, Pop!_OS gained popularity among power users and developers. Its auto-tiling feature became a hallmark, making it easy to manage windows and workspaces for enhanced productivity.
- System76 refined the Pop!_Shop app store, improving application discovery and integration with Flatpak.
- 2019-2020: System76 added more productivity-focused features, such as improved keyboard navigation, workspace management, and the Pop Shell extension, making Pop!_OS even more appealing to advanced users.
- In 2021, System76 introduced COSMIC, a custom desktop environment built on GNOME but heavily modified to enhance user productivity.
- COSMIC included extensive customization options, improved workflow efficiency, keyboard shortcuts, and an intuitive workspace and window management system. It received positive feedback, as users could further tailor their desktop experience.
- With the success of COSMIC, System76 decided to develop a completely custom desktop environment using Rust. This move was intended to make Pop!_OS more independent of GNOME’s roadmap and give System76 greater control over the user experience.
- 2023: System76 started sharing updates and previews of the Rust-based COSMIC, which is expected to bring even more flexibility, performance, and modularity to Pop!_OS.
¶ 7. Current Status and Vision (2024)
- Today, Pop!_OS is highly regarded among Linux distributions and is widely used by developers, data scientists, gamers, and general Linux enthusiasts.
- Pop!_OS has carved out a niche with its polished user experience, gaming support, developer tools, and efficient workflow optimizations.
- With System76’s continued commitment to its hardware and software, Pop!_OS is positioned to grow, with the Rust-based COSMIC desktop environment likely to become a major focus in future releases.
Pop!_OS has remained innovative in the Linux space by taking a unique path:
- Focus on Hardware and Software Optimization: Pop!_OS was designed to be tightly integrated with System76 hardware, but it’s also optimized for a wide range of systems, making it versatile.
- Custom Desktop Environment: Starting with a GNOME foundation and evolving into a custom environment with COSMIC, Pop!_OS has maintained a focus on the user experience, productivity, and performance.
- User-Centric Design and Accessibility: By creating features that appeal to gamers, developers, and general users alike, Pop!_OS has become a go-to for those seeking a high-quality Linux experience.
Pop!_OS continues to evolve, aiming to provide a distinct, high-performance desktop experience that caters to both the System76 community and the broader Linux audience.
Pop!_OS Overview
Package Management in Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS FAQ
Support & Service for Pop!_OS