Here’s what I learned about the project and how I felt about my experience.
What Is elementary OS?
elementary OSis an operating system you could use on your PC in place of something like Windows or macOS.
It’s one of many, many iterations of the Linux desktop experience you could find out there.
What sets elementary OS apart is perhaps its clean, minimalist interface that has an unmistakable macOS flare.
Another unique aspect of elementary OS is its selection of custom-built and curated apps.
More apps are available from the software store that are certified by developers to integrate well with elementary.
If you’re curious about the guts, elementary OS is based on the Ubuntu Linux distribution.
Once you’re done with that, you better do a system update and reboot.
By default, the AppStore is limited to elementary’s curated apps.
That said, I didn’t personally experience any issues with the software I installed that way.
Generally, the experience was far cleaner and more cohesive than most Linux desktops I’ve used.
I didn’t experience unexplained freezes or mysterious blank screens on wake.
I was able to connect a second monitor generally hassle-free, which isn’t always the case for Linux.
I could intuit what the elementary OS developers are trying to accomplish and who their intended users are.
I also intuited that I’m not one of them.
I’ve been using various Linux desktops for years, fromGaruda LinuxtoLinux Mint modified to look like Windows.
I did some research and found there are some workarounds in development, at least.
KDE Connect is meant for power users, so not prioritizing its functionality for elementary OS is understandable.
It creates a comfortable space for anyone who just needs an operating system that works and lets them work.
That’s the beauty of Linux: there’s something out there for everyone.
If elementary OS sounds like it’s for you, download the image file fromthe elementary website.
