Pop_OS

Pop!_OS is a free, open-source Linux distribution developed by System76 that is based on Ubuntu and optimized for productivity, with a focus on user experience and hardware compatibility.

Pop!_OS is a community-driven Linux distribution maintained by System76, a company that manufactures Linux laptops and desktops. It uses Ubuntu as its base, inheriting its package management and software ecosystem, but applies its own customizations, kernel patches, and desktop environment tweaks.

The distribution emphasizes a clean, modern GNOME desktop experience with System76-specific enhancements like improved window management, custom keyboard shortcuts, and better support for System76 hardware. Pop!_OS is particularly popular among developers, creators, and users who want a polished Linux experience out of the box.

Pop!_OS includes proprietary drivers and firmware by default (unlike some Ubuntu variants), making it straightforward to install on modern laptops with Nvidia GPUs or other specialized hardware. Users can download ISO images for free and install on any compatible machine, not just System76 devices.

Related terms