New COSMIC Desktop Environment Aims to Redefine Linux Experience
The launch of the new COSMIC desktop environment by System76 marks a significant development in the Linux ecosystem. After more than a year of alpha testing, the COSMIC desktop recently entered its beta phase, offering users a fresh alternative to established environments like KDE Plasma and GNOME. This innovation aims to provide features that enhance user experience, including a functionality that Microsoft once promised but ultimately abandoned in Windows.
Among the most notable aspects of the COSMIC desktop is its window management capabilities. Users can easily stack applications within a single window, reminiscent of the long-discussed “Sets” feature that Microsoft introduced during the Windows 10 Insider Program in 2017. Although Sets never fully materialized for Windows users, COSMIC allows for seamless tabbed browsing of applications. When windows are not tabbed, they appear as standard windows, maximizing screen space without any visible indication of tab functionality. By right-clicking on a window’s title bar, users can enable stacking, allowing for a more organized workspace.
The COSMIC desktop also introduces a “sticky window” feature, which keeps selected windows always on top, and a straightforward screenshot option accessible through the context menu. This flexibility in window management enhances productivity and caters to diverse user preferences.
Enhanced Window Management and Customization
Another standout feature of COSMIC is its built-in support for tiling, allowing users to manage their workspace efficiently. Users can toggle between tiling and floating modes, automatically adjusting the layout to accommodate multiple applications. Although there is no automatic suggestion for snapping windows together, the manual snapping feature remains intuitive, allowing users to customize their screen layout effectively.
Customization is a core aspect of many Linux distributions, and COSMIC offers a user-friendly approach to personalizing the desktop environment. Users can modify various UI elements, including colors, text, and button shapes, all through an accessible settings interface. Unique to COSMIC is the ability to export and share these settings, enabling users to easily spread their personalized themes with others.
While the COSMIC desktop retains some influences from GNOME—particularly in its top menu bar and certain design elements—it distinguishes itself with unique features. For instance, it replaces the traditional single menu with individual applets for system settings like power management and networking. This allows for quicker access to detailed settings without navigating through multiple clicks.
The search and launcher functionality in COSMIC also streamlines user interaction. By pressing the Super key, users can quickly access a keyboard-based launcher that appears directly over the desktop, facilitating instant searches for applications or settings.
Beta Phase Experience and Future Outlook
As with any beta release, users may encounter minor bugs or inconsistencies. For instance, issues such as multiple icons indicating network connectivity or non-functional dock icons may arise. Nonetheless, these are expected to be addressed as System76 refines the desktop environment leading up to its stable release.
While it remains to be seen whether COSMIC can supplant KDE Plasma as a preferred option for users, it is undoubtedly a promising contender. The beta version offers a glimpse into a user-centric desktop experience that prioritizes functionality and customization. As the development progresses, it will be interesting to observe how COSMIC evolves and whether it can capture the attention of the broader Linux community.
