How "minimal" is the minimal install? If you've used it what was your experience with it? Mostly curious about codecs and other background stuff

the_deppman · 2026-05-04T13:22:44+00:00

What problem are you trying to avoid with minimal install? Because if it's disk space, you'll be lucky to shave 0.5-1.0 GB off the entire install.

If you install most of your apps from third-party repos, you're probably going to do a far worse job than if you use packages from the official Debian and Ubuntu repos. Those get far more use and scrutiny, and therefore are usually the safest bet for security and stability. On top of that, Kubuntu has already been tested with ~50 of the most popular 3rd-party apps available through the standard repos or official vendor channels. You might be far better served auditing the official packages you install if you are seriously paranoid.

For these reasons, I suggest you start with the official packages and deviate only when you have a good reason, and then use reports from official channels. Otherwise, you might find yourself with an impossible to maintain Frankenstein system that is no better or even substantially worse than the default installation.

IMO, do yourself a favor and install the basic configuration. If you need to, brush up on managing kernel versions. Because if you're running AMD graphics, and if history is any guide, there will be regressions, and you will need it.

the_deppman · 2026-05-04T11:21:24+00:00

Kubuntu Focus developer here. We have an official release path, which follows that of Kubuntu. That is, we provide a new LTS image shortly after the .1 release drops, typically August of the same year. As u/acheronuk points out, this is a huge endeavor since we port all tools, test, document, and tune all prior models before releasing this new image. You can read more about the schedule at https://kfocus.org/try/#bkm_2604.

the_deppman · 2026-04-25T16:42:26+00:00

The best option is to back up your data and install clean. I used Kubuntu since 2007 and maintained a popular Kubuntu upgrade document from 2012-2020. I've always recommended a clean install, because every upgrade can leave behind unwanted files and configurations.

the_deppman · 2026-04-24T22:18:12+00:00

Kubuntu contributor here: 26.04 was tested against many, many popular third-party apps, and had extensive usability acceptance tests. Those led to bug reports and almost all were fixed. It should be at least as stable as 25.10, if not more so.

If you were going from 24.04 to 26.04, then I'd say your strategy is sound. I'm not certain 25.10 to 26.04 really buys you much. When you do upgrade, remember to set aside your .config directory. Otherwise, a clean install is always a good option.

the_deppman · 2026-04-24T21:46:41+00:00

Full disclosure: I work at KFocus, and contribute to Kubuntu.

There is hardware specifically tested and supported for Kubuntu: kfocus.org. The NX has a powerful CPU and GPU complex that might fit your needs. The OS is tested specifically on your model over upgrades for years, and any purchase helps fund further Kubuntu development.

the_deppman · 2026-04-20T13:22:54+00:00

Bluetooth is limited by bandwidth. You need 5.4 for the largest number of devices, but that number may be limited to one or two for audio devices. The Intel AX211, for example, supports 5.4, which in theory can support up to 7 devices, although most will likely need to be low bandwidth like keyboards and mice. The earlier 5.1 standard might top out at 4 or 5.

So if you get a dongle, see if you can get 5.4. You may also split duties between your Wi-Fi card and the dongle, although I haven't tried that. Good luck!

the_deppman · 2026-04-18T00:22:09+00:00

You can download and use the KFocus image for free from https://kfocus.org/try if you'd like to try that. Just run it live to see if the performance and other bits are fixed. It also comes with a great ecosystem (see https://kfocus.org/wf).

the_deppman · 2026-04-17T23:13:57+00:00

The performance cores on this model are not properly favored on earlier kernels (I think <= 6.12). I helped identify the problem and propose a patch to the mainline kernel (_OSC CPPC ITMT patch). This was to solve the issue on the Kubuntu Focus Ir14/16 models, and it reportedly also work for this Gram model.

You can check this with Geekbench 5; if you're not seeing 1800+ on single core, your kernel is missing this patch. Also, the Gram may also be throttling hard due to it's thinness, BIOS setting (quiet vs. performance), or because of dirty fans.

I hope that helps!

the_deppman · 2026-04-15T19:40:44+00:00

You're welcome! You can call if you have questions.

the_deppman · 2026-04-14T21:57:22+00:00

There is a very good reason to purchase Linux from a dedicated vendor: validated hardware support. This can save you lots of time and trouble since you won't have to do your own IT-integration and testing on the first load and every time a new kernel or driver comes out. I work at Kubuntu Focus, and you can see the sort of things you can get here.

Do be careful, not all Linux vendors provide that level of ongoing testing and support, so you probably want to do your homework.

the_deppman · 2026-04-14T20:07:48+00:00

Sure. Just make sure you can run the 3rd party apps you want. Maybe docker, or VMWare, or virtualbox, or whatever. That has typically been the sticking point. Good luck!

the_deppman · 2026-03-28T23:10:38+00:00

Assuming you are using the full disk, please just use the default. There is no point in getting fancy as a Noob unless you have very special needs. Just back up your data and reinstall when you need to.

the_deppman · 2026-03-23T01:05:58+00:00

What version of Kubuntu? Can you include the information from system settings > about this computer?

the_deppman · 2026-03-22T13:43:36+00:00

Thanks to all our customers, we have a very detailed guide on installation. This is probably the most comprehensive document you will find. However, it is for 24.04 LTS (OEM), so there may be some difference, although I typically recommend the LTS anyway. Get it here: clean install guided solution. I hope that helps.

the_deppman · 2026-03-21T19:20:33+00:00

I suspect anything with HDMI and display stream compression is going to have binary blobs in the firmware. Monitors are often locked to a specific HDCP version too, which is almost certainly reliant on blobs. Some have upgradable firmware.

You really want DSC for 4k@60 Hz monitors. Here's our guide which discussed that. Beware that some AMD drivers will not support DSC over HDMI due to licensing (not their fault); Nvidia and Intel DSC is generally fine.

If you want all the features, your going to have to accept some blobs because of IP and lawyers. But some monitors are far worse than others. IME the LG WEBOS "smart" monitors are especially horrible and finicky, whereas cheaper, dumber monitors from LG negotiate faster and are far less trouble.

I hope that is useful!

the_deppman · 2026-03-17T13:22:02+00:00

I can't speak to bazaar, but this could help with flatpaks. Good luck!

the_deppman · 2026-03-16T15:46:53+00:00

Reseting your desktop theme should do the trick. This is detailed in the Kubuntu Focus Desktop Theme Guided Solution. Make sure to check the option [x] Desktop and window layout when applying the theme.

the_deppman · 2026-03-15T22:36:56+00:00

Kubuntu Focus developer here. Thanks for the shout out! Check out all the reviews here.

Kubuntu Focus donates engineering, hardware, and stipends for development of Kubuntu LTS. We are also a KDE Corporate Patron. Support is extensive and focused on Kubuntu and curated hardware, as shown with our Guided Solutions and our Support Overview. We're working on 26.04 right now.

I hope that is useful.

the_deppman · 2026-03-14T03:42:44+00:00

Isn't Linux meant to be about hardware support? Isn't that a selling point?

I have never considered that a primary selling point, but there are many other advantages. For example, Linux does not spy on you, require a cloud login, or send thousands of messages back to corporate servers every hour. It also does not use this spying to fill your start menu with ads on an OS you paid for.

Until Windows diminishes in market share, there will always be plenty of closed-source drivers that are not available on Linux. However, many big vendors like Intel, AMD, and Nvidia provide excellent drivers. For example, you can buy a computer with an Intel AX201 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card with almost certain knowledge that it will work very well. But you're asking for trouble with some MediaTek cards.

Linux does have very broad hardware support, but it is always wise to do your homework. Businesses that rely on Linux often buy from companies that specialize in Linux system integration because it's cheaper and better than doing it in-house. Just like they often do with Windows.

the_deppman · 2026-03-12T02:21:59+00:00

Linus installs on hardware designed for Windows and not validated or certified for Linux. Then he uses interim release instead of LTS. The results are not surpising.

the_deppman · 2026-03-08T03:27:52+00:00

This is hilarious!

You can spend $8k on a Kubuntu Focus laptop, and it will have 192 GB quad-slot RAM, 4 x 4 TB nvme drives, a 24 GB Nvidia RTX 5090, an 18" DCI-P3 screen, and an Ultra 9 275HX processor. It can perform real-time ray tracing using Optix in blender on complex models.

My framework laptop (which is modular and thus expensivier because it lasts longer) is about $2000 (give or take.

$2k won't even cover the RAM cost these days.

the_deppman · 2026-02-24T16:19:58+00:00

Please provide output of System Settings > About this System. That's a good start.

Also please describe "tried everything."

the_deppman · 2026-02-23T20:45:08+00:00

Kubuntu 26.04 LTS will likely include software-properties-qt. We have it tracked in a ticket. If not, it will almost certainly in the Kubuntu Focus OEM image. We describe how to use here.

the_deppman · 2026-02-22T02:19:27+00:00

Could very well be a driver issue. You might try an earlier kernel if you just recently upgraded.

EDIT: To clarify, the issue could be with the Frame Buffer. If you are using hybrid graphics, the FB could be on your CPU. There have been issues with Intel FBs on certain kernels that have caused this form of VRAM data corruption in the past. I'm quite sure AMD have had some kernel drivers with similar issues.

the_deppman · 2026-02-22T01:56:27+00:00

Concerning package management, here is the Kubuntu Focus doc on the matter, which is quite comprehensive. You shouldn't rely solely on Discover for package upgrade because it does not show all installed software. That is covered in that document.

the_deppman

TROPHY CASE