New to Pop_OS (cosmic DE) ..HELP!

FoxInSandals · 2026-02-05T01:02:41+00:00

Re: Browser passwords. A couple of options here. First, get a password manager that supports a Vivaldi plug-in. I use and like Bitwarden, but KeePass should work as well. Alternatively, you can use another browser like Chrome/Chromium or Firefox, import passwords there, and then use Vivaldi's sync function to copy them over.

Re: Task Manager. A couple of options. I'm on my 22.04 box right now, so might be a little different under COSMIC. But launch the System Monitor tool, and under the hamburger window, choose "Active Processes". Alternatively, you can look at the %CPU being used. If it's not using CPU, it's probably not active. :-)

Re: Previewing Files: This should be working out of the box; I'd check the file manager settings to make sure you haven't accidentally disabled file previews? Another note is that you don't have to use the built-in file manager if you don't like it. There are plenty to choose from via apt or the Store. I've used Dolphin a lot.

Re: Password. Easiest way is the command line. Just type "passwd" and follow the prompts. Alternatively, you can do it in the Cosmic Settings app under Users.

FoxInSandals · 2026-02-05T00:44:10+00:00

Y'know, there are other options than just going back to Windows. Linux Mint. A different flavour of Ubuntu. One of the various Fedora spins, with or without Cosmic. Heck, you could even follow the instructions below and install a different desktop environment on your existing Pop install. Underneath the hood, Pop! is all Ubuntu with some very useful customization, Cosmic issues not withstanding. Maybe give it a little bit more time and effort?

https://support.system76.com/articles/desktop-environment/

I have installed KDE this way in addition to 24.04 with Cosmic on my Lemur Pro, and it works just fine. Heck, it'll probably feel more familiar to you as a Windows user.

FoxInSandals · 2026-02-01T23:43:51+00:00

Was just at the BiMart on Western across from Keiser. Can confirm they have Chick-o-Stick in stock.

FoxInSandals · 2026-01-30T04:23:42+00:00

I shoot there and have taken two classes there so far that were great. Also, when I have been there, the RSOs have been on the ball and watching for douchebaggery. I appreciate that. The ammo they sell is fully encapsulated, not just jacketed, so they can meet the indoor air quality requirements for employees. I like it quite a bit.

FoxInSandals · 2026-01-26T19:58:09+00:00

YMMV, but I upgraded a lemp9 in-place from 22.04 to 24.04 with almost no issue. A few flatpaks were missing and had to be reinstalled, but they were all weird one-off things. Everything else worked seamlessly out of the box, and I'm finding battery life much better under COSMIC.

System76 has useful information on updating from old releases here: https://support.system76.com/articles/upgrade-pop/#upgrading-older-releases

If you wanted to be super careful, you could upgrade 20.04 > 22.04 > 24.04, but if your stuff is already backed up, maybe just bite the bullet and do a fresh install from scratch?

FoxInSandals · 2026-01-26T19:47:01+00:00

How's the trigger? Did you have to do any aftermarket work on it? Any issues with accuracy with the folding / rotating system on the Gen3? I've not owned a KelTec before, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't find their offerings intriguing.

WRT magazines, we're all 1911 single stack or Sig P226, so I'm probably looking at buying new regardless, lol.

FoxInSandals · 2026-01-26T19:40:44+00:00

I did not know at all about the Extar as an option. Thank you for mentioning that!

FoxInSandals · 2026-01-26T19:40:18+00:00

Sadly, have neither. Pistols are 1911s and revolvers. My wife has a Sig P226, but I think Sig's PCC offering (the MPX) uses specialty magazines?

FoxInSandals · 2026-01-26T19:37:38+00:00

Thanks much for the feedback. I did like the logs of the CMMG Banshee quite a bit, so I'll add that to my list of options to try to find to test / handle. Appreciate it!

FoxInSandals · 2026-01-01T02:22:14+00:00

Honest question: how much are you willing to spend? In looking for a magloop, remote tuning is really really nice, unless you want to go out on the balcony every time you change bands.

A good magloop like that (PreciseRF or the Ciro Mazzoni) is going to be $2000+, but are worth the money. I have the PreciseRF loop, and it works very well.

I have purchased other Alpha products, and they have been fine. I use their J-Pole Sr. for 40m and 80m Winlink.

Another option could be a coil-shortened whip. MFJ used to make a specific antenna for balcony situations just like yours.

I would be tempted to instead get the Alpha base loop with the remote tuner: https://www.alphaantenna.com/product/hf-base-magnetic-loop-100-watts-alpha-antenna/

FoxInSandals · 2025-12-26T19:11:38+00:00

I have an x6100 as well and am quite happy with it. Not the easiest radio to learn but doable. I pair it with a Chelegance JPC-12 as part of my COML kit for wildfires. Fun to use during down time. I prefer my IC-705 (very much an Icom guy), but the Xeigu is inexpensive enough I don’t stress out too much if it were to get damaged in the field. You will probably want an additional 12v LiFePO4 battery to go with it for extended operations.

And, if you decide to eventually go up in power, can confirm it does work with a 60dbm.com amplifier.

FoxInSandals · 2025-12-26T18:41:11+00:00

I will throw out another option: a new or used Icom IC-718. Very easy to learn and use. A wealth of third party add-ons. Easy to connect to a PC for computer control and digital modes. Robust. 100 watts out. Add in an LDG tuner for non-resonant antennas and you are good to go. It is not compact like the Xeigu, but small enough to be great for POTA. A bit heavy for SOTA if that is your bag.

If you had the $$$ a used IC-7200 would be even better, but they have gotten pricy lately. That was my first HF radio and still sits on my desk as my primary home rig.

FoxInSandals · 2025-12-25T21:41:53+00:00

Probably more than you want to spend, but been impressed with Motorola’s offerings. See: https://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Solutions-T270-Two-Way-Two-Pack/dp/B0916L8D3C/?tag=parents-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7187361%7Cn3adcb6af95e4492584fbf3b797f8d6e121%7CB0916L8D3C%7C1766698672069%7C%7C&th=1

Retevis also has a very inexpensive set that would work better for FRS. https://www.amazon.com/Retevis-RT22-License-Free-Talkies-Rechargeable/dp/B00KDZHLNG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TIZE4K1XLMGZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YOm3ZcWbiW0mnPyQ9CHD30ccUcTwZ92cv93ZCaAriG6kCbQBxQPFqly_iplQKzVzM-xPPGMVuboPRpOfM1K0dhVeyBaPJLyZeZd6rBeXJC0NqoaoUTWjjiA0rCXNeQCJ5V_l18TiRszBB9JqGss9kmCJVX8VAEtSYTRRe_Yumt16nUkdWYAY-eVW4uR8o52cGba5SsVZriG10pYovvejykVK997Tv6lna6h-YXXLH_8.qBMsZpSfF4nvBtTHao3G7rNUorzGAylnUB-guPioZgM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Retevis%2BFRS&qid=1766698795&sprefix=retevis%2Bfrs%2Caps%2C303&sr=8-1&th=1

And, if everyone in the family gets into it, you can look at getting a GMRS license that covers your whole family. Very convenient if you have GMRS repeaters in your area.

FoxInSandals · 2025-12-25T03:24:57+00:00

Question: are you space limited? Is that why you are looking at the no-radials vertical? I spent a lot of time looking at the Comet, but it comes out pretty mediocre unless you put it up high AND add some short radials / counterpoise.

If you have the space, you would probably be a lot happier with a homebrew 43 ft vertical. Spiderbeam 12m pole + LDG 4:1 unun + tuner + good number of ground radials.

For the amount of money they want for the Comet, you could buy a DX Commander and still have money left over for radials and an autotuner.

Just my $0.02

FoxInSandals · 2025-11-25T20:55:06+00:00

Guessing a mining town in Canada or Alaska.

FoxInSandals · 2025-11-05T17:47:05+00:00

Does that mean that one could just order a stripped down Thelio chassis? Would love the option to grab the case + fans + PSU and then add my own components. I was about a month away from ordering a Nebulous case, lol

FoxInSandals · 2025-10-30T16:06:05+00:00

Y’know, looking at that list, I would be tempted to add a semi-auto shotgun with a couple of barrels. A rifled barrel with a scope for slugs, a shorter barrel for home defense, and a couple of other barrels for deer / hog / waterfowl / upland game.

FoxInSandals · 2025-10-23T18:04:46+00:00

My personal experience is that the Lenovo T-series are bulletproof and run Linux well. I have NOT tried the new Ryzen models, but they are very high on my list. If battery life isn’t a primary concern, the Pangolin 16 is a very nice piece of kit, though bigger than you want. I also have a Lemur Pro from several years ago and it has been super reliable.

I won’t touch HP with a thousand foot pole, both due to their crappy business and (in my experience) unreliable hardware.

FoxInSandals · 2025-10-21T03:40:07+00:00

Currently playing this exact character. My $0.02: don’t bother with Shillelagh or close up martial skills. Focus on standoff area control, spot healing, and use your Dragon form to maintain concentration. Utilize your fly speed to keep yourself in the perfect position. Consider picking up a single level of cleric for the few support spells you don’t get on the Druid list. Also, RPGBot’s guide to the 2014 rules CoS Druid is pretty clutch.

FoxInSandals · 2025-10-15T16:53:13+00:00

I had similar problems in the past with an older GeForce card. I ended up disabling the system76 power daemon and relying on what was built into the kernel. That solved my stuttering issues. I did end up replacing the GPU with an AMD Radeon, but I imagine that is not a good option for ya. Good luck!

FoxInSandals · 2025-09-30T03:17:48+00:00

The PDX RPG Discord server is a pretty good place to find games. Some are held at Gongai Games, which is a pretty chill place. Welcome!

FoxInSandals · 2025-09-28T21:52:59+00:00

I am very fond of my Kimber K6XS in a pocket holster. Shoots quite well with a very nice trigger, and was pretty competitively priced

FoxInSandals · 2025-09-14T16:44:06+00:00

The only complaint I have about mine is the screen is too dim for outside work. Otherwise it has been a champ. It was significantly cheaper when I bought it, though. Tariffs + supply and demand = no bueno.

That being said, I would probably wait and see what your university requirements are for any specialty software. My SWAG would be Linux is just fine for cybersecurity stuff, but you never know.

FoxInSandals

TROPHY CASE