Exploring COSMIC Desktop: A New Era for Linux Users?

Summary

In this video, the reviewer takes an in-depth look at the latest alpha version of the Cosmic Desktop Environment by System76, showcasing its key features such as tiling mode, stacking mode, and workspace management. The reviewer highlights the flexibility and efficiency of tiling, which allows users to organize windows seamlessly. They also mention the ease of using keyboard shortcuts for navigation and organizing applications. While the alpha version is still a work in progress, the reviewer is impressed by its potential and recommends checking it out once the final release is available.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cosmic desktop is a new desktop environment from System76, currently in alpha stage.
• 😀 Tiling mode is a standout feature, automatically organizing open applications within the workspace.
• 😀 Users can switch between applications using the super key combined with arrow keys, with visual cues for the active window.
• 😀 The 'active window hint' feature highlights the focused application by making it bold, improving usability.
• 😀 Stacking mode allows multiple applications to share the same window border, enhancing window management.
• 😀 Keyboard shortcuts like 'Shift + Super + Arrow Keys' help move applications in and out of the stack.
• 😀 Workspaces in Cosmic can be tiled or left non-tiled, providing users flexibility in their window arrangement.
• 😀 Users can enable tiling for individual workspaces or globally across all workspaces.
• 😀 Cosmic offers a balance between tiling and freeform window management, offering flexibility for different user preferences.
• 😀 The reviewer is impressed with Cosmic's features and performance, recommending it as a promising option once it's out of alpha.
• 😀 Although it's not ready for daily use, the alpha version of Cosmic is performing well on Fedora, showcasing its potential.

Q & A

What is the Cosmic Desktop and what are some of its main features discussed in the video?

The Cosmic Desktop is an upcoming desktop environment developed by System76. In the video, key features include workspace management, tiling mode, stacking mode, the ability to enable or disable tiling on individual workspaces, and various keyboard shortcuts for efficient multitasking.

How does the tiling mode in Cosmic Desktop work?

Tiling mode in Cosmic Desktop automatically arranges open applications in a tiled layout, making it easier to organize and switch between windows. The active window is highlighted with a bold appearance, and users can switch between applications using keyboard shortcuts (Super + Left/Right Arrow).

What is the 'active window hint' feature in Cosmic Desktop?

The 'active window hint' feature visually highlights the active window by making it bold, while inactive windows appear dimmed. This feature helps users quickly identify the currently focused application, especially in tiling mode.

What is the function of stacking mode in tiling mode on Cosmic Desktop?

Stacking mode in tiling mode allows users to group multiple applications into a single stack, sharing the same window border. This provides a more compact workspace. Applications can be moved in and out of the stack using keyboard shortcuts.

How can users manage applications within a stack on Cosmic Desktop?

To manage applications within a stack, users can hold **Shift + Super** and press **Right/Left Arrow** to move applications in and out of the stack. This allows for better organization of windows without requiring the use of a mouse.

What does enabling tiling globally do on Cosmic Desktop?

Enabling tiling globally ensures that every new workspace created will automatically have tiling mode enabled. This feature allows for a consistent tiling experience across all workspaces, rather than having to manually enable tiling for each individual workspace.

What flexibility does Cosmic Desktop provide with respect to tiling and non-tiling workspaces?

Cosmic Desktop offers the flexibility to have both tiled and non-tiled workspaces. Users can choose to enable tiling for specific workspaces or globally, and they can also switch back to non-tiling mode if desired, depending on the task at hand.

Can windows that were opened before tiling mode was enabled be tiled?

No, windows that were opened before tiling mode was enabled may not be tiled automatically. They may remain outside of the tiled layout unless manually adjusted, but new windows opened after tiling is activated will follow the tiled layout.

What are some of the keyboard shortcuts mentioned for workspace and window management in Cosmic Desktop?

Some keyboard shortcuts mentioned include **Super + Left/Right Arrow** for switching between applications, **Shift + Super + Right/Left Arrow** for moving windows in and out of stacks, and shortcuts for enabling and disabling tiling mode in workspaces.

What is the current status of the Cosmic Desktop as of the video recording?

As of the video recording, the Cosmic Desktop is in an alpha stage. The presenter mentions that while it's not recommended for daily use yet, the experience has been positive on Fedora, and they are looking forward to using it once it's stable.