You can kick the alpha tires on System76's Cosmic, a new Linux desktop

System76 has launched an alpha version of its Cosmic desktop environment, designed for Linux and Unix-like systems. This new desktop aims to replace GNOME and is built with a focus on user experience, utilizing the Rust programming language for improved stability and memory safety. While initially integrated into System76's Pop!_OS, Cosmic is also available for other distributions like Fedora and Arch Linux. The desktop emphasizes features such as tiling, customizable panels, and keyboard shortcuts, making it user-friendly for those familiar with similar environments. However, as an alpha release, it is still in development, with some features missing or non-functional. Users have reported a generally cohesive experience, although there are issues with certain applications, such as Slack. The Cosmic team plans to enhance settings pages, the Files app, and address various bugs in future updates. The ultimate goal is to gain wider acceptance within the open-source community.

- System76's Cosmic desktop is an alpha release aimed at replacing GNOME.

- Built in Rust, it focuses on user experience and stability.

- Available for multiple Linux distributions, not just Pop!_OS.

- Emphasizes tiling, customization, and keyboard shortcuts.

- Future updates will address bugs and enhance functionality.