FOCAL FOSSA LUBUNTU 20.04 REVIEW

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(Edited)

The other day I got notification that 20.04 was ready to install. This was released back in April but I only got the chance to install it less than a week ago. I've been using 18.04 and it works just fine so I barely bother checking new release. However from recent release, it's mentioned due to the extensive changes required for the shift in desktop environments, the Lubuntu team does not support upgrading from 18.04 or below to any greater release. Doing so will result in a broken system. If you are on 18.04 or below and would like to upgrade, please do a fresh install. So, I clicked install and switched my system to 20.04. When the installation finished, I was impressed and disappointed.

Lubuntu is known for its simplicity and its lightweight environment. With this recent update, they seem to have major upgrade on the interface and the system. Though I am impressed with the design, I think 20.04 is more clunky than 18.04. Other than that, this 20.04 gives me the windows vibe as in the operating system is trying to recreate windows environment.

Major note is that if you try to upgrade from 18.04 to 20.04 expect some bugs but strangely, mine was smooth without breaking anything.

Here's how the desktop looks like

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Previously, there is no option for slideshow wallpaper. Now user can enable slide shows wallpaper and it has more advanced desktop preferences than 18.04. I have only been using this system less than a week and I am still not accustomed to more clunky options.

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This is how the application menu looks like. Nothing changes but in 20.04 it has more features installed than 18.04. But overall, it's good. The only thing I miss is "run" option which was an easy way for me to execute commands and applications. Other than that, it looks just fine.

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The File Manager

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For some reason, this file manager gives me windows vibe. As you see, I still even have windows file as this laptop runs on dual boot though I never touch the windows one. This overall file manager is different from 18.04 yet otherwise, looking sleek. I have no complains whatsoever.

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Pros and Cons

In short here are some pros and cons of 20.04 Lubuntu;

Pros :

  • Integrative UI
  • Cool yet still minimalisic design (in a good way)
  • More features

Cons :

  • Heavier installation than 18.04
  • Some applications are heavier so older laptop may suffer a bit than in 18.04
  • No more support fo i386 (32-bit) images

~ Mac

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Mac covers technology, philosophy, nootropics, books, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity and languages. Other than those, she is passionate about cooking and travel. In her free time, she enjoys learning art and exploring new hobbies. In Hive, she enjoys writing essays, reviews and answering life philosophical questions. If you love coffee, don't hesitate to send her a message or interact with her via twitter @macwyls.


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4 comments
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I’m still using 18. I haven’t tried 20 because I just didn’t feel like it. What’s your vram situation like?

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it's a cheap laptop that's why it feels heavy already :D less than 4 GB for sure.

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Is that a type of OS? What social features does it have? I'm only familiar windows and Mac.. 😅

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Lubuntu is a lightweight version of Ubuntu which is a Linux distribution. And GNU/Linux is an operating system which actually is most widely used e.g Android. Check this out;

Android is Based on Linux, But What Does That Means
https://www.howtogeek.com/189036/android-is-based-on-linux-but-what-does-that-mean/

There could be many reasons someone would use linux when presumably Windows and Mac work just fine. My reason is that it's free;no licensing, I get full control over my system, I know what's being installed and what not, it is lightweight for older and low specs laptops; no slow downs, crashes, etc.

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