Chances are, unless you’re already a Linux user, you’ve probably never heard of PureOS.
Even those of us familiar with Linux may not know what sets this version apart from the others.
So, what exactly is PureOS?
What Is PureOS?
Purism didn’t develop most of the code that goes into PureOS.
PureOS is based on a much larger Linux distro known as Debian.
Debian pitches itself as the universal operating system, and many distros choose Debian as a foundation.
PureOS is a system that Purism can support as needed when issues arrive.
Such is the case with the Pop!_OS distro that ships on System76’s PCs.
On the surface, it isn’t all that different from vanilla Debian.
A couple of light games come included.
So does a webcam and calendar software.
The GNOME desktop has undergone substantial changes, but as aDebian-based distro, PureOS ships an older version.
The fundamentals remain the same.
You open anActivities Overviewthat shows all open windows and your virtual desktops.
There’s a dock that shows your open apps alongside those saved as favorites.
This is all pretty standard fare for GNOME-based desktops.
PureOS on Mobile
PureOS isn’t just a desktop operating system.
If you purchase a Librem 5, you’re free to run PureOS on your phone as well.
There the experience centers around an interface known as Phosh (short for “phone shell”).
There technically isn’t a separate version of PureOS for mobile devices.
It’s all the same operating system, with access to the same software.
In contrast, PureOS is a relatively straightforward way to install Debian onto a computer.
You set up the GNOME version or, if you want, the KDE Plasma-based alternative.
That’s only there if you know what Plasma is and go out of your way to pick it.
PureOS comes in different version numbers based on different versions of Debian.
PureOS 9 “Amber” was based on Debian 10 “Buster.”
PureOS 10 “Byzantium” is based on Debian 11 “Bullseye.”
What Hardware Does PureOS Support?
But you could also install PureOS on machines you already have.
But none of these restrictions come from Purism.
you’re free to even go to thePurism forumsfor community support.
Is PureOS for You?
If you don’t own Purism hardware, then the answer is probably not.
There isn’t much compelling reason to install PureOS over Debian or other Linux distros.
But if you purchase a Librem PC, should you stick with PureOS or swap it for something else?
That largely comes down to whether you’re comfortable using older software.
Many people prefer for their experience not to change, so this isn’t a problem.
