Cosmic Desktop Alpha 2: BIG PROGRESS for a month of work!

Introduction

This tutorial covers the key features and improvements in the COSMIC Desktop Alpha 2 release. If you're using or interested in the COSMIC desktop environment on Pop!_OS, this guide will help you navigate its new functionalities, from the enhanced file manager to updated settings options.

Step 1: Explore Visuals and Settings

• Power and Battery Options:

  • Choose from three modes:
    • Extended battery life
    • High performance
    • Balanced mode
  • Check battery levels for connected devices like your mouse, keyboard, and headset.

• Sound Settings:

  • Select input and output devices.
  • Use volume sliders for each device.
  • Choose from various sound profiles.
  • Bluetooth devices are now supported via bluez5.

• Network and Wireless:

  • Manage wired connections and Wi-Fi options.
  • Control your VPN connection from the Network & Wireless settings.

• Display Settings:

  • Utilize new X11 Window Application Scaling options for sharper graphics.
  • Play games at native display resolution.

Step 2: Utilize New Window Management Features

• Focus and Cursor Management:

  • Enable "Focus follows cursor" and "Cursor follows focus" in Window Management settings.
  • You can now disable the Super key from the dropdown in Window Management settings.

• Interface Density Settings:

  • Adjust the interface density with three settings:
    • Comfortable
    • Compact
    • Spacious
  • Note that using Compact or Spacious may result in unexpected spacing issues.

Step 3: Master the COSMIC Files Manager

• File Management Features:

  • New header options include a search bar, new folder button, and view options (Grid/List).
  • Sorting options are available: by Name, Type, Last Modified, Date Created, and Size (default set to Last Modified).
  • Access recent files via the "Recents" sidebar.

• File Preview and Gallery:

  • Preview files in a context menu before opening.
  • Use the new Gallery feature to cycle through images in a folder.

• File Compression and Extraction:

  • Right-click menu supports compressing and extracting files, compatible with formats like .tar, .zip, and more.
  • Password-protected zip file support is coming soon.

• Network Drives:

  • Browse and connect to network drives directly from the file manager.

• Shortcuts and Menus:

  • Use Ctrl+D to add items to the sidebar.
  • Access the complete "File" menu for additional options (open new tab, rename, etc.).
  • Open Files app settings with Ctrl+,.

Step 4: Keep Updated with Release Schedule

• The second COSMIC alpha was released on September 26th.
• If you participated in Alpha 1, simply update through the COSMIC App Store to transition to Alpha 2.
• Expect monthly alpha releases until all core features are integrated.

Conclusion

COSMIC Desktop Alpha 2 brings several enhancements that improve usability and functionality. From fine-tuning your sound and display settings to managing files with new features, these updates make for a more efficient desktop experience. Keep an eye out for future releases to continue enhancing your COSMIC environment.