Pop!OS used to be one of the best Linux distro recommendations — but that was years ago. In 2026, with Cosmic Desktop still in beta and shipped as the default in Pop!OS 24 LTS, new users are walking into a minefield of memory leaks, GPU bugs, audio issues, and an unresponsive GitHub with 1,700+ open issues.
In this video, I break down exactly why Pop!OS should NOT be on your list if you’re new to Linux — and what you should install instead.
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Why were talking about PopOS in 2026
01:06 – Cosmic Desktop is still in beta
02:57 – What LTS is supposed to mean
04:01 – Cosmic is the heaviest desktop in Linux
05:32 – GitHub bug deep-dive: memory leaks and more
07:28 – Is System76 ignoring feedback
09:11 – Better alternatives
11:10 – Final message to System76
🔗 Referenced in this video:
• Pop!OS / Cosmic GitHub Issues: https://github.com/pop-os/cosmic-epoch/issues
• https://christitus.com/stop-using-pop-os-cosmic/
📦 Recommended Distros for New Users:
• Linux Mint — Best for stability and beginners
• Fedora — Solid, well-maintained, Red Hat-backed
• Bazzite — Best for gamers, works out of the box
• CachyOS — Best for power users
#LinuxMint #PopOS #Linux #CosmicDesktop #LinuxDistro #System76 #Bazzite #CachyOS #Fedora #LinuxForBeginners
►► Digital Downloads ➜ https://www.cttstore.com
►► Patreon ➜ https://www.patreon.com/christitustech
►► Twitch ➜ https://www.twitch.tv/christitustech
►► Website and Guides ➜ https://christitus.com
