Overview

Soplos Boro is the GNOME edition of Soplos Linux, featuring the GNOME 49.2 desktop environment. Like Tyron and Tyson, it is based on Debian Testing, offering a perfect balance between stability and updated software.

Visually Stunning

Includes an exclusive Soplos Linux customization package and a carefully defined selection of GNOME shells to make it visually attractive out of the box.

Highly Customizable

GNOME's modern design allows extensive customization without sacrificing stability or performance.

User Friendly

Familiar interface design that's easy to use for both Linux newcomers and experienced users.

Battery Efficient

Excellent for laptops with longer battery life thanks to optimized power management.

Perfect for: Older computers, laptops, users who prefer snappy performance, minimalist setups, and anyone who values efficiency over visual effects.

Interface Tour

Desktop Experience

Boro offers a polished GNOME 49.2 experience enhanced by Soplos Linux:

GNOME 49.2

The latest version of the GNOME desktop, providing a modern, distraction-free workspace.

Activities Overview

Press the Super key to view open windows, workspaces, and the application grid all in one place. Search for apps, files, and settings instantly.

Files (Nautilus)

The default file manager designed to be simple and elegant, with support for tabs, quick search, and seamless integration with cloud services.

Exclusive Customization

Comes with a specific selection of GNOME shells and themes designed to provide a unique and attractive look and feel, exclusive to Soplos Linux.

Customizable Interface: Boro uses Dash to Panel and ArcMenu for a familiar and efficient workflow. You can easily customize them using GNOME Extensions and Tweaks.

Screenshots

Example Boro screenshots from the ISO:

Boro Desktop Boro Greeter

Customization

Appearance Settings

Access appearance settings through Settings → Appearance:

Themes

  • Pre-installed Soplos themes optimized for GNOME
  • Use GNOME Tweaks for easy switching
  • Download additional themes from gnome-look.org
  • Dark and light variants available

Icons

  • Multiple icon sets included
  • Consistent Soplos icon theme
  • Support for custom icon themes
  • Scalable SVG icons for crisp display

Fonts

  • Optimized font rendering
  • System-wide font configuration
  • Subpixel hinting support
  • Easy font size adjustment

Wallpapers

  • Curated Soplos wallpaper collection
  • Custom wallpaper support
  • Multiple monitor configurations

Desktop Customization

Boro (GNOME) offers unique customization options:

  • Dash to Panel: Combine the dash and top bar into a single panel (like Windows 10/11). Right-click the panel to configure.
  • ArcMenu: A powerful and customizable application menu. Right-click the menu icon to choose layouts (Start menu, KRunner style, etc.).
  • GNOME Extensions: Use the "Extensions" app to manage pre-installed extensions like Dash to Panel, ArcMenu, and more.

Default Applications

Boro comes with a carefully selected set of GNOME applications optimized for performance and usability. The exact application selection is designed to provide essential functionality while maintaining system responsiveness.

Need more applications? Use Soplos Welcome → Software tab to access additional software centers, or browse Soplos Welcome → Recommended tab for curated application suggestions. You can install any additional software you need through these convenient interfaces.
Application Management: All software installation and management is handled through Soplos Welcome, which provides access to multiple package managers including APT, Flatpak, and Snap, as well as graphical software centers.

Soplos Exclusive Applications

Boro includes several exclusive Soplos applications accessible through  Soplos Welcome :

Soplos GRUB Editor Soplos GRUB Editor

Easily customize your boot menu appearance and settings. Manage entries, fonts, and themes visually.

Soplos Plymouth Manager Soplos Plymouth Manager

Change and preview boot splash themes with a simple click. Customize the startup animation.

Soplos Repo Selector Soplos Repo Selector

Select the fastest mirrors for updates and software installation to ensure maximum download speeds.

Soplos Welcome Soplos Welcome

Your first stop after installation. Install drivers, software, and customize your desktop easily.

Soplos Welcome Live Soplos Welcome Live

Integrated assistant for the Live session. Helps you prepare disks, partition, and launch the installation with useful tools.

Exclusive to Boro: Soplos Linux Boro combines the power of GNOME 49 with the exclusive Soplos customization suite for a unique user experience.

Performance Tips

Maximize Boro's performance with these optimization techniques:

Memory Optimization

  • Disable animations in GNOME Tweaks
  • Reduce startup applications
  • Use lightweight alternatives when available
  • Close unused applications regularly

Visual Effects

  • Disable window animations for speed
  • Use static workspaces if possible
  • Disable unused extensions
  • Choose lightweight themes

Storage Management

  • Clean package cache regularly
  • Remove unused packages
  • Use disk cleanup tools
  • Monitor disk usage

System Tuning

  • Try performance kernels (Liquorix, XanMod)
  • Adjust swappiness for SSD systems
  • Configure power management
  • Update system regularly

Quick Performance Commands

# Clean package cache
sudo apt autoclean

# Remove unused packages
sudo apt autoremove

# Check system resources
htop

# Check disk usage
df -h

# Monitor memory usage
free -h
Advanced: Access performance kernels through Soplos Welcome → Kernels tab. Liquorix and XanMod kernels can provide significant performance improvements for desktop use.

Common Issues

Panel disappeared or corrupted

Restart GNOME Shell (Wayland):

# Log out and back in is recommended for Wayland
# Or restart the session
gnome-session-quit

Desktop icons not showing

GNOME requires an extension for desktop icons:

  1. Open Extensions app (preinstalled)
  2. Look for "Desktop Icons" or install "Desktop Icons NG" from extensions.gnome.org
  3. Enable the extension
  4. Configure icon visibility in extension settings

Slow performance issues

Try these performance fixes:

  1. Disable animations: GNOME Tweaks → Appearance
  2. Reduce startup applications: GNOME Tweaks → Startup Applications
  3. Check system resources with Task Manager
  4. Clean system: sudo apt autoremove && sudo apt autoclean
  5. Consider switching to a lightweight theme

Applications not appearing in menu

Refresh the applications menu:

  1. Right-click on Applications menu
  2. Select "Edit Applications"
  3. Or restart the session: Log out and back in
  4. For manual refresh: update-desktop-database
Need more help? Check the troubleshooting section in the wiki or ask on the community forums for help with specific hardware.