Frequently Asked Questions

Soplos Linux is a modern, user-friendly Linux distribution based on Debian Testing. It comes in three desktop variants: Tyron (XFCE) for lightweight performance, Tyson (Plasma) for a modern, feature-rich experience, and Boro (GNOME) for a polished, workflow-centric environment. Soplos includes exclusive applications and tools to make your Linux experience simple and enjoyable.

Yes! Soplos Linux is completely free and open-source. You can download, use, modify, and distribute it without any cost. However, donations are appreciated to support development and server costs.

Choose Tyron (XFCE) if:

• You have older or limited hardware
• You prefer a lightweight, fast system
• You want longer battery life on laptops
• You like simplicity and efficiency

Choose Tyson (Plasma) if:

• You have modern hardware
• You want beautiful animations and effects
• You enjoy extensive customization options
• You prefer a modern, polished interface

Choose Boro (GNOME) if:

• You prefer a distraction-free, workflow-oriented interface
• You want a modern and consistent design
• You use touch gestures or trackpads extensively
• You want a polished out-of-the-box experience

While technically possible to install multiple desktop environments, we recommend doing a fresh installation for the best experience. Each variant is optimized for its specific desktop environment and includes tailored applications and configurations.

Yes! Soplos Linux supports dual boot installation. During installation, choose "Install Soplos Linux alongside [existing OS]" option. Make sure to:

• Backup your important data first
• Disable Fast Startup in Windows
• Ensure you have enough free disk space (at least 30GB)
• Disable Secure Boot if you encounter issues

Try these solutions:

1. Check if the USB is properly created (recreate if necessary)
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI settings and set USB as first boot device
3. Disable Secure Boot temporarily
4. Try different USB ports (preferably USB 2.0)
5. Use a different USB drive if available
6. Check if your computer supports UEFI or Legacy boot

Minimum requirements:

• Tyron (XFCE): 20GB
• Tyson (Plasma): 35GB
• Boro (GNOME): 35GB

Recommended:

• Tyron (XFCE): 30GB or more
• Tyson (Plasma): 50GB or more
• Boro (GNOME): 50GB or more

More space allows for additional software, updates, and personal files.

Soplos Linux has excellent hardware support thanks to its comprehensive driver collection accessible through Soplos Welcome. The Drivers tab includes support for:

• Graphics:
  • NVIDIA Legacy and Latest drivers
  • AMD graphics drivers
  • Intel graphics drivers
• WiFi Adapters:
  • MediaTek, Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, Atheros
• Bluetooth: Comprehensive Bluetooth stack support
• Printers: Extensive printer driver database
• Virtual Machines: VMware Tools, VirtualBox Guest Additions, QEMU Guest Agent

Most hardware works out of the box, and additional drivers can be easily installed through Soplos Welcome's intuitive interface. You can test compatibility using the live USB before installation.

Installing NVIDIA drivers in Soplos Linux is simple using Soplos Welcome:

1. Open Soplos Welcome from the applications menu
2. Go to the Drivers tab
3. In the Graphics section, you'll find:
   • NVIDIA Legacy: For older graphics cards
   • NVIDIA Latest: For modern graphics cards
4. Click the install button next to your appropriate driver
5. Reboot your system when installation is complete

Alternative method: You can also install via terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nvidia-driver
sudo reboot

Yes! Soplos Linux offers comprehensive BTRFS support in all variants (Tyron, Tyson, and Boro):

• BTRFS File System: Modern, copy-on-write file system with advanced features
• Timeshift Integration: Pre-configured system snapshot management
• Automatic Snapshots: System snapshots before major updates and installations
• Easy Recovery: Restore your system to a previous state if something goes wrong
• Subvolume Management: Efficient storage with BTRFS subvolumes

Benefits of BTRFS + Timeshift in Soplos:

• Rollback system changes safely
• Protection against failed updates
• Space-efficient snapshots
• Automatic cleanup of old snapshots
• GRUB integration for boot-time recovery

You can choose BTRFS during installation or manage snapshots through Timeshift's user-friendly interface.

Soplos Linux includes comprehensive Wi-Fi driver support. Try these solutions:

1. Use Soplos Welcome (Recommended):
   • Open Soplos Welcome → Drivers tab
   • Check the WiFi section for your specific adapter:
     • MediaTek WiFi drivers
     • Intel WiFi drivers
     • Realtek WiFi drivers
     • Broadcom WiFi drivers
     • Atheros WiFi drivers
   • Click install on the appropriate driver for your hardware
2. Basic troubleshooting:
   • Check if Wi-Fi is enabled in network settings
   • Restart network manager: sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager
   • Install firmware packages: sudo apt install firmware-linux firmware-linux-nonfree

Most Wi-Fi adapters work out of the box thanks to Soplos' comprehensive driver collection.

Soplos Linux comes with GUFW (Graphical Uncomplicated Firewall) pre-installed for easy firewall management:

• Access GUFW: Available through the applications menu or system settings
• User-friendly interface: No need to use complex command-line UFW commands
• Simple rules creation: Easily allow/deny applications and ports
• Profile management: Different firewall profiles for various scenarios
• Real-time monitoring: View active connections and firewall status

The firewall is automatically configured with sensible defaults, but GUFW allows you to customize rules according to your needs without technical complexity.

Soplos Linux offers multiple ways to install software, all accessible through Soplos Welcome:

• Soplos Welcome → Software tab:
  • Software Centers (Discover, Synaptic, GNOME Software)
  • Package Managers (APT, Flatpak, Snap)
  • Easy one-click installation interface
• Soplos Welcome → Recommended tab:
  • Curated essential applications
  • Categorized by purpose (productivity, multimedia, development, etc.)
  • One-click installation with automatic dependencies
• Command line: sudo apt install package-name
• .deb packages: Download and double-click to install

Note: Some applications require Flatpak to be installed first, which Soplos Welcome handles automatically.

Yes, there are several options:

• Wine: Run Windows applications directly
• PlayOnLinux: Simplified Wine interface
• Lutris: Gaming-focused compatibility layer
• VirtualBox: Run full Windows in a virtual machine
• Steam Proton: For Windows games on Steam

Many popular applications also have native Linux alternatives.

Soplos Linux includes several exclusive applications accessible through Soplos Welcome:

• Soplos Welcome: Central hub for system configuration, software installation, and driver management with 6 comprehensive tabs
• Soplos GRUB Editor: Easy bootloader customization and theme management
• Soplos Plymouth Manager: Boot splash screen customization and management
• Soplos Theme Manager: System-wide theme switching and customization
• Soplos Repo Selector: Repository management and mirror selection
• Soplos Docklike: macOS-style dock panel (available in Tyron XFCE)

Additionally, Soplos Welcome provides access to advanced kernel management (Liquorix, XanMod) and comprehensive hardware driver installation.

Yes! Soplos Welcome includes a dedicated Kernels tab with advanced kernel options:

• Liquorix Kernel: Low-latency kernel optimized for desktop performance and gaming
• XanMod Kernel: Performance-focused kernel with various optimization profiles
• Kernel Management Tools: Easy installation, removal, and maintenance of kernel versions

The Kernels tab provides one-click installation and automatic configuration, making it safe and easy to experiment with different kernel options for optimal performance.

For Tyron (XFCE):

• Right-click desktop → Settings → Appearance
• Use Soplos Theme Manager for easy theme switching
• Customize panels through panel preferences
• Use Soplos Docklike for a dock-style taskbar

For Tyson (Plasma):

• Right-click desktop → Configure Desktop
• System Settings → Appearance
• Download additional themes from KDE Store
• Customize widgets and panels

For Boro (GNOME):

• Settings → Appearance
• Use GNOME Tweaks (pre-installed) for advanced options
• Use Extension Manager (pre-installed) to manage GNOME Shell extensions
• Visit extensions.gnome.org for more functionality

Both desktop environments:

• Right-click on an empty area of the desktop
• Select "Desktop Settings" or "Configure Desktop"
• Choose from included wallpapers or browse for your own
• Set up slideshow mode for rotating wallpapers

Try these optimization tips:

1. Check system resources with htop or System Monitor
2. Disable startup applications you don't need
3. Clear package cache: sudo apt autoclean
4. Remove unused packages: sudo apt autoremove
5. Check for malware or resource-heavy processes
6. Consider switching from Tyson/Boro to Tyron for better performance
7. Try performance kernels through Soplos Welcome → Kernels tab (Liquorix or XanMod)
8. Add more RAM or switch to an SSD if possible

You can reset your password using recovery mode:

1. Restart your computer
2. Hold Shift during boot to access GRUB menu
3. Select "Advanced options for Soplos Linux"
4. Choose recovery mode
5. Select "root - Drop to root shell prompt"
6. Type: passwd your-username
7. Enter new password twice
8. Reboot with: reboot

Common boot fixes:

• GRUB not showing: Boot from live USB and repair GRUB
• Black screen: Try safe graphics mode or nomodeset parameter
• Kernel panic: Boot with previous kernel version from GRUB
• File system errors: Boot from live USB and run fsck

If problems persist, use our installation troubleshooting guide.

There are several ways to get help:

• Community Forums: soplos.org/forums
• GitHub Issues: Report bugs and request features
• Social Media: Follow us on X (Twitter)
• Wiki Documentation: Browse our comprehensive wiki
• Installation Guide: Step-by-step installation instructions

We welcome contributions in many forms:

• Testing: Try new versions and report bugs
• Documentation: Help improve our wiki and guides
• Translation: Translate Soplos to your language
• Development: Contribute code on GitHub
• Community Support: Help other users in forums
• Donations: Support development costs
• Spreading the word: Share Soplos with others