When the upstream proposes an update to the Kernel, Desktop, or Video Drivers, the Focus Team runs extensive tests to make sure the changes work on your system. If we find an issue, we work with KDE, Kubuntu, Ubuntu, and other teams to help fix it before a release. Actions taken include submitting and tracking bugs, providing acceptance reports, creating feature proposals, developing code changes, and proposing kernel patches.

The Focus team performs this testing in good faith to assist developers and users create better software; however, this service is provided with no warranty, and does not change the terms of use for any software component. These terms are defined by the individual licenses, as described in the Terms and Conditions page.

Kernels + Devices

The Kubuntu Focus Team runs extensive automatic and manual regression tests when the upstream proposes a kernel update. We test all models sold in the past 3 years.

• Power Saver Subsystem
• Hardware Config Subsystem
• Full System Stress Test
• CPU with Benchmarks
• ML Support Subsystem
• GPU AI Machine Learning Suite Perf Tests
• GPU Graphics Drivers with Steam
• GPU Switching
• Bluetooth Audio
• Analog and HDMI Audio
• Suspend and Resume with Peripheral Resume
• Hot-plugging
• Trackpad
• Attached Display with Brightness
• Onboard Webcam and Mic
• Onboard Keyboard LEDs
• Wi-Fi and Wired Network
• USB External SD Card Reader
• USB External Webcam
• USB External Microphone
• USB, Wireless Keyboards, Mice
• 3 or 4 Simultaneous Displays

Desktop + Apps

The Kubuntu Focus Team runs extensive automatic and manual regression tests when the upstream proposes an update to KDE Plasma or Frameworks. This includes launching and basic function of all Curated Apps.

• Power Saver Subsystem
• ML Support Subsystem
• GPU AI Machine Learning Suite Perf Tests
• GPU Graphics Drivers with Steam
• GPU Switching
• Welcome Wizard
• Wallpapers
• All Core Desktop Themes
• Kubuntu Focus Tools
• Desktop Help Links
• Quick Help Widget Content
• Activities and Virtual Desktops
• Input Gestures
• Icon Placement
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• System Tray Operations
• Laptop Hot Keys
• Launch of All Curated Apps
• Extra Tests for KeePassXC, BackInTime
• Extra Tests for Jetbrains, Insync, Drobox, Steam
• Extra Tests for Zoom, Slack, Skype, IntelliJ

GPU + ML Drivers

The Focus Team runs runs extensive automatic and manual regression tests when the upstream proposes an update to GPU drivers. The team also coordinates the integration of ML and AI libraries to the official Ubuntu GPU drivers.

• Updates to ML Support Subsystem
• GPU AI Machine Learning Installation and Benchmark
• Steam and Simulation Apps, Vulkan and OpenGL
• GPU Graphics Benchmarks
• Check Accommodations for eGPUs

● [01] One-touch hourly user snapshots with BackInTime

● Create six Kubuntu Focus themes: light, dark, mixed

● Unify splash, lock, and desktop wallpapers

● Select, install, test apps for all Guided Solutions

● Add Apt-rollback and ppa-purge to revert system changes

● Remove compositor and indexing stall conditions

● Simplify and expand keyboard shortcuts

● Package JetBrains Toolbox and Integrations

● Provide custom terminal theme

● Expand clipboard history capacity

● Create RH Panels option to maximize vertical space

● Expanded Bash config (.bashrc)

● Extensive Pro vim config (.vimrc)

● Trackpad multi-finger gestures and coasting enabled

● Theme and configure QT and GTK apps consistently, including stubborn apps

• Audacity (custom theme)
• Google Chrome
• GTK Apps
• Inkscape
• LibreOffice

● [02] One-click install and launch apps from support docs

● Quick-Tip 11-panel widget at top right of desktop

● Extensive welcome guide

● Guided Solution search

● Anaconda GPU Machine Learning Suite

● C Compiler installer and version switcher

● Extra software installer

● Kernel and tools cleaner

● Keyboard color selector

● Power profile settings

● Fan controls

● Video controls to remove video tearing on demand

● GPU switcher in system tray

● Comprehensive first-run wizard

• Connect to internet
• Change encryption passphrase
• Change avatar
• Connect to cloud with dropbox, gdrive, others
• Run password manager
• Install IDE
• Review curated apps

● FocusRx system analysis and recovery tool (detailed below)

[05] Packages are sourced from the latest stable official repositories and maintained with daily software updates. See Curated Apps for the most current list.

● FocusRx Check system issues on sign-in and notify users if any issues:

• Adjust for hardware changes
• Report BIOS updates
• Check and repair CUDA, cuDNN and TensorRT
• Check and fix X11 configuration
• Prompt to remove unused kernels
• Repair and clean system packages

● Full disk encryption (free option)

● OpenVPN

● YubiKey (paid option)

● [03] Cross shipping of loaned equipment is available to minimize downtime. Requires a credit card hold to insure equipment.

● [04], [09] Many common configurations for NX and XE models are built and shipped next business day. Lower volume components and the M2 may require additional days. See order pages for details.

● [08] Approved components at time of upgrade. Reasonable limitations apply. See specific product warranties for details.

● [10] A fully-refundable credit card hold or deposit is required to insure loaned equipment.

● [06] Accelerate Brave and Google Chrome with GPU. Type chrome:gpu in address bar to see settings. Compare with google-chrome --user-data-dir=./foo

● [07] Curate NVIDIA drivers. Test compatibility with Steam, Deep Learning, Optix, GPU switch, OpenGL, Vulkan, Proton, and suspend-resume prior to updates.

● Provide tools to select Performance, Normal, and PowerSave energy profiles.

● Use NVIDIA caching and KDE setting to eliminate artifacts on suspend and resume.

● Provide stable and fast desktop effects, including desktop grid.

● Verify results with eight benchmarks, Steam, and Proton (see systems pages for details).

● Reduce heat and extend battery life by ensuring power state forces CPU to idle at lowest available frequency on low-power mode.

● Add non-linear fan curve to eliminate or minimize noise under idle and modest loads.

● Eliminate IRIS Xe graphics flicker.

● Support both Intel (analog) and NVIDIA (HDMI) sound systems.

● Test NVIDIA sound works across headphones, speakers, and HDMI through multiple attachments.

● Prevent popping on desktop systems.

● Adjust PowerDevil to provide superior performance on AC and extend battery life

● Provide Power Profile GUI controls

● Toggle Snapshots with AC power

● Toggle Keyboard LEDs with AC power

● Toggle Turbo Boost with AC power

● Provide LED color and intensity GUI controls

● Simplify and expand keyboard shortcuts