Kubuntu Focus Workflow Clean Install

Background

A clean install can sometimes the quickest solution to fix a corrupted system. The factory install includes Kubuntu 20.04 or 18.04.4 LTS with curated apps, hardware optimizations, and UX preferences. This Focus Suite provides the capabilities required so that workflows like Pro Photography or Deep Learning work out of the box with optimal performance.

You don’t need to own a Focus to try the Kubuntu Focus Suite or use it as your daily driver. See the Try page try it in a remote or local virtual appliance. If you decide to install on your own VM or hardware, please backup your data and test first, as some optimizations could conflict with some devices. YMMV, although we have seen excellent results with over a dozen different device models^[1]. See this detailed Blog Post which illustrates how to install on a virtual machine.

Overview

Level: Medium. Time to complete: 20-30 minutes.

Install Kubuntu LTS
Boot and Upgrade Packages
Add Kubuntu Focus Repository
Install repo package
Install main package
Install rest package
Finish and Test
Reboot and Add User
Revisions
Disclaimer

Install Kubuntu LTS (top)

The Kubuntu Focus supports 18.04 or 20.04. This procedure works for either.

Visit Kubuntu and click the 64-bit Download button under your desired version, Kubuntu 20.04.4 LTS or Kubuntu 18.04.4 LTS
Install to USB key (use Startup Disk Creator tool)
Boot from the Kubuntu 20.04 LTS or 18.04.4 LTS USB key
Press the shift key during boot
Either select OEM Install directly or press F4 to make the option available and then select it (see image)
Click on Start Kubuntu if needed and then select Install Kubuntu
Select any language, keyboard, or timezone
Select the following software options:

[x] Normal install [ ] Minimal install [x] Select 3rd party apps and enable download updates [ ] Load proprietary software (extras)
During Disk Setup encryption is optional. If selected, do write down the password as the disk cannot be accessed if it is lost!
Use oem/oem for install user

Important! Do NOT select proprietary software. This causes conflicts with drivers. All drivers issues are handled by the Kubuntu Focus packages.

Boot and Upgrade Packages (top)

Start the Konsole terminal application by pressing <alt>+<space>. Once a quick-launch input box appears at the top center of the screen, type konsole<enter>. Click in the Konsole test area, and then enter the following line-by-line.

sudo su -; # password is oem apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade -y; # Use this if you want to run Steam on a VM; it should not be needed # for installs on regular hardware. # apt-get install steam

If you are installing to a VM, this is the time to add client tools like `VBoxLinuxGuestAdditions.run` found on the virtualbox guest additions virtual CD.

Add Kubuntu Focus Repository (top)

This adds the Kubuntu Focus repository GPG key and adds it to the sources lists. Enter the following line-by-line.

# Continue with same konsole as above. wget -O- \ 'http://keyserver.ubuntu.com/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x1C9D8F21C62C9759' \ | apt-key add -; source /etc/lsb-release apt-add-repository \ "deb http://repo.kfocus.org/ubuntu ${DISTRIB_CODENAME:=bionic} main";

Install `repo` package (top)

This sets up recommended repositories and package pinning. Enter the following line-by-line.

# Continue with same konsole as above apt-get install --reinstall kfocus-001-repo -y; # Wait for above to complete apt-get update && apt-get dist-upgrade -y;

Install `main` package (top)

This installs a large group of recommended applications and utilities. Enter following line-by-line.

# Continue with same konsole as above apt-get install --reinstall kfocus-001-main -y;

Review all license agreements presented. Select Yes or the default for all if agreeable. Use <tab> to change the selection to [ Ok ] or [ Yes ] or similar. When prompted to start Insync click [ No ].

The above command may not complete due to insync repositories not being available. Just rerun it until it completes successfully or shows the following at the end of the output.

... Building format(s) --all. This may take some time... done. Errors were encountered while processing: kfocus-001-main E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1) ...

Enter the following into the terminal and select [ Yes ] to complete libdvd-pkg installation.

# Continue with same konsole as above dpkg-reconfigure libdvd-pkg;

Install `rest` package (top)

This installs packages that require license agreement before use. Enter the following line-by-line.

# Continue with same konsole as above apt-get install --reinstall kfocus-001-rest -y; # Add extra packages, answer yes or no as desired kfocus-001-extra; # Cleanup apt-get autoremove -y && apt-get purge unattended-upgrades -y;

Finish and Test (top)

This will complete and test the install. Enter the following line-by-line.

# Continue with same konsole as above # Return as oem user exit; # Run sanity check as oem user /opt/kfocus-001/bin/fixup_check.sh; # Follow prompts # After verification exit;

Reboot and Add User (top)

Double-click on Prepare for shipping… icon at top left corner and then click OK
Reboot and add a new user as normal

Revisions (top)

2020-05-20 f776dc20 Remove proprietary install option
2020-04-20 8959836b Use apt-get, streamline process
2020-04-14 5a096eb3 Clarify VM use
2020-04-12 e2a95b75 Clarify use cases, type, and style fixes
2020-04-20 7b06252b Initial publication

Disclaimer (top)

We try hard to provide a useful workflow validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always back up your data and test the workflow to determine if it is right for you.

THIS WORKFLOW IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS WORKFLOW, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Purpose