Clean Install

Install the Kubuntu Focus Suite

Install the Kubuntu Focus Suite. This includes Kubuntu 20.04 LTS, curated apps, hardware optimizations, and UX preferences.

• Background
• Install Kubuntu 20.04 LTS
• Add Kubuntu Focus Packages
• Reboot and Add User
• Troubleshooting
• Revisions
• Footnotes
• Disclaimer

Please read the disclaimer before proceeding. This solution is updated regularly. Please write authorship with suggestions or requests.

Background

A clean install can sometimes be the quickest solution to fix a corrupted system. The Kubuntu Focus Suite includes Kubuntu 20.04, curated apps, dozens of optimizations, and UX preferences. The goal is to provide an optimal experience out-of-the-box with the applications and Guided Solutions you need the most.

You don’t need to own a Focus to try or use the Kubuntu Focus Suite. You may try a Virtual Appliance for free. If you decide to install on your own VM or hardware, backup your data and test first, as some optimizations could conflict with some devices. YMMV, although we have seen excellent results with many computers^[1].

Install Kubuntu 20.04 LTS

• Visit Kubuntu and click the 64-bit Download button under Kubuntu 20.04.4 LTS
• Install to USB key (use Startup Disk Creator tool)
• Boot from the Kubuntu 20.04 LTS USB key
• Press the shift key during boot
• Select the OEM Install option as shown
• Click on Start Kubuntu if needed and then select Install Kubuntu
• Select your language, keyboard, or time zone
• Select the following software options; IMPORTANT Do NOT select proprietary software. This causes conflicts with drivers provided by the Kubuntu Focus Packages

• You may elect to use full disk encryption during the Disk Setup phase
• If you use encryption, write your passphrase in a safe place as the disk cannot be used without it
• Use oem/oem for installation username/password

Add Kubuntu Focus Packages

Start the computer. You should be auto-signed-in to the oem account. Click at the bottom left corner Kubuntu icon and then click on Konsole to start a terminal. Click in the terminal text area and then enter the following line-by-line:

Press Enter to proceed after the script reports on memory and disks. Review all license agreements presented and answer any prompts. Select Yes or the defaults by pressing the Tab key and then press Enter. When prompted to start Insync click No. If there is a network failure or a repository is temporarily off-line, the script may not be able to complete. You may safely rerun it if this happens.

Reboot and Add User

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

Troubleshooting

Content will be added as needed.

Revisions

This is a partial revision history. See the git repository for all entries.

• 2021-01-11 dcc9c438 Add install-focal.sh script
• 2020-06-10 c4ed9299 Restructure layout
• 2020-05-20 f776dc20 Remove proprietary install option
• 2020-04-20 8959836b Use apt-get, streamline process
• 2020-04-20 7b06252b Initial publication
• 2020-04-14 5a096eb3 Clarify VM use

Footnotes

[1] The Kubuntu Focus team uses the Suite regularly on over a dozen different hardware configurations. These include the six official M1 and M2 2060/2070/2080 models, six additional Clevo laptops, and multiple desktop systems.

Disclaimer

We try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.

THIS SOLUTION 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 SOLUTION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.