Kubuntu Focus 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 a wide array of capabilities out-of-the-box with optimal performance. Great examples include Deep Learning and Pro Photography.

You don’t need to own a Focus to try or use the Kubuntu Focus Suite. See the Try page try it in a remote or local virtual appliance. 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 over a dozen different device models^[1]. See this Blog Post which illustrates how to install on a virtual machine.

Install Kubuntu LTS

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

Visit Kubuntu and click the 64-bit Download button under the 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)

You may elect to use full disk encryption during the Disk Setup phase. Write down your passphrase in a safe place as the disk cannot be used without it
Use oem/oem for installation 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

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; # Install Steam 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

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

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

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 defaults by pressing the Tab key and then press Enter. 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. This will complete the libdvd-pkg installation.

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

Install `rest` Package

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

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

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.

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 daily on over a dozen different hardware configurations. These include the three official 2060/2070/2080 models, six additional Clevo laptops, and multiple desktop systems.

Disclaimer

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 the correct procedure 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.