Getting to Know Me: Why I Use POP!_OS as My Daily Driver OS

Let’s kick off this series with one of my favorite tech decisions: choosing POP!_OS as my daily driver operating system. Yes, I’m that person who swapped out Windows at home for a sleek, customized Linux experience—and I haven’t looked back since. Well, except for work, where Windows 10 insists on sticking around like a persistent guest at a party. But hey, let’s focus on the fun side of things: my POP!_OS adventure!

The System I’m Rocking

Before I dive into the why, here’s what I’m working with:

• Operating System: POP!_OS 22.04 LTS
• CPU: Intel Core i5-9400F @ 2.90GHz (6 cores, 6 threads of solid performance)
• RAM: A respectable 48GB
• Motherboard: ASUS PRIME B360M-A
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT (running like a dream at 3440x1440 resolution)

This setup provides a rock-solid foundation for both work and play—and POP!_OS ties it all together beautifully.

Gaming Like a Boss on Linux

Now, let’s talk gaming, because POP!_OS has proven to be a total game-changer. Thanks to Proton (Steam’s magical compatibility layer), I can play my favorite Windows-supported games without breaking a sweat. And yes, my trusty Xbox controller works like a charm with most of them.

But that’s not all. I’ve also got Heroic in my arsenal, which lets me dive into my collection of games from Epic Games, GOG, and Prime Gaming. It’s like having an all-access pass to my gaming library, and it all works seamlessly on Linux. Who says you need Windows to enjoy gaming?

A Desktop That Feels Like Home

POP!_OS, with its GNOME desktop environment, isn’t just an operating system—it’s a canvas for creativity. I’ve customized it to be uniquely me, tweaking themes, icons, and layouts to suit my style. It’s sleek, it’s functional, and most importantly, it makes me smile every time I use it.

From the tiling window manager to the sheer freedom of customization, POP!_OS feels like it’s designed for people who want a system that adapts to them, not the other way around.

Why POP!_OS Stands Out

So, why did I choose POP!_OS over other Linux distributions (looking at you, Ubuntu)? For me, it came down to gaming support and simplicity:

• Built-in GPU Drivers: POP!_OS comes in a version specifically tailored for AMD (and NVIDIA) GPUs, making setup a breeze.
• Seamless Updates: Regular updates keep everything running smoothly without the drama.
• Flatpak Integration: Installing apps is straightforward and conflict-free.
• Performance: It’s fast, lightweight, and doesn’t hog resources—leaving more power for my games.

Windows at Work, POP!_OS for Everything Else

At work, I’m still tied to Windows 10—it’s a necessity in my professional life. But the moment I’m home, I’m back on POP!_OS, enjoying the freedom, customization, and sheer cool factor of Linux. It’s a balance that works for me and keeps things interesting.

Final Thoughts

Choosing POP!_OS as my daily driver has been an adventure in discovery, creativity, and, yes, gaming bliss. It’s not just an operating system—it’s a statement of what tech should feel like: personal, powerful, and fun.

So, there you have it—a little glimpse into my tech life. Stay tuned for the next installment of “Getting to Know Me” as I share more about my passions, projects, and maybe even some geeky deep dives. Who knows, maybe I’ll inspire you to give POP!_OS a try! ??