particle-os-tools/particle-os-desktop/README.md

Particle-OS: Desktop-First Immutable Ubuntu System

Overview

Particle-OS is an immutable Ubuntu-based desktop system inspired by uBlue-OS, designed specifically for desktop users who want the benefits of atomic updates, rollback capabilities, and system integrity without the complexity of cloud-native tooling.

Mission

Create a desktop-first immutable Ubuntu system that provides:

• Simple desktop experience - No cloud complexity, just a great desktop OS
• Atomic updates with rollback - Safe system updates with easy recovery
• uBlue-OS inspiration - Familiar patterns for users coming from Fedora-based immutable systems
• Ubuntu ecosystem - Full compatibility with Ubuntu software and repositories
• Gaming and productivity focus - Optimized for real desktop workloads

Desktop-First Philosophy

Particle-OS is built with a simple philosophy: desktop computing should be simple, powerful, and reliable. We reject the complexity of cloud-native tooling for desktop users and focus on what matters most:

• Real desktop workloads - Gaming, development, creativity, productivity
• Familiar workflows - Standard desktop applications and tools
• System reliability - Atomic updates with easy rollback
• User control - Easy customization and system management

Particle-OS Architecture

Core Components

1. apt-layer - Atomic Package Management

• Ubuntu package management with atomic transactions
• Live overlay system for safe package installation
• Rollback capabilities for failed updates
• Desktop-friendly package management

2. composefs-alternative - Layered Filesystem

• Content-addressable layered filesystem using overlayfs
• Efficient storage and fast boot times
• Desktop-optimized layer management
• Simple layer creation and management

3. bootupd-alternative - Bootloader Management

• UEFI and GRUB integration for desktop systems
• Multi-boot support for dual-boot scenarios
• Desktop-friendly boot configuration
• Simple boot management interface

Desktop Images

Particle-OS Corona (KDE Plasma) - Aurora Equivalent

A radiant and expansive desktop experience with KDE Plasma, optimized for gaming and multimedia.

Features:

• KDE Plasma desktop environment
• Gaming optimizations (Steam, Wine, Lutris)
• Multimedia support (VLC, Kodi)
• Productivity tools (LibreOffice, Firefox)
• Gaming performance tuning
• Atomic updates with rollback

Target Users:

• Gamers and multimedia enthusiasts
• KDE Plasma fans
• Users who want a feature-rich desktop

Particle-OS Apex (GNOME) - Bluefin Equivalent

A nimble, powerful, and adaptable desktop for power users with GNOME.

Features:

• GNOME desktop environment
• Development tools (VS Code, Docker, Git)
• Container and cloud development support
• Enterprise compliance features
• Development workflow optimization
• Atomic updates with rollback

Target Users:

• Developers and power users
• GNOME enthusiasts
• Users who need development tools

Particle-OS Bazzite (Gaming-Focused) - Bazzite Equivalent (Planned)

A gaming-focused system with dual desktop support and Steam mode.

Features:

• Dual desktop support (KDE Plasma + GNOME)
• Steam mode for gaming optimization
• Gaming performance tuning
• Steam, Wine, and Lutris integration
• Gaming-focused kernel parameters
• Atomic updates with rollback

Target Users:

• Serious gamers
• Users who want maximum gaming performance
• Users who want desktop flexibility

Desktop-First Design Principles

1. Simplicity First

• No cloud complexity
• Familiar desktop workflows
• Easy-to-understand tools
• Minimal learning curve

2. Desktop Performance

• Optimized for desktop workloads
• Fast boot times
• Responsive desktop experience
• Gaming performance focus

3. User Control

• Easy system customization
• Simple package management
• Transparent system operations
• User-friendly tools

4. Reliability

• Atomic updates prevent system corruption
• Easy rollback when things go wrong
• System integrity protection
• Stable desktop experience

Technical Architecture

Package Management Flow

# Desktop-friendly package installation
apt-layer.sh install steam wine lutris
├── Transaction Start
│   ├── Validate dependencies
│   ├── Check disk space
│   └── Create transaction manifest
├── Safe Installation
│   ├── Install packages atomically
│   ├── Preserve system integrity
│   └── Generate layer manifest
├── Desktop Integration
│   ├── Update desktop menus
│   ├── Configure desktop shortcuts
│   └── Set up user preferences
└── Commit or Rollback
    ├── Commit successful installation
    ├── Update system state
    └── Clean up temporary files

Filesystem Architecture

# Desktop-optimized layered filesystem
composefs-alternative.sh mount desktop-image /mnt/point
├── Layer Discovery
│   ├── Read desktop layer manifest
│   ├── Validate layer integrity
│   └── Determine mount order
├── Desktop Layer Mounting
│   ├── Mount base Ubuntu layer
│   ├── Mount desktop environment layer
│   ├── Mount user applications layer
│   └── Create overlayfs for user data
└── Desktop Integration
    ├── Configure desktop environment
    ├── Set up user preferences
    └── Enable desktop features

Boot Management

# Desktop-friendly boot management
bootupd-alternative.sh register desktop-image
├── UEFI Integration
│   ├── Create UEFI boot entry
│   ├── Set boot order
│   └── Configure secure boot (optional)
├── GRUB Configuration
│   ├── Generate desktop-friendly menu
│   ├── Add recovery options
│   └── Configure timeout settings
└── Desktop Boot
    ├── Fast boot to desktop
    ├── Load desktop environment
    └── Start user session

Desktop Use Cases

1. Gaming Desktop

• Steam, Epic Games, GOG integration
• Wine and Proton support
• Gaming performance optimization
• Multi-monitor gaming support
• Gaming peripheral support

2. Development Workstation

• VS Code, IntelliJ, Eclipse support
• Docker and container development
• Git and version control
• Database development tools
• Web development environment

3. Creative Workstation

• GIMP, Inkscape, Blender support
• Video editing tools
• Audio production software
• Photography workflow tools
• Design and illustration software

4. Productivity Desktop

• Office suite integration
• Email and calendar tools
• Web browsing and communication
• File management and backup
• Personal productivity tools

Installation and Setup

Simple Installation

# Download Particle-OS ISO
wget https://particle-os.org/downloads/particle-os-corona-24.04.iso

# Create bootable USB
sudo dd if=particle-os-corona-24.04.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

# Boot and install
# Follow simple installation wizard
# Choose desktop preferences
# Set up user account

Post-Installation Setup

# Install additional software
apt-layer.sh install firefox libreoffice vlc

# Configure gaming (for Corona)
apt-layer.sh install steam wine lutris

# Configure development (for Apex)
apt-layer.sh install code docker git

# Customize desktop
# Configure themes and icons
# Set up user preferences
# Configure gaming peripherals

System Management

Package Management

# Install software
apt-layer.sh install package-name

# Update system
apt-layer.sh update

# Remove software
apt-layer.sh remove package-name

# List installed packages
apt-layer.sh list

# Search for packages
apt-layer.sh search package-name

System Updates

# Check for updates
apt-layer.sh check-updates

# Apply updates atomically
apt-layer.sh update-system

# Rollback if needed
apt-layer.sh rollback

# View update history
apt-layer.sh history

System Recovery

# Boot to recovery mode
# Select recovery option from GRUB menu

# Reset to factory state
apt-layer.sh factory-reset

# Restore from backup
apt-layer.sh restore-backup

# Repair system
apt-layer.sh repair-system

Desktop Customization

Theme and Appearance

• Easy theme switching
• Icon pack installation
• Desktop wallpaper management
• Desktop effects configuration
• Custom desktop layouts

Gaming Configuration

• Steam integration
• Wine prefix management
• Gaming performance tuning
• Multi-monitor gaming setup
• Gaming peripheral configuration

Development Environment

• IDE installation and configuration
• Development tool setup
• Container development environment
• Version control configuration
• Database development tools

Community and Support

Documentation

• User-friendly guides
• Desktop-specific tutorials
• Gaming setup guides
• Development environment guides
• Troubleshooting guides

Community Support

• Desktop-focused community
• Gaming community integration
• Developer community support
• User experience feedback
• Feature request system

Contributing

• Desktop-focused development
• User experience improvements
• Gaming optimizations
• Development tool integration
• Documentation contributions

Roadmap

Phase 1: Core Desktop Experience

• Stable Corona (KDE Plasma) release
• Stable Apex (GNOME) release
• Basic gaming support
• Development tool integration
• User documentation

Phase 2: Enhanced Desktop Features

• Bazzite (gaming-focused) release
• Advanced gaming optimizations
• Enhanced development tools
• Desktop customization tools
• Community features

Phase 3: Desktop Ecosystem

• Software center integration
• Theme and customization marketplace
• Gaming community features
• Developer tool marketplace
• Enterprise desktop features

Conclusion

Particle-OS is designed specifically for desktop users who want the benefits of immutable systems without the complexity of cloud-native tooling. By focusing on desktop-first design principles, we create a system that's:

• Simple to use - No cloud complexity
• Powerful for gaming - Optimized for desktop gaming
• Great for development - Full development tool support
• Reliable and safe - Atomic updates with rollback
• Familiar and comfortable - Based on Ubuntu ecosystem

This desktop-first approach ensures that Particle-OS remains focused on what matters most: providing an excellent desktop computing experience for real users doing real work and play.