 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | 2005; 20 years ago (2005) |
| Headquarters | , |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Carl Richell (CEO) |
| Products | Desktops,netbooks,notebooks,servers |
| Website | system76 |
System76, Inc. is an American computer manufacturer[a] based inDenver, Colorado, that sellsnotebook computers,desktop computers, andservers. The company utilizesfree and open-source software, and offers a choice ofUbuntu or their own Ubuntu-basedLinux distributionPop!_OS as preinstalled operating systems.[5]
System76 was founded by Carl Richell and Erik Fetzer.[6] In 2003, Fetzer registered the domainsystem76.com to sell computers withLinux operating systems preinstalled, but the idea was not pursued until two years later. The number 76 in the company name is a reference to 1776, the year theAmerican Revolution took place. Richell explained that the company hoped to spark an "open source revolution", giving consumers a choice to not useproprietary software.[7]
In mid-2005, the founders considered whichLinux distribution to offer, withRed Hat Enterprise Linux,openSUSE,Yoper and other distributions evaluated. Ubuntu was initially dismissed, but Richell and Fetzer changed their mind quickly after a re-evaluation. Richell likedCanonical's business model of completelyfree software, backed by commercial support when needed. The first computers sold by System76 shipped withUbuntu 5.10 Breezy Badger preinstalled.[7]
In response to Canonical switching to theGNOME desktop from theUnity interface for future releases of Ubuntu in May 2017, System76 announced a new shell called Pop.[8] The company announced in June 2017 that it would be creating its own Linux distribution based on Ubuntu calledPop!_OS.[8][9]
System76 began manufacturing their Thelio line of desktops in 2018 at a factory in Denver, Colorado. The company moved into a 24,000-square-foot warehouse.[10]
System76's products include the Thelio series of desktops, the Meerkat mini computer, several laptops, and severalrack mount servers. The computers are shipped withPop! OS, the company's in-houseLinux Distribution.
System76's computer models are named after variousAfrican animals.
In May 2016,[11] the company released the Launch series ofmechanical keyboards, which feature the open sourceQMK firmware and built-in USB hubs.[12]
System76's firmware partly disables theIntel Management Engine;[13][14] the Intel Management Engine is proprietary firmware which runs an operating system in post-2008 Intel chipsets.[15]
On 4 April 2023, System76's CEO and founder Carl Richell announced System76's first in-house designed laptop, code-named "Virgo".[16]
Pop!_OS is aLinux distribution developed by System76 based onUbuntu. It is intended for use by "developers, makers, and computer science professionals."[17] Pop!_OS provides full disk encryption by default as well as streamlined window management, workspaces, and keyboard shortcuts for navigation. Pop!_OS comes preinstalled on System76 devices, and can also be downloaded and installed on most computers.[9]
COSMIC is adesktop environment for Pop!_OS. Originally intended for the Pop!_OS distribution, it is now available as a standalone desktop environment.[18]
The company has sponsored theUbuntu Developer Summit,Southern California Linux Expo, and other Open Source/Linux events and conferences.[19] Their official support forums are hosted byCanonical Ltd., the primary developer of Ubuntu.[20]
System76 is an active member in the Colorado Ubuntu Community, serving as the corporate sponsor for Ubuntu LoCo events and release parties in downtown Denver.[21][better source needed]
39°46′26″N104°49′43″W / 39.774010°N 104.828659°W /39.774010; -104.828659
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