Uncom OS is an open-sourceLinux distribution based onUbuntu,Debian, andArch Linux. The developer of the system is the Russian company Advilabs-Rus LLC.[1] Included in the Russian Software Registry,[2][3] It has its own repositories on the territory of the Russian Federation. It is a paid Linux distribution that provides unlimited technical support to its users.
The system is focused on using the capabilities of a modern Linux distribution without having to study the features of Linux systems.[4]
The system is used by many organizations as a replacement for imported operating systems, in particular, Uncom OS is used atMoscow State University[5] and the St. Petersburg Technopark.[6]
Some of the distinctive features of the system:[7][8]
An application store based on its own Uncom OS repository. The catalog contains more than 60 thousand applications and contains many Russian programs, including those adapted directly for Uncom OS, for example,Yandex Browser andP7-Office. The store also has a section for updating Flatpack applications. The store was based on the source code of theLinux Mint app store.
UsingFlatpack as a free package management system (as opposed to proprietary Snap in Ubuntu)
Optimization for gaming, in particular, optimization ofSteam andVK Play, Proton is supported inside Steam. The developer is also testing the correctness of popular games such as Minecraft, World of Tanks and Overwatch on Uncom OS. visual images of our own design
A Windows-style dock panel that is an optional alternative to theGNOME dock panel
Its own menu for selecting keyboard layouts, which distinguishes the user experience of using Uncom OS from usingUbuntu, where the Alt+Shift key combination, popular among Windows users, cannot be selected through the graphical interface.
pPeview files in the file manager, accessible by pressing the space bar
The option to hide applications from the application menu with the ability to return them to the menu through the system settings
The ability to change application icons through the standard graphical interface
Extended support for VPN protocols such as SSTP and L2TP
Own application for restoring system integrity
Using Bottles to run Windows applications, instead ofWine in Ubuntu
In addition to technical features, all users are also provided with unlimited technical support through various channels, including through theTelegram messenger.[9]
The distribution is freely distributed for review during the trial period.[10] After the trial period expires, the distribution blocks the operation of some of the functionality, for example, the app store. The system is activated with a unique digital license key.
Enterprise — commercial use with priority technical support
Education — non-commercial use for educational purposes
OS licenses are perpetual and can be applied on another device after deactivation on the previous one. The distribution package, along with the digital license key, is also distributed through large retail chains.[7]
Uncom OS uses a new approach to monetization for the Linux community, distributing the distribution on a paid basis, even for personal use. This leads to discussions on the ethics of monetization of Linux distributions. At the same time, the commercial distribution of distributions does not violate theGPL license and the principles offree software,[13] and many common distributions, such asRed Hat Enterprise Linux andAstra Linux, also adhere to a policy of paid support for versions of their operating systems and utilities, but unlike Uncom OS, they do not distribute their products to private users and share the open source code of their operating systems and utilities for review.
