TUXEDO OS

Overview

TUXEDO OS is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, developed by TUXEDO Computers in Germany, optimized for TUXEDO-branded laptops and desktops, but can also be used on other hardware. With the KDE Plasma desktop environment at its core, it aims to provide a "simple to use, powerful on demand" user experience suitable for a wide range of users from Linux novices to professional users. TUXEDO OS emphasizes privacy (no telemetry), performance optimization (latest kernel and drivers), and productivity (pre-installed Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice), making it ideal for programming, office and gaming.

History and Development

• Origin:
  • TUXEDO OS was developed by TUXEDO Computers GmbH, a German company founded in 2004 that focuses on hardware pre-installed with Linux.
  • The company name is derived from the Linux mascot Tux (penguin), whose feathers resemble a tuxedo (tuxedo).
  • TUXEDO OS aims to provide an optimized system for TUXEDO hardware and solve Ubuntu's Snap package management and privacy issues.
• Development history:
  • September 29, 2022: The first version of TUXEDO OS is released, based on Ubuntu, removing Snap, and using the latest KDE Plasma and Linux kernel.
  • 2023: Introducing TUXEDO Control Center (control hardware functions such as fans, CPU clocks) and WebFAI (automatic installation tool).
  • October 2024: Release TUXEDO OS 4, based on Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS, equipped with Linux kernel 6.11, KDE Plasma 6.1.5 and Mesa 24.2.
  • 2025: Adopt a hybrid release model (combining rolling updates and point releases), and no longer use version numbers.
• Community and Support:
  • TUXEDO Computers is a KDE sponsor, supporting events such as KDE Plasma Sprint 2023.
  • Provides a German-hosted software repository for enhanced privacy.
  • Active on the TUXEDO official website and X, publishing weekly reports (such as This Week in TUXEDO OS in June 2025).
• Open Source License: Adopts the GNU General Public License (GPL), and tools such as TUXEDO Control Center are open source.

Main Features

1. Modern Desktop Environment

   • KDE Plasma:
     • KDE Plasma 6.1.5 (TUXEDO OS 4) is installed by default, and supports KDE Frameworks 6.6 and KDE Gear 24.08.1.
     • Provides a beautiful and highly customizable interface.
     • Compared to antiX's IceWM, KDE Plasma is more suitable for novices and users who pursue modernization.
   • Pre-installed applications:
     • Mozilla Firefox 132: Default browser.
     • Mozilla Thunderbird 128.3.2 ESR: Manage project emails.
     • LibreOffice: Replace Microsoft Office.

2. Performance optimization

   • Latest kernel: Equipped with Linux kernel 6.11, optimized TUXEDO hardware support.
   • Graphics stack:
     • Mesa 24.2: Improve game performance, suitable for running Steam Proton.
     • NVIDIA 560.35.03: Support NVIDIA GPU, optimize Shotcut video editing.
   • No Snap: Remove Ubuntu's Snap package management, use .deb packages, improve performance and consistency.

3. Hardware Control and Tools

   • TUXEDO Control Center:
     • Open source tool that controls fans, CPU/GPU clocks, and keyboard backlight, designed specifically for TUXEDO hardware.
     • Non-TUXEDO hardware users may not be able to use all features.
   • WebFAI: Automatically install TUXEDO OS or other Linux distributions to simplify deployment.

4. Privacy and Security

   • No telemetry: No user data is collected, emphasizing privacy.
   • Security Architecture:
     • Linux's user space and root environment are strictly separated, reducing the risk of viruses and Trojans
     • Linux is less targeted by hackers due to its low market share.
   • German warehouse: Software updates are obtained from German servers to enhance data privacy.

5. Game and Multimedia Support

   • Steam Proton:
     • A compatibility layer based on WINE that supports running Windows games with little performance loss.
     • Supports non-Steam games, suitable for entertainment.
   • OBS Studio: Record and live broadcast games or tutorials.
   • Web applications: Supports web applications such as WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, Skype, etc. to meet the needs of remote work.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• User-friendly:
  • KDE Plasma has a modern interface, suitable for Linux novices and professional users, and is better than the simple interface of antiX.
  • Pre-installed Firefox, LibreOffice, etc.
• Performance optimization:
  • The latest kernel (6.11) and graphics stack (Mesa 24.2).
  • No Snap packages, improve system efficiency.
• Privacy first:
  • No telemetry, German hosting warehouse.
• Multi-function:
  • Supports programming (Python, Django), office (LibreOffice) and games (Steam Proton).
• Community support:
  • TUXEDO Computers provides professional support, and the KDE community and forums (such as tuxedocomputers.com) are active.

Limitations

• Hardware optimization limitations:
  • TUXEDO Control Center is designed mainly for TUXEDO hardware, and its functions are limited for non-TUXEDO devices.
  • Solution: Run on VirtualBox or compatible hardware and ignore the hardware control functions.
• Resource usage:
  • Compared with antiX (87MB RAM at startup), KDE Plasma takes up more resources (about 1GB RAM) and is not suitable for very low-end devices.
  • Solution: Make sure the device has 4GB+ RAM (such as your 16GB laptop).
• Community size:
  • TUXEDO OS community is small, with fewer resources and tutorials than Ubuntu or Debian.
  • Solution: Refer to Ubuntu documentation because it is based on Ubuntu.
• Learning curve:
  • The customization of KDE Plasma may be complicated for novices, and you need to be familiar with the settings.
  • Solution: Use the default configuration, or refer to the tutorial on the TUXEDO official website.

Summary

TUXEDO OS is a modern Linux distribution based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, equipped with KDE Plasma 6.1, Linux kernel 6.11 and Snap-free environment, focusing on privacy, performance and user experience. It has a beautiful interface, pre-installed productivity tools and game support. Compared with the lightweight antiX, TUXEDO OS is more suitable for high-performance devices and modern needs.