elementary OS is a Linux-based operating system known for its clean, thoughtful design and focus on simplicity. Whether you're new to Linux or a seasoned user, this section helps you get oriented and make the most of your desktop.
Things to Do After Installing
A practical checklist for new users: recommended first steps, essential updates, and tweaks to get elementary OS running smoothly after a fresh install.
Read the guide →Customize Your Desktop
Explore ways to personalize the look and feel of elementary OS. From themes and icon sets to panel tweaks, make the desktop truly yours.
Start customizing →New to elementary OS?
This section was built as an entry point for beginners. The guides here walk you through the essentials — no prior Linux experience needed. If you're coming from Windows or macOS, you'll find familiar concepts explained in plain language.
Part of the Community
elementarynow is an independent community website created to support elementary OS users. Our forums cover topics ranging from installation help and hardware compatibility to software recommendations and desktop customization. Whether you're troubleshooting an issue or sharing a tip, you're welcome here.
elementary OS stands apart in the Linux world for its commitment to thoughtful design and user-friendly simplicity. Built on a stable Ubuntu LTS foundation, it delivers a polished desktop experience that feels cohesive and intentional from the moment you log in. The Pantheon desktop environment is carefully crafted to minimize distractions, letting you focus on your work rather than on configuring your system. For newcomers arriving from Windows or macOS, elementary OS provides a familiar yet refreshingly streamlined way to explore the world of open-source computing, while longtime Linux users will appreciate the attention to detail and the clean, consistent aesthetic that carries across every application.
Once you have elementary OS installed, a handful of first steps will help you get the most from your new desktop. Updating your system ensures you have the latest security patches and software improvements, while exploring the built-in AppCenter gives you access to curated applications that follow the platform's design guidelines. You may also want to personalize your wallpaper, adjust the dock, and enable additional keyboard shortcuts to match your workflow. Taking a few minutes to explore the system settings will reveal useful options for privacy, power management, and notifications, all presented in an interface that is as intuitive as it is attractive.
Beyond the basics, elementary OS offers a range of advanced options for users who want to dig deeper. The terminal is a capable and fully featured tool, and the distribution ships with sensible defaults that make command-line work approachable even for beginners. Customization is encouraged but kept tasteful, with themes, icons, and extensions available for those who want to shape their environment further. Developers will find a welcoming ecosystem with modern tooling and clear documentation, while everyday users can simply enjoy a fast, stable, and secure system that respects their attention and their data.
The elementary community is one of the platform's greatest strengths. Through forums, chat channels, and regular updates, users and contributors share tips, troubleshoot issues, and help shape the future of the project. Whether you are looking for advice on productivity applications, gaming, or integrating your email and messaging services, you will find a supportive group ready to assist. The project's founders and team remain actively involved, and the roadmap is guided by a transparent, community-driven process. If you are curious about Linux or simply seeking a better daily driver, elementary OS invites you to join a growing movement toward computing that is open, beautiful, and genuinely enjoyable.