# FunOS ships Ubuntu-based JWM distro with Snap-free DEB-only package model

> **Key takeaway:** FunOS provides a lightweight Ubuntu derivative using the JWM window manager on X11, consuming approximately 310 MB RAM at idle, with all software delivered through traditional DEB packages rather than Canonical's Snap system.

**Published:** 2026-11-13T11:49:24+00:00 
**Source:** Linuxiac 
**Category:** distro-news 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/funos-ships-ubuntu-based-jwm-distro-with-snap-free-deb-only-.html 

## Summary
FunOS is a new Ubuntu-based Linux distribution targeting users who want access to Ubuntu's extensive software repositories without the resource overhead of GNOME or the Snap packaging system. The project replaces Ubuntu's default desktop with the lightweight JWM window manager running on X11, providing a traditional desktop layout with application menu, taskbar, system tray, and virtual desktops.

The distribution ships with essential pre-installed applications including Firefox ESR, PCManFM, Mousepad, and LXTerminal, and uses the graphical Calamares installer rather than Ubuntu's older Ubiquity. FunOS offers two LTS editions based on Ubuntu 26.04.1 and 24.04.5 with Linux kernel 7.0, plus a non-LTS 26.10 release with kernel 7.3. The 26.04.1 LTS release follows Ubuntu's support lifecycle through April 2031.

## Architecture and release structure
- **Window manager choice:** FunOS uses JWM (Joe's Window Manager) on X11 rather than a full desktop environment, providing a traditional stacked window manager with taskbar, system tray, and virtual desktops at significantly lower memory cost than GNOME or KDE Plasma.
- **Package system:** The distribution deliberately excludes Snap entirely, relying exclusively on DEB packages and APT for software installation, maintaining compatibility with Ubuntu's repositories while avoiding Canonical's containerized packaging format.
- **Kernel versions:** LTS editions ship Linux kernel 7.0, while the rolling 26.10 release advances to kernel 7.3, giving users a choice between stability and newer hardware support.
- **Resource footprint:** In testing with JWM running and a terminal open, RAM usage measured approximately 310 MB, with full installation occupying under 5 GB of disk space.
- **Installer migration:** Starting with the 26.04 release, FunOS transitioned from Ubuntu's Ubiquity installer to the distribution-agnostic Calamares graphical installation framework.

## Why it matters
FunOS enters a crowded field of lightweight Ubuntu derivatives, but its explicit rejection of Snap packages addresses a persistent point of friction for users who prefer traditional package management or object to Snap's automatic update model and startup performance. For hardware with limited RAM or older x86_64 systems, the sub-350 MB idle footprint makes this a viable alternative to Lubuntu or Xubuntu, while the Calamares adoption reflects broader migration away from Ubuntu-specific tooling among derivatives.