Issues with Linux running on x86 processors & touch support

Last Updated on April 27, 2023 by pg@petergamma.org

The issues are transcribed from the video of explaining computers

• The Microsoft surface tablet is used with a x86 processor
• there are two possibilities available to get touch functionality on Linux in this setup:

1. Install a Linux mobile device distro
2. Install mainstream Linux and tweak it for touch operation

MOBILE DEVICE DISTROS

1. Ubuntu Touch

• based upon a graphical desktop called Unity 8
• was developed and maintained for several years by Canonical the publishers of Ubuntu
• Development at Canonical seized
• it was taken over by UBports
• currently only supports ARM devices
• not suitable for x86 devices

1. postmarketOS: real Linux distribution for phones
   • only supports ARM devices and cannot be used
   
2. plasma mobile: KDE desktop for mobile devices

• supports only ARM based devices and cannot be use
• NEON based AMD 64 iso image available but it is no longer actively maintained

1. Ubuntu 20.08 plasma mobile KDE desktop

• working touchscreen
  • can t get an onscreen keyoard
  • no virtual keyboard available
  • it does not work satisfyingly

1. Jing OS
   • touch screen does work
   • no virtual keyboard
   • keyboard necessary

MAINSTREAM LINUX DISTROS TWEAKED FOR TOUCH SUPPORT

1. Ubuntu
   • touch screen works without any problems
   • the on screen keyboard can be switched on in the settings
   • touchscreen keyboard comes up for instance in LibreOffice writer
   • it is not possible to shift windows on the screen
   • only works with a stylus

1. Manjaro with GNOME (GNOME Network model object environment)

• on screen keyboard can be switched on
• virtual keyoboard is always on top of the screen and the position cannot be changed.