Comparison of Linux shells. Xfce desktop. Installation and support availability

If you are a Windows or Mac user, you access your computer using graphical environment desktop, such as Windows XP, Windows Vista/7 or Mac OS X. You can choose from three main desktop environments: GNOME, KDE and Xfce.

All of these Linux desktops are good in their own way. And although in fact there are many more of them, we will only talk about the main ones.

GNOME

The GNOME environment is used by default in Ubuntu. It was created as working environment, providing simplicity and ease of use and “making everything work.” arose because the more popular KDE desktop environment at the time was built on top of the Qt development toolkit. At that time, this tool was not licensed under the GPL and was associated with possible conflicts interests.

Thus, the GNOME environment was created entirely as a GPL- and LGPL-licensed software and is an example of combining different projects.

Based on the GTK+ toolkit, it is not too different from Windows or Mac OS X, featuring movable windows that can be resized, a start menu, a taskbar, and a status bar. Distributions that also use GNOME include Fedora.

KDE

The KDE desktop is based on the Qt development tool, currently licensed under the LGPL. This desktop environment is used in Kubuntu and was first released in 1998 as a modern UNIX desktop that gives all applications a similar look and feel. In 2006, Mark Shuttleworth became KDE's first patron of the arts, providing the highest level of sponsorship possible.

A typical Ubuntu desktop using GNOME. The main difference between Ubuntu and Kubuntu is that by default, Ubuntu uses GNOME applications such as Evolution Personal Information Manager (PIM) and Synaptic Package Manager, while Kubuntu uses the KDE equivalents: Kontact PIM and the KPackageKit package manager.

There are many programs written for KDE, but you can usually run them in GNOME if you want. It is also possible to run KDE and GNOME on the same machine, since Ubuntu and Kubuntu share the same repositories. You can even install Ubuntu and then add KDE to it. This will add multiple KDE programs to your GNOME menus and vice versa.

Despite the fact that the worker's choice Linux desktop While this is a personal preference, many users feel that KDE provides a bit more options in terms of options and configuration compared to GNOME, but at the cost of minor system overhead and ease of use. So KDE will probably take longer to install experienced users. Besides, Windows users system menu The "K" located in the lower left corner may resemble the Start menu.

Xfce

The Xfce desktop environment is used in the Xubuntu Linux distribution (as well as UNIX-like operating systems Solaris and BSD) and is based on the same GTK+ toolkit as GNOME, but uses the Xfwm window manager.

Xfce's credo is "small means simple." Due to its ability to run on low-performance hardware, it is most often installed on systems with older hardware and limited resources. This means that games will run faster on such a system.

This is exactly how Android works, because it’s the same Linux, but with a very light working environment. Therefore, games on tablets simply fly. (A good set of programs, by the way, is here http://glafi.com/games.html) Setting up the environment is done with the mouse, and that’s all Extra options hidden from casual users.

There is an option in Xfce preload libraries for GNOME and KDE, which allows it to connect faster than other major desktops different applications. Although it is very fast, some users have noted that the Xubuntu desktop is slower than other Xfce implementations.

Xfce is the least used of the three major environments, accounting for less than 10% of Linux desktop installations. However, it is very similar to the classic worker Windows table XP and perhaps deserves some attention more users than it currently has.

Just like KDE in Kubuntu, Xfce comes with the Xubuntu distribution. But it is also easy to add to the main Ubuntu distribution, and I will show

Ubuntu is one of the most popular distributions Linux developed by Canonical. By default, our own is used here. graphical shell- Unity. It is applied on top of the Gnome 3 desktop environment and looks beautiful.

But Unity has one significant drawback - there are too few settings, and there are still some errors and shortcomings. In addition, not everyone likes this shell. But you don't have to use it, you can install any of the available desktop environments for Linux. Here your choice is limited only by your taste. In this article we will look at the best graphics Ubuntu shell 16.04, as well as methods for installing them on this system.

Gnome 3 or GNU Network Object Model Environment is part of the GNU Project and is developed by the Gnome Project team. This work environment used as the default Ubuntu graphical shell in the edition Ubuntu distribution Gnome.

Main features:

• Composite Manager Mutter or Compiz;
• View Mode "Actions" allows you to see all open windows on one screen, move them between desktops, search and much more;
• There is a desktop notification system;
• Extensions are supported, with which you can change the appearance and functionality of the environment. You can install them from extensions.gnome.org;
• By default windows cannot be minimized, it is recommended to use desktops and display mode to replace this feature "Actions". But minimizing windows can be enabled;
• Dynamic number of desktops. You can open them as many as you need.

To install:

sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop

2.Xfce

Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment Ubuntu desktop and other Linux distributions. It consumes very few system resources, looks beautiful and is user friendly. Along with the environment itself, several additional applications, panels and plugins, and also uses its own window manager Xfwm.

In addition to standard components, this Ubuntu desktop environment includes additional programs with the xfce prefix. To install the xfce desktop environment on Ubuntu, run:

sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop

3.KDE Plasma

KDE is another very powerful and beautiful desktop environment, similar in functionality and resource consumption to Gnome. But, unlike Gnome, there are a lot of settings here, and you can configure the environment as you want. KDE has a Windows-like appearance, which is very useful for beginners.

Main features:

• Can be customized great amount parameters and literally any aspect of the behavior of the working environment;
• Panels can be placed on the edges of the screen, used as launchpads or taxbars;
• You can launch programs from the menu, through the launcher, or using shortcuts;
• You can place Plasma widgets on your desktop;
• Action mode allows you to switch between desktops and spaces.

To install the desktop environment and all additional packages run in terminal:

sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop

4. LXDE

LXDE is another lightweight desktop environment focused on minimal resource consumption and maximum performance. Openbox is used as a window manager. But besides this, the set includes several utilities with the LX prefix: system settings, application loader, panel, session manager, audio player, terminal and much more.

Main features:

• Consumes little CPU and memory;
• Looks simple and beautiful;
• There are many settings you can use to make your environment look just the way you want it to;
• Environment components can be used independently of each other.

To change the ubuntu desktop environment, run the following command:

sudo apt-get install lubuntu-desktop

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fork of Gnome 3, developed by the distribution team Linux Mint. The environment uses its own shell, which makes the Gnome 3 interface similar to Gnome 2. It uses new software, while at the same time you get a modern interface and the ability to install extensions. The environment has the usual panel at the bottom of the screen and application launch menu, as well as the ability to add widgets to the desktop.

To install:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install cinnamon blueberry

6. MATE

MATE is a fork of Gnome 2, which was created immediately after the announcement of the release of Gnome 3. Many users did not like it a new version- they wanted to maintain the same appearance. The environment looks exactly like the traditional Gnome 2 interface.

Key Features:

• Has a traditional Gnome 2 look and feel;
• Comes with older versions of some Gnome 2 applications;
• All conflicts between MATE and Gnome 3 have been resolved, so both environments can be installed on the system without any problems.
• GTK2 and GTK3 applications are supported.

To install use this command:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-mate-desktop

7. Pantheon

Pantheon is a graphical front-end for Gnome 3, developed as part of the Elementary OS project. But it can be installed on Ubuntu as well.

Peculiarities:

• The top panel is called WingPanel, it mixes the best of Gnome 2 and Gnome Shell panels;
• The Slingshot launcher is used to launch applications;
• At the bottom of the screen is the Plank dock;
• The Cerebere utility runs in the background and monitors the operation of all other components, and also restarts them in case of an error;
• You can choose which environment modules to use on your system.

To install, run the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:elementary-os/daily
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install elementary-desktop

8. GNOME Flashback

This is a version of the classic Gnome desktop environment, ported to new technologies such as GTK3 and others. This is its main difference from MATE: almost the same Gnome 2, only slightly updated - something between Gnome 2 and 3. It works better on older hardware.

Peculiarities:

• It has classic menu applications and panel;
• The panel is configured in the same way as in Gnome 2, only you need to press Alt;
• Overall stability has been improved, applets can no longer be moved, and vertical panels work better.

To install, type the command:

sudo apt install gnome-session-flashback

9. Awesome

Awesome is not really a desktop environment, it's a tile-based window manager. By default, it comes with a panel where you can place your app applets, desktop switchers, and widgets. There are also several widget libraries that you can add to your desktop.

Tiling allows you to automatically switch the position of windows without overlapping so that they fill the screen evenly, but you can make windows float, as is implemented in regular environments.

Peculiarities:

• No screen space is wasted;
• There is no need to select the location of windows using the mouse or touchpad;
• Setting up window snaps;
• There is mouse support.

To install, just do:

sudo apt-get install awesome

10. Enlightenment (E)

Enlightenment environments focus on beautiful appearance while using minimal resources. It has a set of its own applications, as well as its own window manager. There's a dock at the bottom of the screen, and you can add widgets to the desktop. To install:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:enlightenment-git/ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install e20

11.i3wm

i3wm is another great and simple tiled window manager. The developers have focused on maximum simplicity of both use and code with settings.

Peculiarities:

• Multiple monitor support;
• UTF-8 support;
• Easy to set up (no programming language required);
• Create layouts for window placement dynamically;
• Processing floating and pop-up windows;
• Various modes like in Vim.

To install:

sudo apt-get install i3

12.Deepin DE

The Deepin Linux distribution uses its own specially designed desktop environment, integrated with applications such as Deepin Video, Deepin Music and others. Its characteristic feature is side panel settings as in WIndows 8.1, only much more convenient.

Installing the Ubuntu environment is done with the command:

sudo sh -c "echo "deb http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin trusty main non-free universe" >> /etc/apt/sources.list"
$ sudo sh -c "echo "deb-src http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin trusty main non-free universe" >> /etc/apt/sources.list"
$ wget http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin/project/deepin-keyring.gpg
$ gpg --import deepin-keyring.gpg
$ sudo gpg --export --armor 209088E7 | sudo apt-key add -
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install dde-meta-core python-deepin-gsettings deepin-music-player deepin-software-center deepin-movie deepin-game-center

13. Budgie

Budgie is a desktop environment based on Gnome and developed by the Solus distribution team. The developers focused on creating the most beautiful interface possible. This Ubuntu graphical shell is used by default in the Ubuntu Budgie edition, which recently became official.

Peculiarities:

• Integrates with the Gnome stack;
• There's a Raven sidebar where you can quickly access settings;
• All settings are made through the Raven panel.

To install, type the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:budgie-remix/ppa
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install budgie-desktop

14.Openbox

Openbox is a window manager. It has a minimalistic appearance and is very highly customizable. You can change almost any aspect of the shell. You can customize the appearance however you want and use KDE or Gnome applications.

To install this Ubuntu desktop environment, run:

sudo apt install openbox

conclusions

In this article, we looked at the best graphical shells for Ubuntu 16.04. All of them can be installed relatively easily on your operating system. What to choose depends only on the taste of the user. What Ubuntu environment are you using? Which one would you recommend other users use? Write in the comments!

This section of the site publishes information about the graphical interfaces of the operating system. Linux systems. Interfaces are divided into two groups: desktop environments and window managers.

The Linux Desktop Environment is a comprehensive, out-of-the-box environment. Typically the desktop environment includes a taskbar, function menus, login manager, setup programs, basic programs and others functional elements, including the window manager.

The Linux window manager (Window Manager) is a program that draws windows, allows you to move and resize the window, and processes the user's actions in the program window. A window manager can run independently or be part of a desktop environment.

• Budgie - graphical shell

  Budgie is a graphical shell that was written from scratch, but uses GNOME technologies.

• Cinnamon - desktop environment

  Cinnamon is a standalone desktop environment that is a fork of Gnome 3, but has a design in the style of classic Gnome.

• Enlightenment

  Enlightenment (or simply E) is a lightweight window manager that does not require computer resources and consumes very little random access memory. Animation of interface elements, themes, and virtual desktops are supported. The interface cannot be called very stylish and modern; it requires some getting used to.

• Gnome - desktop environment

  Gnome (GNU Network Object Model Environment) is the most popular desktop environment for Linux. Gnome is one of the most functional desktop environments and includes a set of utilities for setting up the environment, application software, system utilities and other modules.

• KDE - desktop environment

  KDE is a full-featured desktop environment. The KDE project is developing a large number of applications for everyday needs. The KDE desktop is replete with various graphic effects. KDE uses Qt libraries.

• LXDE - lightweight desktop environment

  LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is a fast, lightweight desktop environment that is not demanding on computer resources. Openbox is used as a window manager. Windows and menus open without delay, the interface is responsive and does not cause irritation.

• MATE - continued development of classic Gnome

  MATE is a desktop environment that is a continuation of Gnome 2. MATE is a balanced environment with good set programs and utilities and a pleasant classic interface.

• Openbox - fast window manager

  Openbox is a lightweight window manager with a simple, minimalist interface. This window manager is not demanding system resources and works very quickly. When clicked right click mouse, the Openbox main menu is called up, through which you can call any programs. Openbox is highly customizable and supports themes.

This is a question for a newbie Linux not idle, but rather necessary, because V Linux, Unlike Windows or MacOS X, there are many distributions, with different desktop environments. Whether this is good or bad, I don’t presume to judge, and the article is not about that, but about work environments, since there are several of them in Linux.

First of all, let's figure out what it is "Desktop" or "Desktop Environment", which is also simply called "Shell"?

Graphical desktop environment(eng. desktop environment) is a type of graphical user interface based on the desktop metaphor.

This environment provides a space called the desktop on which windows, icons, panels, and other elements appear. Mechanisms that combine different parts of the environment are usually supported, for example, drag-n-drop (transferring data between windows using a pointing device/mouse). The purpose of the work environment is to create an intuitive way for the user to interact with the computer.

Desktop Environment comprises Window manager(For example, Metacity) The most common desktop environments are Explorer(Microsoft Windows OS) and Aqua(Apple OS X). IN Linux-like operating systems, the most popular are desktop environments GNOME, KDE, Xfce, LXDE, MATE And Cinnamon.

GNOME desktop

KDE Plasma desktop

Xfce desktop

LXDE desktop

MATE desktop

Cinnamon desktop

The desktop environment consists of a window manager (for example, Metacity or Kwin), file manager(For example, Nautilus or Dolphin), a set of themes, programs and libraries. Most environments use settings that suit most users.

Desktop environments, or simply shells, are divided into heavy and light.
The heaviness or lightness of the shell largely depends on the window manager.

Window Manager- an application running “on top” X Window System and defining the interface and user experience.
Window managers may differ in the following ways:

Possibility of customizing appearance and functionality.
-launch methods various applications;
-environment settings and management tools;
-presence and interaction with several desktops or virtual desktops.
Consumption of RAM and other computer resources.
Degree of integration with the desktop environment, providing a more complete set of tools for interacting with the operating environment and various user applications.

Window managers in shells.

1. GNOME Desktop uses a window manager Mutter.
Mutter- the window manager was developed as an alternative Metacity. Mutter combines the functions of a composite and window manager, based on dense fundraising OpenGL and uses library functions in its work Clutter.

Window management logic in Mutter completely inherited from the window manager Metacity. Significant improvements include a flexible system for expanding functionality by connecting plugins that can completely change the logic of window management and the organization of screen design.

2. KDE Plasma desktop uses a window manager Kwin.
Kwin- composite window manager for X Window System. It is integrated into K D desktop E environment ( KDE) and is used KDE Plasma 5. Responsible for the design, management and movement of windows. Kwin supports three-dimensional effects when rendering windows.

3. Xfce desktop uses a window manager Xfwm.
Xfwm includes its own composite window manager.

4. LXDE desktop uses a window manager Openbox.
Openbox designed to be a lightweight, fast and simple solution for use with or without a desktop environment. Despite its simplicity, Openbox has many settings, by manipulating which the user can change almost any aspect of the window manager’s functioning in accordance with his needs.

5. MATE desktop uses a window manager Marco.
Marco- fork Metacity GTK 2 from the developers Mate. Comes with MATE Desktop Environment default.

6. Cinnamon desktop uses a window manager Muffin.
Muffin- fork Mutter, which in turn is a fork Metacity.

Cinnamon- free shell for desktop environment GNOME, which is a branch from code base GNOME Shell. The main direction of development is to provide the user with a more familiar, traditional style environment GNOME 2, user-friendly desktop PCs and laptops. Initially developed by a team of programmers Linux Mint.

So let's summarize which shells are heavy and which are light.

1. To heavy shells, i.e. consuming greatest number computer resources, include shells that use window managers Mutter And Kwin, accordingly this GNOME desktop And KDE Plasma desktop.

2. The lightest shells that can be used to work even on old machines include: LXDE desktop, Xfce desktop And MATE desktop.

3. I would classify them as light heavyweights Cinnamon desktop even though it uses a window manager Muffin- fork Mutter.

Conclusion.

Returning to the question "Which desktop should a Linux newbie choose?", there is no definite answer, because everything will depend on technical capabilities your computer.
Distinctive feature Linux(V in a good way) is that almost any distribution can be pre-run on your computer directly from a flash drive in live mode, without installing it on a hard drive. And if you think that a particular distribution works without delays or visible glitches in live mode, you can install it on your computer.

From own experience I can say that for a beginner, this is Linux Mint with environments MATE, Xfce or Cinnamon. Especially Linux Mint "Cinnamon". Its interface is more understandable, especially for those who have just switched from Windows and surroundings Cinnamon practically does not require additional settings.
9 years ago, I started my journey in Linux exactly with Linux Mint 9 And Ubuntu 9.04, but then both of these distributions used a lightweight shell GNOME 2 and window managers Metacity And Compiz, respectively.

Which distribution and shell should you choose? I can only say one thing - TRY IT and you will find your distribution Linux.

P.S. If you have questions about this article, you can discuss them on our forum.

Diversity is one of best features Linux ecosystem as users can try different variants and find those that suit them the best way. However, sometimes diversity can lead to confusion. If you're new to the Linux community, there's a good chance you'll be overwhelmed by the number of options to choose from. Desktop environments are no exception. Having said that, trying out every desktop environment is a very time-consuming task.

In this article, we have tried to collect the best desktop environments available for Linux distributions and list their strengths and weaknesses.

I must immediately warn you that the list presented is not a list best environments for programming or other specific tasks. And one more thing - the environments listed are not arranged in any strict order.

1.KDE

KDE isn't just a desktop environment; it's actually a collection of applications, one of which is a desktop environment. Latest version KDE is called Plasma and is available in two flavors - Plasma Desktop and Plasma Netbook. KDE is the most customizable and flexible environment listed.

While other environments require additional tools to configure, in KDE they are all available in the system settings. You can customize it for yourself without using third party utilities. You can download widgets, wallpapers and desktop themes even without launching the browser.

KDE provides a good collection of core applications and is compatible with any other application, even if it was not originally built on the KDE platform. The applications included with KDE provide a variety of features that are not available in alternative programs.

If you want a desktop environment that works right out of the box, or if you want a completely customizable solution, KDE is definitely worth a try.

Some major Linux distributions use KDE by default, such as openSUSE and Kubuntu.

• The most advanced, powerful and multifunctional environment
• Modern and elegant user interface
• Great customization options and flexibility in operation
• Large amount of compatible software

• Requirement for resources
• Some components may seem too difficult to use

2. MATE

The MATE desktop environment is based on code from the GNOME 2 project, which is no longer supported. MATE was originally designed for those users who were disappointed by the latest version GNOME shell– GNOME 3. Even though it is a fork of an older environment, this does not mean that it uses outdated technologies. This simply means that the MATE project took what already worked and continued to improve it with new developments.

MATE provides a traditional desktop environment with a few tweaks. And due to the fact that it was created on the basis of a project that was debugged and improved over many years, it works flawlessly. MATE supports a panel system with a variety of menus, applets, indicators, buttons, etc., which can be customized as desired by the user.

MATE comes with a set of core applications, most of which are descendants of the corresponding GNOME 2 applications. Another great feature of MATE is that it requires very little memory to run, so it will work well on older and less powerful computers.

Ubuntu MATE (new news!) uses MATE as its default desktop environment.

• Intuitive and reliable environment
• Simple and lightweight
• Great customization options

• The interface may seem a little old-fashioned (but that's how it was intended)

3. GNOME

GNOME is one of the most popular desktop environments in the Linux world. Many popular distributions use GNOME as their default environment, and there are several popular forks like Cinnamon, Unity, etc. GNOME was designed to be easy to use and customizable. The latest version, GNOME 3, has a modern, attractive user interface and optimized for better support devices from touch screen.

GNOME contains almost everything a modern desktop environment should have. Users who feel uncomfortable when using modern interface GNOME 3 users and those who prefer the good old GNOME 2 interface can choose the classic version. Taskbar, system wide search, powerful built-in apps, themes, extension support, window sticking are just a few of its features. key features. However, setting up this environment will require installing additional tool gnome-tweak-tool. Version 3.18 introduced some new features like integration Google Drive to the file manager.

One of the disadvantages of GNOME 3 is that it consumes a significant amount of RAM due to the use of a “heavy” graphical interface (compared to some other environments).

The main distributions that use GNOME are Debian, Fedora, openSUSE and Ubuntu GNOME.

• Modern and user-friendly touch devices user interface
• You can increase functionality using shell extensions
• Customizability

• Requirement for resources
• Inconvenient application management

4. Cinnamon

Cinnamon, a fork of GNOME 3, was originally developed as the default environment for Linux Mint. It is known for its similarity to the Windows interface, which helps new Linux users adapt to new system without the inconvenience of an unfamiliar user interface.

Cinnamon contains a variety of customizable components such as panels, themes, applets, and extensions. The panel, initially located at the bottom of the screen, has a main menu, application launcher, list open windows and system tray.

Cinnamon includes a variety of core applications, including those ported over from GNOME 3.

• Stylish appearance
• Familiar interface
• Good customization options

• Errors may occur from time to time

5. Unity

Unity. Technically, it is a graphical shell that runs on top of the GNOME environment and contains most of the main GNOME applications. Unity was developed by Canonical for use with the Ubuntu desktop OS. The Unity shell is based on GNOME 3.

Unity offers a simple, touch-friendly environment into which your applications integrate seamlessly. Unity introduced some new ideas and technologies, such as lenses, scopes, and HUD-style displays. One of Unity's strengths is its excellent support for keyboard, mouse, touchpad, and even touchscreen controls. Unity by default has a menu located at the top and an application launcher in which the taskbar is available and can be pinned individual applications and navigate through open windows.

Some users find Unity too cluttered and sometimes quite slow, while others are simply crazy about the environment. But despite many controversies, Unity has a large number of users, since it is the standard desktop environment of one of the most popular Linux distributions - Ubuntu (the Unity project may soon be folded by Canonical).

• Reliable and intuitive environment
• Excellent application integration.

• Not enough ample opportunities settings
• Not available for major Linux distributions

6. LXDE

LXDE is an incredibly fast and cost-effective desktop environment. It is designed to be lightweight and user-friendly while consuming few resources. The modular approach allows each of the components to be used independently, and this is what makes LXDE easy to port to almost all Linux distributions, as well as BSD and Unix.

Under the hood, LXDE contains a variety of system components, applications, and configuration tools. LXDE is used by default in Lubuntu, a flavor of Ubuntu.

It is worth mentioning LXQt - the “descendant” of LXDE, combining two projects with open source: LXDE and Razor-Qt. LXQt is currently in development and should eventually become a lightweight, modular, incredibly fast and user-friendly environment. It is already available for a wide range of Linux distributions.

• Incredible speed and small size
• Supports almost every Linux distribution

• The user interface may seem unattractive

7.Xfce

Xfce is one of the lightest desktop environments for Linux, BSD and other Unix-like distributions. Xfce provides a lightweight yet modern, attractive and user-friendly interface. It contains all the necessary basic functions and a good set of applications.

Xfce is used as the default environment in Manjaro Linux and Xubuntu.

• Small size, suitable for old equipment
• Modern attractive appearance
• Customizable

• Has fewer apps by default than competitors

So which environment is better than others?

Each desktop environment is different in nature and purpose. Which one is best for you will depend on what exactly you are looking for. To do this, you just need to try a few of them and decide.

What environment are you using? What exactly attracted you to it? Write in the comments!