Click on each book below to review & buy on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
LPI Linux Essentials Exam 010-160 - Topic 1.4 - Desktop Environments
A desktop environment is the graphical user interface (GUI) of a computer's operating system. It encompasses various software components and user interface elements designed to make your computer interaction more intuitive and visually appealing.
Let's take a closer look at GNOME and KDE, two of the most popular Linux desktop environments, and understand their differences:
GNOME
GNOME is known for its minimalistic and user-centric design philosophy. It aims to offer a simple, elegant, and clutter-free interface. When you use GNOME, you'll notice a top bar and an activities overview that make it easy to access applications, virtual desktops, and notifications. GNOME provides a set of default applications like the Nautilus file manager, Epiphany web browser, and GNOME Terminal, which adhere to its design principles of simplicity.
In terms of customization, GNOME has evolved over time to offer more flexibility. Users can now tweak the appearance and behavior of GNOME to some extent using extensions and themes available from the GNOME Extensions website. Additionally, GNOME tends to be more resource-efficient compared to KDE, making it suitable for systems with limited hardware resources.
KDE
KDE takes a different approach. It focuses on offering a highly customizable and feature-rich experience. The default KDE Plasma desktop provides a more traditional taskbar and system tray, which can be more familiar to users transitioning from other platforms. KDE comes with its suite of applications, including Dolphin (file manager), Konsole (terminal emulator), and Falkon (web browser). These applications are known for their configurable and extensive feature sets.
Customization is where KDE truly shines. It's renowned for providing extensive customization options, allowing users to tweak nearly every aspect of their desktop environment, from themes and icons to widgets and desktop effects. However, this level of customization can be overwhelming for some users.
KDE tends to be slightly heavier on system resources compared to GNOME due to its feature-rich nature. Therefore, it may not perform as well on older hardware.
Other Desktop Environments
Xfce
Xfce is a lightweight and highly customizable desktop environment known for its efficiency. It's designed to run smoothly on older hardware while providing users with a responsive and customizable interface. Xfce offers a familiar layout with a panel for launching applications and managing windows. Its simplicity and speed make it a popular choice among users seeking a fast and efficient desktop environment.
LXQt
LXQt is a lightweight and energy-efficient desktop environment that combines the best features of the LXDE and Razor-qt projects. It aims to provide a modern, snappy, and visually appealing experience while remaining light on system resources. LXQt features a clean and straightforward interface, making it suitable for both older computers and users who prefer a minimalistic yet functional desktop.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is developed by the Linux Mint team and offers a traditional and user-friendly desktop experience. It includes a familiar start menu, a taskbar, and customizable desktop effects. Cinnamon focuses on delivering a comfortable and accessible interface for users who prefer a classic desktop layout. It's known for its stability and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those transitioning from other operating systems.
MATE
MATE is a continuation of the GNOME 2 desktop environment, providing users with a classic and stable desktop experience. It emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, making it a reliable choice for those who prefer a straightforward interface. MATE retains the traditional desktop metaphor with a menu, taskbar, and virtual desktops, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Budgie
Budgie is designed with simplicity and elegance in mind. It offers a clean and modern interface with a unique Raven sidebar for notifications and applets. Budgie is known for its user-friendly design and focus on providing an aesthetically pleasing experience. It's a relatively lightweight desktop environment that combines a minimalist approach with visual appeal, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a balance between style and performance.
Support DTV Linux
Click on each book below to review & buy on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
NordVPN ®: Elevate your online privacy and security. Grab our Special Offer to safeguard your data on public Wi-Fi and secure your devices. I may earn a commission on purchases made through this link.