Understanding Linux Desktop Environments

A complete Linux desktop environment consists of everything that you will require in switching from Windows or any other operating system. Many projects begin as simple Linux window managers. When the team grows and the project develops, many more components are added. Once a project has a window manager, a desktop manager, a panel, and certain convenient settings windows, you have a desktop environment.

Choosing The Right Desktop

As stated on linuxlibrary.org, while some desktop environments are created for maximizing speed, others are created for delivering varied options to the user. So it is crucial to find the desktop environment that meet your requirements.

Interchanging Desktops

Users who are using Ubuntu for instance, are using the Gnome desktop environment. They can install the Xfce 4 desktop or the KDE desktop on Ubuntu in a very easy manner. Due to this, there is no need to switch between Kubuntu or Xubuntu for a change. You can simply install the desktop you want.

New Window Manager

The Mutter window manager for Linux has been recreated as the Muffin window manager. This was done merely to avoid naming conflicts.

Another great Linux window manager is Enlightenment. It is quite scalable and unique. Using this, you can avail all advanced graphics with minimum utilization of system resources. It makes use of a highly optimized code base.

Enlightenment Libraries

This was initially a simple option to Linux window manager and progressed into a full suite of libraries. The project resembles Xfce in performance and KDE in its pleasant outlook.

Gnome Applications

Gnome provides a great suite of applications that can assist in getting you through most of your daily tasks. It comprises of applications for everything, from text editors, to system monitors.

Gnome Desktop Introduction

The latest Gnome Shell dash on the Gnome 3 shell interface can be used for storing and launching all of your favorite applications. The applications can be located within the Gnome Shell activities menu. The latest activities menu functionality is very different from Gnome classic, but Gnome Shell can also be enhanced with the use of extensions for adding the functionality preferred by you.

KDE is good for many new Linux users as the setup is easy and stable. It also has a large development team where updates come often and things are always up to date. KDE is meant to offer a maximum level of configuration ability for the user.

Customizing KDE

KDE can be used to create a shocking Linux work environment. It appears fantastic by default and is highly customizable and user-friendly. One can even opt to use the massive list of widgets for adding greater functionality to your desktop.

LXDE

LXDE is a lightweight X11 desktop environment for Linux. It is composed of many highly optimized components and is a great option for systems with limited resources or for anyone who wants to maximize efficiency.

OpenBox Window Manager

This Linux desktop environment uses the popular OpenBox window manager that is highly configurable and user-friendly.

Xfce

Xfce 4 is lightweight and very fast. All applications are handpicked for ensuring that users are delivered a high-speed work environment. It is created for offering a very efficient work environment, perfect for users that want to get the most out of their limited hardware.