Which Linux Desktop Environment Stands Out to You?
When it comes to Linux desktops, the options are as diverse as the users who employ them. Whether you're using a VPS, a real server, or a virtual machine, Linux provides a multitude of desktop environments that cater to different preferences and needs. This article explores popular choices, addressing the common misconceptions and shedding light on the aesthetic and practical aspects of various desktop environments.
Understanding the Diversity of Linux Desktop Environments
Many desktop environments have one thing in common: configurability. If a default appearance doesn't suit you, there's plenty of flexibility to customize it. This is true whether you're using KDE/Plasma, Gnome, XFCE, i3, e17, or Qt-razor. Most of these environments can be tailored to your liking.
The Linux desktop is often seen as a different beast from the underlying operating system (OS), and users and developers have poured extensive effort into improving the visual aesthetics and functionality. This is especially true for newer distributions that prioritize user experience.
Popular Desktop Environments:
KDE Plasma 5 - A highly customizable desktop environment with a polished appearance and built-in compositing. Elementary OS Pantheon - A modern, minimalistic, and highly customizable desktop environment that comes with many components. Solus Budgie - A lightweight desktop environment that maintains a clean and uncluttered interface. Cinnamon from Linux Mint - A user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing environment with a large community and wide range of customizations. Deepin - Known for its Windows-like aesthetics and modern design. LXQt with KDE Components - A lightweight and highly customizable desktop environment with KDE's visual appeal.KDE Plasma 5: A Polished Option
For those who prioritize aesthetics and configurability, KDE Plasma 5 is a standout choice. The combination of polished iconography, window decorations, and font rendering creates a visually pleasant experience. The built-in compositing engine also eliminates the need for additional software, such as Compiz, to enhance your desktop experience.
As a computer enthusiast, a visually appealing desktop environment is important because you spend a considerable amount of time staring at the screen. Having a sleek, well-configured desktop can significantly boost your productivity and enjoyment. KDE Plasma 5 offers ample configuration options to tailor your experience to your preferences.
Traditional Linux Desks and Their Revival
Many traditional Linux desktops, such as GNOME and XFCE, have been more visually appealing over the years. Features like GNOME's Wayland protocol and XFCE's seamless integration with the underlying OS make them attractive options for users who want a modern, yet lightweight, desktop experience.
GNOME has evolved to become more modern and user-friendly, with its unique features like GNOME Tweaks and extension support. XFCE remains a popular choice for those who value a lightweight and easy-to-use environment. Both GNOME and XFCE have the flexibility to be customized to match your needs, making them suitable for a wide range of users.
i3wm: A Productive Alternative
If you prefer a more efficient and keyboard-focused approach to desktop management, i3wm is a superb choice. It operates as a tiling window manager, minimizing the need for mouse usage and improving productivity. With i3wm, your hands remain on the keyboard, reducing the need to constantly reach for the mouse or trackpad.
The design philosophy behind i3wm is to maintain a clean and organized desktop environment. This is particularly useful for power users who want to maximize their productivity. While i3wm may have a steeper learning curve compared to other desktop environments, it offers a highly efficient and consistent interface for using a wide range of console-based applications.
Popular Applications for i3wm:
Terminal-Based File Manager: Ranger - A powerful, feature-rich file manager with a consistent interface and Vim-like keybindings. Custom Browser: qutebrowser - A minimalist browser with a keyboard-centric interface, perfect for quick and efficient web browsing. Terminal-Based Text Editor: neovim - A highly customizable text editor that integrates seamlessly with the i3wm environment.A Visual Example
The screenshot below shows a VM running in i3wm. Ignore the toolbar at the top, as it is outside of the desktop environment itself. With i3wm, you can achieve a highly efficient and visually consistent setup, as seen in the image.
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Overall, the choice of a Linux desktop environment depends on your personal preferences, needs, and the activities you perform on a daily basis. Whether you value aesthetics, productivity, or a simple, uncluttered interface, Linux offers a wide range of options to meet your requirements.