[Linux] Desktop Environments

This is a supporting post for ‘Switching to Linux’, where I talk about Desktop Environments—a core component of linux and making the switch to linux.

As a Windows user exploring the possibility of switching to Linux, one of the fundamental concepts to grasp is the nature of Desktop Environments (DEs) in the Linux ecosystem.

A Desktop Environment (DE) in Linux is akin to the main graphical user interface that you’re used to in Windows. It’s the part of the system where your day-to-day interaction happens.

—

In Windows, the graphical user interface (GUI) is an integral part of the operating system, commonly known as the Windows Desktop. This integration means the GUI and the underlying OS are inseparable and uniform across all installations of a particular Windows version.

In contrast, Linux separates its core operating system (the kernel and essential system components) from the GUI.

The Role of DEs in Linux

  • Independent Component: In Linux, a DE is an add-on layer to the core system. You can think of the Linux kernel and essential utilities as the engine and transmission of a car, while the DE is like the car’s interior design and controls—both essential, but distinctly separate.

    • This also means that you can install different/multiple DEs on the same Linux Distro.

  • Modularity and Flexibility: By decoupling the DE from the core system, Linux allows users to choose or even change their GUI without impacting the underlying system.

  • Unlike Windows or macOS, where the GUI is fixed and customization is limited, Linux DEs allow for extensive customization, from themes and icons to the layout and functionality of the desktop.

What Can You Expect from a Linux DE?

  • Familiar Features: Most DEs in Linux include elements you’re already accustomed to—a desktop area with icons, a taskbar (or panel), a system tray, and an application menu.

  • Built-In Applications: DEs typically come with a suite of applications like file managers, text editors, and sometimes even office suites and browsers; though most Linux software is compatible across different DEs.

List of Desktop Environments

The following aren’t the only desktop environments, but are the main ones you will come across and hear often.

Gnome

GNOME exemplifies a modern and minimalist design philosophy, utilizing the GTK 3 framework. Its interface offers an Activities Overview integrating window management and application launching in a unified space, moving away from the traditional desktop metaphor. While GNOME’s customization is achieved mainly through extensions, its core design opts for simplicity and ease of use over extensive personalization—similar to MacOS.

KDE/Plasma

KDE Plasma, renowned for its extensive customizability and feature-rich experience, is built on the Qt framework. It provides a more traditional desktop layout but with modern aesthetics, allowing users to modify almost every aspect of their interface. This DE is ideal for users who seek a perfect balance between a classic desktop feel and the ability to personalize their workspace extensively.

XFCE

XFCE is designed for speed and efficiency, focusing on stability and low resource usage. It adheres to the classic desktop model, offering a straightforward user experience with a conventional panel and desktop icons setup. While it provides reasonable customization options, its primary appeal lies in its performance, particularly on older or less powerful hardware.