Desktop Environments

With the other operating systems, the desktop is set as part of them. Consumers get what comes with the operating system, and while some customization is possible, such as where icons sit on the desktop, for the most part the user gets what is there.

With Linux, there are many different options for the desktop environment. A Linux user can choose between Gnome, KDE (which can be made to look very familiar to most users), XFCE, Enlightenment, or my personal favorite, LXDE.

Some people may not understand what desktop environment means, or what the differences are between them. I know that I did not when I started using Linux. It is something that some people want to learn about, while other people just want to go with the desktop environment (or DE) that feels and looks right for them.

And that is the main reason for different DEs. Different people want different things out of their desktop, want it to look different or work different. One of the advantages of Linux is that users have the choice of what to use to manage their desktop. The different DEs look different and work different. Each one of them is right for someone, while it may be all wrong for someone else. I personally do not like Gnome or KDE, but some users will not use anything besides one of those. People like the way they work. I like LXDE and XFCE for myself.

Each of the DEs for Linux can also be customized and changed to suit the user the best, as well. Things can sometimes be moved to a better (for the user) place, and sometimes items can be removed from the menu. It is all a matter of taste.

And many distributions are available with several different DEs. Ubuntu is released on Gnome, KDE, XFCE, LXDE, and others. Linux Mint is available on Gnome, KDE, XFCE, LXDE, and Fluxbox. Even when a distribution does not come with a certain desktop available, like Peppermint, released on LXDE, other desktop environments can be installed and used.

If you are thinking of switching to Linux, or you want to learn more about the different desktop environments, there are places you can look. Or you can find someone who uses and knows Linux who can tell and show you the differences. That way you can be happy with the way your computer looks and works. It is important to like your computing experience.