Desktop Environments. A full desktop environment is the lazy man’s approach to Linux. Most popular Linux distributions today employ a full desktop environment, while hand selecting each component for specific purposes. A Linux desktop environment will usually include a session manager, a login or display manager, a window manager, a settings manager, a panel, and several great applications to get you started.
About Linux Desktop Environments If you are unfamiliar with the concept of a Linux desktop environment, then maybe this will help to answer some of your questions. What is a Desktop Environment? The life of a desktop environment usually begins as a single desktop component. What Does a DE Include? A desktop environment will include everything a user needs to get from boot-up, to a comfortable desktop. Do You Need a Desktop Environment? A desktop environment is not a requirement at all, it is simply a convenient way to get a full user friendly environment.
Which Desktop is Right for You? Gnome 3 Desktop Shell. Cinnamon. LXDE. LXDE is a GPL licensed open source desktop environment for Unix and other POSIX compliant platforms, such as Linux. The name LXDE stands for "Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment". LXDE is an energy saving and extremely fast and performing desktop solution. It works well with computers on the low end of the performance spectrum such as new generation netbooks and other small mobile computers. LXDE is designed for cloud networks such as local freifunk clouds or the global Internet cloud. It can be built on top of various Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian or Fedora. The LXDE project started 2006 when Hong Yen Jee from Taiwan, known as PCMan, published the first component PCMan File Manager. Features Lightweight It needs less CPU and performs extremely well with reasonable memory. Fast It runs well even on older computers produced in 1999, and it does not require 3D acceleration.
Energy saving It requires less energy to perform tasks to other systems on the market. Simply Beautiful PCManFM. XFCE. Gnome. Get things done with ease, comfort and control. GNOME 3 has been designed from the ground up to help you have the best possible computing experience. Learn about what it has to offer. Simple and easy to use Every part of GNOME 3 has been designed to make it simple and easy to use. The Activities Overview is an easy way to access all your basic tasks. A press of a button is all it takes to view your open windows, launch applications or check if you have new messages. Helps you get things done GNOME 3 provides a focused working environment that helps you to get things done, and it is packed with features that will make you more productive. Puts you in control GNOME 3 lets you do the things you want without getting in the way.
Finely crafted Every aspect of GNOME 3 has been crafted to fit together as a harmonious whole, so that it offers a consistent and integrated experience. Easily access all your data And much, much more Find out how to get GNOME 3. KDE. Plasma Desktop Plasma Desktop at a glance If you are looking for a familiar working environment, Plasma Desktop offers all the tools required for a modern desktop computing experience so you can be productive right from the start.
Beautiful looks Plasma Desktop offers a beautiful looking desktop that takes complete advantage of modern computing technology. Visual effects Owners of older hardware should not worry as the effects adjust to the machine's computing power, ensuring good looks without slowdowns. Shape the desktop the way you want it Should you want the power to adjust your desktop to your needs, Plasma Desktop allows you to do so with a few clicks of the mouse: you can add and arrange any number of widgets on your desktop and on your panels, depending on your needs. Installing new widgets from the Internet If you want to organize your space even further, Plasma Desktop allows you to group your widgets into distinct activities that you can customize to suit your workflow. Unity Ubuntu12.