Linux working environments. The best Ubuntu GUIs

Linux graphical shells are as different as their hosts. Some are very beautiful, but resource intensive. Others are unassuming, but nimble and economical.

LXDE

LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is a free desktop environment for UNIX and other POSIX-compliant systems such as Linux or BSD.

LXDE uses Openbox as its default window manager and aims to offer a fast and lightweight desktop based on mutually independent components.

Unity

Unity is a free frontend for the GNOME desktop environment developed by Canonical for the Ubuntu operating system. It allows you to more efficiently use the small screens of netbooks, thanks to, for example, a vertical bar for switching between running programs. Initially, Metacity was used as the window manager, which was later replaced by Compiz, now Mutter is used. Starting with Ubuntu 11.04, Canonical replaced the standard GNOME shell with Unity. All standard applications were still taken from GNOME.
Admiring the beauty, you can.

Gnome

The Gnome Pros ( G NU N etwork O bject M odel E nvironment):

Gnome official Desktop of IBM, HP, Sun
Gnome is the official Wisconsing Government Desktop in the United States, Northern Spain - Extremadura, China.
Supports 114 languages
Easy to use, easy to learn
Distributed under the GPL license
Additional options for people with disabilities

Advantages of Fluxbox:

the mouse wheel changes the Workspaces
configurable TitleBar
IconBar (for minimized windows)
KDE support
its integrated keygrabber
partial GNOME support
extended support for Window Manager Hints
configurable window tabs

Enlightenment is an open source window manager for the X Window System. The name translates to enlightenment and is often shortened to one letter E.

Advantages:

Small size and high performance;
Developed system of design and themes;
Animation support for themes, user interface elements, icons, desktops, and cursors;
Modular structure, dynamic loading of external modules is possible to expand functionality;
Expanded support for virtual desktops.

Amiwm

AmiWM advantages:

For Amiga connoisseurs, emulation of work in the Amiga's Workbench
Support for multiple screens

XFce

XFce is a graphical front-end built on top of the GTK + toolkit used by Gnome, but is much lighter and designed for those looking for a simple, efficient desktop that's easy to use and customize. Some of the benefits of XFce include:

Simple, easy-to-use work table
Fully customizable with the mouse, with a "drag and drop" interface
The main panel is similar to the CDE, with menus, applets and quick launch options
Integrated window manager, file manager, sound management, Gnome compatibility module and more
Standardized menus and toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, color schemes, and so on
The ability to use themes (since it uses GTK +)
Fast, lightweight and efficient: ideal for legacy / weak machines or machines with limited memory

Main features:

National language support via I18N
All changes are applied immediately without restarting the Window Manager
Integrated graphical settings configuration utility

The MS Windows control system was developed on the basis of this desktop.
Differences:

Optimized for Intel Pentium Processors
Uses SciTech Software SNAP graphics technology instead of X-Window
Graphics are 17% faster than MS Windows and 25% faster than X-Window
Backward compatibility with X-Window applications
Fast downloads - between 5 and 15 seconds on modern hardware
XML-based editable interface
Plug and Play Hardware Support
Localization: full Unicode support
Flexible OS independent architecture

D3d

AfterStep is a window manager for the X Window System that was designed with flexible desktop customization, improved appearance and efficient use of system resources. AfterStep was originally a variant of FVWM, which reproduced the graphical interface of the NeXTSTEP operating system, but with the course of development it moved away from its roots. AfterStep includes several modules such as:
Pager is a visual tool for managing and navigating between multiple desktops
WinList - a simple taskbar displaying active applications
Wharf is an application launch control tool, a panel containing the most frequently used applications and applets.

AfterStep supports virtual screens. The appearance is configured using a set of text configuration files.

fvwm, mwm, twm

F Virtual Window Manager is a window manager for the X Window System with support for virtual screens. FVWM is famous for its high quality source code, which has been developed and improved over the years, so many projects are based on it, including AfterStep, Xfce, Enlightenment and many others.

XPde

XPde is a project that aims to create a desktop that looks like Windows XP. XPde (XP Desktop Environment) is a free desktop environment similar in appearance to Windows XP. Built on top of the Qt cross-platform user interface development toolkit. Includes the XPwm window manager. As conceived by the developers, their window manager should make it easier for Windows users to switch to Linux. XPde is written in Kylix.

Metisse is an X-based windowing system designed with two goals in mind. First, it should facilitate the development and implementation of innovative windowing technologies for HCI (HCI - Human Computer Interface) researchers. Second, it must comply with existing standards and be effective enough for daily use, making it a suitable platform for evaluating proposed technologies. Metisse does not focus on specific interactions (such as 3D) and should not be seen as suggesting a new desktop. It is more of a tool for creating new types of desktop environments.

IceWM

IceWM is a window manager for the X Window System on Unix-like operating systems. IceWM development started from scratch in 1997, the project is written entirely in C ++ and released under the terms of the GNU LGPL license. The goal of the project is to create a working environment with a convenient and fast intuitive interface with wide possibilities for user customization. In particular, all functions of the graphical interface are available using only the keyboard. At the same time, the number of tasks included the maximum lightness of IceWM in terms of consumed computer resources - memory and processor.

CDE

Common Desktop Environment (CDE) - Proprietary Motif-based desktop environment for UNIX, HP OpenVMS. CDE is developed by The Open Group in collaboration with Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell and Sun Microsystems and is based on HP's VUE (Visual User Environment). Until about 2000, CDE was the industry standard for UNIX systems, but free desktop shells such as KDE and GNOME quickly became more user-friendly and became the standard for many Linux platforms, which already had more users than most UNIX at this time. systems.

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions developed by Canonical. By default, this distribution uses its own graphical shell - Unity. It is applied on top of the Gnome 3 desktop environment and looks pretty pretty.

But Unity has one significant drawback - it has too few settings, and there are still some bugs and shortcomings left. In addition, not everyone likes this shell. But it is not necessary to use it, you can install any of the available desktop environments for Linux. Here, your choice is limited only by your taste. In this article, we'll take a look at the best Ubuntu 16.04 graphical shells and how to install on that system.

1. GNOME Shell

Gnome 3 or GNU Network Object Model Environment is part of the GNU Project and is developed by the Gnome Project team. This Ubuntu desktop is similar to Unity, but quite different from it. Gnome is used as the default Ubuntu graphical front-end for the Ubuntu Gnome distribution.

Key features:

Composite manager Mutter or Compiz;
View Mode "Actions" allows you to see all open windows on one screen, move them between desktops, search and much more;
There is a desktop notification system;
Extensions are supported with which you can change the appearance and functionality of the environment. You can install them from extensions.gnome.org;
By default, windows cannot be minimized, it is recommended to use desktops and display mode to replace this feature "Actions"... But minimizing windows can be enabled;
Dynamic number of desktops. You can open as many of them as you like.

To install, run:

$ sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop

2. Xfce

Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. The environment consumes very few system resources, looks nice and is user-friendly. Along with the environment itself, several additional applications, panels and plugins are supplied, and the native Xfwm window manager is also used.

In addition to the standard components, this Ubuntu desktop includes additional programs with the xfce prefix. To install the xfce desktop environment in Ubuntu run:

$ sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop

3. KDE Plasma

KDE is another very powerful and beautiful desktop environment, similar in functionality and resource consumption to Gnome. But unlike Gnome, there are a lot of settings here and you can configure the environment however you want. KDE has a Windows-like look and feel, which will come in handy for newbies.

Key features:

You can customize a huge number of parameters and literally any aspect of the behavior of the working environment;
Panels can be positioned around the edges of the screen and can be used as launchers or taxbars;
You can launch programs from the menu, through the launcher, or using shortcuts;
Plasma widgets can be placed on the desktop;
Action Mode lets you switch between desktops and spaces.

To install the desktop environment and all additional packages, run in a terminal:

$ sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop

4. LXDE

LXDE is another very lightweight desktop environment focused on minimum resource consumption and maximum performance. Openbox is used as a window manager. But besides it, the environment set includes several utilities with the LX prefix - these are system settings, application loader, panel, session manager, audio player, terminal and much more.

Key features:

Consumes little CPU and memory;
Looks simple and beautiful;
There are many settings with which you can make the environment look the way you want;
Environment components can be used independently of each other.

To change the ubuntu desktop environment run the following command:

$ sudo apt-get install lubuntu-desktop

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fork of Gnome 3 developed by the Linux Mint distribution team. The environment uses its own shell, which makes Gnome 3's interface look like Gnome 2. It uses new software, and at the same time you get a modern interface and the ability to install extensions. The environment has a familiar panel at the bottom of the screen, a familiar application launch menu, and the ability to add widgets to the desktop.

To install, run:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa: embrosyn / cinnamon
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install cinnamon blueberry

6. MATE

MATE is a fork of Gnome 2 that was created immediately after the announcement of the release of Gnome 3. Many users did not like the new version and wanted to keep the old look. The environment looks exactly the same as the traditional Gnome 2 interface.

Key Features:

Has the traditional look and feel of Gnome 2;
Comes with older versions of some Gnome 2 applications;
All conflicts between MATE and Gnome 3 have been resolved, so both environments can be installed seamlessly on the system.
GTK2 and GTK3 applications are supported.

To install, use the following command:

$ sudo apt-get install ubuntu-mate-desktop

7. Pantheon

Pantheon is a graphical frontend for Gnome 3 developed by the Elementary OS project. But it can be installed on Ubuntu too.

Peculiarities:

The top panel is called WingPanel and it mixes the best of both Gnome 2 and Gnome Shell;
The Slingshot launcher is used to launch applications;
At the bottom of the screen is the Plank dock;
The Cerebere utility runs in the background and monitors the operation of all other components, and also restarts them in case of an error;
You can choose which environment modules you want to use on your system.

To install, run the following commands:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa: elementary-os / daily
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install elementary-desktop

8. GNOME Flashback

This is a version of the classic Gnome desktop environment, a portfolio of new technologies such as GTK3 and others. This is its main difference from MATE. This is almost the same Gnome 2, only slightly updated, somewhere between Gnome 2 and 3. It works better on older hardware.

Peculiarities:

Has a classic application menu and panel;
The panel is configured in the same way as in Gnome 2, only to do this, you need to press Alt;
Improved overall stability, applets can no longer be moved, and vertical panes also perform better.

To install, type the command:

$ sudo apt install gnome-session-flashback

9. Awesome

Awesome is not really a desktop environment, it is a tiled window manager. By default, it comes with a panel where you can place your applets, desktop switching, and widgets. There are also several widget libraries that you can add to your desktop.

Tiling allows you to automatically switch the arrangement of windows without overlapping so that they evenly fill the screen, but you can make the windows float, as is done in normal environments.

Peculiarities:

Don't waste screen space;
No need to select the location of the windows using the mouse or touchpad;
Configuring window bindings;
There is mouse support.

To install, just run:

$ sudo apt-get install awesome

10. Enlightenment (E)

The Enlightenment environment focuses on beauty while minimizing resource consumption. There is a set of its own applications, as well as its own window manager. There is a dock bar at the bottom of the screen, and widgets can be added to the desktop. To install, run:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa: enlightenment-git / ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install e20

11.i3wm

i3wm is another great and simple tile-based window manager. The developers have focused on maximum ease of use, as well as code and configuration.

Peculiarities:

Support for multiple monitors;
UTF-8 support;
Easy to set up (no programming language needed);
Creation of layouts for the arrangement of windows dynamically;
Handling floating and pop-up windows;
Various modes, just like in Vim.

To install, run:

$ sudo apt-get install i3

12. Deepin DE

The Deepin Linux distribution uses its own specially designed desktop environment integrated with applications such as Deepin Video, Deepin Music and others. A characteristic feature of this environment is the side settings panel, like in Windows 8.1, only much more convenient.

Installing the Ubuntu environment is done with the command:

$ sudo sh -c "echo" deb http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin trusty main non-free universe ">> /etc/apt/sources.list"
$ sudo sh -c "echo" deb-src http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin trusty main non-free universe ">> /etc/apt/sources.list"
$ wget http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin/project/deepin-keyring.gpg
$ gpg --import deepin-keyring.gpg
$ sudo gpg --export --armor 209088E7 | sudo apt-key add -
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install dde-meta-core python-deepin-gsettings deepin-music-player deepin-software-center deepin-movie deepin-game-center

13. Budgie

Budgie is a Gnome-based desktop environment developed by the Solus distribution team. The developers focused on creating the most beautiful interface. This ubuntu graphical shell is used by default in the Ubuntu Budgie edition, which recently became official.

Peculiarities:

Integrates with the Gnome stack;
There is a Raven sidebar from which you can quickly access the settings;
All settings are done through the Raven panel.

To install, type the following commands:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa: budgie-remix / ppa
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install budgie-desktop

14. Openbox

Openbox is a highly customizable window manager. It has a minimalist look and feel and is highly customizable. You can change almost any aspect of the shell. You can customize the look as you go, and use KDE or Gnome applications.

To install this Ubuntu desktop environment run.

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions developed by Canonical. By default, it uses its own graphical shell - Unity. It is applied on top of the Gnome 3 desktop environment and looks pretty.

But Unity has one significant drawback - there are too few settings, and there are still some bugs and shortcomings. In addition, not everyone likes this shell. But it is not necessary to use it, you can install any of the available desktop environments for Linux. Here, your choice is limited only by your taste. In this article, we'll take a look at the best Ubuntu 16.04 graphical skins and how to install them on this system.

Gnome 3 or GNU Network Object Model Environment is part of the GNU Project and is developed by the Gnome Project team. This desktop is used as the default Ubuntu graphical front-end for the Ubuntu Gnome distribution.

Key features:

Composite manager Mutter or Compiz;
View Mode "Actions" allows you to see all open windows on one screen, move them between desktops, search and much more;
There is a desktop notification system;
Extensions are supported with which you can change the appearance and functionality of the environment. You can install them from extensions.gnome.org;
By default, windows cannot be minimized, it is recommended to use desktops and display mode to replace this feature "Actions"... But minimizing windows can be enabled;
Dynamic number of desktops. You can open as many of them as you like.

To install, run:

sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop

2. Xfce

Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment for Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. It consumes very few system resources, looks nice and is user-friendly. Along with the environment itself, several additional applications, panels and plugins are supplied, and the native Xfwm window manager is also used.

In addition to the standard components, this Ubuntu desktop includes additional programs with the xfce prefix. To install the xfce desktop environment in Ubuntu, run:

sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop

3. KDE Plasma

KDE is another very powerful and beautiful desktop environment similar to Gnome in functionality and resource consumption. But, unlike Gnome, there are a lot of settings here, and you can configure the environment however you want. KDE has a Windows-like look and feel, which will come in handy for newbies.

Key features:

You can customize a huge number of parameters and literally any aspect of the behavior of the working environment;
Panels can be positioned at the edges of the screen, used as launchers or taxbars;
You can launch programs from the menu, through the launcher, or using shortcuts;
Plasma widgets can be placed on the desktop;
Action Mode lets you switch between desktops and spaces.

To install the desktop environment and all additional packages, run in a terminal:

sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop

4. LXDE

LXDE is another lightweight desktop environment focused on minimum resource consumption and maximum performance. Openbox is used as a window manager. But besides it, the set includes several utilities with the LX prefix: system settings, application loader, panel, session manager, audio player, terminal and much more.

Key features:

Consumes little CPU and memory;
Looks simple and beautiful;
There are many settings with which you can make the environment look the way you want;
Environment components can be used independently of each other.

To change the ubuntu desktop environment, run the following command:

sudo apt-get install lubuntu-desktop

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a fork of Gnome 3 developed by the Linux Mint distribution team. The environment uses its own shell, which makes Gnome 3's interface look like Gnome 2. It uses new software, and at the same time you get a modern interface and the ability to install extensions. The environment has the familiar panel at the bottom of the screen and the application launch menu, as well as the ability to add widgets to the desktop.

To install, run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa: embrosyn / cinnamon
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install cinnamon blueberry

6. MATE

MATE is a fork of Gnome 2 that was created immediately after the announcement of the release of Gnome 3. Many users did not like the new version - they wanted to keep the same look and feel. The environment looks exactly the same as the traditional Gnome 2 interface.

Key Features:

Has the traditional look and feel of Gnome 2;
Comes with older versions of some Gnome 2 applications;
All conflicts between MATE and Gnome 3 have been resolved, so both environments can be installed seamlessly on the system.
GTK2 and GTK3 applications are supported.

To install, use the following command:

sudo apt-get install ubuntu-mate-desktop

7. Pantheon

Pantheon is a graphical frontend for Gnome 3 developed by the Elementary OS project. But it can be installed on Ubuntu too.

Peculiarities:

The top panel is called WingPanel, and it mixes the best of both Gnome 2 and Gnome Shell;
The Slingshot launcher is used to launch applications;
At the bottom of the screen is the Plank dock;
The Cerebere utility runs in the background and monitors the operation of all other components, and also restarts them in case of an error;
You can choose which environment modules you want to use on your system.

To install, run the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa: elementary-os / daily
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install elementary-desktop

8. GNOME Flashback

This is a version of the classic Gnome desktop environment, a portfolio of new technologies such as GTK3 and others. This is its main difference from MATE: almost the same Gnome 2, only slightly updated - something in between Gnome 2 and 3. It works better on older hardware.

Peculiarities:

Has a classic application menu and panel;
The panel is configured in the same way as in Gnome 2, only to do this, you need to press Alt;
Improved overall stability, applets can no longer be moved, and vertical bars work better.

To install, type the command:

sudo apt install gnome-session-flashback

9. Awesome

Tiling allows you to automatically switch the arrangement of windows without overlapping so that they evenly fill the screen, but you can make the windows float, as is done in normal environments.

Peculiarities:

No wasted screen space;
No need to select the location of the windows using the mouse or touchpad;
Configuring window bindings;
There is mouse support.

To install, just run:

sudo apt-get install awesome

10. Enlightenment (E)

The Enlightenment environment focuses on beauty while minimizing resource consumption. There is a set of its own applications, as well as its own window manager. There is a dock at the bottom of the screen, and widgets can be added to the desktop. To install, run:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa: enlightenment-git / ppa
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install e20

11.i3wm

i3wm is another great and simple tile-based window manager. The developers have made an emphasis on maximum simplicity, both of use and of the code with settings.

Peculiarities:

Support for multiple monitors;
UTF-8 support;
Easy to set up (no programming language needed);
Creation of layouts for the arrangement of windows dynamically;
Handling floating and pop-up windows;
Various modes as in Vim.

To install, run:

sudo apt-get install i3

12. Deepin DE

The Deepin Linux distribution uses its own specially designed desktop environment integrated with applications such as Deepin Video, Deepin Music and others. Its characteristic feature is the side settings panel as in WIndows 8.1, only it is much more convenient.

Installing the Ubuntu environment is done with the command:

sudo sh -c "echo" deb http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin trusty main non-free universe ">> /etc/apt/sources.list"
$ sudo sh -c "echo" deb-src http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin trusty main non-free universe ">> /etc/apt/sources.list"
$ wget http://packages.linuxdeepin.com/deepin/project/deepin-keyring.gpg
$ gpg --import deepin-keyring.gpg
$ sudo gpg --export --armor 209088E7 | sudo apt-key add -
$ sudo apt-get update
$ sudo apt-get install dde-meta-core python-deepin-gsettings deepin-music-player deepin-software-center deepin-movie deepin-game-center

13. Budgie

Budgie is a Gnome-based desktop environment developed by the Solus distribution team. The developers focused on creating the most beautiful interface. This Ubuntu GUI is the default in the Ubuntu Budgie edition, which recently became official.

Peculiarities:

Integrates with the Gnome stack;
There is a Raven sidebar from which you can quickly access the settings;
All settings are done through the Raven panel.

To install, type the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa: budgie-remix / ppa
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install budgie-desktop

14. Openbox

Openbox is a window manager. It has a minimalist look and feel and is highly customizable. You can change almost any aspect of the shell. You can customize the look however you like, and you can also use KDE or Gnome applications.

To install this Ubuntu desktop environment, run:

sudo apt install openbox

conclusions

In this article, we've covered the best Ubuntu 16.04 graphical skins. They can all be installed relatively easily on your operating system. What to choose depends only on the taste of the user. What Ubuntu environment are you using? What advice would you recommend to other users to use? Write in the comments!

Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distributions among novice users. It is easy to install and use, comes with all the software you need, and has fewer bugs and bugs than Ubuntu, which is why many users choose this system. Linux Mint comes with several desktop environments. Cinnamon is used by default, but there are versions with MATE and XFCE. For a beginner, this article will help you decide which Linux Mint Mate or Cinnamon to choose.

The system remains the same, but the environments are very different, despite the fact that they are based on Gnome. We'll cover the main differences between these distributions.

As I said, both Cinnamon vs Mate are based on Gnome. But they are developed by different teams.

Cinnamon

Back in the days when Ubuntu moved to Gnome 3 and then to Unity, the Linux Mint developers wanted to keep a user-friendly interface. They created a set of extensions that brought back panels and menus in Gnome 3, as well as other familiar features. But they soon saw that Gnome 3 was heading in the wrong direction, and forked the Gnome Shell and several other components from Gnome 3, including the compositing manager Mutter. Then they started to develop their shell called Cinnamon. It is now the default in Linux Mint and is being developed by the Linux Mint team.

MATE

The MATE environment appeared around the same time. And it was a fork of the final state no longer supported by Gnome 2. Many users didn't like the new Gnome 3 and wanted to keep the old interface. For this purpose, a fork was created. This was announced by one of the ArchLinux users, and then several more people joined him. The team now has about 10 active developers.

2. Appearance

Although both skins are based on Gnome, they have a different look and feel.

Cinnamon

The Cinnamon shell retains a more Windows-like look and feel. Here the panel is located at the bottom, there is a menu in place of the button "Start", and this is the classic Gnome 2 menu. But the shell is based on Gnome 3 and uses GTK3, so it looks quite modern. New themes are constantly being created, for example Linux Mint 18 added the Mint-Y theme with a flat design that looks very nice. Of the additional features, I would like to note the support of widgets for the desktop, the so-called desklets.

MATE

MATE is more like Gnome 2, although recently the developers have ditched GTK2 and have remade almost everything on GTK3. In terms of the interface, it remains the same Gnome 2: the panel is also located at the bottom here. Widgets like in Cinnamon are not supported. In general, both skins do not differ much in terms of appearance, except for the menu: in MATE it is wider and more beautiful, you can add your own applications; in Cinnamon, the menu just lists the categories. For many users, appearance is a very important parameter when choosing "Linux Mint Cinnamon or Mate".

3. Performance

In terms of performance, the environments are approximately the same. According to the tests from Phoronix, Cinnamon is faster in some cases, and in most cases at the same level as MATE. In terms of resource consumption, Cinnamon loses, however, this is normal, considering that it is based on Gnome 3. Cinnamon consumes 100-150 megabytes of RAM more than MATE. This comparison of Mate and Cinnamon wins MATE.

4. Community

Over the past few years, the Cinnamon shell has become one of the most popular desktop environments among Linux users. She has a large team of active developers: the system is constantly being improved. A huge number of people use Cinnamon - LinuxMint is one of the most popular distributions and this shell is installed by default. You can find solutions to potential problems in the numerous Linux Mint forums.

The majority of MATE users are Gnome 2 hobbyists, some of whom move to other shells over time. The number of MATE developers is not as large as that of Cinnamon, so new features are added more slowly and there are fewer forums.

conclusions

In this article, we've covered the main differences between Cinnamon and MATE. As you can see, there are not so many of them, and the shells are very similar in general. But your choice will only depend on your personal preference. Which linux mint mate or cinnamon to choose? Write in the comments!

Related entries:

This is a newbie question to Linux not idle, but rather necessary, since v Linux, Unlike Windows or MacOS X, there are many distributions, with different desktop environments. Good or bad, I don’t presume to judge, and the article is not about this, but about working environments, since there are several of them in Linux.

First of all, let's figure out what is "Desktop" or "Desktop environment", which is also called simply "Shell"?

Graphical desktop environment(English desktop environment) is a kind of graphical user interfaces based on the desktop metaphor.

This environment provides a space, called the desktop, on which windows, icons, panels, and other elements appear. Mechanisms that combine different parts of the environment are usually supported, such as drag-n-drop (transferring data between windows using a pointing device / mouse). The purpose of the work environment is to create an intuitive way for the user to interact with the computer.

Desktop environment comprises Window manager(for example, Metacity) The most common desktop environments are Explorer(Microsoft Windows OS) and Aqua(Apple OS X). V Linux-like operating systems, the most popular are working environments GNOME, KDE, Xfce, LXDE, MATE and Cinnamon.

GNOME desktop

KDE Plasma Desktop

Xfce desktop

LXDE desktop

MATE Desktop

Cinnamon desktop

The desktop environment consists of a window manager (for example, Metacity or KWin), file manager (for example, Nautilus or Dolphin), a set of themes, programs and libraries. Most environments use settings that are appropriate for most users.

Desktop environments, or just shells, are categorized as heavy or light.
The weight or lightness of the shell depends a lot on the window manager.

Window manager- application running "on top" X Window System and defining the interface and user interaction.
Window managers can vary in ways such as:

Possibilities to customize the appearance and functionality.
-Ways to launch various applications;
-means for setting and managing the environment;
-Availability and interaction with multiple desktops or virtual tables.
Consumption of RAM and other computer resources.
The degree of integration with the desktop environment, which provides a more complete set of tools for interacting with the operating environment and various user applications.

Shell window managers.

1. GNOME Desktop uses a window manager Mutter.
Mutter- the window manager was designed as an alternative Metacity. Mutter combines the functions of a composite and window manager, is based on dense fundraising Opengl and uses the library functions in its work Clutter.

Window management logic in Mutter fully inherited from the window manager Metacity... Among the significant improvements can be noted a flexible system for expanding functionality by connecting plugins that can completely change the logic of window management and the organization of the screen design.

2. KDE Plasma desktop uses a window manager KWin.
KWin- composite window manager for X Window System... It is integrated into K D esktop E nvironment ( KDE) and is used KDE Plasma 5... Responsible for the design, management and movement of windows. KWin supports 3D effects when rendering windows.

3. Xfce desktop uses a window manager Xfwm.
Xfwm includes its own composite window manager.

4. LXDE desktop uses a window manager Openbox.
Openbox conceived as a lightweight, fast and simple solution for use with or without a desktop environment. Despite its simplicity, Openbox has many settings, by manipulating which the user can change almost any aspect of the window manager in accordance with his needs.

5. MATE desktop uses a window manager Marco.
Marco- fork Metacity GTK 2 from developers Mate... Supplied with MATE Desktop Environment default.

6. Cinnamon desktop uses a window manager Muffin.
Muffin- fork Mutter which in turn is a fork Metacity.

Cinnamon- free shell for desktop environment GNOME which is a fork from the codebase GNOME Shell... The main direction of development is to provide the user with a more familiar, traditional environment in the style of GNOME 2 convenient for desktop and laptop users. Originally developed by a team of programmers Linux Mint.

So let's summarize which shells are heavy and which are light.

1. To heavy shells, i.e. consuming the most computer resources are shells using window managers Mutter and KWin, respectively, this GNOME desktop and KDE Plasma Desktop.

2. The lightest shells that can be used to work even on old machines include LXDE desktop, Xfce desktop and MATE Desktop.

3. I would refer to lightweight Cinnamon desktop even though it uses a window manager Muffin- fork Mutter.

Conclusion.

back to the question "Which desktop should a Linux newbie choose?", there is no unambiguous answer, tk. everything will depend on the technical capabilities of your computer.
Distinctive feature Linux(in a good way) is that almost any distribution kit can be previously "run" on your computer directly from a flash drive in live mode, without installing it on a hard disk. And if you think that this or that distribution kit works without delays and visible failures in live mode, you can install it on your computer.

From my own experience, I can say that for a beginner, this Linux Mint with entourage MATE, Xfce or Cinnamon... Especially Linux Mint "Cinnamon"... Its interface is more understandable, especially for those who have just switched from Windows and environment Cinnamon practically does not require additional settings.
9 years back, I started my journey in Linux with Linux Mint 9 and Ubuntu 9.04 but then both of these distributions used a lightweight shell GNOME 2 and window managers Metacity and Compiz, respectively.

Which distribution and shell should you choose? I can only say one thing - TRY and you will find your distribution Linux.

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