Ubuntu environment. The best Linux graphical shells

When working on a computer, we do not see the desktop often (at the moment of turning it on and off), but habit is of great importance and each of us has our own vision of how the desktop should be. In this article, we'll take a look at what a desktop looks like in Linux Mint MATE.

Linux Mint desktop MATE desktop

Linux Mint MATE has the most classic desktop look. It is familiar to both Windows users and users of Gnome2, which was widely used on many Linux distributions as the main one. That is why we write all articles based on it. In the upper left corner, we can display an image of the computer and your home folder.

In the lower right corner there is a good old recycle bin, in which all deleted files are placed.

Whether to display these elements on the desktop or not is up to you. There is a special utility for this, which can be found in the menu-options-desktop settings. Just check the boxes you need or remove unnecessary ones.

In addition, you can easily place a shortcut to any installed program on your desktop. To do this, find it in the menu and right-click on the name. A submenu will open in front of you and in it you need to select the "add to desktop" item.

To choose a desktop wallpaper or add your own images, you need to go to menu-options-appearance. In the window that opens, go to the "background" tab.

An easier way to customize the look of your desktop is to right-click on any free space on the screen. You will see a menu that looks like this:

You can create a folder, a program launch button, create a new document on the desktop, change the wallpaper, and align all shortcuts.

At the bottom of the screen is the bottom panel. On its left side you can find a menu and a list of windows of running programs.

On the right side is the system tray, volume control, network indicator and clock.

As you can see, everything is very simple and you don't need any specific knowledge to change the Linux Mint desktop.

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 developing 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 shells 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 pretty. 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 abandoned GTK2 and almost everything has been redone 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. If you believe the tests from Phoronix, then 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 improving. 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 many of them, and the shells are very similar in general. But your choice will only depend on your personal preference. What do you think, which linux mint mate or cinnamon to choose? Write in the comments!

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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 graphical shell for Ubuntu in the edition of 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 placed at 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 the Gnome 3 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, 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, portrayed with 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 panels work better.

To install, type the command:

$ sudo apt install gnome-session-flashback

9. Awesome

Awesome isn't really a desktop environment, it's a tile-based 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.

Variety is one of the best features of the Linux community as users can try different options and choose which one suits them best. But sometimes it can create confusion. If you are new to the Linux world, you will be overwhelmed by the number of options available. There are no exceptions to the desktop environment. But trying every desktop environment is no easy task.

This article compiles the best Linux graphical skins available for various distributions, as well as their pros and cons.

1. KDE

KDE is not just a desktop environment, it is a collection of programs, among which is the desktop shell - Plasma. The latest version of KDE is called KDE Frameworks and comes in two editions - Plasma Desktop and Plasma Netbook. KDE is the most highly customizable and flexible Linux desktop environment.

Unlike other graphical environments, where various utilities are needed to configure the environment, in KDE all the parameters are in a special utility called System Settings. You can customize the GUI to suit your taste without any third-party tools. Also, you can install themes, widgets and wallpapers without even opening your browser.

KDE has a great set of applications, and it also supports other applications, even if they were not built using the KDE development platform. For some KDE applications, there are not even alternatives in other environments.

If you want a desktop environment that works out of the box and at the same time you want to be able to customize everything, feel free to choose KDE.

The OpenSUSE and Kubuntu distributions use the default KDE desktop environment.

Pros:

• Most powerful, multifunctional
• Modern and beautiful user interface
• High customization and flexibility
• Wide range of application compatibility

Minuses:

• Consumes more resources than lightweight environments
• Some things may seem too complicated to use.

2. MATE

The MATE desktop environment is based on a codebase not currently supported by Gnome 2. It was originally designed for users who were frustrated with the latest version of the Gnome 3 shell. Using code from a previous version does not mean that the shell is running on legacy technologies. This means that the MATE developers have taken what is already working and continue to improve it using modern technologies.

MATE is a traditional desktop environment with a touch of modernism. It is based on what has been debugged and tested over the years. It works seamlessly. MATE supports a system of panels with various menus, applets, indicators, buttons, etc. All this can be customized as the user wants.

MATE comes with a standard set of applications, most of which are taken from Gnome 2. Another great feature of MATE is that it uses only a very small amount of memory, and therefore can function on older and less powerful computers.

Only Ubuntu MATE uses MATE as its default desktop environment. MATE is also used by several other distributions.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface
• Simple and easy
• High customizability

Minuses:

• The interface may seem outdated

3. GNOME

GNOME is, if not the most popular, then one of the most popular Linux desktop environments. Many distributions use GNOME as their default graphical Linux shell. Also Gnome has several popular forks such as Unity, Cinnamon, etc. GNOME is designed to be easy to use and highly customizable. The latest version of GNOME 3 has a modern and attractive user interface and the best support for touch devices.

GNOME has almost everything a modern desktop environment should have. For those who do not want to use a modern interface and prefer Gnome 2, there is a classic mode, as well as a main menu, search throughout the system, powerful default applications, many themes, support for extensions and this is not all of its features.

However, customizing this environment requires additional utilities such as the Gnome Tweak Tool. Version 3.18 introduces some interesting features, such as the Google Drive integrated into the file manager.

One of the disadvantages of GNOME is that it is memory intensive due to its heavy graphical interface.

Gnome is used in many major distributions, for example: Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Ubuntu Gnome.

Pros:

Modern, touch-friendly interface

• Shell extension support
• Beautiful interface

Minuses

• Resource intensity
• Extension management is poorly implemented

4. Cinnamon

The best Linux graphical shells article would be incomplete without this shell. Cinnamon, a fork of GNOME 3, was originally designed as a desktop environment for Linux Mint. It is known for its similarity to the user interface to Windows, which helps new Linux users to get rid of the discomfort in an as yet unfamiliar system.

Cinnamon contains various customizable elements such as panels, themes, applets, and extensions. The panel is located at the bottom of the screen, it has an application launch menu, a list of open windows and the system tray.

Cinnamon comes with a large number of applications preinstalled, most of them come from Gnome 3, but some are developed by the Linux Mint team.

Pros:

• Sleek, professional look
• Familiar interface
• Quite customizable

Minuses:

• Sometimes buggy

5. Unity

Technically, Unity is a graphical linux shell that runs on top of the GNOME 3 desktop environment. It comes with a lot of GNOME applications. Unity was developed by Canonical for use on Ubuntu and is based on GNOME 3.

Unity is a simple and pleasant environment that integrates well with applications. As part of this shell, new technologies such as the search lens, launcher, and HUD have been implemented to improve the workflow. One of the poles of Unity is that it implements the concept of user-computer interaction using a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, or even a touchscreen. The panel in Unity and the application launcher are at the top of the screen. The panel also contains the main menu of the currently active application.

Some people consider Unity to be bloated and slow, while others are fans of it. But despite many controversies, Unity has a large user base as it is the default desktop environment for one of the most popular distributions, Ubuntu.

Pros:

• Lightweight and intuitive
• Beautiful interface

Minuses

• Lack of customization
• Not available for other Linux distributions

6. LXDE

LXDE is a very fast and lightweight linux desktop environment. It is designed to be lightweight and easy to use while using a minimum of resources. It uses a modular approach, so each of its components can be used separately from each other. This feature makes it easier to port LXDE to other distributions, as well as BSD and Unix.

LXDE comes with a variety of applications such as configuration utilities, file management applications, audio and video players. It is used as the default desktop environment in Lubuntu.

The successor to LXDE is a project that combines two projects - LXDE and Razor-Qt - LXQt. Currently, this environment is still at a low stage of development and development. It aims to be lightweight, fast, and user-friendly, and is available for many distributions.

Pros:

• Fast and light
• Support for almost all distributions

Minuses:

• The user interface may seem unattractive

7.XFCE

This section of the site publishes information about the graphical interfaces of the Linux operating system. Interfaces are divided into two groups: desktop environments and window managers.

The Linux Desktop Environment is a comprehensive out-of-the-box shell. Typically, the desktop environment includes the taskbar, function menus, login manager, configuration programs, base programs, and other functional elements, including the window manager.

The Linux window manager (Window Manager) is a program that draws windows, allows you to move and resize a window, and processes the user's actions that he does in the program window. The window manager can run independently or be part of the desktop environment.

• Budgie - graphical shell

  Budgie is a graphical front-end that was written from scratch but uses GNOME technology.

• Cinnamon - desktop environment

  Cinnamon is a standalone desktop environment that is a fork of Gnome 3 but has a classic Gnome style design.

• Enlightenment

  Enlightenment (or simply E) is a lightweight window manager that is not demanding on computer resources and consumes very little RAM. Animation of interface elements, themes, virtual desktops are supported. The interface is not very stylish and modern, it takes some getting used to.

• Gnome - desktop environment

  Gnome (GNU Network Object Model Environment) is the most popular desktop environment for Linux. Gnome is one of the most powerful desktop environments and includes a set of environment customization utilities, application software, system utilities, and other modules.

• KDE - desktop environment

  KDE is a fully featured desktop environment. The KDE project develops a large number of applications for everyday needs. The KDE desktop is replete with various graphical effects. KDE uses the Qt libraries.

• LXDE - lightweight desktop environment

  LXDE (Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment) is a fast, lightweight desktop environment that is not demanding on computer resources. Openbox is used as a window manager. Windows and menus open without delay, and the interface is responsive and not annoying.

• MATE - continuation of the development of the classic Gnome

  MATE is a desktop environment that is a continuation of the development of Gnome 2. MATE is a balanced environment with a good set of programs and utilities and a nice classic interface.

• Openbox - fast window manager

  Openbox is a lightweight window manager with a simple, minimalist interface. This window manager is not demanding on system resources and works very quickly. When you right-click the mouse, the main Openbox menu is called up, through which you can call any programs. Openbox is highly customizable and has support for skins.