Having multiple choices of desktop environments is one of the Linux OS's strong points -- as well as its potential nemesis. This lack of a uniform desktop strategy means confusion for Linux newcomers and frustration for seasoned users. For example, the two most used desktop environments are GNOME and KDE. But the choices do not end there.
SolusOS is a relatively new Linux distribution that is attracting considerable interest as an alternative to unpopular desktop replacements for traditional Linux user interfaces. It has much to offer Linux users who reject the Gnome 3 desktop and find little appeal from the KDE and Unity desktop environments.
SolusOS is a relatively new Linux distribution that is attracting considerable interest as an alternative to unpopular desktop replacements for traditional Linux user interfaces. It has much to offer Linux users who reject the Gnome 3 desktop and find little appeal from the KDE and Unity desktop environments.
The latest release earlier this month of the K Desktop Environment, or KDE, is a solid upgrade that could very well win back the hearts and fingers of Linux users who wandered off to other, less powerful desktop shells. I am particularly impressed with its smooth integration into the dedicated KDE distribution in Linux Mint 13. I lost interest in KDE after it left version 2.x behind.
KDE is the most powerful of desktop options for Linux users. Its heightened eye candy -- Compiz still works so the option of using the cube and its extensive desktop effects -- makes it a big step up from the other desktop choices. The new KDE brings major updates to the Plasma Workspaces, KDE Applications and the KDE Platform itself.
Unity is the default Desktop environment of Ubuntu 12.04 – Precise Pangolin, LTS (from the last few versions, before that GNOME was the default desktop).
Linux Mint 13 (Maya) is based on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Edition, but instead of using Unity as the default Desktop, Linux Mint uses MATE Desktop, although, It is also available with various other Desktop such as Cinnamon (A new Desktop based on Gnome Shell), KDE, XFCE etc.
Additionally, a lot of useful programs and codecs/libraries comes pre-installed in Linux Mint – so it makes Linux Mint 13, a
MATE, the open-source desktop environment whose name no one is sure how to pronounce, is now nearly a year old. Many of us never thought it would make it this far, but the interface has held own against competitors like Unity and GNOME Shell. But does MATE have a long-term future in the fast-evolving world of desktop Linux?
Contents
GNU/Linux
Distributions
Devices/Embedded
Free Software/Open Source
Leftovers
Clip of the Day
GNU/Linux
Desktop
4 Ways to Give Desktop Linux a Test-Drive
That desktop Linux offers myriad compelling advantages for business users is no longer the subject of much debate.
Email this page
