Seven Notes for choosing a Linux Desktop

Seven Notes for choosing a Linux Desktop
GuideHow do users who are new to Linux desktops select a suitable Linux desktop environment? If you are used to using Windows or OS X, it is difficult to choose one. How can you choose among dozens of major Linux desktops and dozens of secondary ones?

There is no easy answer to this question. If you are a new user, you have never used any Linux desktop before. Most of the articles written on this topic are not very helpful, because they mainly describe what is most suitable for new users, rather than helping new users determine their own. If you have used Linux, Distrowatch's Search page will be more practical, but it will be of limited use to new users.

I would like to propose another method: To give opposite design choices so that users can choose based on their preferences and work habits. The following are the seven opposites for helping new users get started:

7. Classic vs Innovation

The classic desktop has a work area, one or more panels, and one menu. From MATE to Xfce, they account for the vast majority of Linux desktop environments. They are rarely shown, but provide a stable interface that anyone who has used computers has seen before. If you want to run the desktop, most Windows users may consider the classic desktop.

In contrast, the innovative desktop is different from the classic design. For example, Gnome uses an overview screen to start applications, while Unity desktop is actually applicable to mobile devices. Similarly, although you can create a classic desktop in KDE, this design expands on the classic desktop, with multiple desktop and easy replacement of icons.

6. Mobile vs non-mobile

Users who handle a large amount of computing work on their mobile phones or tablets can choose desktops inspired by mobile devices, with multiple changes in simple work areas and screens. Gnome is a reasonable choice for these users, but Unity is a better choice. Among many desktops, only Unity is designed for integration-the same desktop is used on devices of any size. In particular, we recommend that people with touch screen monitors use Unity.

5. starter vs Utility

On the one hand, for some users, desktop is just an application starter. They seldom spend time on the desktop, and have no high expectations. For such users, Unity and LXDE may be appropriate.

On the other hand, for some users, desktop is part of the ecosystem, and its settings determine the running mode. GNOME, KDE, Cinammon, and MATE are recommended for these users.

4. Minimal design vs maximized Design

Several Linux desktops are designed to reduce clutter and provide the simplest tool and control layout. Applications running on such desktops are designed for the most common scenarios, but they may not be satisfactory in the case of problems. GNOME, LXDE, and Unity all belong to this category, as do all Window managers.

The difference is that the designer decides to design a comprehensive desktop. Although these maximized designs may make options anxious for new users, they have all the features you need. To simplify, they often choose smart default values or hide advanced functions on different tabs. The desktop with this maximized design includes KDE and Cinnamon.

3. Menu vs desktop starter

Some users prefer to start applications from the menu to keep the workspace interface clean and tidy. Other users like to add the initiator to the desktop or panel to start applications, documents, or URLs. Although the workspace is messy, you can quickly access/obtain resources.

Which one do you prefer. However, if you prefer the menu, try Gnome or Unity.

However, if you prefer a desktop starter, try MATE, Cinnamon, or Xfce. If you fully prefer desktop starters, KDE will provide you with the most configuration options, including customizing the features of each virtual workspace.

2. Full Screen vs Multi-task processing

Do you usually process one or two applications each time? Or do you often use multiple applications at work and switch back and forth between them?

If you answer "yes" to the first question, it may be satisfied with Unity. It doesn't mean that Unity cannot process multiple tasks, but it opens the application in full screen mode by default. When you switch between multiple windows, the top menu displayed on the panel may be confusing.

However, if you answer "yes" to the second question, almost any other desktop may be suitable for your requirements.

1. Lightweight vs Comprehensive Functions

In recent years, Linux desktops have remained fully functional. Both KDE and Gnome provide a place to start applications and a complete ecosystem, including utilities and applications designed to run in collaboration with them.

However, you may prefer to select applications based on your preferences rather than the desktop environment. Maybe you have an old and slow machine. In either case, a lightweight desktop such as LXDE or a window manager such as IceWM or Openbox may be more suitable for you.

Select your own Linux Desktop

Sometimes, one of the opposites above may be more important than the other opposites. You just have to answer it if you want to decide which desktop to use. However, the best way to use this series of choices is to consider each choice, and then count the number of times a desktop environment appears in the message section. Although the result is not always a desktop, you can usually narrow down the selection to one or two.

To further narrow down the scope, you can consider the particularity of each Linux release. For example, Zorin provides a similar appearance to Windows, while MATE and Cinammon are often recommended to Windows users because, like Windows, they are also examples of classic desktops. Similarly, although I know that no release is comparable to OS x, Unity is inspired by OS X, so people from the Mac camp may feel that it is the most familiar to use.

However, no matter which method you use to choose a Linux desktop, don't worry. Finding a desktop that suits your preferences and workflow determines how you respond to the user experience.

From: http:// OS .51cto.com/art/201605/511579.htm

Address: http://www.linuxprobe.com/seven-point-desktop.html