The best Ubuntu graphical shells. Linux Mint desktop
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 beautiful.
But Unity has one significant drawback- too few settings, and there are still some errors and shortcomings. In addition, not everyone likes this shell. But you don't have 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 will look at the best graphical shells for Ubuntu 16.04, as well as 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 working environment is used as the default Ubuntu graphical shell in the edition Ubuntu distribution Gnome.
Main 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 that can be used to change 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 them as many as you need.
To install:
sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop
2.Xfce
Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment Ubuntu desktop and other Linux distributions. It consumes very few system resources, looks beautiful and is user friendly. Along with the environment itself, several additional applications, panels and plugins, and also uses its own window manager Xfwm.
In addition to standard components, this Ubuntu desktop environment includes additional programs with the xfce prefix. To install the xfce desktop environment on 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 as you want. KDE has a Windows-like appearance, which is very useful for beginners.
Main features:
- You can configure a huge number of parameters and literally any aspect of the behavior of the working environment;
- Panels can be placed on the edges of the screen, used as launchpads or taxbars;
- You can launch programs from the menu, through the launcher, or using shortcuts;
- You can place Plasma widgets on your desktop;
- Action mode allows you to switch between desktops and spaces.
To install the desktop environment and all additional packages run in terminal:
sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop
4. LXDE
LXDE is another lightweight desktop environment focused on minimal resource consumption and maximum performance. Openbox is used as a window manager. But besides this, the set includes several utilities with the LX prefix: system settings, application loader, panel, session manager, audio player, terminal and much more.
Main features:
- Consumes little CPU and memory;
- Looks simple and beautiful;
- There are many settings you can use to make your environment look just the way you want it to;
- 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 distribution team Linux Mint. The environment uses its own shell, which makes the Gnome 3 interface similar to Gnome 2. It uses new software, but at the same time you get a modern interface and the ability to install extensions. The environment has the usual panel at the bottom of the screen and application launch menu, as well as the ability to add widgets to the desktop.
To install:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:embrosyn/cinnamon
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install cinnamon blueberry
6. MATE
MATE is a fork of Gnome 2, which was created immediately after the announcement of the release of Gnome 3. Many users did not like it new version- they wanted to maintain the same appearance. The environment looks exactly like the traditional Gnome 2 interface.
Main features:
- Has a traditional Gnome 2 look and feel;
- 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 on the system without any problems.
- GTK2 and GTK3 applications are supported.
To install use this command:
sudo apt-get install ubuntu-mate-desktop
7. Pantheon
Pantheon is a graphical front-end for Gnome 3, developed as part of the Elementary OS project. But it can be installed on Ubuntu as well.
Peculiarities:
- The top panel is called WingPanel, it mixes the best of Gnome 2 and Gnome Shell panels;
- 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 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, ported to new technologies such as GTK3 and others. This is its main difference from MATE: almost the same Gnome 2, only slightly updated - something between Gnome 2 and 3. It works better on older hardware.
Peculiarities:
- Has classic menu applications and panel;
- The panel is configured in the same way as in Gnome 2, only you need to press Alt;
- Overall stability has been improved, 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 is not really a desktop environment, it's a tile-based window manager. By default, it comes with a panel where you can place your app applets, desktop switchers, and widgets. There are also several widget libraries that you can add to your desktop.
Tiling allows you to automatically switch the position of windows without overlapping so that they fill the screen evenly, but you can make windows float, as is implemented in regular environments.
Peculiarities:
- No screen space is wasted;
- There is no need to select the location of windows using the mouse or touchpad;
- Setting up window snaps;
- There is mouse support.
To install, just do:
sudo apt-get install awesome
10. Enlightenment (E)
Enlightenment environments focus on beautiful appearance while using minimal resources. It has a set of its own applications, as well as its own window manager. There's a dock at the bottom of the screen, and you can add widgets to the desktop. To install:
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 tiled window manager. The developers have focused on maximum simplicity of both use and code with settings.
Peculiarities:
- Multiple monitor support;
- UTF-8 support;
- Easy to set up (no programming language required);
- Create layouts for window placement dynamically;
- Processing floating and pop-up windows;
- Various modes like in Vim.
To install:
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 sidebar settings as 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 desktop environment based on Gnome and developed by the Solus distribution team. The developers focused on creating the most beautiful interface possible. This Ubuntu graphical shell is used by default in the Ubuntu Budgie edition, which recently became official.
Peculiarities:
- Integrates with the Gnome stack;
- There's a Raven sidebar where you can quickly access settings;
- All settings are made 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 minimalistic appearance and is very highly customizable. You can change almost any aspect of the shell. You can customize the look however you want and use KDE or Gnome applications.
To install this Ubuntu desktop environment, run:
sudo apt install openbox
Conclusions
In this article, we looked at the best graphical shells for Ubuntu 16.04. All of them can be installed on your operating system with relative ease. What to choose depends only on the taste of the user. What Ubuntu environment are you using? Which one would you recommend other users use? Write in the comments!
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 quite nice.
But Unity has one significant drawback - it has too few settings, and there are still some errors and shortcomings. In addition, not everyone likes this shell. But you don't have 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 will look at the best graphical shells for Ubuntu 16.04, as well as how to install them on this 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 environment is similar to Unity, but quite different from it. Gnome is used as the default Ubuntu desktop for the Ubuntu Gnome edition.
Main 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 them as many as you need.
To install:
$ 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 beautiful and is user friendly. Along with the environment itself, several additional applications, panels and plugins are supplied, and it also uses its own Xfwm window manager.
In addition to the standard components, this Ubuntu desktop environment includes additional programs with the xfce prefix. To install the xfce desktop environment on 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 and you can configure the environment as you want. KDE has a Windows-like appearance, which is very useful for beginners.
Main features:
- You can configure a huge number of parameters and literally any aspect of the behavior of the working environment;
- Panels can be placed on the edges of the screen and can be used as launchpads or taxbars;
- You can launch programs from the menu, through the launcher, or using shortcuts;
- You can place Plasma widgets on your desktop;
- Action mode allows you to 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 that focuses on minimal resource consumption and maximum performance. Openbox is used as a window manager. But besides this, 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.
Main features:
- Consumes little CPU and memory;
- Looks simple and beautiful;
- There are many settings you can use to make your environment look just the way you want it to;
- 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 similar to Gnome 2. It uses new software, but 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:
$ 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 right after the announcement of Gnome 3. Many users did not like the new version and wanted to keep the same look and feel. The environment looks exactly like the traditional Gnome 2 interface.
Main features:
- Has a traditional Gnome 2 look and feel;
- 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 on the system without any problems.
- GTK2 and GTK3 applications are supported.
To install use this command:
$ sudo apt-get install ubuntu-mate-desktop
7. Pantheon
Pantheon is a graphical front-end for Gnome 3, developed as part of the Elementary OS project. But it can be installed on Ubuntu as well.
Peculiarities:
- The top panel is called WingPanel, it mixes the best of Gnome 2 and Gnome Shell panels;
- 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 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, ported to new technologies such as GTK3 and others. This is its main difference from MATE. It's almost the same Gnome 2, just slightly updated, something between Gnome 2 and 3. It runs 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 you need to press Alt;
- Overall stability has been improved, 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 is not really a desktop environment, it's a tile-based window manager. By default, it comes with a panel where you can place your app applets, desktop switchers, 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 fill the screen evenly, but you can make windows float, as is done in regular environments.
Peculiarities:
- Don't waste screen space;
- There is no need to select the location of windows using the mouse or touchpad;
- Setting up window snaps;
- There is mouse support.
To install, just do:
$ sudo apt-get install awesome
10. Enlightenment (E)
Enlightenment environments focus on beautiful appearance while using minimal resources. It has a set of its own applications, as well as its own window manager. There is a dock panel at the bottom of the screen, and you can add widgets to the desktop. To install:
$ 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 tiled window manager. The developers have focused on maximum simplicity of both use, code and configuration.
Peculiarities:
- Multiple monitor support;
- UTF-8 support;
- Easy to set up (no programming language required);
- Create layouts for window placement dynamically;
- Processing floating and pop-up windows;
- Various modes, like in Vim.
To install:
$ 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. Feature This environment has a 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 desktop environment based on Gnome and developed by the Solus distribution team. The developers focused on creating the most beautiful interface possible. This ubuntu graphical shell is used by default in the Ubuntu Budgie edition, which recently became official.
Peculiarities:
- Integrates with the Gnome stack;
- There's a Raven sidebar where you can quickly access settings;
- All settings are made 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 minimalistic appearance and is very highly customizable. You can change almost any aspect of the shell. You can customize the look as you log in, and use KDE or Gnome applications.
To install this Ubuntu desktop environment follow.
This section of the site publishes information about graphical interfaces operating system Linux. Interfaces are divided into two groups: desktop environments and window managers.
The Linux Desktop Environment is a comprehensive, out-of-the-box environment. Typically, a desktop environment includes a taskbar, function menus, a login manager, setup programs, basic programs and others functional elements, including the window manager.
Window Linux manager(Window Manager) is a program that draws windows, allows you to move and resize the window, and processes the user’s actions in the program window. A window manager can run independently or be part of a desktop environment.
Budgie - graphical shell
Budgie is a graphical shell that was written from scratch, but uses GNOME technologies.
Cinnamon - desktop environment
Cinnamon is a standalone desktop environment that is a fork of Gnome 3, but has a design in the style of classic Gnome.
Enlightenment
Enlightenment (or simply E) is a lightweight window manager that does not require computer resources and consumes very little RAM. Animation of interface elements, themes, and virtual desktops is supported. The interface cannot be called very stylish and modern; it requires 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 functional desktop environments and includes a set of utilities for setting up the environment, application software, system utilities and other modules.
KDE - desktop environment
KDE is a full-featured desktop environment. The KDE project is developing large number applications for everyday needs. The KDE desktop is replete with various graphic effects. KDE uses 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, the interface is responsive and does not cause irritation.
MATE - continued development of 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 system resources and works very quickly. When clicked right click mouse, the Openbox main menu is called up, through which you can call any programs. Openbox is highly customizable and supports themes.
Linux Mint is one of the most popular Linux distributions among new users. It's easy to install and use, comes with everything you need software, it has fewer errors and bugs than Ubuntu, which is why many users choose this system. Linux Mint comes with several desktop environments. The default is Cinnamon, but there are versions with MATE and XFCE. For a beginner, this article will help you decide which one to choose: Linux Mint Mate or Cinnamon
The system remains the same, but the environments are very different, despite being based on Gnome. We'll look at the main differences between these distributions.
As I said, both Cinnamon vs Mate environments are based on Gnome. But they are developed by different teams.
Cinnamon
In those distant times, when Ubuntu switched to Gnome 3 and then to Unity, the Linux Mint developers wanted to maintain a convenient and familiar interface for users. They created a set of extensions that brought back the panel and menu in Gnome 3, as well as other familiar features. But they soon saw that Gnome 3 was going in the wrong direction, and forked the Gnome Shell and several other components from Gnome 3, including the Mutter composite manager. Then they began to develop their shell called Cinnamon. It is currently the default in Linux Mint and is being worked on 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 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 currently 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 maintains a more Windows-like appearance. 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 topics are constantly being created, e.g. Linux versions Mint 18 has been added Mint-Y theme With flat design which looks very nice. From additional features I would like to note the support for widgets for the desktop, the so-called desklets.
MATE
MATE is more like Gnome 2, although lately the developers abandoned GTK2 and remade almost everything in GTK3. In terms of the interface, it remains the same Gnome 2: the panel here is also located at the bottom. Widgets like Cinnamon are not supported. In general, both shells are not very different in terms of appearance, excluding the menu: in MATE it is wider and more beautiful, you can add your own applications; at Cinnamon, the menu simply lists the categories. For many users, appearance is very important parameter when selecting "Linux" Mint Cinnamon or Mate".
3. Performance
The environments are approximately the same in terms of performance. According to tests from Phoronix, Cinnamon is faster in some cases, and at the same level as MATE in most cases. In terms of resource consumption, Cinnamon loses, however, this is normal, given that it is based on Gnome 3. Cinnamon consumes 100-150 megabytes of RAM more than MATE. This comparison of Mate and Cinnamon wins for MATE.
4. Community
In a few recent years The Cinnamon shell has become one of the most popular desktop environments among Linux users. It has a large team of active developers: the system is constantly improving. Huge number people use Cinnamon - LinuxMint is one of the most popular distributions, and this shell is installed by default. You will be able to find solutions possible problems on numerous Linux Mint forums.
Most MATE users are Gnome 2 enthusiasts, some of whom migrate 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 looked at the main differences between Cinnamon and MATE. As you can see, there are not many of them, and the shells are generally very similar. But your choice will depend only on your personal preferences. What do you think, which linux should I choose? mint mate or cinnamon? Write in the comments!
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Diversity is one of the best features Linux community as users can try various options and choose which one suits them best. But sometimes this can create confusion. If you are new to the world of Linux, you will be overwhelmed by the number of available options. There are no exceptions regarding the desktop environment. But trying out every desktop environment is not an easy task.
This article summarizes the best Linux graphical shells available for various distributions, along with their pros and cons.
1.KDE
KDE is not just a desktop environment, it is a set of programs, including 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 customizable and flexible Linux desktop environment.
Unlike others graphical environments, where various utilities are needed to configure the environment, in KDE all parameters are available in special utility System parameters. You can customize the graphical environment according to your taste without third-party tools. You can also install themes, widgets and wallpapers without even opening your browser.
KDE has an excellent set of applications and also supports other applications even if they are not built using the KDE development platform. Some KDE applications don't even have alternatives in other environments.
If you want a desktop environment that works out of the box and at the same time want to be able to customize everything, you can confidently choose KDE.
OpenSUSE and Kubuntu distributions use the KDE desktop environment by default.
Pros:
- The most powerful, multifunctional
- Modern and beautiful user interface
- Highly customizable and flexible
- Wide range of application compatibility
Cons:
- Consumes more resources than lightweight environments
- Some things may seem too difficult to use
2. MATE
The MATE desktop environment is based on a code base in at the moment not supported by Gnome 2. It was originally developed for users who were disappointed with the latest version of the Gnome 3 shell. Using the code previous version does not mean that the shell runs on outdated technologies. This means that MATE developers took what already works 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 fine-tuned and tested over the years. It works without problems. MATE supports a panel system with various menus, applets, indicators, buttons, etc. All this can be customized the way the user wants.
MATE comes with standard set applications, most of which are taken from Gnome 2. Another great feature of MATE is that it consumes only a very small amount of memory and can therefore run on older and less powerful computers.
Only Ubuntu MATE uses MATE as its default desktop environment. MATE is also used in editions of several other distributions.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Simple and easy
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- 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 the default Linux desktop. Gnome also has several popular forks like Unity, Cinnamon, etc. GNOME is designed to be easy to use and highly customizable. IN latest version GNOME 3 features a modern and attractive user interface and best support for touch devices.
GNOME has almost everything a modern desktop environment should have. For those who do not want to use the modern interface and prefer Gnome 2, there is a classic mode, as well as the main menu, system-wide search, powerful applications by default, many themes, support for extensions and that's not all its features.
However, to set up this environment you need additional utilities eg Gnome Tweak Tool. In version 3.18 some interesting features, for example integrated into file manager Google drive Drive.
One of the disadvantages of GNOME is that it consumes a lot of memory due to its heavy GUI.
Gnome is used in many large distributions, for example: Debian, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Ubuntu Gnome.
Pros:
Modern, supportive touch devices interface
- Shell extension support
- Beautiful interface
Cons
- Resource intensity
- Extension management is poorly implemented
4. Cinnamon
The article on the best graphical Linux shells would be incomplete without this shell. Cinnamon, a fork of GNOME 3, was originally developed as a desktop environment for Linux Mint. He is famous for his resemblance user interface with Windows, this helps new ones Linux users get rid of the feeling of discomfort in a still 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 open windows and system tray.
Cinnamon comes pre-installed with a large number of applications, most of which come from Gnome 3, but some are developed Linux team Mint.
Pros:
- Sleek, Professional Look
- Familiar interface
- Quite customizable
Cons:
- Sometimes glitchy
5. Unity
Technically, Unity is a graphical linux shell, which runs on top of the GNOME 3 desktop environment. It comes with a large number 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. New technologies such as the search lens, launcher and HUD have been implemented within this skin to improve the workflow. One of the poles of Unity is that it implements the concept of interaction between the user and the computer using a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, or even touch screen. The panel in Unity and the application launcher is located at the top of the screen. The panel also contains the main menu of the currently active application.
Some people find Unity bloated and slow, while others are fans of it. But despite much controversy, Unity has a large number of users as it is the default desktop environment on one of the most popular distributions - Ubuntu.
Pros:
- Easy and intuitive
- Beautiful interface
Cons
- Lack of customizability
- Not available for other Linux distributions
6. LXDE
LXDE is a very fast and lightweight desktop environment linux desktops. It is designed to be lightweight and comfortable while using minimum quantity 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 various applications, such as setup 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 convenient and is available for many distributions.
Pros:
- Fast and easy
- Supports almost all distributions
Cons:
- The user interface may seem unattractive
7. XFCE
