Linux operating systems are becoming increasingly popular. A considerable merit in this belongs to Microsoft. She made her Windows 10 so unappetizing OS that more and more users are thinking about switching to alternative operating systems. And the first on this list is Ubuntu. Graphic shells to it can be "screwed" a variety of. You can even make this OS completely similar to Windows. It all depends on what desktop environment is used and what theme is installed. There are no problems with diversity in the Linux world. However, not all DEs are suitable for certain computers. If the car is weak or eats any specific preferences about the desktop, then you need to choose the environment that is right for you. This is what we are going to do now.
So, we will analyze the most popular and high-quality desktop environments. Let's start with the most popular.
KDE Plasma
This is a classic DE for Ubuntu. KDE graphical shells are based on QT libraries, which fundamentally distinguishes them from others based on other (simpler) libraries. The main difference between KDE is the location of the taskbar. By default, it is at the bottom. The Start menu is also almost classic. That is why KDE is chosen by those who have recently migrated with Windows. It’s easier for them to work. Nevertheless, KDE is a very beautiful desktop environment. Working with him is really nice. At the same time, it is a very flexible graphical shell. You can configure everything here. Literally. Such customization allows you to make a completely individual workplace. And for sure no one will.
Install KDE on Ubuntu
Installing a graphical shell in Ubuntu is very simple. In the case of KDE, it is completely elementary. It is enough to type the appropriate commands in the terminal. So, for installation, you should enter in the console "sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop" and press Enter. Then we reboot the machine. The graphical shell in Ubuntu is launched at the start of the operating system. The loader will itself suggest to select the necessary working environment.
Gnome
The classic shell used in Ubuntu up to version 14. Then it was replaced by Unity. However, the “linuxoids” disliked the new DE and decided to stay on the “Gnome”. But this is only until the third version is released. After that, many ran away from the “Dwarf”, because the shell became too tricked out and not so fast. However, Dwarf is a very popular DE for Ubuntu Server. The graphical shell allows you to quickly get to various system settings. And system administrators like it. And "Gnome" is actively used by those who want to get an operating system that is as different as possible from the hated Windows. And in this regard, there is nothing better than “Gnome”. Just the perfect shell for those who want to stand out. And she does not really load the computer.
Install Gnome on Ubuntu
In Ubuntu 18.04, Gnome's graphical shell is installed by default (instead of the notorious Unity). But if you need to install the working environment of the Dwarf in another distribution based on Ubuntu, then you should turn to the terminal. In the console, you will need to enter the command "sudo apt install ubuntu-gnome-desktop" and press the Enter button. After that, type "sudo reboot" and reboot the machine. How to start a graphical shell in Ubuntu7? Just select the one you need when you start the computer. The system will automatically configure it for first use.
Cinnamon
Very popular DE in Ubuntu. Cinnamon shells are developed by the creators of the Linux Mint distribution, based on the Ubuntu package base. And in Mint, Cinnamon is the standard work environment. The advantage of this shell is many. Firstly, it painfully resembles the Windows desktop. Secondly, she has very great opportunities for tuning. Thirdly, the graphical shell behaves perfectly on netbooks and other "neutered" computers. And this shell is painfully reminiscent of the good old "Dwarf" (even before rebranding). Therefore, true Linuxsoids love him so much. In addition, mastering Cinnamon is very simple. No need to have any specific skills and knowledge.
Install Cinnamon on Ubuntu
Installing a graphical shell in Ubuntu is not so simple. First, you need to add the appropriate repository, since in Mint they use their own for this. But in Ubuntu there is no necessary repository. Therefore, we add it using the command "sudo add-apt-repository ppa: embrosyn / cinnamon". During the adding process you will have to press Enter several times. Then you need to update the list of packages with the command "sudo apt update". Do not forget to press Enter. And finally, install the environment using the command "sudo apt install cinnamon blueberry". After that, enter "sudo reboot" and restart the computer. This is how Cinnamon is installed on Ubuntu. Starting the graphical shell from the console is possible without rebooting, but in this case there may be various crashes. Therefore, it is better to reboot the machine and select the desired DE when starting the OS.
Xfce
Another fork of the notorious “Dwarf” is XFCE (popularly called “Rat”). Differs in lightness and decent appearance. The environment also has very flexible customization settings. But the main thing is that the shell practically does not load the central processor and eats ridiculously little RAM. Almost perfect graphical shell for old computers. Also, this DE is almost perfect for Ubuntu Server. The graphical shell, the installation of which is performed with just one command, makes it possible to organize quick access to the desired settings. And this fact is incredibly pleasing to system administrators. In general, the "rat" is perfect for the average user. A flexible and advanced interface will appeal to many. And there is a huge variety of topics for XFCE. So no one will be left out of business.
Install XFCE on Ubuntu
In Ubuntu, graphical shells are installed exclusively using the terminal. And XFCE is no exception. However, its installation does not require the addition of a repository, since it already exists in the Ubuntu database. Therefore, it is possible to install the graphical shell using one command. Open the console and enter "sudo apt-get install xubuntu-desktop". Do not forget to press Enter. After rebooting the machine, select the desired shell in the manager and enjoy the fast and buggy user interface. Many people think the “rat” is much better than the “Unity” and the “Dwarf” combined. And they are right in this.
Mate
Another fork of Gnome 2, which has almost completely retained its design for conservative Ubuntu users. The graphical shells of such a plan are not very similar to the Windows interface, so they are not recommended for beginners. But Mate is characterized by low consumption of system resources. For the full work of this environment, 128 megabytes of RAM is enough. At the same time, the appearance of the shell was not affected at all. The user interface looks just fine. But many consider it not very convenient. Nevertheless, the army of fans of “Mate” is quite extensive. The shell attracts with its simplicity. Both during use and during installation. So it makes sense to try this DE. Suddenly like it?
Install Mate in Ubuntu
So, how to install the mate graphical shell in Ubuntu? Very simple. With just one command and terminal. No repositories need to be added. Everything is in the Ubuntu package base. In the console, type "sudo apt-get install ubuntu-mate-desktop" and press Enter. The installation process will begin. How to start Ubuntu GUI? Just reboot the machine and when loading the OS in the DM manager, select the desired environment. That’s all. Customization of this graphical environment is also possible. But this will have to tinker with, as the process is quite complicated.
Pantheon
So, the "old-school" graphic shells are over. The time for beginners has come. And the first on this list is Pantheon. The graphical shell used by default in the distribution of Elementary OS. The Pantheon has incorporated all the best from the classic Gnome and its updated version. The Pantheon comes with a Planck dock panel for more convenient workspace organization. There is also a side panel, as in Windows 8. Only more functional. With customization in a graphical environment, not everything is so good. But there are flexible interface settings and high speed. But most importantly, this DE behaves perfectly in Ubuntu. Graphic shells of such a plan are often installed solely as an experiment. But then for some reason they remain precisely on them. So why not give it a try?
Install Pantheon on Ubuntu
There will be no "prime numbers". You have to add repositories and do everything by the rules. Since this shell belongs to a completely different OS, there are no and cannot be packages in the Ubuntu list. Therefore, the first command will be like this: "sudo add-apt-repository ppa: elementary-os / daily". After pressing Enter, this command will add the necessary repository to the Ubuntu package database. Next, update the list with the command "sudo apt-get update". And only after that you can proceed with the installation. Enter "sudo apt install elementary-desktop" and press Enter. Then we reboot the machine and select the desired graphical shell in a way we already know. Many remain on it, removing the full-time Ubuntu shell (called Unity).
Gnome flashback
A graphical shell for Ubuntu, which appeared immediately after the native Dwarf turned from the true path. In this DE, the developers tried to combine the classic interface of the “Gnome” with new features. It turned out pretty well. But the main thing is that the working environment consumes really few resources. For its full operation, 256 megabytes of RAM is enough. And this DE practically does not load the central processor at all. And it improves the overall speed of Ubuntu. This type of graphical shell is very popular among users. They consider them the best. And apparently not in vain. Let's try to set this graphic environment. This will not take much time, since you do not need to add repositories.
Install Gnome Flashback on Ubuntu
So, let's proceed to the installation. To do this, we need the Linux terminal and the corresponding command. The main thing here is not to confuse anything in the team, because the consequences can be unpredictable. Enter "sudo apt install gnome-session-flashback" in the console and press Enter. The process of downloading the necessary files and libraries and their subsequent installation will begin. You need to wait a bit. Once the process is completed, you will need to enter the command "sudo reboot" in the terminal, which will restart the computer. Then you should wait for the DM manager to load and select the appropriate graphical environment for work in it. If you like this “Gnome”, then you can easily remove the standard Ubuntu environment and use the good old “Gnome”.
Conclusion
So, there are a lot of options for customizing the desktop in Ubuntu. Graphic shells are very different. They can differ both in the design itself and in the libraries used. But one thing is certain for sure: in Linux-like OSs there are much more possibilities for customizing the appearance. Yes, and problems with the installation using a particular environment, as a rule, do not arise.