Gnome experiences some discomfort while operating.
Gnome experiences some discomfort while operating.
I made the switch to a distribution such as Ubuntu to celebrate my move away from Windows completely (hopefully). I already suspected Gnome wouldn’t fit my needs, but after using it more often, it turned out less problematic than I imagined—especially compared to the vanilla version. My main concern was the application menu; I found GUI interfaces better suited for touch devices. Yet, I considered that a fully graphical interface might boost efficiency. Launching programs feels quicker, but the design often overloads the screen with details, making it tough to locate what I need. This makes sense given my Windows background. I just want to hear others’ thoughts on Gnome. The biggest issue is the top bar displaying time and quick actions—it feels restrictive. Out of the box, Gnome looks too dense; the left panel plus the bar takes up a lot of space. On my older laptop with a 768p screen, installing Gnome made me anxious because I needed more room to work. Even on a 1080p machine, it still felt cramped. I adjusted it by lowering the app panel height and making it more Windows-like, keeping it compact (max 100). I can increase font size via gnome-tweaks, but the bar remains an annoyance. When a window is maximized, I’m forced to reach up to adjust it, and there’s no clear way to customize it. I’d like to blend the app panel with the top bar for a cleaner look, and make the top bar more interactive—perhaps with better controls or animation. Also, the left-hand navigation feels sluggish; right and left clicks aren’t responsive. Keyboard shortcuts would be helpful too.
It's disappointing for desktop setups, yet it excels on laptops. The interface has several frustrations and seems tailored more for touch devices, though its virtual desktop feature stands out as the most smooth and intuitive I've experienced. It offers a much more natural experience compared to traditional methods, especially when managing multiple workspaces automatically. On desktops with several monitors, it falls short and the drawbacks become noticeable, but on a single-monitor laptop, it shines thanks to quick three-finger swipes between spaces. Most of the issues can be resolved with add-ons, though I’d suggest considering alternatives if you prefer not to rely on virtual desktops—KDE or Cinnamon might be better fits. If you're open to it, there likely exists an extension for this; otherwise, a MacOS-style app bar extension is worth exploring. Animation settings should be adjusted via the menu, and for workspace switching, use Win+Shift+PgUp or PgDn (settings allow customization). There was at least one extension that let you toggle spaces with a swipe on the top bar, which I used during my time with a Mac. TL;DR: Add extensions or try KDE/Cinnamon.
Linux offers two main desktop environments: KDE and gnome. The rest are considered less prominent compared to these two leaders, which is why most distributions choose either one. Gnome stands out because of its name—it's related to GNU. If you've used macOS, you'll find Gnome quite familiar. Windows users might find it a bit unfamiliar.
GNOME has been removed from the GNU project starting in 2019. Its appeal comes from strong backing by RedHat and a defined release timeline. It serves as the Enterprise Linux Desktop, aimed at business users who need reliable, straightforward solutions without unnecessary complexity. Those outside the target market are no longer supported and often encounter issues after major GNOME updates—be mindful of that. The platform leans toward simplicity, accessibility, and minimal interference. Some criticisms include the removal of AppIndicator due to perceived conflicts, the discontinuation of Nautilus drag-and-drop features post-Portals, and the tendency for apps to be overly simplified with limited options. GNOME developers sometimes downplay competing desktops, focusing only on standards that serve their enterprise clientele. They may view other projects as less credible. Overall, it works well for non-power users seeking a functional experience, though many distros adapt GNOME in various ways. Personally, I favor KDE and GNOME, appreciating their unique strengths and weaknesses based on use cases.
GNU is a free software project, while Gnome is a desktop environment built on top of it. It doesn't directly influence each other beyond providing the underlying tools and libraries.
GNOME began as a GNU initiative in 1997, though this changed over time. In 2009 the team suggested separating from GNU, and by 2019 they completed the split, with GNU phasing out any ties by 2021. https://blog.halon.org.uk/2019/09/gnome-...p-gnu-fsf/
I've been hitting the buttons off Gnome since version three. Excessive mouse activity makes the app feel like a touchscreen, while everything else behaves differently. It seems built for gestures and quick shortcuts rather than traditional clicks.
I discovered Gnome works well for me. In recent years I’ve switched between various distributions and Windows until I finally chose Linux consistently. I’m currently using POP!_OS and really enjoy it. While alternatives like KDE Plasma offer more customization, Gnome stands out to me. Regarding combining top and bottom panels, I use an extension named 'Dash to panel'. This is how it appears in my setup.
I created this video some time back, maybe it could assist you.