These are software tools like KDE Cinnamon and Cinnamon for Mac, used for managing applications and interfaces.
These are software tools like KDE Cinnamon and Cinnamon for Mac, used for managing applications and interfaces.
I've been using Ubuntu occasionally over the years. I'm still figuring out why adoption isn't happening because of software issues and performance problems in a virtual environment. It's not directly about my reasons for not using it, but these different desktop options and flavors are confusing me. Examples include Cinnamon Mate with KDE Xfce. I'd like to understand what they are, how they compare, and their pros and cons.
They represent various desktop setups, each with its own system tools tailored for performance. The distinctions range from how lightweight they are to how visually appealing they appear. Some excel in speed, others in aesthetics, while a few provide sophisticated window control and customizable features. Cinnamon is a modified version of gnome aiming to mimic the original 2 interface (the version Ubuntu used before switching to unity, which many users dislike). Mate is another gnome-based fork. Xfce stands out as one of the most minimal options, closely resembling macOS’s look while offering high customization. KDE runs heavier but delivers a visually impressive design with unique file handling and layout methods, plus built-in widgets.
For detailed information, consult the linked wiki page. Alternatively, review the comparisons of various environments. As Sauron mentioned: KDE demands a heavier system (needs 1 GHz and 0.6 GB RAM), while Unity requires even more (1 Gb RAM).
Ubuntu and Fedora represent two distinct branches of Linux, illustrated by various examples. A useful comparison resource is available at http://www.diffen.com/, which was discovered just a minute ago. Forks refer to historical splits where development teams pursue separate objectives, leading to increasingly divergent distributions as they tackle different challenges and reach varied conclusions.
They vary in their underlying systems. Assuming a shared desktop setup like KDE, the main distinction lies in the backend.
They each come from a distinct Linux distribution background—Ubuntu stems from Debian while Fedora is rooted in Red Hat. Their package managers and core features differ significantly. If you prefer simplicity, it’s best to choose a Debian-based distro such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Kubuntu, etc. I personally use Ubuntu 14.04.1 LTS as my everyday system. I also enjoy the Cinnamon version of Linux Mint, though its Windows-like setup can be frustrating. Getting certain tools like Compiz to function smoothly is often difficult. Don’t get discouraged by how poorly performing some distributions appear in virtual environments; most will struggle similarly in VMware or VirtualBox.
I'm more puzzled about the desktop environments than the operating systems themselves. I used to dual boot Ubuntu on my laptop and it functioned okay—probably because the partition wasn't set up correctly. The reason I can't say for sure on my desktop is that I prefer not to dual boot, and the VM experience with Ubuntu isn't great at all. I like the appearance of Ubuntu, which is why I stick with it, but I wish it didn't feel so demanding compared to other options.