- Linux distributions: previous releases of Ubuntu, Mandriva, Linux Mint, Fedora, openSUSE, Solaris
- Distinguishing Characteristics: Gnome menu, Panel on top, lower-right hand corner Pager
Quick Overview
1. Gnome will forever be associated with the classic Linux desktop. In fact, most users introduced to Linux via Ubuntu would always remember Gnome's clean interface and mounted icons. If KDE was incorrectly compared to Windows, Gnome was irreverently likened to Mac OSX's default interface.
2. Gnome was easy to work with and its simplicity belied the difficulty experienced by developers in making it work with various applications, widgets, and themes. Most Linux distributions, old and new, still use Gnome and it is undoubtedly the favorite of veteran Linux users despite the occasional user interface and library issues.Feature Highlights
1. I've had my fair share of system errors on Gnome but it was mostly because of the distribution/application itself rather than the Gnome environment. In comparison to KDE4 and KDE3, there's a certain amount of security when working in Gnome.
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| Users can get a lot of work done in Gnome. |
2. Gnome has a consistency with specific applications regardless of the distribution. Mandriva 2010 Gnome and Ubuntu Maverick Meerkat both have Gnome managers that deal with power management, effects, startup, screensaver, display, and many more. These managers are easy to use and easily found in the Gnome Main Menu. For a casual user focused more on productive or entertainment, everything's there and accessing the settings don't take much effort.
Work in Progress?
1. It's easy to call Gnome Classic boring because it took quite awhile before Gnome 3 changed everything. I must admit I do find it somewhat bland at times even if Compiz Fusion was running.
2. Gnome Classic always leaves the impression that it's somewhat lacking compared to KDE's more functional interface (though it isn't).LXDE
- Linux distributions: Knoppix, Lubuntu, LXDE releases of Fedora and openSUSE
- Distinguishing Characteristics: very short listings on main menu
Quick Overview
1. LXDE is Linux's lightweight, no frills, and functional desktop. In most LXDE releases, frugal is taken to the next level. There's a package manager, file manager, network manager, browser, e-mail client, torrent application, and a small desktop settings manager.
2. LXDE can be used as a "base" system with the user adding whatever he needs. New Linux users may be put off with the lack of customization, missing utilities, and minimal access to settings. LXDE may seem crippled at times especially when that one application or utility isn't around but for veteran users who live by the Terminal, LXDE is an excellent desktop.Feature Highlights
Fast and stable.
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| PCMANFM is one of the inclusions that make LXDE fast and efficient. |
Work in Progress?
It took me awhile to find an LXDE-based Linux distribution that had the right amount of functionality and speed. In some cases, like LXDE Mint, there was very little advantage to sporting a LXDE desktop. openSUSE's LXDE release always leaves me dry. On the other hand, I've been running Knoppix on a USB flash drive for years and works well for what I use it for (saving computers). LXDE's frugal approach is both its greatest strength and weakness.
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