Xubuntu is a highly configurable Linux desktop that can be tailored to your heart’s content

While I only made Xfce my default for a short while, I’ve been a fan of the open source desktop for a long time. Not only is it very fast and reliable, but it is also a tinkerer’s dream. In fact, you can configure Xfce to look like any kind of desktop you want. Windows 7 fans? Xfce has you covered. Prefer MacOS? Xfce can do that. What about something completely different? Yup, Xfce can do that too.

I would say that Xfce is the most versatile desktop interface on the market. If you can dream, Xfce can.

Also: The best Linux distros for beginners

Of course, that doesn’t mean Xfce will challenge Linux newbies. Xfce is as friendly to new users as it is to those who have been using Linux for many years. Outside the box, xubuntu introduced Xfce as an instantly familiar desktop. You’ll find a control panel, start menu, system tray, and clickable icons ready to go. Click the start menu and you’ll find all the apps you need to stay productive and entertained, including:

• LibreOffice (office suite)
• Firefox (web browser)
• Thunderbird (email client)
• Transmission (torrent client)
• Catfish (file search engine)
• GIMP (image editor)
• Rhythmbox (music player)
• Parole media player
• Atril Document Viewer

Out of the box, Xubuntu is for a very minimal desktop that’s nothing more than a top panel with apps menu and system tray. You will also find two desktop icons (Trash and Home) but you can easily add more icons by right-clicking the application entry in the menu and choosing Add to Desktop.

You can also add a new dashboard by clicking Start > Settings > Control Panel. From within the Panel Options window, click + then place the panel where you want it and start adding items. One thing to note is that to configure a specific board, you must first select it from the drop-down menu. Once you’ve selected a table to configure, it will be surrounded by a red dotted line to indicate it’s the board you’re working on.

A cautionary tale about Xfce

As I said earlier, I appreciate what Xfce does. It’s so flexible that it can be bent and twisted into any kind of desktop you want. Every aspect of Xfce can be tweaked. That, of course, can lead to problems. I remember, a long time ago, when I first used Xfce, I immediately jumped into conquering that desktop. My goal was to see how far I could push the desktop and I messed up a few things. It took me a while to get the desktop back to life but it wasn’t really that easy.

Finally, I want to say this: If you choose Xubuntu as your desktop operating system, go slow. Maybe don’t dig too deep into the configurations at first, or you’ll end up with the FUBAR UI. If you take Xfce slowly, learn how it works and how it works, you can tweak it, bit by bit, until you have a desktop that perfectly suits your needs .

Also: The most important reason you should use Linux at home

And that, my friends, is the biggest benefit of using Ubuntu’s Xubuntu flavor — flexibility. And when you combine that with the speed and reliability that come with Xfce, you get an operating system that not only performs well, but can grow with you as you learn more about how it works. of this desktop.

And speaking of Xubuntu’s highly configurable nature, one thing you won’t find is a single application containing all those configuration options. There is no “Control Panel” or Settings app. If you open the on-screen menu and click Settings, you’ll see all the settings divided into categories. So think of the Settings menu entry as the Xfce Control Panel.

Who is Xubuntu for?

Some feel that any Xfce-based desktop distro is great for new users. I don’t happen to fall into that category. In fact, I tend to tell new users to stay away from this desktop until they have at least a basic grasp of how the Linux operating system works.

The problem with Xfce and new users is that if users unfamiliar with some concepts start digging too deep into the Settings menu, they may end up like I did (lots of years ago) and have to come back. configured to bring the desktop to a working place. Or, worst case scenario, having to reinstall the operating system.

Also: How to choose the right Linux desktop distro for you

However, for those with even a basic understanding of the Linux desktop, Xubuntu will grow with you. If you’re looking for a tinker’s dream to come true, this is it. If you’re looking for a “just work” operating system, this one should serve that function… as long as you’re not too curious about some of the configuration options.

All in all, Xubuntu is a great flavor of Ubuntu for those who are willing to take the time and understand how the desktop works and the different configuration options and how they affect the computer to work. table.