by Diggle

Created on: November 01, 2009

A desktop environment is a graphical user interface (GUI) built on the metaphor of a desktop. The desktop lets a user manipulate files and programs graphically and do most system tasks without having to type in commands. Desktop environments replaced the command line interfaces of early computers and the vast majority of people now use a desktop environment for computing (though a few very experienced users actually prefer command line interfaces). In Linux, the desktop is not bound to the core kernel but runs on top of it, alongside whatever other programs the user has installed. This separation of the desktop environment from the kernel facilitates choice. It allows Linux distribution makers (and users) to not only choose from several different desktops, but also to run just a window manager (explained below) instead or indeed stick entirely to the command line environment.

Although Linux has several desktop environments to choose from, two are dominant in the competition for market share, KDE and Gnome. Happily it is possible to install any desktop environment on any mainstream Linux distribution. So although the very popular Ubuntu distribution usually ships with Gnome, it will just as easily work with KDE or one of the other desktop environments. It is even possible to have two desktop environments installed simultaneously and choose which to use whenever you log in (though you can't run both at once). So choice of desktop is down to an individuals preferences. Although any Linux desktop will meet your basic needs, each has a distinct philosophy and you are likely to find you prefer one over the others. Use the information which follows to guide your choice.

KDE

KDE is the older of the two market leaders and emphasises user choice and customisability. In many ways, KDE embodies what people expect from Linux: it is similar enough to Windows to make new users feel somewhat at home but caters for power users with its comprehensive configurability. It is often preferred by more experienced Linux users because of this. The flipside of the choice KDE offers is that there is more to learn. Very new users may feel more comfortable with Gnome which simplifies the desktop by limiting what users can do through the GUI. In 2008, KDE went through a major revamp designed to position it to take advantage of new technologies - including ones which will eventually update the desktop metaphor. Linus Torvalds (the creator of Linux) recommends KDE. KDE has many applications

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